July 15, 2009

Encouraging fiscal accountability at City Hall

Chamber-led coalition rates Mayor and Aldermen on key fiscal and expenditure management issues

This quarter the Calgary Chamber of Commerce created new initiatives and obtained results in key membership areas of tax competitiveness, energy and environment, workforce development and the fiscal management and accountability of Calgary City Council.

We launched the Coalition for Property Tax Fairness, along with concerned business groups, to grade the Mayor and Aldermen on key fiscal and expenditure management issues that are central to the interests of taxpayers. The inaugural Calgary Municipal Report Card made a major splash in the media and got Calgarians talking about their elected official's record. Learn more about the Coalition and access the Report Card .

Provincially, the Chamber successfully influenced the 2009 budget with the Government of Alberta implementing a 'smart spending bandwidth' that limits spending increases to growth in the economy.

Also this quarter the Chamber presented its low carbon energy vision to Canada's and Alberta's Minister of Environment. Key elements include sensible emissions pricing design, industry/government partnerships in research and development, encouraging energy efficiency and demand management and diversification of customer markets (beyond the U.S.) to aid in environmental and trade negotiations.

Finally, we created a unique online resource for members who are looking to enhance their workforce through underutilized sources of talent. Presentation material from the Chamber's Aboriginal Workforce Symposium is now available, including information on workplace preparation and support and Aboriginal employment services available. The Symposium is part of the Chamber's Aboriginal Workforce Initiative, which also includes a major research report . Stay tuned for the next phase of this initiative.

More information on these initiatives and other highlights and results regarding membership priorities are available below. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website  and through eConnecting, our electronic newsletter. 

WEATHERING THE CURRENT ECONOMIC STORM & IMPROVING TAX COMPETITIVENESS

Provincial budget adopts Chamber 'smart spending bandwidth'

After intense advocacy efforts by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on behalf of membership, the Government of Alberta limited the operating spending increase to 3.7 per cent in Budget 2009, roughly the equivalent of population growth plus inflation.

In its pre-budget submission, the Chamber recommended a 'smart spending bandwidth', in which government should set a fiscal target that limits spending increases within a range delimited by population and inflation growth, and real GDP and inflation growth.

Full Story
News Release - 2009 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
2009 Federal Pre-budget Submission

Trade protectionism jeopardizes economic recovery

In late May, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce provided a forum for Canada's International Trade Minister Stockwell Day to send a strong message to U.S. politicians and businesses to discourage trade protectionism.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has been an active voice of opposition to American trade protectionism, uniting with other Chambers across Canada in a January campaign. This action, along with strong diplomacy, helped alter a "Buy American" provision in the U.S. stimulus package.

Chamber presents a low carbon vision to Canada's Minister of Environment

With federal climate change regulations expected, Chamber members, Directors and staff outlined key positions to Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment during a meeting in mid-May. Climate change actions have the potential to add significant compliance costs to Canadian businesses and are likely to be passed along to consumers. They could potentially divert financial resources to jurisdictions where they are least needed, in the case of a poorly designed cap-and-trade system, and could have the effect of making Canadian industries uncompetitive.

The Chamber outlined a vision of Canada becoming a leading low carbon energy user, producer and exporter.

New federal $1 billion clean energy research fund critical to carbon challenge

The federal government plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years to develop clean energy technologies. The Clean Energy Fund, launched in May, will work in the same way as the Alberta government's $2 billion fund for carbon and capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects. A substantial amount of the federal funding is expected to be spent in Alberta, as the province is the largest carbon producer.

The Chamber has advocated for a major industry and government energy research and development initiative similar to the Alberta Oil Sands Technology Research Authority (AOSTRA), created in the 1970s, that spurned the industry.

Design of greenhouse gas emissions pricing system critical to Alberta's competitiveness

As the Government of Canada and U.S. politicians contemplate a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions, Chamber members conveyed to Alberta's Minister of Environment Rob Renner the importance of the correct design.

