Stability and resilience through COVID-19
Ensuring we can emerge on our front foot and ready to lead in a globalized, connected world.
The issue
The COVID-19 pandemic is a considerable global challenge that will continue to impact all Canadians, one way or another, for some time. Our way of life has been fundamentally disrupted.
We understand the stress and continued uncertainty for both the physical and economic health of our community. We know that all Canadians – everyday citizens, business owners, and our elected representatives – can meet this challenge. In order to ensure this, we ask policymakers to consider the following outcomes.
Delivering on these outcomes will keep us safe, ensure our Canadian economy continues to function, and allow us to emerge from this outbreak on our front foot and ready to lead in a globalized, connected world.
Policy recommendations
Stability and resiliency
On March 17, 2020, the Calgary Chamber submitted short, medium, and long term recommendations to all levels of government.
Public opinion research
Business Community Survey
We surveyed Calgary businesses to learn more about their experience with COVID-19 and the various support programs that are available. Here's what we learned.
Chamber in action
Municipal advocacy
Letter to City Council
On April 2, 2020, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce submitted the following letter to Mayor and Council on property tax relief for businesses struggling due to COVID-19.
Provincial advocacy
Letter to Economic Recovery Council
Calgary and Edmonton Chambers recommend bold action for long-term sustainable jobs to Premier’s Economic Recovery Council.
Federal advocacy
Letter to Minister Morneau
On April 9, 2020, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce submitted this letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau on support for Albertan and all Canadian businesses in the upcoming federal budget.
Supports for business
Letter on CEWS and CECRA
On May 6, 2020, we requested extension and changes to the CEWS and CECRA programs. Both are critical to the re-opening of our economy.
Alberta's relaunch strategy
Re-opening: top questions and concerns from business
On May 7, 2020, we shared the top re-opening questions and concerns from Calgary and Edmonton businesses with the provincial government.
Inclusive growth
Calgary Chamber supports affordable housing
On October 26, 2020, we joined organizations across the city and supported the City of Calgary's COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan
The latest updates
Chamber on COVID-19
Bolstering Community: A 2SLGBTQ+ Pride Month Conversation
Discussing the unique challenges 2SLGBTQ+ business owners and leaders face, as well as ways community leaders are supporting one another and the entire 2SLGBTQ+ business community.
Labour shortage and rising costs impeding business recovery
The Q2 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions indicates economic recovery will be uneven across sectors, with challenges exacerbated by an ongoing nationwide talent crunch combined with continued cost pressures and supply chain challenges.
Nominations now open for Calgary Small Business Awards
Over nine in ten businesses in Calgary are small businesses and together, they bring vital jobs, products, services, and vibrancy to our city. The Calgary Small Business Awards celebrate entrepreneurs that see opportunity, take risks, and work hard to make their business ideas a reality.
We believe that vibrant business lead to vibrant communities.
We advocate for policies that enable them to start, scale, and compete.
Stay up to date with the Calgary Chamber.
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