What a year! When the final numbers are tallied, Calgary will have led the nation in both population and employment growth. Alberta's GDP will have grown over seven per cent and average income will be over $40,000 – more than 20 per cent higher than any other province.

These incredible figures are testament to the hard working business community of Calgary – you! While you were busy running your business, we were advocating to create the right conditions for success.

Based on member feedback, The Chamber set two priorities at the start of 2006 - labour shortages and economic competitiveness. Here’s a brief summary of what we were able to accomplish with the help of our committee volunteers.

Labour shortages

  • Both the provincial and federal governments established the labour shortage as a priority.
  • Through the Talent Pool Development Society Project, The Chamber has helped members access untapped sources of talent such as Aboriginal People. <more>
  • The Chamber and professional organizations worked together to improve the credentialing process. <more>
  • Canada’s immigration target increased by five per cent. <more>

Economic Competitiveness

  • The provincial government cut the general corporate tax rate from 11.5 to 10 per cent in Budget 2006, saving Alberta businesses about $350 million per year. <more>
  • The federal government committed to $20 billion in tax savings over the next two years and limited spending to a five per cent increase in Budget 2006. <more>
  • In late September the federal government announced the elimination of $2 billion in ineffective programs and $13.2 billion from the 2005-2006 budget surplus to the pay down the national debt. <more>
  • On Nov 23, 2006, the federal government unveiled a new economic plan, Advantage Canada. The plan empowers the business community to create more jobs through tax cuts and prudent federal fiscal management. <more>

We also worked diligently on the climate change file, health care reform, and the reduction of interprovincial trade barriers. More information on our policy and advocacy efforts is available on our website.

Based on the feedback from our last membership survey, we are busy putting together business plans to work on the issues most important to your business. Look for further updates as we move forward in 2007.

Yours truly,

Geoffrey Pradella
Vice President, Public and Government Affairs
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce