Monday’s First Ministers’ Meeting showed important alignment, urgency and focus on growing the economy – with strong signals around fast-tracking major projects, improving internal trade and building critical trade infrastructure, as well as advancing Canada’s trade relationships and addressing community safety, says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
“Support for projects such as a western economic corridor – something the Chamber has strongly advocated for – is a positive step toward unlocking Canada’s resource and export capacity. We were also encouraged to see a level of openness to pipelines, critical minerals infrastructure and major decarbonization projects such as Pathways Alliance – all of which advance economic and environmental goals, advance productivity and improve prosperity for all Canadians,” she said.
Deborah Yedlin
“Commitments to accelerated and more coordinated project approvals are critical to provide businesses with the clarity and predictability they need, and a clearer regulatory framework would unlock capital and accelerate infrastructure that supports energy, trade and long-term growth. We encourage ongoing engagement with industry and with Indigenous communities to ensure the framework developed can be implemented effectively and set Canada on the path to becoming a global energy superpower.”
The Calgary Chamber says it 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 says it works to build strength and resilience among our members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. It is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891 serving and advocating for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Photo by Patrick Dunn
“Internal trade remains critical to unlocking our economic potential – across all sectors of the economy. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Alberta and Ontario serves as a meaningful step toward reducing barriers between provinces. A stronger, more connected internal market will benefit businesses across the country – including small businesses – and will make Canada more competitive globally,” added Yedlin.
“With community safety being among the top priorities for small businesses across the country – and particularly in urban centres – we are encouraged by the First Ministers’ commitment to joining efforts to address safety and security and look forward to collaborating with provincial and federal governments on behalf of our business community.
“The message from yesterday’s meeting was clear: Canada needs to build – and nothing should be off the table. That includes oil and gas, inland ports, critical minerals, carbon capture. The signals are still strong. But we need to turn signal into action. We need to build from here to attract investment, boost productivity and strengthen Canada’s position in a shifting global economy.”
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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