"A cap-and-trade system that moves financial resources away from the jurisdiction where they are needed does nothing to reduce emissions at the source," said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "Design of the system is critical to drive technology development."

Full story
Publication - Positioning Canada as a leading low carbon energy user, producer and exporter

Chamber congratulates Board Member, Leah Lawrence on being appointed to key land use advisory committee

Leah Lawrence, current Board Member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Past Chair of the Chamber's Environment Committee, was appointed to the South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council on May 13th. The Council will provide advice on the development of a regional plan under the Provincial Land Use Framework. 

The regional plan will address key issues such as water, climate change, land use and population growth. It will direct land and natural resource use in the area, impacting all businesses.

Full Story

Calgary Regional Partnership unveils new regional plan

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP) to gather the local business community's feedback on a new draft regional plan.

"Regional cooperation is critical to intelligent planning and infrastructure development," said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber made the same recommendation during the Provincial Land Use Framework consultation and through our participation on the Plan It Calgary Stakeholder Advisory Committee. We commend the CRP for bringing together such a broad range of stakeholders in the development of this draft plan."

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Aboriginal Workforce Symposium links business to largest source of untapped talent

Business and First Nations leaders, government officials and Aboriginal service providers gathered at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce symposium on March 25 and 26 to discuss how to improve labour market outcomes of Aboriginal people and fulfill businesses' need for a local and reliable workforce.

A major research report released by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce at the Symposium found that increasing Aboriginal employment rates to levels similar to the non-Aboriginal population may provide 14,000 additional workers to the provincial economy.

** Symposium Resource Website **
Full story
News release
Completing the Circle - research report

Proposed CPP changes give older workers greater flexibility and increase talent pool for employers

Ottawa has proposed changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to make it easier for older workers to remain in the workforce and transition gradually into retirement.

"Older workers represent a significant source of underutilized talent and labour supply in the Canadian economy," said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "However, federal government retirement programs do not reflect current and future demographic, retirement and life expectancy realities and create disincentives for older workers to participate in the labour force."

In 2007, the Chamber submitted recommendations to alter the CPP, Old Age Security (OAS), and RRSP programs. The Chamber estimates the changes could add 767,000 (3.5 per cent) workers in Canada, with 80,000 of those in Alberta.

Full story

Fifth annual Career Show provides opportunities and resources to job seekers - Oct. 30 & 31, 2009

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Talent Pool Development Society of Calgary are organizing the fifth annual Career Show, to be held at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park in October.  It will provide business, educators and industry associations with an opportunity to meet face-to-face with Calgarians seeking career information and career management advice.  The Show will again focus on getting students in the door and this year will have a feature for mature workers seeking second careers. It is a cost effective way of providing career information to potential and future workers and maintaining a corporate profile even if the company is not presently hiring.  Show details are available at www.thecareershow.ca. 

Labour Market Symposium shares valuable information

The Talent Pool Development Society of Calgary presented an Economic and Labour Market Symposium for Calgary business that featured global labour market expert and World Economic Forum member David Arkless sharing his views of the global economy and labour market including the skills that continue to be in short supply despite rising unemployment in North America, Europe and Asia.  Adam Legge, Chief Economist and Vice President, Workforce and Strategy for Calgary Economic Development updated the audience on economic indicators and the local and Alberta labour markets. 

Representatives from Alberta Employment and Immigration and Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada described their government's initiatives and policies in this economy. 

FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF CALGARY CITY COUNCIL

New taxpayer coalition grades Calgary Mayor and Aldermen on key fiscal and expenditure management issues

The Coalition for Property Tax Fairness has released its first Calgary Municipal Report Card based on four criteria: taxpayer-friendly voting record, office budget management, initiative in policy making, as well as proactive stakeholder engagement and responsiveness.

View website
News Release
Municipal Report Card
Backgrounder

Chamber wins campaign to reform civic election donation rules

New legislation passed by MLAs will limit civic election donations, ban candidates from retaining surplus campaign funds and require disclosure of donors who contribute $100 or more to a candidate's campaign. Prior to these restrictions candidates in Calgary were governed by virtually no campaign finance rules.

