Success will hinge on doing things differently, enabling business to invest by strengthening food security, trade infrastructure, and economic competitiveness .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, B.C.) November 5th, 2025 – The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce welcomes the federal government’s focus on productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth in Budget 2025, but says execution will determine its success for regions like the Fraser Valley.
“This budget sets the right tone on productivity and competitiveness, but success will depend on how effectively it’s implemented,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “In the Fraser Valley, businesses of all sizes continue to face rising costs, tariffs, and uncertainty. We need targeted investments that translate into real results for our region and spur the private sector."
Defence and Aerospace: Strategic Growth for Abbotsford
The Chamber welcomes new defence investments, which could bolster Abbotsford’s fast-growing aerospace and aviation sector. With Abbotsford International Airport and several dual-use companies serving both civilian and defence applications, the region is uniquely positioned to support Canada’s national security goals while driving local economic growth.
As Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, noted: “To attract capital investment to fuel the growth we need, the government is making some large expectations on returns… we’re pleased to see difficult reprioritizations and significant new defence spending to meet our NATO commitments.”
For Abbotsford, these investments can create jobs, spur innovation, and expand partnerships between industry and post secondary institutions like the University of the Fraser Valley and BCIT. The Chamber urges the federal government to ensure these opportunities extend beyond major centres to regional economies that anchor Canada’s security and supply chains, and allow Canadian SMEs to participation in new procurement opportunities.
Safeguarding Canada’s Food Security and Trade Corridors
Abbotsford is key to Canada’s food security, generating over half of B.C.’s farm-gate receipts and producing a significant share of the nation’s dairy, poultry, and greenhouse crops. The 2021 floods made clear that protecting this vital agricultural region is not just a local priority, but a national imperative. When the floodwaters cut off Highway 1, Canada’s primary east-west trade artery, the impacts rippled far beyond the Fraser Valley, disrupting supply chains, exports, and food access across the country.
Investments in flood mitigation, agri-innovation, and the climate-resilient expansion of Highway 1 are essential to safeguard our national food systems and strengthen domestic and export supply chain stability.
“If Highway 1 closes again, our national food supply chain grinds to a halt. Investing in flood mitigation infrastructure in the Abbotsford is about securing Canada,” said Mitchell. “Supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link and as we look to unlock Canadian economic opportunity, we can’t afford not to invest in strengthening this link.”
Export Diversification
New trade capacity-enhancing measures outlined in Budget 2025 – including the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, the Strategic Exports Office, and new trade financing measures – move us in the right direction of meeting the government’s commitment to doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports by 2035.
Abbotsford is home to over 300 exporters, many of whom rely on the United States market. Going forward, the emphasis will need to be on equipping our businesses to explore new trade opportunities around the world to reduce that dependence, and the Abbotsford Chamber is ready to support that work with new programming offerings in 2026.
Investing in our Future Workforce
Expansion of apprenticeship training in the skilled trades, focus on an international talent strategy to drive innovation, and action on foreign credential recognition are highlights in this budget. The Chamber recommends expanding access to skilled trades investments and not limit eligibility to training exclusively provided by unions.
Businesses in Abbotsford are looking for skilled talent from aircraft maintenance engineers to equipment operators and health care works, and we need to meet those needs to see our companies grow.
The Bottom Line: Execution Matters
Echoing the BC and Canadian Chambers, the Abbotsford Chamber supports the government’s balance of fiscal restraint with targeted investment. For Fraser Valley businesses, success depends on clear implementation, predictable regulation, and accessible programs that allow firms to invest confidently and grow.
Investing in the Fraser Valley will:
- Strengthen Canada’s food security through agri-food innovation and climate resilience.
- Expand trade capacity by modernizing Highway 1 and critical transport routes.
- Support national defence and aerospace growth through regional industry participation.
“What we need now is a federal commitment to match our ambition,” said Mitchell. “Other nations are investing aggressively in their high-potential regions. Canada must do the same. The Fraser Valley is ready — with the people, plans, momentum and a track record of delivering.”
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About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce represents the needs of Abbotsford’s businesses and empowers economic development across the Fraser Valley region. For over 110 years, the Abbotsford Chamber has been the voice of business, working on behalf of nearly 800 members, investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and young professionals, breaking down barriers to business development and trade, advocating for investments and policies to help businesses succeed, and building community and connections.
The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
PR & Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce