Last week, thanks to our strong partnerships and ongoing advocacy role, Tri-Cities Chamber members had the unique opportunity to hear directly from Premier David Eby about the future of British Columbia’s economy. The event, hosted by our colleagues at the Burnaby Board of Trade, created a valuable forum for businesses in our region to ask pressing questions and share their perspectives on both challenges and opportunities ahead.
We extend our sincere thanks to Premier Eby for engaging with our members, listening to their concerns, and sharing the government’s priorities for the months to come.
The conversation touched on many of the issues the Tri-Cities Chamber continues to champion on behalf of our members. Premier Eby spoke about reforms to the foreign worker program, ensuring protections for youth employment while also safeguarding immigrant workers from underpayment, unfair working hours, and unsafe working conditions.
He also highlighted B.C.’s strengths in global trade, renewable fuels, and low-cost energy. He underscored his commitment to tariff-proof infrastructure projects that expand market access and drive growth across the province.
For our Chamber, these align directly with our advocacy for a competitive, fair, and sustainable business environment. Locally, we are advancing conversations on student wages, commercial property taxes, business tax incentives, and employment standards that balance employee rights with employer protections.
We are also actively advocating for our local vehicle dealers, who are facing significant pressure under the province’s aggressive electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates.
While the Chamber supports a transition to cleaner transportation, the current targets are unrealistic and place unfair strain on both dealers and consumers. Inventory shortages, infrastructure gaps, and affordability concerns create challenges that can’t be solved overnight.
Our message to the government is clear: EV adoption must be balanced with practical timelines, market realities, and the needs of businesses. Dealers in our region are deeply committed to supporting the shift to a greener economy, but they require policies that are achievable and sustainable—not ones that risk undermining their industry or leaving consumers behind.
Lastly, we are also pushing for infrastructure improvements, such as bypass changes that will ease access and support business growth in the Tri-Cities. Opportunities to connect with decision-makers don’t stop here.
Alongside our colleagues at the BC Chamber, we will soon participate in a roundtable with Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, to further discuss how government can support and empower small business owners. These moments ensure that the voice of the Tri-Cities is heard at the highest levels, shaping the policies that directly affect our members.
The Chamber is not only an advocate, but also an essential connector. We are known for our elite events and networking opportunities that bring together the passionate and diverse business community of the Tri-Cities. Through these connections, members find mentors, partners, and friends who help them thrive.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I’ve served on the Chamber’s Board for over a decade, and while my background is in human resources and operations, I bring a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership and business advocacy. Each day, I show up ready to support the progress and success of our business community.
Jennifer McKinnon is the CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in human resources and organizational strategy. Her background includes executive roles with Manhas Health and the Downtown Port Coquitlam BIA, along with long-standing community service through the Coquitlam Foundation and Rotary Club of Coquitlam Sunrise.
