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February 25 2021

Budget 2021 delivers on short- and medium-term business needs, bolder strategy needed for long-term growth and competitiveness

Calgary, February 25, 2021 – The provincial budget, tabled today by Finance Minister Travis Toews, displays the severe hit our economy took over the past year, and simultaneously the need for bold thinking as we chart our path towards a full, inclusive recovery. In fiscal year 2021-22, the provincial deficit is expected to hit $18.2 billion and the total debt to reach $115.8 billion.

“COVID-19 remains a threat to the health of our communities and our businesses, and we were encouraged to see short-and-medium term measures to address this reality,” says Murray Sigler, interim CEO of the Calgary Chamber. “But with vaccines rolling out and the acceleration of the future economy, we must also look towards Alberta’s long-term growth and competitiveness.”

Several initiatives outlined today reflect the Chamber’s key recommendations, and meet the short- and medium-term needs of businesses:

However, we have a unique opportunity to forge a more innovative and sustainable future for our province. We urge stronger action on:

We look forward to virtually hosting the Honourable Travis Toews, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, for Budget 2021 with Calgary’s business community. The event is taking place tomorrow at 9:30am and registration is open at https://www.calgarychamber.com/events.

Calgary’s business community stands ready to work with the Government of Alberta to ensure that we can springboard to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for every Albertan.

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers, and inspires the world.

For media inquiries, please contact media@calgarychamber.com or at (403) 750-0401.

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