Aug 24, 2025
TIABC Provide Submission to Premier’s Task Force on Trade & Economic Security
British Columbia is in the midst of a pivotal economic moment. Slowing global growth, combined with impacts of U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber and other resource exports,
threatens a sizeable share of the Province’s traditional foreign‑exchange earnings.
One sector, however, already delivers tariff‑free export revenue at scale and can expand quickly with the right policy signals: TOURISM.
TIABC recently coordinated industry consultations to submit to the Premier’s Task Force on Trade & Economic Security. The submission pointed to five systemic bottlenecks that government can relieve quickly:
Regulatory friction – fragmented land‑tenure rules, short‑term‑rental fees on designated tourism accommodation in resort towns and slow permitting dissuade private capital.
Workforce gaps – immigration caps and the 90‑day probationary period to trigger paid‑sick‑leave benefits exacerbate acute staff shortages in peak season.
Infrastructure deficits – regional airports, highways and digital connectivity lag demand, and BC Parks campground fees no longer keep pace with maintenance costs.
Climate & emergency resilience – back‑to‑back wildfire periods show the need for sustained funding for the B.C. Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative and destination emergency management.
Marketing under‑investment – Destination BC’s core budget has been flat for a decade despite 20% inflation over the last five years, eroding B.C.’s share of high‑value long‑haul visitors.