The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce called for accelerated federal action on housing, transit and regional trade infrastructure during a post-budget Q&A with Members of Parliament held on Nov. 13 in Coquitlam. In a press release, the Chamber said the event brought together business leaders, developers, transit representatives, ports, nonprofits and entrepreneurs to examine the impacts of Budget 2025 on the local economy.
According to the Chamber, the session opened with discussion on the national role of ports, including recent federal commitments such as the $5 billion Trade Diversification Fund, the $100 billion Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project and $15 billion in federal infrastructure spending. The Chamber said these investments are central to jobs, supply chains and economic stability in the region.
MPs and Chamber officials also noted Budget 2025’s focus on reducing internal trade barriers, improving regulatory processes and expanding export opportunities. The Chamber said these areas directly affect the competitiveness of Tri-Cities employers and exporters.
Housing remains the region’s most urgent concern
Housing supply dominated the discussion, with developers, employers and youth representatives raising affordability and construction challenges. MPs highlighted the Build Canada Homes program, which aims to fund 100,000 units with an emphasis on fast delivery and Canadian-made materials.
Developers outlined barriers including rising costs, municipal delays, labour shortages and the need for infrastructure that keeps pace with new housing. They said that even with federal financing options for modular and prefabricated construction, building cannot accelerate without matching investment in roads, utilities and transit networks.
Youth representatives told MPs that affordable and stable housing is tied to mental health, workforce retention and long-term participation in the local economy.
The Chamber said its housing priorities include a coordinated national–provincial–municipal approval system, incentives for purpose-built rentals and missing-middle housing, continued support for modular and innovative construction, infrastructure funds linked to high-potential housing areas and financing approaches that reflect current market conditions. The Chamber said housing supply and affordability remain foundational to business recruitment and retention.
Transit funding was another major concern, with attendees raising the federal government’s recent 20% reduction in transit allocations. The Chamber said the reduction has downstream impacts on service reliability, expansion plans and the many workers and students who rely on transit every day.
TransLink representatives said predictable and long-term federal funding is essential to maintain service levels, upgrade aging assets and support major rapid transit extensions. Business leaders noted that population growth in the Tri-Cities continues to outpace transit expansion, widening existing service gaps.
The Chamber said it wants to see full restoration and expansion of federal transit funding, dedicated support for service improvements in employment-heavy areas, sustained federal backing for rapid transit expansion, a national approach that connects housing growth to transit investment and clearer commitments supporting frontline worker mobility.
MPs and Chamber members also discussed other elements of Budget 2025. These included new supports for small and medium-sized enterprises such as loans up to $50,000, streamlined online financing and faster approvals.
Federal procurement opportunities for tech companies were highlighted through the Canada Buys platform, along with direct MP support for navigating procurement pathways. Increased funding for arts and culture—from community programs to national institutions—was described as a positive step for Canada’s creative sector.
Participants also raised opportunities for trade diversification in Africa and called for stronger BC representation in emerging global markets.
Chamber outlines next steps for regional advocacy
The Chamber said it will continue to advocate for faster housing approvals, infrastructure investment, innovation in development, restored federal transit funding, strengthened trade corridors and port partnerships, expanded supports for small businesses and tech firms and broader access to emerging global markets.
Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has represented more than 1,000 organizations across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide business connections and influence public policy at all levels of government.
