Dear valued Chamber member,

The first quarter of 2007 has just finished. While you were busy running your business, we were striving to establish the right conditions for your success. 

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce works to create the best business environment of any city, anywhere. We provide a new forum for discussion and debate on the most challenging issues facing Calgary. 

A recent survey indicated your priorities for 2007. Below is a summary of some of our work this quarter.

Labour Shortages

• Older workers a key part of labour shortage solution
• Our Human Resources Committee met with Alberta Minister of Employment, Immigration, and Industry to discuss specific elements of the labour shortage issue, and the scope of advice and policy recommendations the Minister would appreciate from The Chamber.

Infrastructure Deficit

• Our Transportation & Logistics Committee is scoping out the issues relating to completion of the southern portion of the ring road.

High Levels of Taxation

• Taxation habit bad for health, Premier must resist overspending
• Chamber gives federal budget ‘thumbs-down’

Municipal Affairs

• Our Civic Affairs Committee has started work on the development of The Chamber’s civic election strategy, including the possibility of a mayoral forum, and key topics for an ‘agenda-setting’ opinion editorial series.

Affordable Housing

• Chamber provides solutions to Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force
• Housing Key Priority for Chamber
  

We also worked diligently on the climate change and oilsands fiscal regime files.

More information on our policy and advocacy efforts is available on our website.Your membership support is appreciated, along with your feedback. I can be reached at 750-0406 or gpradella@calgarychamber.com.

Yours truly,

Geoffrey M. Pradella
Vice President, Public & Government Affairs
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce