Advocacy

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has joined more than 115 chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and associations across Canada to express deep concern over a potential work stoppage at our country’s major railways.

The Tri-Cities Chamber calls for a swift solution to the funding challenges at TransLink, as detailed in a report issued yesterday. “We need a solution right now, before the unthinkable cuts outlined in this report become a nightmarish reality,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber.

Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board Vice Chair Jennifer McKinnon and CEO Leslie Courchesne joined representatives from chambers and boards of trade across the province for the BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Conference, May 28 to 30.

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce hosted its Economic Summit last week in Coquitlam, with 100 business and community leaders in attendance posing questions to the guest speakers.

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland unveiled the 2024 Federal Budget yesterday in Ottawa.

“We know this budget comes at a time of highly complex challenges for Canada, but we are increasingly concerned with the rising national debt and what that will mean for our local businesses and communities in the years ahead,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. “Increasing the tax burden on business to fuel government spending will hinder the economic growth that our country so desperately needs.”

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable discussion focused on the BC economy, housing, trade, manufacturing, supply chains, regulatory challenges and related issues. The BC Minister of State for Trade Jagrup Brar, and Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly heard concerns and fielded questions, before visiting several Tri-Cities businesses with Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne.

In today’s increasingly complex and challenging economic landscape, it’s more important than ever for businesses to have a strong network of support and resources. That’s where local chambers of commerce and boards of trade come in. We serve as powerful allies for businesses of all sizes, providing invaluable advocacy, benefits and opportunities for growth and success.

The provincial government unveiled the 2024 BC Budget today in Victoria.

“The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the BC Budget include some tangible cost-savings for businesses, including a cut to the Employer Health Tax that we have long been advocating for,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber. “We also welcome the much needed investments in health care, housing, and education. But the rise in the province’s budgeted and planned deficit over the next three years is simply staggering.”

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is clearly outlining its priorities for the upcoming 2024 Federal Budget for local Members of Parliament.

“The Tri-Cities Chamber urges our locally elected MPs to work toward a budget that will support business, particularly SMEs, that are the backbone of our economy,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber. “As we continue to face economic challenges and uncertainties, Ottawa must create the conditions for businesses to thrive, and communities to flourish.”

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is urging a swift end to the labour dispute that has halted bus and SeaBus service across the region.

“Our local businesses have suffered far too many disruptions and challenges over the past few years, and this transit strike is yet another brutal blow to our local economy,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber.