Fair Deal Panel response provides some certainty for business; collaboration key to future stability

CALGARY, AB – "As the voice of business in Calgary, we advocate for policies that provide certainty for business and make our city and our province a destination of choice for investment.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that we are stronger when we work together. We commend the provincial government for their leadership and collaborative approach in responding to this crisis with the federal government. And now, more than ever, we urge that collaborative spirit to continue in the pursuit of the Fair Deal Panel recommendations.

“As we move forward, we have to work in the interest of our province, and our country. Any program or initiative that polarizes, creates conflicting regulations, or adds more uncertainty – such as contemplating the creation of an Alberta Pension Plan – could adversely affect our financial security, create more red tape, and be a costly undertaking at a time when Albertans cannot afford it. Decisions such as these will hamper capital investment in Alberta and hinder growth in our economy overall.

“We hosted the Fair Deal Panel for a roundtable with Calgary’s business community in February, and provided a joint submission to the Panel with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Now, we are encouraged to see several of our recommendations reflected in the report, including:

• Aggressively dismantling trade barriers within Canada by taking a leadership role on internal trade and labour mobility;
• Expanding market access and trade through collaboration and pursuit of new market opportunities;
• Advancing market-based approaches to environment protection; and
• Continuing to diversify Alberta’s economy.

“We thank the members of the Fair Deal Panel for their work in compiling this report and for engaging with the Chamber and Calgary’s business community through this process.”

Media Inquiries

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

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 129 years the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.