With the provincial election officially underway, the BC Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the top ten policy priorities its members, including the Langley Chamber, believe are critical for the next Government of British Columbia to action to help create a healthy business environment. The policies reflect the daily challenges local businesses face and what they need – a reduced cost of doing business, improved community safety and housing supply, and improved infrastructure – and provide practical and meaningful solutions.

“As voters consider their choices in the next election, it is important for political parties to understand the priorities of the business community and articulate how they will address the issues that are of highest concern.” said Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “We are calling on the next provincial government to bring renewed focused to these issues and to facilitate economic growth and create opportunities for British Columbians.”

"These policies were developed by local chambers of commerce through on-the-ground consultation with businesses.  In fact, 3 of the top 5 policies were actually authored by the Langley Chamber to help tackle the issue of increased costs and taxes put on business," said Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.  "This list of priorities represents a pretty good 'To Do List' for whoever forms the next government if they want to support business and opportunity in Langley and across BC."

The BC Chamber of Commerce’s top ten priorities for the next provincial government are:

1. Supporting Housing and Population Growth with Consistent, Structured Infrastructure Funding for Municipalities (2024)
2. Continuing to Improve the Employer Health Tax (2024)
3. New and Increased Provincial Taxes Hurting Business and Economic Growth, Introduction of Clear Taxation and Implementation Policy (2023)
4. Amending Paid Sick Leave in BC (2022)
5. Addressing the Costs Businesses Face Due to Crime and the Consequences of Illicit Drug Decriminalization (2023)
6. Progressive Housing Solutions to Address Workforce Challenges (2022)
7. Expanding Foreign Professional Credential Recognition to Address our Labour Shortages and Support Economic Growth (2023)
8. Broadband & Connectivity in British Columbia (2023)
9. Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (2024)
10. Building and Investing in Northern Highway Infrastructure – Ensuring Safe Roadways for All British Columbians (2022)

The priority list was informed by the input from local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, who selected the ten policies from over 150 active policies contained in the BC Chamber of Commerce’s Policies and Positions Manuals from 2022, 2023 and 2024. Each year proposed policy resolutions are presented and debated at the provincial association’s AGM and conference – resolutions that receive two-thirds support from members become policies of the BC Chamber of Commerce for three years.

“Local chambers of commerce and boards of trade are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of our small- and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of the provincial economy, and to champion the policies that will provide the greatest impact to their members and communities,” said Famulak.