Wins for Business 2023

Business representation that delivers real impact.

Fall Economic Statement included two major items we have advocated for: a commitment to labour mobility and credential recognition (a long-standing policy resolution from the Canadian Chamber Network) and commitments to expedite the roll-out of Investment Tax Credits from Budget 2023 (which we advocated for in October in response to member concerns).
The November release of Canada’s Immigration System Report and Immigration Levels Plan included a number of our policy asks, including the adoption of digital tools for assessments, the targeting of homebuilders and the inclusion of considerations for housing and healthcare in the immigration levels plan. Notably, with 60% of permanent residency statuses granted to economic class migrants, there is better alignment with labour market dynamics and regional as well as sector-specific needs, as long advocated for by the Canadian Chamber.
Ongoing advocacy and media presence on the labour disruption in the St. Lawrence Seaway resulted in action from the federal government and quick resolution to the strike. We have also been particularly vocal on newly proposed “anti-replacement worker” legislation.
Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty met with High-Frequency Rail CEO Martin Imbleau in Ottawa to discuss next steps for the project, in line with our 2021 policy resolutions.
In September, the Prime Minister announced that MP Jennifer O’Connell (Pickering-Uxbridge) will take on the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity). This is the first time there has been explicit reference to cybersecurity in the role and the addition is directly tied to our positions.
Following broad advocacy, including over 250 members of the Canadian Chamber Network and other partners, the government announced a further year’s extension to the CEBA loan repayment deadline, a further quarter’s extension to qualifying for the forgivable component, and a new three-year sub-prime loan (5%) for those unable to refinance or pay off their loans now.
Following a decade of advocacy and multiple resolutions from the Canadian Chamber Network, the Temporary Foreign Workers Program announced a three-year Recognized Employer Pilot to reduce administrative red tape for repeat employers who meet the highest standards of worker protections.
We advocated for government intervention in the West Coast ports strike and expanded government powers. Following resolution, the Minister of Labour and Seniors announced a review of the Canada Labour Code to examine how the government can expand its toolbox to prevent labour disruptions in the future.
Following our participation at the Council of the Federation’s summer meeting, premiers endorsed the principles set out in the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan proposed by a coalition of business organizations.
The government announced an investment of up to $30 million to build a new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for United States-bound travellers. The new facility will build capacity for Toronto’s growing business and leisure passenger volumes and addresses a 2022 policy resolution.
Budget 2023 included the announcement of a National Supply Chain Strategy (a longstanding Canadian Chamber priority for investment and trade corridor infrastructure), and a one-year pause on the significant increase planned for the alcohol escalator tax, which we targeted in government advocacy as well as on social media and in earned media.
In May, a new Assistant Deputy Minister role was announced at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) responsible for life sciences — a top Life Sciences Council recommendation.
Cyber. Right. Now.’s priority of a Cabinet position to be designated as the government’s lead on cybersecurity was included as the top recommendation of the joint industry-government Canadian Forum for Digital Infrastructure Resilience report released by ISED.
In May, a delay was announced for the implementation of S-211’s public reporting regime on forced labour within supply chains (the Canadian Chamber raised concerns regarding a lack of clarity on how companies can demonstrate compliance).
In May, Canada announced a new Verified Traveller Program to offer a more efficient screening process, the focus of Canadian Chamber submissions, testimony at committee and an op-ed in The Sun.
In March, we secured amendments to regulations on the prohibition of property purchases by non-Canadians following discussions with the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities’ office. Specifically, the changes allow more homebuilders to participate in the Canadian market while still preserving the spirit of the regulations. Additionally, the Minister’s staff underscored having not heard of these constraints prior to discussions with us.
Treasury Board announced a return to government offices under the “common hybrid work model” effective Q1 2023.
Parliament’s Finance Committee published its formal recommendations for the upcoming Budget, which included a number of the Cyber. Right. Now. Council’s key asks, including the establishment of a Cabinet-level lead on cybersecurity and supporting a pipeline of cyber commercialization.
A letter sent to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee was publicly acknowledged and led to the end of a filibuster over whether the committee would expose our members’ confidential COVID-19 vaccine supply agreements with the government, breaking their contractual confidentiality and establishing a dangerous precedent for all businesses who have dealings with government.