Our Statement on the Call for an April 28 Federal Election

Canadians are privileged to live and work in an open, vibrant and democratic country. With the federal election kickoff today, we once again get to exercise our right to vote for the next national government and our future. However, this election comes at a critical and highly uncertain time for our country. The ongoing tensions with the U.S. have created a volatile environment, making it harder for businesses and families to plan ahead. Strong public programs, like healthcare, retirement benefits, and a robust military, rely on a thriving business sector and tax revenue from Canadian individuals and businesses. Right now, that foundation is at risk. 

Over the next 37 days, this uncertainty may grow. As the parties hit the campaign trail, they must remember what’s at stake: the livelihoods of Canadians depend on how we navigate this crisis with the U.S., how we address our economic challenges, and how we support Canadian business. Regardless of who wins, Canada needs a united strategy to reduce dependence on U.S. trade and build a resilient, future-ready economy where all Canadians can thrive and be optimistic about the future. The next federal government needs to hit the ground running, ready to pursue a mandate that will guarantee Canada’s economic sovereignty and security, ensuring we are never left this vulnerable again. 

This plan must include: 

Delivering on the promise of free internal trade: An open Canadian market, facilitating the unobstructed movement of goods, people and services, is the cornerstone of a competitive economy. As the coming months present an immense economic challenge for Canadians, there is no reason to keep internal trade barriers in place a moment longer than necessary. 

Undertaking tax and regulatory reform: Canada is in direct competition with the U.S. for business investment. Our response can’t be to try and regulate or tax our industries into being more competitive. We need regulatory and tax systems that promote innovation and competition, bringing businesses to Canada instead of driving them away. Reducing the tax burden on business and families, while also reducing public spending is the path to prosperity and a competitive economy.  

Committing to long-term investment in infrastructure: Our success is rooted in being a trading nation. However, if we can’t move it, we can’t sell it. We undermine our ability to grow our economy when Canadian businesses can’t get their goods to other provinces and territories or to our trade partners overseas. Expanding our existing infrastructure will ensure we reach our full potential.   

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber Network are ready and waiting to work with the next federal government to build a Canada of thriving business opportunity and a better life for all. Our economic future is ours to determine.  

• Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce 

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.   

Media Contact

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca