SBOT and SSWR Chamber Call for Increased Education Funding Amid Surrey School Budget Challenges Economic Competitiveness & TradeWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth February 19, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce (SSWRC) are deeply concerned about the financial pressures facing Surrey Schools, as outlined in the Surrey Board of Education’s latest budget update. The persistent underfunding of capital projects and operational expenses is a growing threat to the region’s economic future,…
SBOT and SSWR Chamber Urge Businesses to Weigh in on Metro Vancouver’s Budget Amid Rising Costs Economic Competitiveness & Trade February 19, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce (SSWRC) are closely monitoring Metro Vancouver’s 2026 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan, emphasizing its potential impact on business costs, regional infrastructure, and economic growth. As Metro Vancouver invites public input, SBOT and SSWRC urge businesses to provide their perspectives to…
Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber Concerned About US Tariffs on Aluminum and Steel, Calls for Federal Action Economic Competitiveness & TradeInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth February 10, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce are deeply concerned about the United States’ decision to impose a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports, a move that will significantly impact Surrey’s business community. The increased costs threaten local manufacturers, construction firms, and exporters. “Surrey has many aluminum…
SBOT Calls for Lifting Uranium and Thorium Moratorium to Align with BC’s Clean Energy Expansion Economic Competitiveness & TradeInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth February 7, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) is calling on the Provincial Government to lift its moratorium on uranium and thorium exploration, aligning with BC’s latest push to expand renewable energy infrastructure. “The BC Government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy projects is a step in the right direction,” said Jasroop Gosal, Interim Spokesperson and Policy &…
Surrey Board of Trade Cautiously Optimistic as Tariffs Paused for 30 Days – Urgent Plan Still Needed to Support Businesses Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneralInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth February 3, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade is cautiously optimistic that US President Trump has decided to pause the implementation of 25% tariffs across the board and 10% tariffs on energy. While this does provide some reprieve, we still need to stand ready if and when tariffs are implemented. Canada has committed to implementing a $1.3 billion…
Surrey Board of Trade Statement on U.S. Tariffs Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneralInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth February 1, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade is deeply disappointed in the United States’ announcement that 25% tariffs on Canadian imports and 10% tariff on energy will take effect on Tuesday, February 4. The President has decided to not only tarnish the historic and deeply interconnected relationship that Canada and the United States have had, but to…
SBOT Deeply Concerned by BC’s Economic Assessment of US Tariff Threat Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneralInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth January 16, 2025 The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) is deeply concerned about the potential economic consequences of a US-imposed 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. The preliminary assessment by the BC Ministry of Finance outlines alarming projections, including a cumulative $69 billion loss in economic activity, significant declines in corporate profits, and over 124,000 job losses by…
SBOT Supports South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan to Address Industrial Land Shortage and Drive Regional Growth Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneralInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth January 13, 2025 Surrey, BC – The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT), representing over 3,000 businesses, strongly supports the City of Surrey’s South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan and the associated Zoning By-law Amendment. The plan is critical for addressing the industrial land shortage that has constrained business growth and investment in Surrey and across the Metro Vancouver…
Surrey Board of Trade Provides Report on Federal Housing Initiatives Survey Results Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneral December 18, 2024 The Surrey Board of Trade has released its Federal Housing Initiatives Survey Results report providing comments in response to the consultation on confronting the financialization of housing. Following the Federal Government’s recent announcements of new actions designed to lower the cost of housing, SBOT sought to ensure that the business community’s perspective is considered in…
SBOT Concerned About Canada’s Economic Competitiveness Amid Growing Deficit – Innovation Incentives Welcome, but Action Needed on GDP Growth and Fiscal Responsibility Economic Competitiveness & TradeGeneralInnovation & IndustryWorkforce, Community & Inclusive Growth December 16, 2024 The Surrey Board of Trade welcomes the measures in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement aimed at spurring innovation and investment. However, concerns remain about Canada’s economic competitiveness and the lack of measures to address the growing federal deficit, which risks long-term economic stability. “Surrey businesses are feeling the pressure of an underperforming economy and a…
