Chamber calls for a ‘back to basics’ approach in the 2010 provincial budget
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce urged focus on key fiscal and competitiveness measures that are fundamental to Alberta’s success, as part of provincial pre-budgetrecommendations submitted to Alberta’s Minister of Finance today.
“Calgary’s business community is clearly concerned with deficits and the possibility of returning to a position of long-term debt,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “The rapid deterioration of Alberta’s fiscal position from surpluses to deficits once again indicates the challenge with relying heavily on non-renewable resource revenues for budgetary
purposes.”
The Chamber has suggested a series of ‘back to basics’ priority action areas to place the province on the road to prosperity.
New federal pre-budget recommendations from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce place deficit elimination as the highest priority in 2010
Calgary’s business community is deeply concerned with Canada’s growing deficit and debt levels and recommended spending ontrol as the highest priority in its 2010 federal prebudget submission sent today to the Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty.
“Given government’s massive stimulus package and the record deficit, spending restraint must now be the focus,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “To avoid structural deficits and skyrocketing debt, government must apply a disciplined approach to eliminate the deficit.”
As noted in the Fourth Report on Canada’s Economic Action Plan released today, the federal stimulus is 97 per cent committed, and consumer and business confidence has rebounded. Now it’s time to focus on balancing the budget as quickly as possible.
South Saskatchewan Regional Plan is an opportunity to improve the regulatory process and encourage sustainable economic growth
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce urged the Government of Alberta to prioritize economic development in the region, while balancing environmental and social factors, and seizethe opportunity to improve the regulatory regime. It also emphasized the energy sector’s importanceto the region’s prosperity and encouraged responsible development of the Eastern Slopes, inresponse to the first phase of consultation to create a southern Alberta regional plan.
“High quality social and environmental outcomes can only be achieved through a strong economy,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Economic growth allows companies to invest in technology and innovation for environmental improvements.”
The Chamber views the Land Use Framework as a chance to improve the regulatory process while achieving sustainable development.
The Public & Government Affairs Department measurably contributes to the Chamber's profile and effectiveness. We are the leading edge business advocate and forum for debate, and a credible source for policy analysis and issue commentary. We advocate new and innovative solutions to improve the business climate on behalf of our members.
