April 22, 2010
Chamber helps improve oil and gas industry competitiveness, benefiting all businesses
Proud supporter of the ‘Alberta is Energy’ campaign
This quarter featured significant steps from the provincial government to improve competitiveness of the oil and gas industry. Royalties were adjusted to better reflect risk, regulatory streamlining will occur, and technology will be better supported in the province’s new energy vision. The Chamber was one of the first groups to highlight the need for a competitiveness review, as Alberta’s advantages had eroded over time. As the oil and gas industry and associated economic activity comprises about 50 per cent of the provincial economy, all Chamber members will benefit, from the driller to the dry cleaner.The Chamber was the place to be for major policy announcements and discussions in early 2010. Over 400 business leaders attended Energy Minister Ron Liepert’s first public speech after the competitiveness review announcement in March. A few weeks later, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers President & CEO David Collyer launched the ‘Alberta is Energy’ campaign at a Chamber lunch event with 500-plus attendees. The Chamber, along with other key business associations, is proud to be a supporter of the ‘Alberta is Energy’ initiative, as the health of the industry affects all Alberta businesses. Check out our Facebook page for pictures.
In addition, we saw provincial and federal governments release budgets which contained no new taxes, featured restrained spending and offered roadmaps to deficit elimination – all Chamber pre-budget recommendations.
Finally, the Chamber’s Aboriginal Workforce Initiative entered the implementation stage with Aboriginal awareness training now offered at a very affordable price. Further initiatives will follow.
More information on these actions and other highlights regarding membership priorities are available below. The most up-to-date information is available the way you want it:
- Visit our website
- Read Insight, our monthly electronic issues newsletter
- View updates on Facebook - Become a fan
It is your membership support that makes this all possible.
ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS
Provincial government takes steps to improve oil and gas investment competitiveness
New Energy Minister Ron Liepert outlined changes to improve Alberta’s royalty and regulatory systems to a sold-out crowd at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
“It is about creating a bigger pie rather than finding ways to carve up the existing one,” said Liepert.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce was one of the first groups to highlight the need for a competitiveness review, as Alberta’s advantages had, over time, eroded. Declining investor confidence, higher drilling and transportation costs, a burdensome regulatory system and new low-cost North American shale gas supplies were all factors.
Chamber scores another federal budget win
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce joined the Canadian men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams by scoring a big win, this time for business. Key Chamber recommendations of deficit elimination, expenditure review and steps to improve corporate tax competitiveness were addressed in the 2010 federal budget.
“Our advocacy efforts worked to secure a roadmap for deficit elimination and efficient spending,” said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “I am happy to report that this was the main feature of the budget.”
Full story
News Release: Reaction to the federal budget
News Release: Federal pre-budget recommendations
Federal pre-budget submission
Chamber actions encourage a return to balanced provincial budgets and focus on competitiveness
No new taxes, a roadmap back to black, and an emphasis on competitiveness were important elements in the 2010 provincial budget and key themes in the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s pre-budget advocacy efforts.
“Success for our membership in the 2010 budget was signs of greater fiscal discipline, emphasis on tax competitiveness, and prioritization of the oil & gas competitiveness review,” said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Through the hard work of our Tax & Economic Affairs Committee we saw heartening results.”
Full story
News Release: Provincial budget reaction
News Release: Provincial pre-budget recommendations
Provincial pre-budget submission
Chamber idea helps improve efficiency of health care system
Alberta Health Services intends to move forward with activity-based funding, where money is allocated to health professionals via the patients they see, rather than in lump sum operating grants.
“Efficiency of the health care system is critical to better access, controlling costs, improving quality, and competitive delivery,” said Geoff Pradella, Vice-President of Public & Government Affairs with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Health care spending constitutes 41 per cent of the provincial budget, the largest budgetary item. Initiatives to reduce costs will provide room for tax relief.”
Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health report could improve private sector’s ability to deliver public health care
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce welcomed the delivery of the Minister’s
Advisory Committee on Health report today. The Committee consulted on legislation changes to improve Alberta’s health care system. Chamber representatives and members from its standing Health Committee presented to the group in October 2009.
