The Fraser Valley Business Coalition has called on all provincial candidates and parties to prioritize what they say are the critical issues that will shape the future of the region.
The FVBC, which is comprised of the Abbotsford, Chilliwack, 91原创 and Mission chambers of commerce, stated in a press release that the Fraser Valley faces significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure continued prosperity, competitiveness and a secure environment for both residents and businesses.
The five key areas that the FVBC urged candidates to focus on consist of: agriculture and food innovation, education and workforce development, crime and public safety, transportation and infrastructure and alleviating the rising costs for businesses.
"It鈥檚 time for the Fraser Valley to get its fair share," stated Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce CEO Alex Mitchell. "As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, our region鈥檚 success is key to the economic success of all of British Columbia, however, it will take more than government spending alone for the Fraser Valley to thrive. It will also take leadership and decision-making, and shared vision. That is what the FVBC is all about 鈥� bringing together our private sector voices to create partnerships, share solutions and call for decisiveness from the government that forms in October.鈥�
The release states that the FVBC is calling for a review and modernizing (with consultation from local farmers) of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and more support for agri-tech. More investment in local universities and helping to reduce crime and vandalism was also reccommended.
The FVBC is also advocating for a 20-year transportation and infrastructure strategy that expands highways and improves flood mitigation in the region. Lastly, the FVBC wants immediate government action to provide targeted tax relief, reduce regulatory burdens and implement financial incentives that help businesses navigate inflation, wage increases and supply chain disruptions.
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