This statement is attributable to Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice-President, Policy and External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
“We welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment today to increase Canada’s defense spending to 5% of GDP – the most significant investment in our military since the Second World War. We also encourage Canada to continue advancing global peace and security, particularly as a stable global environment is the foundation of a thriving economy. Canada’s commitment to NATO’s defense target reinforces our role in protecting that foundation and promoting geopolitical stability.
“Done strategically, this commitment represents a significant economic opportunity. Infrastructure projects such as ports, airports, telecom, energy infrastructure and cybersecurity can strengthen national resilience while stimulating growth across multiple sectors, as well as create new industries and jobs. This includes sectors such as steel and aluminum, which have been hit hard under the imposition of tariffs. As well, we believe that the recently passed One Canadian Economy Act can be a springboard for some of these investments, particularly as the list of nation-building projects takes shape.
“This is also a generational opportunity to advance reconciliation. Many of the proposed infrastructure investments intersect with the traditional lands and communities of First Nations, Metis and Inuit across Turtle Island. Indigenous perspectives and partnerships must be embedded from the outset, ensuring that economic participation, sovereignty and prosperity are central to this opportunity. Expanding rural connectivity – something the Chamber has long championed – must be also part of this conversation.
“As always, fiscal responsibility matters. With costs of this scale, we continue to call on governments to invest wisely and prioritize high-impact, high-return projects that serve both our security and our economic future.
“For weeks, we have seen a notable step change in the federal government – with signals and actions that put the economy and the prosperity of Canadians at the forefront, while positioning Canada as a global leader in trade, economic growth and security. Today’s commitment reinforces that direction. It not only strengthens Canada’s position in upcoming trade negotiations with the E.U. and U.S. and addresses long-standing tensions with key allies, but it also affirms our credibility as a partner in advancing peace and stability.
“In a time of rising global uncertainty, Canada must do more than meet targets. We must also actively promote global security by investing in critical infrastructure, strengthening alliances and championing the rule-based international order. We believe this commitment is a bold step. We reaffirm our commitment to work with the federal government to ensure these projects have tangible benefits for our community.”
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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.
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