Calgary Chamber welcomes new federal ministers

Calgary, July 26, 2023 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce welcomes and congratulates the new cabinet members sworn in today. The cabinet shuffle signals a continued focus on economic resilience and growth, and emphasizes the importance of affordability, housing and infrastructure. We are encouraged by the creation of a specific small business portfolio, and are pleased to see the continuity of several key ministers in economic and natural resources-related portfolios.

"We look forward to working with the new members of cabinet and extend our appreciation to those leaving their positions," says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "A renewed focus on economic growth, housing and small business is welcomed, particularly as we look ahead to building a resilient, diversified and low-carbon economy that ensures Canada is competitive on the global stage."

The Calgary Chamber is eager to continue working with the federal government on several key priorities, including:

• Providing greater affordability support for small and medium-sized businesses, given the significant challenges they are facing related to inflation, interest rates, costs of labour, supply chains and insurance costs.
• Implementing measures to address the labour shortage and set newcomers up for success through credentialling and accreditation.
• Offering additional clarity on investment tax credits, including carbon capture utilization and storage. Given the importance and urgency of investment in emissions reduction technology to meet ambitious climate goals, businesses need certainty and clarity that accelerates investment decisions.
• Advancing an economy-wide, sector-agnostic, national GHG offset system based on consultations with industry, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous partners.
• Supporting downtowns as hubs of commerce, attracting investment and talent, particularly given the significant challenges downtowns have faced over the course of the pandemic.

As cabinet members take on new roles, we warmly invite ministers to visit Calgary to connect with our dynamic and diversified business community. We call on the federal government to prioritize fiscal responsibility, address the persistent labour shortage, and promote productivity and economic growth. The Calgary Chamber looks forward to continuing to collaborate with government to develop and implement policies that support the sustained growth of Canada’s business community, recognizing their critical role in the economy.

ABOUT THE CALGARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. 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, we build on our 132-year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors and across the city.

Media opportunities

For media inquiries, please contact Shannon Hazlett, Senior Public Relations Advisor, at media@calgarychamber.com.