The Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce shares the BC Chamber of Commerce’s serious concerns with Budget 2026 and the lack of a clear economic plan to support businesses and communities across British Columbia.

After several difficult years following the pandemic, employers were looking for a budget that would restore confidence, strengthen competitiveness, and create the conditions for meaningful growth. Instead, Budget 2026 offers little inspiration for the small businesses and job creators that form the backbone of communities like ours.

While the Province has included some targeted investments in areas such as skills training, permitting improvements, and temporary manufacturing incentives, the overall imbalance in priorities is impossible to ignore. With spending heavily weighted toward social services compared to economic development, this budget does not send a strong signal that government understands the urgency of supporting business growth.

For communities like Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, and the surrounding Fraser Valley, the impact is even greater. Our local economy depends overwhelmingly on small businesses, tourism operators, hospitality, and service-based employers. These businesses are not large corporations — they are family-run shops, restaurants, accommodations, and experiences that rely on both local support and visitor spending to survive.

Budget 2026 fails to meaningfully address tourism and the vital role it plays in regional economies like ours. At a time when tourism communities need investment, promotion, and long-term planning, the absence of focus in this sector is deeply concerning.

Adding new costs and tax pressures on families and businesses makes it harder for residents to support local employers — and that is detrimental to communities built almost entirely on small business success.

Healthy businesses are essential to healthy communities. The Harrison Agassiz Chamber will continue advocating for policies that support local employers, strengthen tourism economies, and ensure regions like ours are not left behind in BC’s economic future.

We encourage members to review the full BC Chamber of Commerce statement for further context.