BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2026
Small Businesses Want Their Issues Front and Centre
in Provincial Election
VANCOUVER, BC -- With British Columbians heading to the polls in an early provincial election, Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) says the campaign must include a serious discussion about the challenges facing small businesses, employees and commercial districts across the province.
Representing the majority of BC’s 80 Business Improvement Areas and more than 55,000 small businesses, BIABC members are looking for practical commitments from those seeking to form the next government on public safety, repeat offending, street disorder, the rising cost of doing business, economic competitiveness and policies that directly affect the ability of small businesses to survive and grow.
BIABC says the provincial government’s recent decision to pause its planned October 1 expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax to professional services is a welcome example of government responding to the pressures facing businesses.
“Whatever role the prospect of an election may have played in the timing, this was the right decision,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “Businesses told us clearly that this tax would add costs at exactly the wrong time. We are pleased the government listened and changed course. It also shows why this election campaign should focus on practical solutions to the very real pressures facing BC’s Main Streets.”
Heighton said the reversal addresses one significant concern, but small businesses continue to face a combination of rising costs, public safety and street disorder, challenges attracting and retaining employees, and continuing economic uncertainty that is brought about by the escalating dispute with the United States.
A recent BIABC survey of businesses across British Columbia found 65 per cent consider public safety and street disorder a significant concern, 63 per cent believe operating conditions have worsened over the past year and 68 per cent are concerned about the impact crime is having on their employees. The survey also found 89 per cent believe governments are not doing enough to address repeat offending, retail crime and public safety.
BIABC believes the campaign should focus on several priorities:
Public safety and street disorder: A comprehensive approach to repeat offending, retail crime, mental health and addictions that recognizes their impact on businesses, employees, customers and communities.
The cost of doing business: Building on the PST decision by considering the cumulative impact of taxes, fees and regulatory requirements on small businesses already operating on thin margins.
Build a more resilient Canadian economy: Continue to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, strengthen domestic and local procurement and make it easier for BC and Canadian businesses to sell their goods and services to customers across the country.
Stronger downtowns and commercial districts: A commitment to fulsomely work with BIAs, municipalities, police, health authorities and community organizations on solutions that restore confidence in B.C.’s downtowns and Main Streets.
“This campaign needs to be about real and effective solutions,” Heighton added. “Small business owners understand there are no simple answers, but they expect urgency, accountability and a willingness to change course when existing approaches are not delivering the results communities need.
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
Past Media Releases
BIABC: Whatever Role Election Timing Played, Reversing PST Expansion Was the Right Decision
September 18, 2026
BIABC Survey Finda Growing Crime Concerns Taking Increasing Toll on BC Businesses and Their Employees
September 3, 2026
Breakdown in Trade Talks Makes Supporting BC and Canadian Businesses More Important Than Ever: BIABC
August 24, 206
BIABC Survey: Businesses Warn Expanded PST Will Push Many Closer to the Breaking Point
August 18, 2028
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June 16, 2026
BIABC Urges Province to Put Small Business at the Centre of Budget Planning Process
June 8, 2026
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Annual Conference Concludes in Penticton with Focus on Public Safety, Economic Pressures and Main Street Resilience
May 28, 2026
BIABC and NCDA Urge Province to Scrap PST Expansion, Warning Governemnt is "Taxing Safety" for Business
May 19, 2026
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BIA Week Shines Light on the Hidden Investment Keeping BC's Main Streets Safe and Vibrant
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