It’s not good enough to say we’re open for business, we need to make our city a serious business destination: Councillor Linda Annis

Surrey, B.C. (February 5, 2025): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs should be a “wake-up call” for Surrey and its approach to being a city that is open for business.

“The 30-day reprieve on tariffs is a red flag reminder that Canada, B.C., and Surrey need to make significant changes that do more to attract business investment and new export customers,” noted Annis. “Living in fear of Donald Trump’s every whim and unpredictable approach to being our neighbour and ally is no way to build a strong business future for our country, province and city.”

Annis said just as Canada and British Columbia need to make major changes to attracting and keeping businesses and finding new export customers, Surrey needs to do the same.

“Saying we’re ‘open for business’ might be a nice slogan, but the whole tariff issue is proof that we have to rethink how our city touches Surrey businesses,” added Annis. “We need to rethink regulations, taxes, and the time it takes to get things done in our city. We need to encourage entrepreneurs and enterprise. Saying you’re open for business, but putting up more and more regulations, increasing taxes, and taking too long to get projects approved speaks volumes to businesses looking to invest in our city.”

Annis said provinces and the federal government also need to get rid of domestic tariffs that limit trade between different parts of the country.

“We’re complaining about U.S. tariffs, but our provinces have domestic trade restrictions that limit opportunities for Canadian businesses right here at home,” noted Annis. “At the same time, municipal regulations, fees, and taxes are a growing burden for businesses, and it all adds up to limiting investment in new opportunities and jobs.”

Annis wants city hall to take a deep dive on how it impacts business and determine what we can do to strengthen our business sector and make it more successful, including growing export opportunities beyond the United States.

“We need to look at every point of contact between city hall and business and ask tough questions that can help us show that we are genuinely open for business,” added Annis.

Annis said she will be asking city council to support an immediate and thorough review of business conditions in Surrey, with real input from our business community.

“Surrey has tremendous potential when it comes to industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, shipping and transportation, and construction,” explained Annis. “The best protection against U.S. tariffs is a stronger and more diversified economy, with customers across Canada and the U.S.A., but also customers in other countries. The fact is, there is no time to lose, and we should start immediately to work alongside our business leaders to build a stronger Surrey economy that can step up for B.C. and Canada.”