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The Surrey Board of Trade is known for our government policy and advocacy, instigating change at all levels of government to enhance the success of our businesses and organizations, and the livability of Surrey. 

 

As a member of the Surrey Board of Trade, we want to make sure you know what we are doing on your behalf to ensure we are driving the economy forward. Take a quick look at what we have been doing over the past few months. Are there any policy issues facing your business? Please contact Jasroop Gosal, our Policy & Research Manager at jasroop@businessinsurrey.com. 
 

The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) and the BC Government are returning to the bargaining table following job action that began on August 15, but a resolution may not be achieved unless both parties are committed to ending job action.

 

UPDATE: BCGEU has agreed to end job action. Both parties are coming to an agreement on compensation but other issues remain.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade recommends that federal, provincial and municipal governments reduce the voting age to 16 for all elections. The reduction is needed to ensure civic engagement, education, and sustained participation in elections into their future.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade advocates for red tape reduction, defined as excessive bureaucracy or routines or rules, or complexity, which results in delay or unreasonable costs for business. Please share your feedback by completing the survey before September 30. 


Participants have a chance to win 2 tickets to see the BC Lions! 
 

BC Chamber of Commerce business delegates supported 14 out of the 18 policies submitted by the Surrey Board of Trade, defeating two motions brought forward on arts investments. 
 

The Surrey Board of Trade wrote to the Federal Government to express our position on the National Adaptation Strategy. We support the submissions provided by Climate Proof Canada.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade is urging the BC Government to reinstate the business vote in municipal and provincial elections.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade wrote to the Federal Government to express our position on the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade wrote to the Passenger Transportation Board to support Uber?s application for a licence transfer that will allow Uber?s ridesharing app to be available in Victoria and Kelowna. 
 

The Surrey Board of Trade wrote to ask Minister Fleming what will trigger a decision on increasing the number of lanes from four to six on the new Pattullo Bridge.
 

Policy & Research Manager Jasroop Gosal with BC Transportation Minister Rob Fleming

The business case estimate for the capital cost of Surrey-Langley SkyTrain is $3.94 billion, including the Province?s $2.4 billion share of the project, and a federal commitment of up to $1.3 billion, with the remainder coming from local government.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade's President & CEO and Policy & Research Manager were invited to speak to the Punjabi Press Club about Surrey?s economic and social future.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade is a stakeholder for the public post-secondary funding review process initiated by the BC Government and provided critical feedback on the funding formula.
 

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Board of Trade, Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Attorney General David Eby requesting that the Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce industry be exempt from the BC Lobbyists Transparency Act.
 

On July 25, the BC Government announced an opportunity for community-based literacy programs to receive funding for adult learning programs.
 

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation announced a new Centre for Agritech Innovation at the Simon Fraser University campus in Surrey.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade provided the Government of Canada with our perspective on EI reform.
 

Surrey Board of Trade presented to the BC Government's Select Standing Committee on Finance & Government Services.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade voiced their opposition to Council?s decision to redesignate employment lands. 
 

The United States Department of Commerce indicated that they would continue to apply duties on Canadian softwood lumber exported to the United States.
 

The Surrey Board of Trade has released the results of the #SurreyStrong Shop Local Campaign?s shopper survey. The report intended to help local retailers understand the priorities of Surrey shoppers and how they can adapt their business to draw in more customers.
 

Health care, natural resources, public administration, information/culture/recreation and technology sectors are leading Surrey?s jobs recovery.
 

Surrey Board of Trade has received numerous complaints about the high percentage of property tax increases for businesses. A survey of Surrey businesses shows increases as high as 14.5% this year.
 

Every year members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce review and vote in support of resolutions that are developed by chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout the country. Please review the draft policy manual and provide your feedback to jasroop@businessinsurrey.com.Â