FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, B.C.) November 7th, 2025 – With growing attention on the cost of doing business, pressures on public services, and community safety, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce convened business and civic leaders this morning for Prevention to Intervention: A Business Breakfast - a discussion on how road safety, caring for people injured in crashes, and keeping insurance affordable can strengthen local economic resilience.
The event featured keynote remarks from Jason McDaniel, Interim President & CEO of ICBC, who introduced the corporation’s new long-term strategy, Moving Together 2031, emphasizing road safety, caring for people injured in crashes and keeping insurance affordable.
“We’re not just an insurer, we’re part of an ecosystem that keeps people and goods moving safely and affordably,” said McDaniel. “Through collaboration with first responders and investments in road safety, we’re working to prevent crashes, improve recovery outcomes, and support safer communities for everyone.”
Following McDaniel’s remarks, an expert panel of Abbotsford’s emergency and health service leaders shared their perspectives on how coordinated prevention and intervention strategies can reduce strain on public services, improve safety, and support local business continuity:
- Dan Culbertson, Deputy Chief Constable, Abbotsford Police Department
- Brad Gaudette, Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service
- Trena Canning, Executive Director, Abbotsford & Mission Health Services, Fraser Health
- Kelly Rezonsoff, Director, British Columbia Emergency Health Services
Panelists emphasized the growing need for integration and collaboration between law enforcement and emergency response agencies, particularly as communities face increased call volumes, mental health crises, and social complexity.
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Culbertson spoke to the importance of real-time coordination between police, fire, and health responders.
“Public safety today is deeply interconnected,” said Culbertson. “When police, fire, and health services work together sharing data, co-responding to calls, and focusing on prevention, we can reduce duplication, de-escalate crises earlier, and keep people safer.”
Deputy Fire Chief Brad Gaudette described how Abbotsford Fire Rescue partners with the police and school district on education and early intervention programs.
“From youth fire safety to impaired driving prevention, our goal is to reach people before an incident happens,” said Gaudette. “We’re building a culture of prevention alongside our policing and health partners.”
Trena Canning of Fraser Health highlighted the critical role of information-sharing between health care and first responders.
“We’re increasingly seeing mental health and substance use at the heart of many emergency calls,” said Canning. “By integrating health teams with law enforcement and paramedics, we’re ensuring people in crisis are connected to care instead of cycling through emergency systems.”
Kelly Rezonsoff, with BC Emergency Health Services, added that coordinated response models are helping improve both safety and efficiency.
“Our joint training and communication with fire and police services allow us to respond more effectively and support community wellbeing,” said Rezonsoff.
Abbotsford Chamber CEO Alex Mitchell said the discussion underscored how collaboration across public safety and health services directly impacts the business environment.
“When our community systems work together, from prevention programs to emergency response, businesses benefit through greater stability and safety,” said Mitchell. “That’s what economic resilience looks like on the ground.”
Attendees were encouraged to:
- Regularly report issues to law enforcement to support local data gathering.
- Engage with groups like the Chamber of Commerce to unite on advocacy issues and have a larger voice.
- Share feedback with disability and treatment groups to help improve Enhanced Care services.
- The Abbotsford Chamber continues to advocate for safe, resilient, and economically competitive communities through ongoing events, partnerships, and policy engagement.
The event was made possible with support from the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia.
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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.
Abbotsford Chamber Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
PR & Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce