The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) is pleased to announce the adoption of three policy resolutions at the 2026 BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Policy Sessions, strengthening provincial advocacy on economic competitiveness, workforce sustainability, and safer communities across British Columbia.
The first resolution, “Building a Circular Economy for EV Batteries in British Columbia,” calls on the Province to develop a comprehensive strategy for electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, second-life applications, and critical mineral recovery. The policy highlights the need to prepare for growing volumes of end-of-life batteries while maximizing the economic opportunity to recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. It also emphasizes the importance of developing second-use applications, including energy storage systems, to support a more circular and resilient clean economy. The resolution aligns with British Columbia’s broader economic competitiveness and clean technology priorities by encouraging investment, strengthening supply chains, and positioning the province as a leader in sustainable battery lifecycle management.
The second resolution, “Building Consistent RCMP Engagement Structures to Support Safer Communities and Stronger Economies,” calls on the Province to establish a standardized framework for RCMP engagement across all detachments. The policy recommends consistent requirements for strategic planning, advisory committees, stakeholder consultation, transparency, and reporting. It was developed in response to ongoing concerns from the business community regarding public safety, property crime, extortion, and inconsistent engagement practices between RCMP detachments and local stakeholders. The goal is to ensure policing priorities better reflect local safety conditions and the economic realities facing communities across British Columbia.
The third adopted resolution, developed alongside the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and Delta Chamber of Commerce, focuses on strengthening eligibility parameters for British Columbia’s 27-week unpaid illness or injury leave and reviewing the cumulative impacts of recent Employment Standards Act changes on employers. The resolution highlights the operational and administrative pressures many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized employers, face in managing extended absences, staffing flexibility, and increasing compliance requirements.
“These policy adoptions reflect the practical priorities businesses are raising across British Columbia — from economic competitiveness and workforce sustainability to public safety and community resilience,” said Joslyn Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. “We are pleased to see these recommendations supported by the BC Chamber membership and look forward to continuing this work alongside chambers of commerce, boards of trade, government, law enforcement, and industry partners.”
With adoption by the BC Chamber membership, all three policies will now form part of the BC Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy priorities moving forward.
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade looks forward to seeing these recommendations advanced and continuing to work with government, industry, law enforcement, and community partners to support safer, stronger, and more competitive communities across British Columbia.
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Aman Parmar
Policy & Media Advisor
Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade
604-634-0345
aman@swrbot.com
