Ahead of the Speech from the Throne, Calgary business leaders look for clear policy commitments to back up economic signals from new federal government
Calgary, AB, May 26, 2025 – As the federal government opens its first session tomorrow following the election, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government to anchor their legislative agenda in economic growth, productivity and the long-term competitiveness of Canadian business.
“Canadians sent a clear message during the election: the economy must come first. Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed that message through his Cabinet appointments,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “But signals only matter if they lead to action. That’s what we’re looking for in tomorrow’s Speech from the Throne – a clear plan to strengthen the economy and support Canadian businesses. That includes unlocking the full potential of Alberta’s natural resources, cutting through barriers that slow down development, investing in the infrastructure that drives trade, and expanding Canada’s reach into global markets.”
In particular, we are looking for action to:
- Reduce regulatory and permitting delays by following through on the promise to implement a “one window” approval process and harmonize regulations across jurisdictions to enable timely progress on major projects that unlock investment and contribute to economic growth.
- Advance trade diversification by investing in trade-enabling and national infrastructure, and expanding market access beyond the United States – including through the $5 billion Trade Diversification Fund and considering measures to de-risk large trade-enabling infrastructure that supports the attraction of private investment capital.
- Promote affordability and access to capital by withdrawing punitive measures such as the Digital Services Tax and increasing Small Business Tax threshold from $500,000 to $750,000.
- Accelerate talent and workforce development through improvements to labour mobility, newcomer credentialing, post-secondary support and revitalization of the Global Skills Strategy. This also includes a focus on encouraging technology education and adoption that contributes to increased workforce productivity.
- Catalyze infrastructure development by launching the Build Canada Homes corporation and supporting housing starts and community infrastructure in both urban and rural communities.
“We are encouraged by signals that this Cabinet is focused on the economy and understands the urgency of the moment,” adds Yedlin. “Now we need policy follow-through – grounded in collaboration, speed and pragmatism – that acknowledges these are longer cycle investments and require certainty to attract private sector capital. The business community is ready to work with government to grow our economy, build lasting prosperity and create opportunity for all Canadians.”
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among our 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.
Media Inquiries
Brittany Brander
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