Surrey Board of Trade

We welcome the Government of Canada’s decision to re-establish the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations, recognizing this as an essential step to addressing ongoing trade challenges and supporting Canadian businesses reliant on a strong and stable economic partnership with the United States. This decision is consistent with a Surrey Board of Trade policy asking for this to occur. “Our economic futures are deeply intertwined, and we must take decisive steps to safeguard Canadian interests,” said Jasroop Gosal, Interim Spokesperson and Policy & Research Manager at the Surrey Board of Trade. “The trade tensions of recent years and beyond have shown that Canada must utilize every tool at its disposal to put the interests of Canadians and our economy at the forefront.” While the challenges of the past five years—under both the Trump and Biden administrations—will not disappear overnight, Canada’s business community stands ready to engage directly in constructive dialogue with the committee. Certain U.S. policy decisions have negatively impacted Canadian jobs and businesses, underscoring the need for Canada to assertively protect its economic interests. One such measure includes leveraging existing trade legislation, such as Section 53 of the Customs Tariff, to strengthen Canada’s trade position when needed. The Surrey Board of Trade urges that chambers of commerce and boards of trade be involved in committee meetings and related discussions to ensure a voice for the business community. With direct participation, organizations like ours can better convey the on-the-ground impacts of policy changes and provide insights that will inform government decisions. “As one of Canada’s largest boards of trade and representing a border city, the Surrey Board of Trade stands ready to relay critical information and feedback from the business community, helping Canada strengthen its economic relationship with the U.S.” The re-established committee is chaired by Chrystia Freeland, with Dominic LeBlanc as Vice-Chair, and includes members Anita Anand, Bill Blair, François-Philippe Champagne, Mélanie Joly, Lawrence MacAulay, Marc Miller, Mary Ng, Harjit S. Sajjan, and Jonathan Wilkinson. Read the full SBOT policy here: https://ow.ly/iJAA50U3rvT

Provide your input on business property needs by November 30 👇

Today we honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis of Canada who have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country. When the Second World War erupted in September 1939, many Indigenous people again answered the call of duty and joined the military. By March 1940, more than 100 of them had volunteered and by the end of the conflict in 1945, over 3,000 First Nations members, as well as an unknown number of Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous recruits, had served in uniform. Learn more about Indigenous Veterans at https://lnkd.in/gDnuzvWN.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Surrey Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by DP World, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and TD! Winner of the Business Person of the Year Award, presented by Hamilton Duncan, is Joshua Gaglardi, Orion Construction! Winner of the Business Excellence 1-10 Employees Award, presented by Abbotsford International Airport, is ONEX ENTERPRISES INC! Winner of the Business Excellence 11-40 Employees Award, presented by FortisBC, is ThoughtsWin Systems! Winner of the Business Excellence 41+ Employees Award, presented by MNP, is Crown Building Supplies! Winner of the New Business of the Year Award, presented by KSW Lawyers, is Mishe Optometry! Winner of the Not-for-Profit of the Year Award, presented by Manning Elliott LLP, is The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry)! Winner of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by KPU Melville School of Business is CG S., Glen Group! Winner of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Surrey Digital Printing, is PW Trenchless! Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners!

It's time to celebrate businesses that are propelling the City of Surrey forward! 🏆🎉 The Surrey Board of Trade 2024 Annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards will take place today at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. With $30,000 in PacifiCan funding, the 26th annual event will recognize 8 of Surrey's best businesses in different award categories. Surrey is Canada’s fastest-growing city and a dynamic hub for innovation in the Lower Mainland. Let's honour the strength and creativity of our entrepreneurs who turn ideas into thriving businesses! 👏 Learn more 👉 https://ow.ly/kI9h50U0Wsl --- C’est le moment de célébrer les entreprises qui propulsent la City of Surrey vers l’avenir! 🏆🎉 Le gala annuel des prix d’excellence pour les entreprises de Surrey de 2024, organisé par le Surrey Board of Trade, a lieu aujourd’hui au Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Ayant obtenu un financement de 30 000 $ de PacifiCan, ce 26e gala annuel reconnaîtra dans différentes catégories 8 des meilleures entreprises de Surrey. Surrey est la ville du Canada à la croissance la plus rapide et un carrefour dynamique d’innovation pour le Lower Mainland. Rendons hommage à la force et à la créativité de nos entrepreneur·es qui transforment leurs idées en entreprises prospères! 👏 Pour en savoir plus (en anglais) 👉 https://ow.ly/kI9h50U0Wsl

Today is International Inuit Day, a day to honour Inuit culture and history and celebrate the contributions they have made. Happy International Inuit Day! ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒋᑦᓯ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐅᑉᓗᐊᓂ

Tomorrow’s ✨26th✨ annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards would not have been possible without the support of our fabulous sponsors! Please give them a follow and support them when you can. They are incredible community leaders. Presenting Sponsors: DP World, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and TD VIP Reception Sponsor: Doane Grant Thornton LLP Entertainment Sponsor: Trans Mountain Ice Bar Sponsor: Beedie Award Sponsors: Abbotsford International Airport, FortisBC, Hamilton Duncan, KPU Melville School of Business, KSW Lawyers, Manning Elliott LLP, MNP and Surrey Digital Printing Community Sponsors: Aplin Martin, Forevery Occasion, Glen Chua Media, Off the Reel, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, Uber and Vancity Media Sponsors: CBC Vancouver and the Surrey NOW-Leader

We welcome the recent decision by the City of Surrey Mayor and Council to advance the establishment of eight cannabis retail businesses, amounting to twelve retail locations across the city. This development aligns with the SBOT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and progressive business environment in Surrey. "By enabling a regulated and responsible cannabis retail industry, Surrey is opening doors for economic growth, job creation, and revenue diversification, while enhancing consumer safety through a regulated market," said Jasroop Gosal, Interim Spokesperson for the Surrey Board of Trade. “This decision is a significant milestone in building a balanced local economy that can meet the diverse needs of our community.” The SBOT has long advocated for an evidence-based approach to cannabis policy that prioritizes public safety, economic benefits, and clear regulatory frameworks. The carefully controlled expansion of cannabis retail in Surrey represents a forward-thinking approach, aligning Surrey with other major cities in Canada that have seen positive economic impacts from similar decisions. "We look forward to working with the cannabis retail sector and stakeholders to ensure that this industry grows responsibly and in a way that benefits Surrey’s residents and businesses alike." The Surrey Board of Trade will continue to support policy and advocacy efforts that promote a resilient and competitive economy, while supporting a responsible approach to new business sectors.

Interim CEO and COO Indra Bhan had a fantastic time last night at the Seva Foundation’s inaugural fundraising gala - Casino Royale! We were proud to support this event and the Seva Foundation’s work.

This week our Board Chair Rory Morgan and Administative Assistant Kapil Sharma were pleased to attend An Evening of Inspiration with the BC Cancer Foundation.