Read the full report here.
Calgary, AB, November 3, 2026 – Today, the Calgary Chamber is releasing a new report, Competing for Capital: Strengthening Canada’s Tax Competitiveness. Reflecting input from our members, this report calls for fundamental modernization of Canada’s tax system to strengthen investment, productivity and economic growth.
The report comes as businesses face increasingly intense competition for capital globally and ahead of the federal budget. Calgary Chamber member feedback underscores the importance of tax policy to investment decisions, with 70 per cent of survey respondents stating that current Canadian tax policy impacts their organization’s capital investment decisions.
After engaging extensively with Chamber members through surveys, roundtables and meetings, Competing for Capital includes 34 recommendations to government to improve Canada’s tax system and create an environment that is competitive, predictable and accessible for businesses.
“The Canadian tax system has become increasingly complex through decades of incremental changes, credits and exceptions,” says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Canada needs a comprehensive review focused on competitiveness, simplicity and predictability. We consistently hear from our members that certainty matters alongside cost. Businesses making long-term investments need confidence that the rules governing those investments will remain clear, durable and predictable over time.”
Member feedback also indicates that investment decisions are shaped by the broader tax environment rather than any single measure. Survey respondents most frequently identified overall effective tax burden (60 per cent), corporate income tax rates (43 per cent), predictability and stability of the tax system (37 per cent) and investment tax credits (33 per cent) as important factors in investment decisions.
Figure 1: Tax-related factors most important to investment decisions
Source: Calgary Chamber member survey. Respondents selected up to 3 factors.
“Canada has taken important steps to strengthen its investment proposition, but there is more work to do to translate that advantage into investment on the ground,” adds Yedlin. “If Canada is going to catalyse $1 trillion in investment over the next five years, businesses need a tax system that makes it easier to invest, build and grow. That includes competitive treatment of capital, financing rules that reflect the realities of major projects and tax administration that provides timely guidance, consistent treatment and greater certainty for investors.”
Chamber priorities:
- Modernize Canada’s business tax system to improve simplicity, predictability and competitiveness.
- Ensure the Productivity Mega Deduction is broad, predictable and economically usable in practice.
- Reassess and reform EIFEL so financing rules do not unnecessarily discourage major infrastructure investment.
- Make tax administration a competitive advantage through predictable service standards, consistent treatment and timely dispute resolution.
- Ensure investment incentives are accessible in practice and reflect the financing and ownership structures used to deliver major projects.
- Measure tax policy by economic outcomes, including investment, productivity, competitiveness and compliance costs.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. 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 founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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