This statement is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
“As the Premiers and federal government meet in Ottawa over the coming days, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the importance of economic cooperation amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. With external challenges and declining business confidence, it is vital that federal and provincial governments work together in a unified manner to provide businesses with certainty.
“The elimination of internal trade barriers is a key area for action. According to a recent IMF report, Canada’s GDP could increase by nearly seven per cent – around $210 billion – if provinces removed these obstacles. Acting as a 21 per cent tariff on internal trade, removing them to allow goods, services and labour to move freely across provincial borders would attract talent, enhance competitiveness, boost productivity and strengthen business confidence. With the federal government eliminating trade barriers through Bill C-5, it is crucial for provincial governments to follow suit and maintain momentum toward a fully integrated Canadian economy.
“As the First Ministers meet on Thursday to discuss CUSMA, maintaining a stable and predictable trade framework must remain a top priority. We welcome intergovernmental efforts to expand opportunities for Canadian businesses by strategically diversifying international trading partners, which is crucial for the long-term stability of Canada’s economy. Yet with CUSMA alone driving a 47 per cent increase in North American trade and representing nearly a third of global GDP, any significant disruption would have serious consequences for employment and quality of life across all three countries. Continuity of the agreement is essential to provide businesses with the certainty they need to plan, invest and grow, and we encourage the First Ministers to work collaboratively to ensure this stability continues.”
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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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