Pandemic Influenza Planning Toolkit for Business

As the number of human cases of H1N1 influenza ("swine flu"), a virus many experts believe has the potential to trigger a global pandemic outbreak, continues to rise around the world, businesses should be aware of the steps they can take to mitigate the threat of pandemic influenza. Scientists and health professionals agree that the effects of a pandemic on the public-at-large will be widespread and disruptive. The impact on businesses may also be severe as projected rates of staff absenteeism and death will reduce human resources and hinder key operations.

In response to this ongoing threat, the Chamber released A Pandemic Influenza Planning Toolkit to provide its members, and other interested organizations, with an easy-to-use guide for developing an internal pandemic influenza response strategy.

Visit the website
Pandemic Influenza Planning Toolkit
Op-Ed: Getting ready for the flu

Oil & gas industry competitiveness critical to Alberta’s long-term prosperity

Chamber representatives urged the provincial government to prioritize the oil & gas competitiveness review currently underway, as part of meeting with Calgary MLA Alison Redford, the new Chair of the Ministerial Working Group on Energy and Environment.

“Alberta is well positioned to be a leading energy producer for years to come,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “There is an exciting opportunity for the province to become the most competitive investment jurisdiction in critical areas such as fiscal measures, taxation and regulatory efficiency, which will position the province to capitalize on its strengths as the economic situation improves.

Chamber Aboriginal Workforce Initiative reaches ‘action stage’

“Long-term demographic changes and economic expansion will continue to drive demand for labour in Alberta,” said Ben Brunnen, Manager of Policy & Research at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Smart companies will plan for the next wave of growth.”

A key part of this workforce strategy should involve the Aboriginal community, contends Brunnen, who authored a Chamber research report on the subject.

Recognizing this potential, in the fall of 2008, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce developed the Aboriginal Workforce Initiative (AWI), a three-phase research and action plan designed to improve Aboriginal labour market outcomes in the Calgary region. The AWI is conducted in conjunction with the Chamber’s Aboriginal Opportunities Committee.

Phase Three, currently underway, involves working with the Aboriginal community of stakeholders, government, service providers and the business community to develop and deliver programs to implement the research project’s findings identified in Phase One and build upon the relationships and momentum developed in Phase Two.

Visit the Aboriginal Workforce Initiative website