Image: MLA Heather Maahs

By Mike Vanden Bosch

MLA Heather Maahs

Amid job losses of over 1,200 in Chilliwack, MLA Maahs urges B.C. govt. to do more to protect small businesses

Jul 16, 2025 | 10:29 AM

CHILLIWACK — Amid a new Statistics Canada report that shows a loss of over 1,200 jobs in Chilliwack, Chilliwack North Heather Maahs says small businesses are struggling under the weight of unsafe conditions in the community that impact their livelihood.

In a statement to Fraser Valley Today, Maahs says the latest jobs report revealing a reduction of over 1,200 jobs in June 2025 means more people are looking for work, but there are fewer jobs available. In spite of Mayor Ken Popove and Chilliwack councillors’ efforts to support small businesses and facilitate a healthier economy, job opportunities are dwindling, Maahs said.

“Small businesses are struggling and/or folding due to many factors,” said Maahs, citing several business closures that have happened over the past year in Chilliwack. “High expenses and taxation rates are impacting businesses across the province. Many businesses have still not recovered from the impact of COVID restrictions and mandates.”

Image: MLA Heather Maahs / MLA Heather Maahs at a recently opened pastry and coffee shop on Mill Street.

Maaahs says the B.C. government bears much of the blame due what she says is its misguided practice of sending addicts from other communities to Chilliwack. Due to the number of homeless that now reside here, there has been an increasing financial burden placed on the broader community and social services.

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“Businesses are constantly being broken into, some are losing customers who fear getting out of their vehicles to access services,” said Maahs. “Expenses have gone up exponentially due to the need for more security measures such as fencing, dogs, alarm systems, and hiring security guards. As business owners arrive to work in the mornings, they must clean up needles, pipes, and drug paraphernalia, not to mention human excrement and garbage. The declining job opportunities is a growing concern for all of us. It’s time for government to address social issues, support business development and maintain sustainability.”