U.S. Tariffs Threats and What it Means for B.C. Businesses
New U.S. Tariffs Are Coming August 19 — Here’s What It Means for B.C. Businesses On July 20, 2026, the U.S. administration signed proclamations placing new 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods — including dairy, wine and whiskey, cement, candles, plastics, and furniture — set to take effect August 19. Just three days […]
Building What Matters: BC Chamber AGM
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the province’s largest and most broadly based business network, representing more than 80 local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade and tens of thousands of businesses of every size, sector, and region across British Columbia. The 2026 – 2027 Policies and Positions Manual contains 33 policy resolutions adopted […]
B.C.’s Minimum Wage Increase: What It Means for Small Business
Effective June 1, 2026, British Columbia’s minimum wage will rise from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour. While a 40-cent increase may appear modest on the surface, many small businesses are preparing for a much larger financial impact behind the scenes. The increase reflects B.C.’s annual inflation-based wage adjustment, a mechanism introduced through amendments to the […]
What Do You Think About the Proposed BC PST Expansion?
The proposed expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in British Columbia marks a significant shift for many service-based businesses, with new rules set to take effect on October 1, 2026. For the first time, a 7% PST will apply to several professional and service categories that were previously exempt, potentially impacting pricing, contracts, and […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Budget 2026
Jen Riley, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in response to the release of Budget 2026 by the Government of British Columbia. “As expected, Budget 2026 provides a sobering economic outlook for the province in the year ahead and over the three-year fiscal plan. “Today’s budget offers little in the […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Inter-Provincial Trade Agreement
In response to today’s announcement of the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA) signed today in Yellowknife, Alex McMillan, CEO (Interim) of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “Reducing interprovincial trade barriers has been a top priority for the BC Chamber of Commerce. I applaud today’s news of the CMRA being signed by […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Federal Budget
In response to today’s federal budget, Alex McMillan, CEO (Interim) of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “The first budget from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government attempts to navigate the needs of Canadians, businesses and communities at a pivotal moment for Canada’s economy. “The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomes the budget measures […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Increase Softwood Tariffs
In response to yesterday’s increased softwood lumber tariffs on Canadian companies, Alex McMillan, CEO (Interim) of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “The BC Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about the newest increase in duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber producers by the United States. The current duty rates of over […]