“Vancouver isn’t waiting for global markets to stabilize—it’s taking charge. A newly launched task force promises bold, local solutions to strengthen business in a shifting economy.”
Mayor Ken Sim Unveils Business Growth Task Force
In response to rising economic headwinds, the City of Vancouver has unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting and streamlining local business growth. The newly announced Mayor’s Business Growth Task Force will gather top voices from across tech, tourism, finance, real estate, and Indigenous leadership.
Among the group’s members is former B.C. premier and Vancouver mayor Gordon Campbell, signaling a deep well of experience guiding this mission.
“While we can’t control Washington or global markets, we can ensure Vancouver is ready,”
said Mayor Ken Sim during the launch on April 7.
A Mission to Cut Red Tape and Spark Growth
The task force’s primary goal? Make it easier to start, sustain, and scale a business in Vancouver. The group will explore reforms in:
- Permitting processes
- Business taxation
- Economic incentives
- Investment attraction strategies
Sim emphasized the city’s commitment to removing barriers that slow growth and ensuring Vancouver remains competitive in a fast-evolving global economy.
A Cross-Party, Action-Oriented Approach
The initiative also aims to be strictly non-partisan, bringing together councillors from both ABC Vancouver and the Green Party, including:
- Mike Klassen
- Lenny Zhou
- Pete Fry, who will serve as city council liaisons
“This is not politics as usual,” Fry stated.
“We need rapid, collaborative, and innovative action. This is about doing things differently—and doing them fast.”
Six Months to Deliver Change
The task force is expected to present its recommendations to city council within six months, delivering tangible strategies to reinforce Vancouver’s economic resilience in an increasingly volatile world.
As small businesses struggle with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and talent shortages, this task force could become a blueprint for how cities adapt—locally and swiftly—to global uncertainty.
Maple News Wire will continue to follow the task force’s progress and report on the strategies shaping Vancouver’s business future.
