As CEO of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, I want to acknowledge the recent election outcome and reflect on what a continued or renewed Liberal mandate may mean for our small business community.
Small businesses are the backbone of Sooke’s local economy, and federal policy plays a key role in shaping the environment in which we operate. With the Liberals returning to power, we anticipate continuity in certain programs that many businesses have come to rely on, such as support for green innovation, access to grants for digital transformation, and funding streams for women and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
We will also be closely watching how the federal government addresses the rising cost of doing business, housing availability for our workforce, and infrastructure needs that affect supply chains and customer access. These are national issues with very local impacts.
The Sooke Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that reduce red tape, ensure fair taxation, and support the resilience and growth of independent businesses. No matter who is in office, our role remains the same: to be a strong, nonpartisan voice for local business.
We encourage our members to stay engaged, ask questions, and bring forward the opportunities or concerns they see ahead under this federal leadership. Together, we can make sure Sooke’s voice is heard at all levels of government.
Deb Schenk is the executive director of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce
