The Burnaby Board of Trade is proud to announce that two of its policy resolutions were adopted by delegates at the 74th Annual General Meeting of the BC Chamber of Commerce, receiving more than 95% support from Chambers and Boards of Trade across British Columbia.
Representing BBOT at the AGM were President & CEO Angie Whitfield and Economic Development & Policy Manager Denan Kuni, who joined business leaders from across the province to discuss the key issues shaping British Columbia’s economic future.
Both resolutions received overwhelming support, reflecting a shared commitment among business organizations across the province to advancing practical solutions that support economic growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.
The first policy, Addressing B.C.'s Housing Crisis & High Development Costs, focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the province. The policy recognizes that increasing housing supply will require governments to address the costs and barriers associated with building new housing. Rising development charges, permit costs, approval delays, and infrastructure funding challenges continue to drive up costs for new housing projects and, ultimately, for the people who live in them. The policy calls on provincial and federal governments to work together to modernize growth funding, streamline approval processes, and explore alternative infrastructure funding models that support housing development while maintaining strong communities.
The second policy, Linking B.C.'s Clean Economy to Canada's Critical Mineral Strategy, highlights the significant opportunity for British Columbia to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing critical minerals sector. The policy recognizes that B.C.'s competitive advantage extends far beyond resource extraction and includes clean technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, logistics, workforce development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. It also emphasizes that every region of British Columbia has a role to play in building a resilient critical minerals value chain.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, the policy positions British Columbia to capture more economic value through innovation, manufacturing, exports, and the creation of high-quality jobs.
The Burnaby Board of Trade remains committed to advancing policy solutions that address the challenges facing businesses today while helping create the conditions for long-term economic success in Burnaby and across British Columbia.