The year ahead is fraught with uncertainty, challenges and opportunities. Blending all three to ensure economic viability and livability is possible, but it will only happen through collaboration and the mindset of taking mitigated risks.
The legalization of cannabis will present a significant shift in our culture. Legalization will bring entrepreneurial opportunities, job creation and income to different levels of government. The laws, the management of retail distribution outlets and workplace safety will bring challenges and uncertainty.
The civic elections take place in October 2018. How will any political changes shift the good city building work already in progress and enhance social challenges we are facing in our unique microcosm of Metro Vancouver? I underscore that city building work needs to be done in co-ordination with all levels of government and their respective business organizations.
Oh yes, and how could I forget the most contentious topic of 2017 that rolls over into 2018: taxes. The federal government has proposed significant changes to business taxes, and with the details still ambiguous, I expect business will be very cautious in its choice of community investments and decisions on business expenses. We want a business environment that government enables – get out of the way, and let them contribute to the economy creating good quality products, services and jobs. All this uncertainty and targeting businesses will only hurt Canada’s economy.
I also predict that manufacturing will be the key to Canada’s success. With more of a focus on service-related businesses coming to the fore, the opportunity will also be in the manufacturing of products – distributing them locally and globally.
The provincial government will table its first budget, and I remain hopeful that the blend in economic and social vision investments will improve livability. Employees can focus on doing well in their workplace while their children have the quality child care that they need, for example. A quality workforce housing implementation plan needs to urgently take place in co-ordination with civic, provincial and federal governments – and developers.
The Surrey Board of Trade will be closely monitoring infrastructure investments in the next B.C. budget. It is Surrey’s turn for real transportation investments such as light-rail transit.
I can’t emphasize enough in the face of a skills shortage how important it is to be an inclusive and welcoming community for our newcomers and our Indigenous populations. We must give them every chance of success and results in their career and entrepreneurial pathways – not only for the jobs of today, but also for tomorrow as automation, robotics and technology shift our communities for new opportunities.
And let’s not forget our seniors. They are also part of our workplace and entrepreneurial culture.
As it relates to international trade, creating global business connections for local businesses will continue to be the paradigm shift that Canadian businesses need. Canada’s prime minister has turned out to be the brand ambassador that we needed globally – taking advantage of every opportunity to put the U.S. into the shadow with its eccentric behaviour. This can only turn out to be an opportunity for Canada with international investments and job creation locally.
And I can’t stop without mentioning the continued shift to online buying and the continued demise of traditional retail bricks-and-mortar shops. Cybercrime will continue to be on the rise, and mitigating action for both small and large businesses needs to continue.
With all this serious talk, 2018 in my mind will be the year that employees and residents will look to enjoy their life more. That is why the cultivation of a vibrant arts and culture will need to continue. For example, Surrey is trying to brand itself as a music city destination. The balanced life that we so ardently search for seems to be further and further away. Our thriving multicultural arts and music scene is unparalleled and can help in achieving that escape.
Anita Huberman is the Surrey Board of Trade’s CEO.
