More than 200 business, government, Indigenous, and institutional leaders gathered in Abbotsford on May 21 for the 2026 Fraser Valley Economic Summit, a regional event focused on the Fraser Valley’s growing role in BC and Canada’s economic future.

Hosted by the Fraser Valley Business Coalition at the University of the Fraser Valley, the Summit brought together senior leaders from across the province for a full day of keynotes, panel discussions, and regional conversations focused on economic competitiveness, trade diversification, infrastructure investment, workforce development, Indigenous partnership, housing, and growth.

The Summit featured conversations with leaders including Chief David Jimmie of Squiala First Nation, Susannah Pierce, former President and Country Chair of Shell Canada, and Parliamentary Secretary and MP Anthony Housefather, alongside voices from industry, government, post-secondary institutions, and the Indigenous business community.

The discussions highlighted the Fraser Valley’s importance as one of Canada’s key trade corridors. With major strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, and cross-border commerce, the region plays an increasingly important role in supporting economic resilience, investment, and long-term competitiveness.

Speakers throughout the day emphasized the need for coordinated investment in transportation infrastructure, trade-enabling corridors, industrial land, housing, workforce development, and energy systems to support continued growth across the Fraser Valley and BC.

“The Fraser Valley is at a turning point,” said Alex Mitchell, Chair of the Fraser Valley Business Coalition and CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “As Canada looks to nation-building projects and economic growth, we can’t afford to overlook the Fraser Valley — one of the country’s most important trade corridors. This is our moment to seize the opportunity, align as a region, and push for the infrastructure and investment needed to keep British Columbia and Canada competitive.”

“The Fraser Valley has emerged as one of the most strategically important economic corridors in British Columbia, if not all of Canada,” said Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. “There is strong momentum around regional collaboration and a clear recognition that the opportunities ahead will require coordinated leadership. We encourage businesses and community leaders across the region to stand up, get involved and help shape the future of the Fraser Valley economy.”

The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration between local governments, business organizations, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to address shared challenges and advance shared opportunities.

“Growth in the Fraser Valley is happening at a scale and pace that requires long-term thinking and strong partnerships,” said Miriam Bozman, CEO of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Economic Summit and the work of the Fraser Valley Business Coalition continues to create a valuable platform for leaders to come together around practical solutions that support sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity.”

The Langley Chamber is proud to be part of this regional effort through the Fraser Valley Business Coalition.

Fraser Valley Economic Summit Photo Gallery >