BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
October 8, 2026
BIABC Seeks Clear Election Commitments from BC's
Major Political Parties
VANCOUVER, BC - Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) has written to the campaigns of each of BC’s major political parties seeking clear commitments on priorities affecting small businesses, downtowns and commercial districts across the province.
Representing the majority of BC’s Business Improvement Areas and more than 55,000 small businesses, BIABC is asking each party to outline what it would do to improve public safety and accountability, address the rising cost and regulatory burden of doing business, and give small businesses a stronger and more coordinated voice within government. BIABC intends to share the parties’ responses with its members before election day.
“Small businesses deserve to know where the parties stand on the issues affecting them every day,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “As businesses are dealing with rising costs, public safety concerns, and continued economic uncertainty, we are looking for clear commitments about what the next government will do differently.”
Public safety, repeat offending and accountability
Public safety and street disorder continue to affect businesses through retail theft, property crime and concerns about employee and customer safety. With federal Bill C-14 now in force, BIABC is calling on the next provincial government to adequately resource the justice system, strengthen its response to chronic repeat offending and improve coordination across justice, health, housing and social services.
The Association is also seeking greater accountability and transparent reporting on whether investments in public safety, mental health, addiction treatment and housing are delivering measurable improvements for individuals, businesses and communities. This includes reviewing the concentration, coordination and neighbourhood impacts of housing and support services.
Reducing the rising cost of doing business
BIABC is asking each party to commit to making the pause on the proposed PST expansion to professional services permanent and ensure it is not brought back after the election. It is also seeking a commitment to consider the cumulative impact of taxes, fees and regulations on small businesses, consult businesses earlier, and work with the small business community to reduce unnecessary red tape.
Giving small business a stronger voice in government
BIABC is calling for a clear senior point of accountability within government and formal, ongoing engagement with BIAs and small businesses through the establishment of a Minister of State with explicit responsibility for Small Business. The Association is also asking the next government to consider strategic provincial support for locally designed initiatives that strengthen and revitalize downtowns and commercial districts.
BIABC has asked each of the major political parties to provide its position on these priorities by October 16th and will share the responses it receives with BIAs and their member businesses across the province.
“This is about giving small businesses greater clarity before election day,” said Heighton. “We want to know what each party is prepared to commit to, and we want our members to have the opportunity to see those responses for themselves.”
About BIABC
The Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) is the provincial champion of strong, vibrant, and successful downtowns, main streets, and commercial districts throughout the province. Its members represent more than 80 business districts, employing hundreds of thousands of retail, service, and office workers.
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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleason
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
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