Strengthening Business Dialogue in British Columbia’s Diverse Economy

In British Columbia, a push for improved business dialogue is gaining momentum as the province navigates its diverse economic landscape. The recent appointments and decisions surrounding the BC Chamber of Commerce underscore the need for policies that reflect the unique realities of various local enterprises.

Understanding the Economic Landscape

Businesses in British Columbia operate under vastly different conditions. A family-run retailer in Duncan faces challenges distinct from those of a forestry operator in Quesnel, an agri-food exporter in Abbotsford, or a tourism business in Revelstoke. Policies crafted without acknowledging these differences can lead to ineffective governance.

Approximately 98 percent of business licenses in the province are held by small businesses. These enterprises often lack the resources to advocate for their interests effectively. In recent years, support programs have diminished significantly, highlighted by the bankruptcy of Small Business BC in 2024 and the discontinuation of the Small Business Roundtable. Both initiatives played vital roles in providing services and facilitating dialogue between business owners and government.

New Avenues for Dialogue

Despite these setbacks, avenues for business input still exist. The Ease of Doing Business portal, launched in 2025, allows individual business owners to voice concerns and propose solutions directly to the government. While this platform enables input at scale, it functions more like a virtual suggestion box, lacking the structured dialogue that the Small Business Roundtable once provided.

To bridge this gap, the chamber network offers an essential opportunity. Local chambers of commerce and boards of trade are designed to unify business voices, provide support, and engage with public decision-makers. The BC Chamber of Commerce employs an annual policy process to gather recommendations directly from businesses across the province. At the 73rd Annual Conference in 2025, key priorities such as reducing interprovincial trade barriers and addressing region-specific issues like veterinary service shortages were established.

With over 80 local chambers representing approximately 36,000 businesses, this network is poised to collaborate with government on critical issues impacting the province’s economy. As British Columbia progresses with its new job and economic strategy, dubbed ‘Look West’, many communities linked through the chamber network will experience direct effects from major projects, workforce development, and sector growth.

The chamber network is well-positioned to identify local opportunities and anticipate downstream impacts of governmental decisions early in the planning process. By fostering consistent and collaborative communication channels, the network can amplify the voices of businesses and communities that might otherwise go unheard.

Jen Riley, the newly appointed President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, invites the provincial government to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate on policy development. This approach aims to ensure that the realities of business across British Columbia are reflected in governmental decisions. As February 9 to 13 marks BC Chamber of Commerce Week, the call to action resonates strongly: let’s work together for a robust and diverse economy.