BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
January 16,2025
BIABC CALLS ON NDP GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT BUSINESS
IN THE FACE OF SWEEPING TARIFFS
Association urges NDP to help create stronger domestic marketplace
Vancouver, BC – As the threat of unreasonable US tariffs continues to be used as a bargaining chip against Canada, it is time for the BC provincial government to take a stand and ensure the impacts on our economy, including the small business community, are mitigated as much as possible. BIABC, the Association representing 55,000 businesses in 70 business districts across the province, is calling for the immediate support and implementation of a BC Buy Local initiative among other strategies to support local businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
President-Elect Donald Trump has pledged to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada as his first act in a return to the White House next week. Proposed US tariffs will be particularly hard on our forest and resource sectors, but what many fear is the ripple effect it will have on the economy and consumer spending. Economists suggest the action will have a severe impact on the Canadian economy, some going as far as suggesting it will plunge our country into recession.
The Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) says now is the time for the provincial government to step up and take actions to support small and medium-sized businesses. While the Premier has outlined a three-point strategy to address US tariffs, the approach does not include specific measures that will directly assist small businesses– which represent approximately 98% of BC’s overall business sector.
BIABC is advocating tangible actions that include creating a stronger domestic marketplace by establishing local sourcing opportunities, expanding the Buy BC Program to support local businesses, producers and suppliers - and supporting businesses in identifying new international market opportunities, especially in light of the recent bankruptcy of Small Business BC which operated a successful Export Navigator Program.
“Resiliency and flexibility are two qualities that our business community demonstrated during the past few years, but many are still recovering and will need support as we enter what will be a very difficult period,” said Jeremy Heighton, BIABC President. “We believe there is an opportunity for the provincial government to step in and demonstrate their support. We are urging them in the strongest possible terms to do so.”
Heighton also referenced the findings of a 2024 BIABC survey of businesses across the province to highlight the precarious situation of owners and operators. “In response to a question about their ability to remain viable during the economic climate of the day, 39% suggested if conditions didn’t improve, they wouldn’t be able to operate successfully beyond two years. At the same time, 52% suggested they would only be able to continue for four years.
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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
Past Media Releases
BIABC Urging Consumers to Rally Around Local Business
December 2, 2024
BIABC Announces New President
November 28, 2024
Critical Issues of Public Safety and Cost of Living Demand Urgent Response from New NDP Government
Octobe 30, 2024
BIABC Statement on Secure Care commitments in advance of Provincial Election
September 17, 2024
BIABC seeks commitments from BC's Political Parties to address critical safety & financial concerns impacting small business owners across the province
September 9, 2024
BIABC Labour Day Message: Business Owners and Front-line Staff Need a Safe Work Environment
August 27, 2024
Impact of Crime & Vandalism and the Cost of Doing Business Focal Points of BIABC Conference
April 23, 2024
Budget 2024 Brings Little Meaningful Relief to Cirtical Issues of Street Crime & the Cost of Doing Business
February 22, 2024