Fostering Growth and Unlocking Potential: Edmonton Chamber of Commerce provincial

Priorities

Haydar Al Dahhan, Board Chair

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share our business community’s priorities with the Government of Alberta. These seven broad priorities reflect the current needs of employers and entrepreneurs and the vision they have for a competitive, business-friendly and dynamic province.

Establish a Long-Term Fiscal Management Plan

Alberta’s government must prioritize long-term fiscal planning and stability, considering the volatility of energy prices and the pandemic’s impact on revenues. To achieve this, adopting a fiscal anchor and a comprehensive long-term plan is crucial, including debt repayment and investment of any surpluses. An independent panel should review government revenues to reduce reliance on royalty revenues.

By focusing on the long-term and preparing for future challenges, Alberta can ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.

Bridge the Skills Gap

Alberta’s skills gap is impacting the economy, with many businesses experiencing labor shortages and struggling to recruit skilled employees. Alberta can create more pathways for skills transfers, attract and retain skilled workers, improve credential transferability, and expand work-integrated learning. We must also build on the effective work already being done to market Alberta’s strengths and tell our province’s story to the world.

Invest in and Foster Innovation

Diversification is critical in today’s economy and the Edmonton Region is rich in innovators, ready to lead the way and reach global markets. Some of Edmonton’s strengths are in life sciences, technology, video game development, arts, tourism, critical minerals, agriculture and agrifood. Investing in Edmonton’s strengths will foster economic diversification, attract investment and ensure long-term prosperity for Alberta.

Lead in Clean Energy and Reaching Net-Zero

The energy sector is essential to Alberta’s economy and the province is a leader in advancing technology to address climate change. As we develop our resources in a responsible and sustainable way, meeting market demands for energy products and sustainability goals, Alberta can develop a strong, harmonized climate and energy policy.

Share your thoughts on business issues with the Edmonton Chamber at policy@edmontonchamber.com

We must create an economic environment that provides policy certainty, making the most of opportunities in carbon capture, hydrogen, critical minerals and more. By implementing these actions, Alberta can ensure a sustainable energy sector, attract investment and contribute to global climate goals.

Address the Growing Affordability Crisis

The Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab numbers show that rising input costs, inflation, and interest rates are hurting businesses. Edmonton is also facing a housing crisis, with a shortage of social and affordable housing units and a high number of households in core housing need.

While acknowledging existing programs to address affordability, the Edmonton Chamber recommends expanding programs that help make life more affordable for all, such as eligibility for the commercial Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) to larger projects, enhancing retrofit programs to manage rising energy costs, and increasing investments in housing access across the spectrum.

Support our Growing Population

Edmonton’s population is growing rapidly and the infrastructure and programs that support it must keep up. The Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton should work together to enhance transit service and safety to support trade, tourism and business connectivity. From key infrastructure, like hospitals and schools, to support for the arts, sports and cultural sector that boosts community vibrancy and stimulates growth, investment is needed for Edmonton to effectively serve the needs of its growing population.

Improve Community Safety and Well-being

Businesses in Edmonton are calling for enhanced community safety and support for vulnerable populations. This requires comprehensive and cohesive supports such as increased police presence, funding for Business Improvement Areas to address social disorder, enhanced transit safety, and a review of funding to close support service gaps. Continued investments in housing solutions and adequate shelter spaces are crucial to prevent and end homelessness.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is committed to working together with all levels of Government to drive economic growth, attract investment, and create a thriving business environment in the Edmonton region. For more information, please visit edmontonchamber.com.