(TRI-CITIES) October 20, 2026 Following a member survey highlighting concerns about business costs, taxation and red tape, the Chamber has received responses from provincial parties on the issues shaping the region’s economic future.
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has received responses from provincial parties to questions developed from its membership survey, bringing the priorities of local businesses directly into the provincial election conversation. The initiative follows a clear message from the Tri-Cities business community: businesses need a more competitive, predictable and supportive environment to survive, invest and grow.
In the Chamber’s recent membership survey, 81.5% of respondents described the cost of doing business in B.C. as challenging, very challenging or extremely challenging. Provincial taxes were the most frequently cited cost affecting businesses over the past two years, identified by 73.1% of respondents. When asked to identify provincial priorities, 70.4% selected business taxes, while reducing red tape and supporting small businesses were each identified by 55.6%. These findings informed the questions sent to provincial candidates, seeking responses on the issues members identified as most important to their businesses and the region's economic future. “Businesses need more than statements of support. They need a policy environment that allows them to compete, invest, hire and grow,” said Jennifer McKinnon, CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. “Our members are telling us that affordability, regulatory certainty and practical support for small business must be priorities for the next provincial government.”
Business competitiveness and affordability top the agenda
The Chamber's questions focused on the challenges facing local businesses, including taxation, regulatory burdens, small business support, economic development and the cost of operating in British Columbia. Members have expressed concern that rising costs and complex regulatory requirements are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to remain competitive. They are looking for practical measures that reduce unnecessary barriers, encourage investment and provide greater certainty for long-term business decisions. The survey also highlighted the importance of reducing interprovincial trade barriers, with 92.6% of respondents saying this was very or somewhat important to their business. For a region built on small businesses, commercial and industrial activity, and connections to the broader Metro Vancouver economy, these issues directly impact investment, employment and future growth.
Infrastructure investment is critical to regional growth
The business community also identified infrastructure as a key provincial priority. Healthcare infrastructure emerged as a leading concern, with 55.6% of respondents identifying a provincial commitment to an MRI machine at Eagle Ridge Hospital as a priority. Members also raised school capital projects, industrial and commercial infrastructure, improved roads, regional transit connections and a direct SkyTrain connection to Port Coquitlam. Affordable housing was identified as important to attracting and retaining employees by 55.6% of respondents, reinforcing the relationship between affordability, workforce attraction and economic growth. For the Chamber, these priorities underscore the importance of aligning provincial investment with the needs of a growing region and the businesses that support its communities.
Turning business concerns into action
The Tri-Cities Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen business competitiveness, encourage investment and support sustainable economic growth. The survey results clearly indicate what members want their next provincial government to address: a more competitive tax environment, less unnecessary red tape, meaningful support for small businesses, fewer trade barriers, and infrastructure investment that keeps pace with regional growth.
“A strong business community supports jobs, investment, local services and the economic resilience of our region,” said McKinnon. “We have a responsibility to ensure the voices of our members are heard and that the issues affecting their businesses remain part of the conversation with government.”
The Chamber encourages businesses to review the responses from provincial parties and remain engaged in the issues that will shape the future of the Tri-Cities and British Columbia's economy.
READ THE RESPONSES FROM THE PROVINCIAL PARTIES HERE
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer McKinnon, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com