The Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia is raising red flags over the province’s continued silence in the face of mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs, saying small and medium-sized businesses are running out of time and clarity as they navigate rising costs and trade disruptions.
BIABC, which represents more than 55,000 businesses across 80 districts in B.C., says it has yet to receive any response to a formal letter sent nearly a month ago to Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon, who chairs the Cabinet Committee tasked with leading the province’s “whole-of-government” tariff response strategy. The letter, sent in late June, repeated BIABC’s February recommendations and sought an urgent update on the government’s plans.
“To date, there has been no response,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “Our members are on the frontlines of economic disruption. We’ve provided clear, actionable recommendations and remain eager to be part of the solution. But right now, there’s a lack of engagement.”
In a conversation with Radio NL, Heighton voiced frustration with what he called a pattern of a lot of talk without much in the way of action, noting that while the Premier has promised to “fight like hell” for British Columbians, many businesses feel left in the dark. “If we don’t hear these things from the province, then it appears the province may not be doing a lot of it,” Heighton said. “We’re just not feeling 100% confident we’re going in the right direction.”
Immediate Challenges, Long-Term Uncertainty
The concern comes as businesses begin to feel the real cost of the U.S. tariff regime announced earlier this year by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Heighton said many B.C. businesses front-loaded inventory early in the year to avoid the full brunt of the tariffs, but those supplies are now dwindling, and the cost of new stock is up by 15–30%.
Compounding the issue is the complexity of navigating international agreements like CUSMA to avoid duties, a task that’s particularly difficult for small operations with limited resources. “Uncertainty shrinks the economy,” said Heighton. “When you have certainty, investment starts to occur, hiring starts to occur. Right now, those things are being pulled back.”
BIABC’s Formal Requests
In its renewed public appeal, BIABC is calling on the provincial government to:
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Provide a public update on the Cabinet Committee’s mandate, timeline, and stakeholder engagement.
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Clarify the specific actions taken to counter tariff-related impacts.
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Outline efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and promote local procurement.
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Include BIABC in any government consultations or roundtables on trade and economic recovery.
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Remove the sunset clause in Bill 7, legislation designed to support domestic trade, to give long-term certainty to businesses investing beyond B.C.
BIABC says that while some municipalities are stepping up—such as Kamloops, which has reportedly been among the least affected areas due to strong local supply chains—most trade regulation remains in the hands of the province or federal government, limiting what can be done locally.
Falling Behind Other Provinces
Heighton pointed to initiatives in other provinces as examples B.C. should be emulating. He cited recent interprovincial agreements between Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario on energy corridors, and Ontario’s multiple intra-Canada trade deals. “Here we are with nothing tangible to hold on to,” he said. “That’s a huge concern.”
A Willing Partner, Waiting for a Seat
Despite the frustration, BIABC insists it remains committed to working with the province and views its members as key partners in driving local economic vibrancy and resilience. “We welcome the Premier’s public commitment and share the government’s desire for long-term economic strength,” Heighton said. “BIABC remains ready to contribute solutions and collaborate in the spirit of constructive partnership.”
As the impact of tariffs continues to ripple through the province, B.C.’s small business community says it can’t afford to wait much longer for answers.
