Greater Vancouver Businesses' Post-Election Priority is a Stronger Economy

October 26, 2026

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade congratulates Lorne Doerkson and the B.C. Conservative Party on their election victory and looks forward to working with the incoming government to strengthen B.C.’s economy.

A survey of our membership from the beginning of the election found that nearly eight in 10 Greater Vancouver businesses (77%) believe B.C.'s economy is on the wrong track, more than half (57%) say they feel negative about their business prospects/personal finances over the next 12 months, and businesses are near unanimous (95%) in their concerns about the state of the province’s finances.

"Our members have been very clear: it’s time to get the economy back on track," said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "British Columbia faces real challenges, but we have the talent, resources, and ingenuity to compete with the best in the world. The business community is ready to partner with the government to create the conditions that allow businesses to invest, grow, create jobs, and help build a stronger future for our province."

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade looks forward to collaborating with the incoming government on priorities identified by our members that can strengthen economic growth, improve affordability, restore confidence, and position British Columbia for long-term success:

Build on B.C.’s strengths to power growth: B.C. has what the world needs. We see a clear opportunity to unlock natural resources and major project investment, restore confidence in our forestry sector, and support B.C.-led innovation in life sciences, technology, and film. Together, these opportunities can create good jobs, expand exports, and build a stronger economy.
Improve the province's fiscal position: Rising debt, deficits, and debt-servicing costs are increasingly constraining government's ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, and the other services British Columbians rely upon. Establishing a credible path toward a stronger fiscal position will help ensure public resources remain available.
Remove barriers & provide certainty: Our members consistently tell us it has become more difficult to build, invest, and grow in British Columbia. We are committed to identifying practical reforms that reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and unlock growth, including changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve's 50/50 rule to strengthen food security and increase jobs.
Permanently abandon the proposed Provincial Sales Tax expansion & remove tax on machinery and equipment: The PST expansion is a tax on a tax that would increase costs throughout the economy. Government can lower costs and encourage investment by permanently cancelling the proposed tax on professional services and removing PST on machinery and equipment. This would help businesses equip workers with better tools and technology, boosting productivity, and create opportunities for higher wages, increased investment, and more skilled jobs.
Protect workers and downtowns: Public safety remains a significant concern for businesses, employees, customers, and communities throughout the province. The GVBOT will support efforts that strengthen mental health delivery, addiction treatment, and recovery services while ensuring law enforcement and the justice system have the tools needed to address repeat violent offending and disorder in public spaces. Safe and welcoming communities are essential to both economic vitality and public well-being.

We also offer a sincere thank-you to all candidates who put their name forward to represent their community and look forward to working collaboratively with the incoming government and all elected MLAs to advance policies that strengthen our economy and create opportunity for all British Columbians.

-30-

About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.

Media contact:

Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com