Business leaders gathered to plot a vision for building a stronger Canadian economy by strengthening the Fraser Valley trade corridor
(FRASER VALLEY) May 26th, 2026 – More than 200 business, government, Indigenous, and institutional leaders gathered in Abbotsford on May 21 for the second Fraser Valley Economic Summit, reinforcing the Fraser Valley’s growing role as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment, and innovation for British Columbia and Canada.
Hosted by the Fraser Valley Business Coalition (FVBC) at the University of the Fraser Valley and presented by Royal Bank of Canada, the Summit convened senior leaders from across the province for a full day of discussions focused on economic competitiveness, trade diversification, infrastructure investment, workforce development, Indigenous partnership, housing, and regional growth.
At a time of increasing global economic uncertainty and shifting trade relationships, the Summit underscored both the opportunities and vulnerabilities facing the Fraser Valley economy. As one of the most trade-dependent and tariff-exposed regions in Canada, the Fraser Valley plays a critical role in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, aerospace and cross-border commerce – sectors that are central not only to the region’s prosperity, but increasingly to Canada’s broader economic resilience and competitiveness.
The Summit featured keynote discussions and panel conversations with nationally recognized leaders including Chief David Jimmie of Squiala First Nation, Susannah Pierce, former President and Country Chair of Shell Canada, and Parliamentary Secretary and MP Anthony Housefather, alongside leaders from industry, government, post-secondary institutions, and the Indigenous business community.
Throughout the day, speakers emphasized the need for coordinated investment in transportation infrastructure, trade-enabling corridors, industrial land, housing, workforce development, and energy systems to support continued growth across the Fraser Valley and British Columbia.
“The Fraser Valley is at a turning point,” said Alex Mitchell, Chair of the Fraser Valley Business Coalition and CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “As Canada looks to nation-building projects and economic growth, we can’t afford to overlook the Fraser Valley – one of the country’s most important trade corridors. This is our moment to seize the opportunity, align as a region, and push for the infrastructure and investment needed to keep British Columbia and Canada competitive.”
“The Fraser Valley has emerged as one of the most strategically important economic corridors in British Columbia, if not all of Canada,” said Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. “There is strong momentum around regional collaboration and a clear recognition that the opportunities ahead will require coordinated leadership. We encourage businesses and community leaders across the region to stand up, get involved and help shape the future of the Fraser Valley economy.”
The Summit also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between local governments, business organizations, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to address shared challenges and opportunities.
“Growth in the Fraser Valley is happening at a scale and pace that requires long-term thinking and strong partnerships,” said Miriam Bozman, CEO of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Economic Summit and the work of the Fraser Valley Business Coalition continues to create a valuable platform for leaders to come together around practical solutions that support sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity.”
Formed by the Abbotsford, Langley, and Mission Regional Chambers of Commerce, the Fraser Valley Business Coalition represents thousands of businesses across the region and works to advance shared economic priorities through advocacy, collaboration, and regional leadership.
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Associated Links
www.fraservalleybusinesscoalition.com
Background
The Fraser Valley Business Coalition (FVBC) is a non-partisan unified voice for the business community across the Fraser Valley. Representing thousands of businesses and partner associations across the region, the Coalition leverages the expertise and reach of its members to support, connect, and advocate for Fraser Valley businesses, addressing the economic issues that drive regional growth and prosperity.
FVBC founding organizations are the Abbotsford, Greater Langley, and Mission Regional Chambers of Commerce.
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