A new business growth task force could bolster Vancouver’s economy amid tariff uncertainties.
That’s according to a Monday announcement by the city saying the group will identify and make recommendations on factors hindering business growth in Vancouver over the next six months.
Key issues to be addressed by the group include permitting, investment and taxation, said the release. It claims the initiative will position Vancouver as a hub across the continent for starting and growing a business.
The 12-member task force is made up of leaders in varying sectors like finance, tourism and real estate. Members of the task force are:
- Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade;
- Laura Ballance, principal of LBMG Communications;
- Gordon Campbell, former Vancouver mayor and B.C. premier
- Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver;
- Carly Frey, partner at Nordicity and chair of BC Alliance for Arts + Culture board of directors;
- Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC;
- Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band;
- Jeff Stibbard, executive chairman of JDS Energy & Mining;
- Jane Talbot, chair of Downtown Van BIA;
- Jill Tipping, CEO of BC Tech Association;
- Ian Tostenson, CEO of BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association;
- Peter Xotta, CEO of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
City councillors Mike Klassen, Lenny Zhou and Pete Fry will serve as council liaisons.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement doing business in the city hasn’t always been easy, with the task force focused on building a stronger economic foundation.
In February, Vancouver council directed staff to explore measures, including the creation of the task force, to help businesses amid trade tensions with the U.S. The city said the task force would set a goal of three per cent annual GDP growth for Vancouver.
Last Thursday, the mayor’s office told BIV in a statement the city is currently monitoring the impact of U.S. tariffs. The city also said staff continue to review other measures in response, including possible permit fee reductions and updates to Vancouver’s business licensing regime.
A report from the new task force will be delivered to council in six months.
-With files from Mike Howell
