On February 18, the Calgary Chamber hosted the Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, for a discussion on the federal government’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s transportation networks and supply chains.
He opened by acknowledging that, amid shifting geopolitical relationships and trade disruptions, the status quo is no longer sufficient. To ensure economic growth, the Minister highlighted that the federal government is working to deliver faster approvals, increased infrastructure capacity and a more connected transportation and supply chain network — including an east-west pipeline. He emphasized that Calgary and Alberta play a vital role in Canada’s transportation and supply chains, describing the province as a strategic asset in moving goods and energy efficiently across the country and to global markets.
Minister MacKinnon outlined four key priorities of his government:
- Enhancing economic competitiveness through strategic trade infrastructure and ensuring supply chains operate seamlessly, alongside efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.
- Supporting labour stability and securing the workforce required to build major transportation projects.
- Advancing digital trade to improve efficiency in travel and commerce.
- Modernizing regulations through streamlined, parallel approval processes to accelerate project development.
In the fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO Deborah Yedlin, the Minister highlighted additional priorities, including improving air travel affordability, port expansions in St. John’s, Montreal, Prince Rupert and planned expansions in Vancouver, and encouraging more Canadians to pursue careers in the skilled trades. He emphasized that meeting Canada’s infrastructure ambitions will also require strategic immigration to address labour gaps and ensure the country has the workforce needed to build for the future.
The Calgary Chamber extends its thanks to presenting sponsor WestJet, thanking sponsor Calgary Airport Authority, and supporting sponsors Air Canada, AltaGas and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited for their support of this event.
