Chamber Urges the Fed. Government to Think 'Green'

EDMONTON, CANADA - We are not looking for a pot of gold on March 22nd, but we are asking the federal government to think green in their upcoming Budget.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is urging our federal government to be even more frugal in spending our green-backs. We are asking them to green-light infrastructure investments that move our products, people and services efficiently to market. And we are urging the federal government to make our global partners green with envy by making Canada the lowest cost environment to invest and do business worldwide.

“Canada’s economy is in a downward spiral and we may not have seen the bottom yet,” said Janet Riopel, President & CEO of the Edmonton Chamber. “The business community is really hurting and the ripple effects of recent tax and fee increases and policy changes are impacting all sectors of our economy.”

Given the current economic environment, one of the best ways to support all Canadians in the 2016/17 Budget is to demonstrate leadership through fiscal restraint. Until the economy improves, the Edmonton Chamber urges the federal government needs to limit their growth in operational spending to zero-per-cent.

Strategic infrastructure spending and investment must be focused on enabling the efficient movement of our goods and services in order to stimulate economic recovery. This should include expediting the infrastructure projects that will expand our access to markets beyond our borders.

We need our government to help businesses by implementing a taxation system that is neutral, simple, efficient and fair. In doing so, we can minimize our compliance costs and significantly boost our international competitiveness.

“Sound fiscal management, and investments in the efficient movement of goods, people and services, will enhance our reputation as a global business leader. Canada must be an attractive place for investment and business development – a place where we can all succeed,” said Riopel.

MEDIA Inquiries:
Warren Singh
Vice-President, Policy
780-409-2615
wsingh@edmontonchamber.com

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