BBOT Hosts Federal Discussion on Red Tape Reduction, Buy Canada, and Economic Growth
The Burnaby Board of Trade welcomed federal and local representatives yesterday for an important discussion on how national policy can better support businesses, workers, and communities across Burnaby and the region.
The conversation featured Tom Osborne, MP for the Federal Riding of Cape Spear, NL and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board of Canada, who joined BBOT as part of his Western Canada engagement tour to hear directly from local businesses, stakeholders, and chamber members about the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
BBOT was also pleased to welcome Wade Chang, MP for Burnaby Centre, and Jake Sawatzky, MP for New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, creating a valuable opportunity for dialogue between federal decision-makers and the local business community.
Discussions focused on reducing regulatory burden, strengthening the Buy Canada agenda, improving government service delivery, and ensuring federal programs create tangible economic opportunities for communities like Burnaby. Business leaders also shared perspectives on housing affordability, workforce development, mental health, talent attraction, and the need for policies that support competitiveness, investment, and long-term economic growth.
A key theme that emerged throughout the conversation was the importance of connecting national priorities with local opportunities. Treasury Board decisions made in Ottawa influence everything from investment and innovation to procurement and economic development, making ongoing dialogue between government and the business community essential.
The discussion also highlighted the federal government's commitment to supporting local businesses and communities in areas including critical minerals, housing affordability, mental health, and diversity, recognizing that economic prosperity and community well-being go hand in hand. These priorities closely align with the Burnaby Board of Trade's recent policy work, including Linking B.C.'s Clean Economy to Canada's Critical Minerals Initiative and Addressing B.C.'s Housing Crisis and High Development Costs, both of which were recently adopted by the BC Chamber of Commerce.
Events like this reinforce BBOT's role in connecting business leaders with decision-makers and ensuring local perspectives help inform public policy. Through ongoing advocacy, policy development, and conversations like these, BBOT continues to champion practical solutions that strengthen Burnaby's business community and support a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous economy.
BBOT extends its sincere thanks to Tom Osborne, MP for the Federal Riding of Cape Spear, NL and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board of Canada, Wade Chang, MP for Burnaby Centre, and Jake Sawatsky, MP for New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville, for taking the time to engage with our members and contribute to this important discussion.