This statement is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
As Alberta’s legislature resumes sitting this week, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to focus on creating the predictability and certainty businesses need to invest, grow and create jobs in Alberta.
“With the provincial referendum behind us, it is time to focus on the road ahead,” says Deborah Yedlin. “Alberta cannot control decisions made by other governments or jurisdictions, but we can control the conditions it creates for businesses here at home. The fall session presents an opportunity to strengthen Alberta’s competitiveness by reducing barriers to investment, providing regulatory certainty and addressing the challenges affecting economic growth.”
At a time of significant global economic uncertainty, Alberta cannot afford to introduce additional uncertainty of its own. Alberta competes with jurisdictions around the world for capital and labour. Therefore, businesses need clear and consistent government policy to make long-term decisions about where to invest and expand – especially in the context of risking long-cycle capital. We encourage the government to prioritize the following measures:
- Reduce Alberta’s Insurance Premium Tax to help lower operating costs for businesses and improve affordability for employers.
- Continue accelerating major project approvals by providing clear, predictable timelines and improving coordination across regulators and governments.
- Establish a responsible framework for data centre development that supports investment while protecting electricity affordability, grid stability, ensuring water security and efficient land use.
- Continue removing interprovincial trade barriers, building on Alberta’s mutual-recognition work by addressing the remaining barriers affecting services, labour mobility, transportation and permitting requirements.
- Prioritize trade-enabling infrastructure by advancing strategic investments in road, rail, airport, intermodal and economic corridor capacity that improve supply-chain reliability and connect Alberta businesses to domestic and international markets.
- Develop a comprehensive labour strategy to ensure businesses have access to the labour and skills they need, support the adoption of new technologies to improve productivity, and align workforce programs with employer-identified needs.
“We encourage the provincial government to prioritize regulatory efficiency, maintain a competitive fiscal environment and advance investments in trade-enabling infrastructure in this upcoming session,” says Yedlin. “Addressing workforce challenges and reducing barriers to doing business must also remain priorities to support long-term economic growth.”
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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 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.
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