Calgary, AB, February 10, 2025–The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to release a national plan to address roadblocks to Canada’s economic growth and productivity and protect Canadian jobs, families and quality of life. Entitled Inflection Point: A plan for a competitive, productive, prosperous Canada, this plan contains 82 evidence-based public policy recommendations – backed and supported by both our business community and Canadians – for political parties, elected officials and civil servants to consider as they look to strengthen our global competitiveness and build a prosperous future for all.
“Canada is at an inflection point. For years, our productivity has declined, and we have watched capital flow to other jurisdictions, rather than be invested in Canada. From regulatory burdens and uncertainty associated with project approvals, to a lower dollar that has constrained investment in new technologies and equipment, Canadian businesses and workers have watched our competitiveness erode,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “The recent – and still impending – threat of tariffs from the United States has rightfully magnified and focused our attention on this long-standing issue. Now, more than ever, Canadians are looking to governments and businesses to seize this moment and take action to protect Canadian jobs and workers, grow the Canadian economy and build a strong future for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Informed by our members through roundtables and surveys, and by national opinion polling, these recommendations cut across five key themes – competitiveness, trade, entrepreneurship, talent and labour, and community well-being – to galvanize the next federal government to prioritize our economy and address the impediments to prosperity and success for Canadians and businesses.
Key Recommendations
- Competitiveness: Reduce red tape and regulatory impediments that stall investment and impede business growth.
- Trade: Address interprovincial trade barriers to bolster affordability for Canadians and support business opportunity within Canada.
- Entrepreneurship: Support access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses, improving tax measures and removing barriers to funding streams.
- Talent and Labour: Develop plans to support immigration long term, ensuring we have the labour force needed for a growing economy.
- Community Well-Being: Spur further investments in housing by reducing regulatory barriers, enhancing the labour force, and addressing supply chain issues.
“Canada has the foundations for success: an enterprising population, abundant natural resources, a world-class reputation, a strong democratic system and rule of law, and a good quality of life. To protect this foundation and unleash our potential, we need to improve our productivity – and do it quickly.“ says Yedlin. “Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors will need to be at the heart of this work. The plan we’ve unveiled today is about supporting those businesses to grow, innovate and be competitive.”
Quick Facts
- The top five concerns for Canadian businesses include cost of living, economic growth, taxes, housing and climate change.
- 79% of Canadians believe a strong economy makes for a strong society, but only 39% believe we are on the right track to achieve economic prosperity.
- 78% of Canadians are concerned by the productivity crisis.
- 69% of Canadians believe it is important to have a business-friendly government.
- 63% of Canadians believe that businesses should drive Canada’s economic agenda.
- 81% of Canadians agree that small businesses are important to our economy. Additionally, small businesses are among the most trusted institutions in Canada, with 62 per cent of Canadians indicating trust.
- 72% of Canadians believe Canada should be less reliant on the United States and 75% think it should be easier to trade within Canada than outside of it.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
