Infrastructure in Waiting
Building Canada for a prosperous future
Calgary Chamber outlines recommendations to modernize infrastructure, enhance competitiveness and create shared prosperity for all Canadians.
Sharing 62 recommendations to unlock Canadian prosperity
Canada’s potential remains under-realized. Although the federal government has set the groundwork for advancing critical infrastructure, we still lack the tools and policy environment needed to build quickly and with confidence. This report is designed to complement federal efforts to advance major projects by ensuring Canada can also deliver the regional and local infrastructure essential to our growth – turning infrastructure in waiting into infrastructure in action.
Five key areas of action
Discover our five key actions to unlock Canada’s potential: Invest in trade infrastructure, cut red tape, drive innovation, empower Indigenous business and strengthen the labour market.
Pillar 1
Investing in trade-enabling infrastructure
By developing new trade-enabling infrastructure and economic corridors, Canada can open new global export markets, improve supply chains and grow Canada’s standing as a reliable trading partner. Building the physical and digital infrastructure to connect Canadians will be critical to unlocking our collective prosperity.
Our recommendations include:
- Bolstering transportation and economic corridors
- Strengthening North American supply chain integration
- Improving digital connectivity
Pillar 2
Removing regulatory obstacles
While regulation is critical to protecting Canadians, Canada’s regulatory framework has long been a barrier to growth. Between 2006 and 2021, regulatory requirements increased by 40 per cent – adding layers of red tape that have become an impediment to building the infrastructure our country needs.
Our recommendations include:
- Reducing regulatory burdens by addressing policy inconsistencies and expediting approvals
- Reviewing policy that restricts responsible development
- Streamlining interprovincial trade rules
Pillar 3
Advancing innovation and competitiveness
To build projects at scale across Canada, we need an innovative and competitive economy supported by well-designed tax incentives, strong digital adoption and the capacity for businesses to innovate and execute major projects. Equipping Canadian industries with the policies required to compete globally will drive domestic prosperity while improving environmental outcomes internationally.
Our recommendations include:
- Derisking and catalyzing investment
- Supporting technology adoption across sectors
- Improving climate competitiveness
Pillar 4
Supporting Indigenous participation in business
A strong, inclusive and competitive Canada depends on the full participation of Indigenous people in the economy. For too long, systemic barriers have restricted Indigenous participation in economic prosperity. Ensuring Indigenous leadership, ownership and partnership in infrastructure development strengthens the foundations of reconciliation and unlocks growth that benefits every Canadian.
Our recommendations include:
- Expanding procurement and supply chain opportunities
- Scaling Indigenous equity partnerships
- Embedding reconciliation in Canada’s infrastructure strategy
Pillar 5
Establishing a competitive labour market
To build the infrastructure needed across our country, we need a strong, skilled and adaptive workforce. Labour shortages have consistently been a barrier to growth across Canada that impact Canada’s ability to build. Improving workforce participation, supporting labour mobility and partnering with post-secondary institutions can ensure Canada’s labour market is adaptable and meets the needs of our economy.
Our recommendations include:
- Expanding capacity in building professions
- Enhancing immigration pathways and recognizing foreign credentials
Learn more
Canada can grow faster
Infrastructure in Waiting reveals what’s slowing us down and outlines the policies, tools and actions needed to unlock growth nationwide. Explore the full report to see how Canada can finally turn stalled projects into real progress.
If it matters to you, it matters to us.
We are your champion at the table with government – let us know what’s impacting you and your business.
