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Globe and Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Western Business Coalition Urges New Parliament to Prioritize Private Sector Growth and Economic Renewal
Vancouver, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Re ad j oint l etter: As Canada's 45th Parliament begins, the Western Business Coalition—comprised of the Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Business Council of Manitoba—is calling on all Members of Parliament (MPs) to focus urgently on restoring Canada's economic competitiveness and creating the conditions for a turnaround in living standards. In a letter sent today to every MP in Canada, the Coalition highlights mounting concerns over Canada's economic trajectory, including near-zero growth in GDP per capita over the past decade, unsustainable growth in the public sector, and a troubling weakness in private sector activity. 'On a per-capita basis, the country has been in a recession for more than two years. To reverse this trend, we must adopt policies that attract investment and support rising living standards for Canadians,' said Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of B.C. To help restore Canada's economic foundation, the Coalition is urging Parliament to act swiftly on three critical fronts: Abandon the proposed oil and gas emissions cap – Canada's resource sector is a key driver of exports, jobs, and economic reconciliation. The cap could undermine economic growth and global emissions reductions goals. Improve tax competitiveness – Canada needs a tax system that supports long-term investment and talent retention. We recommend improvements to depreciation allowances for capital investments and a more competitive personal income tax system to help businesses attract and retain highly skilled workers. Streamline regulatory processes – Canada must make regulatory excellence a competitive advantage, ensuring high standards without unnecessary delays or burdens. The Coalition's message is clear: Canada must act immediately to create a vibrant investment climate and growing economy, or risk further decreases in investment, economic performance, and living standards. Members of the Coalition will be in Ottawa next week to deliver this message directly to the federal government as the new Parliament begins. 'Standing for public office is an immense responsibility and we thank all who serve,' said Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta. 'We're asking Parliamentarians to take bold action to ensure Canada remains a place where people and businesses can succeed.' The letter comes at a pivotal time. Canadians are facing record-high food bank usage, more than two years of negative population-adjusted economic growth, and sluggish business investment for a decade. Compounding Canada's home-grown challenges, proposed U.S. tariffs pose a serious threat to Canada's export-dependent industries and future investment opportunities. The full letter to MPs can be found online in English and French. -30- ADDITIONAL QUOTES 'Canada's prosperity depends on enabling private sector growth, not stifling it. We need competitive tax policy, clear and efficient regulation, and investment-friendly policies to ensure businesses can thrive, innovate, and create opportunity across the country.' — Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce "What strengthens our economy strengthens our society. By empowering the private sector with policies that boost Canada's competitiveness, we unlock innovation, drive productivity, and create jobs—turning economic growth into lasting benefits for all Canadians." — Bram Strain, President & CEO, Business Council of Manitoba MEDIA CONTACTS Braden McMillan Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs Business Council of British Columbia Danielle Alfaro Communications Manager Business Council of Alberta dalfaro@ Josie Fries Senior Director, Marketing and Events Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce jfries@ Kate Doer Director, Communications & Policy Business Council of Manitoba kdoer@ ABOUT: Western Business Coalition Members Business Council of British Columbia Established in 1966, the Business Council of British Columbia is a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for current and future generations. Comprised of over 200 leading B.C. companies, post-secondary institutions and industry associations, BCBC provides credible information, fosters cross-sectoral relationships and advocates for bold and practical solutions to the policy challenges of our time. Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building a better Alberta within a more dynamic Canada. Composed of the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of the province's largest enterprises, Council members are proud to represent the majority of Alberta's private sector investment, job creation, exports, and research and development. The Council is committed to working with leaders and stakeholders across Alberta and Canada in proposing bold and innovative public policy solutions and initiatives that will make life better for Albertans. Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is a leading advocate for business in the province, committed to driving economic growth and championing a thriving business community. As the 'Voice for Saskatchewan Business,' the Chamber represents the interests of over 10,000 individual businesses, industry associations, and local chambers. More information can be found at or @SaskChamber on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Business Council of Manitoba The Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. Established in 1998, the Council is non-partisan and advocates for innovative, fact-based positions on key issues that affect the current and future well-being and prosperity of the province and country. Our membership is comprised of over 100 of Manitoba's leading businesses and their CEOs, who are dedicated to fostering economic growth and community development. Together, they serve as the economic engine of Manitoba. For more information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn. Attachments
CBC
07-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Talk of Alberta separatism gets sympathy — but not support — from B.C. leaders
Social Sharing Politicians and business leaders in British Columbia say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far. The reactions come after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said this week that she would put the issue to a referendum if enough residents sign a petition in support, even if she doesn't want Alberta to leave Canada. B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad said he understands the frustration and that it's an opportunity for Prime Minister Mark Carney "to step up to the plate" and for the federal government to "unleash the potential of provinces." B.C. Premier David Eby said last month the idea of Western separatism was a "waste of time" when the country needs to work together against tariff threats of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the Business Council of British Columbia says that "Alberta's concerns around policies like emissions caps on oil and gas must be taken seriously." While the B.C. Chamber of Commerce wouldn't comment on Alberta separation, it did push for the "importance of removing unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers and the need to have a single, seamless market in Canada." "The B.C. Chamber of Commerce is focused on critical issues that will unlock the economic potential for British Columbia and Canada," said CEO Fiona Famulak in a statement. "Foremost is the need for the federal government and provincial governments to work collaboratively and create a single market in our country, where businesses and consumers can buy and sell products without onerous interprovincial restrictions impeding productivity and growth." Watch | Pushback from MLAs, First Nations chiefs to Alberta separatism: Alberta separatism voting backlash 18 hours ago Duration 2:24 First Nation Chiefs and MLAs are speaking out about the proposed Election Statutes Amendment Act in Alberta, which could make a vote on Alberta separating from Canada more feasible. Critics are quick to highlight how separatism would violate treaty rights. Business Council of B.C. CEO Laura Jones says we need a strong economy, not a fractured country. "When Alberta thrives, Canada thrives," she said. "The reality is that implementing an emissions cap risks undermining affordability, reconciliation and trade diversification." Industry experts and researchers say separation wouldn't be a helpful solution to Alberta, a landlocked province that needs more access to outside markets. "The idea of Alberta becoming a separate nation, what would it do other than to create barriers between it and other provinces?" says University of British Columbia-Okanagan associate professor of economics Ross Hickey. "I don't know what Alberta's situation would be fiscally if it weren't for the flow of capital from outside of the province into the province, and the flow of labour from outside the province in the province. The oil does not extract itself." B.C. Trucking Association president Dave Earle said Alberta separatism has long, historic roots — and the reasons for its re-emergence should not be dismissed. "I don't think Canadians really understand the level of dissatisfaction and upset that exists there," Earle says. "And that's something we have to find a way both to honour and really hear what Albertans have to say." But Earle adds that he isn't worried about a hypothetical separation isolating B.C., where most roads and land links to other parts of Canada go through Alberta. He says the North American land transport system is fully integrated, and Alberta will continue to need the goods being brought in from other jurisdictions through that system, necessitating the routes to stay open and accessible.