"In its Renaissance Calgary strategy released during the 2007 municipal election, the Chamber recommended new campaign finance reforms to encourage greater public participation, awareness and representation," said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "These rules are vital to improve transparency and accountability at the civic level. We are pleased by the provincial government's action in this area."

Full story

Chamber urges close monitoring of housing affordability in Plan It Calgary initiative

As City Council looks to move forward on Plan It Calgary, the city's a new land use and mobility plan, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel to discuss key stakeholder perspectives.

In opening comments as part of a workshop at the Gaining Ground Summit, the Chamber offered support for the key tenets of Plan It, but cautioned the city to closely monitor housing affordability and adjust the plan accordingly.

Plan It Calgary's key directions sound but challenges remain

Calgary's business community supports the key directions of Plan It Calgary; however, it recommends that the City work with the development industry, citizen groups and the business community at large to implement the new land use and mobility plan. Several concerns were identified as part of a Chamber submission presented to City Council members.

"Plan It Calgary embodies the general spirit of our Renaissance Calgary vision - that the status quo of urban sprawl, car dependence and congestion is no longer an option in a competitive world demanding the most efficient movement of goods and people; high quality public space; amenities and cultural experiences; minimal environmental impact, all accomplished at the lowest cost," says Heather Douglas, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

News Release

Letter to City Council

City aims to be "On Target" with building and development approvals

A new City of Calgary initiative dubbed "On Target" will attempt to reduce the amount of time it takes for the building and development industry to obtain permits. The initiative stems in part from a Chamber recommendation to improve processes, as part of a housing affordability report published in May 2008.

"In-depth interviews with both City staff and the building and development community indicated concern for the length of time it takes for project approvals to go through," said Ben Brunnen, Manager of Policy and Research for the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and lead author of the report. "Lengthy approval times were cited as a major risk to the development community and led to increased housing costs and erosion of housing affordability."

MINISTERIAL MEETINGS

The Chamber held interactive, round-table meetings with Ministers and Deputy Ministers in critical portfolios during Q2 and conveyed key membership positions to improve the competitiveness of the energy industry, encourage greater tax competitiveness and enhance workforce development.

• Alberta Minister of Finance, the Hon. Iris Evans
• Federal Minister of Environment, the Hon. Jim Prentice
• Alberta Minister of Environment, the Hon. Rob Renner
• Federal Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Hon. Jason Kenny
• Alberta Minister of Infrastructure, the Hon. Jack Hayden

OP-EDS

In addition to these highlights, the Chamber published numerous op-eds on your priority issues.

Energy industry competitiveness and environmental sustainability

May 21, 2009
New approach to energy game

May 7, 2009
Low carbon conundrum

April 9, 2009
Cap and trade's a sucker punch

Fiscal management and accountability of Calgary City Council

June 18, 2009
We're on right Plan It

June 4, 2009
Chamber led fight for reform 

Infrastructure deficit

April 23, 2009
Some debt is 'smart'

In closing, let me say once again that your membership support is what allows us to continue to focus on improving the business environment, while you continue to focus on building business success.

Membership in the Calgary Chamber of Commerce allows you to pool resources with other business leaders to create a more effective and efficient advocacy organization - one that in the past year has seen a level of attention and impact for the Chamber that builds significantly on past successes, contributes to high profile public discourse, and produces better public policy results.

More information on our policy and advocacy efforts, as well as the Chamber's Public & Government Affairs team, is available on our website. I welcome your feedback on any of the issues that we have reported to you in these updates, or others that you think the Chamber should undertake.

I can be reached at 403-750-0406 or by email at gpradella@calgarychamber.com.

Yours truly,

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

Our Mission

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, sustainable organization whose mission is to connect, serve and champion the Calgary business community in its quest to excel.

The Public & Government Affairs Department measurably contributes to the Chamber's profile and effectiveness as the leading edge business advocate and forum for debate, and a credible source for policy analysis and issue commentary that advocates new and innovative solutions to improve the business climate on behalf of our members.