“Calgary’s business community is pleased to see the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health has seized an opportunity to create real change in Alberta’s health care system with the recommendation for a new Alberta Health Act,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
Full news release
Presentation Slides: Minister's Advisory Committee on Health
Submission: Minister's Advisory Committee on Health
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Calgary Chamber of Commerce partners to provide Aboriginal awareness training
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has contracted with Dr. Neil McDonald of Cross Cultural Consulting Inc. to provide Aboriginal awareness training for businesses and organizations looking to improve Aboriginal hiring and retention strategies, and partner with Aboriginal communities to develop business opportunities.
“Aboriginal people are the largest untapped source of talent in the country,” said Heather Douglas, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “The business case for engagement is clear. Companies can access a local and reliable workforce, achieve workplace diversity, develop a reputation for corporate social responsibility and tap into new economic opportunities.”
Aboriginal awareness training sessions are an important component of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s Aboriginal Workforce Initiative, a research and action plan launched in 2008 to better connect the business community to Aboriginal opportunities, and improve Aboriginal economic and labour market outcomes.
Full news release
Learn more about Aboriginal awareness training
Chamber’s Aboriginal Workforce Initiative
Aboriginal Opportunities Committee connects business community with the largest untapped source of talent
In conjunction with its Aboriginal Opportunities Committee (AOC), the Calgary Chamber of Commerce launched the Aboriginal Awareness Initiative in 2008 to connect business with the Aboriginal community. The aim is to help businesses capture economic opportunities and meet their staffing needs by accessing
“The business case for engagement is easy to understand,” said Blaine Collett, AOC Chair, and Program Manager - Aboriginal Business Development Services for The Business Link. “Companies can access a local and reliable workforce, achieve workplace diversity, develop a reputation for corporate social responsibility and tap into new economic opportunities.”
New foreign credential recognition initiative holds promise to better engage immigrants
Under a new federal-provincial accord signed in November 2009, foreign-trained workers who apply to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields will obtain an assessment within one year. Foreign-trained architects, nurses and engineers are among those who will benefit.
“Unnecessary barriers to foreign credential recognition exist in many professions and sectors,” said Julie Ball, Executive Director of the Talent Pool Development Society of Calgary, a Calgary Chamber of Commerce initiative to better utilize untapped sources of talent. “New Canadians need the shortest, most practical route to obtain Canadian credentials in their professions, without sacrificing standards, quality or safety.”
Employer Forum provides valuable updates
The Talent Pool Development Society presented an Employer Forum on March 1st to highlight the provincial government’s Foreign Qualifications Recognition Plan and share the work of the
Career Show in October
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Talent Pool are again joining to present the Career Show, Building Careers, Building Calgary, in October. It is a place for all Calgarians to learn about new careers and the preparation required for each.
Check out the Talent Pool’s new website: www.chambertalentpool.com
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Government of Alberta puts municipal campaign donation caps in place
Provincial campaign finance legislation was recently signed into law to impose a $5,000 cap on donations in all civic election campaigns in the province, successfully culminating a long-standing Calgary Chamber of Commerce advocacy initiative. The enactment follows rules introduced in November 2009 by Calgary City Council to also cap donations.
“Municipal transparency and accountability are a key priority of
Reduction of downtown parking rates is a good first step
The Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) announced cuts to on-street rates and some surface lots and parkades after approval from City Council during the municipal budget discussions.
“The reductions were certainly a step in the right direction,” said Ben Brunnen, Manager of Policy and Research with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Our members have been clear that parking rates are too high and are an impediment to greater business activity in the city centre.”
The Chamber has been a vocal proponent for parking fee reductions, supporting a City Council motion in June to reduce fees by 25 per cent and through media comments and opinion editorials.
Municipal Auditor General bill fails but key tenets remain
While new legislation to create a Municipal Auditor General was scrapped in November, the Municipal Affairs Minister has committed to initiatives that will improve fiscal accountability, oversight and transparency at the municipal level.
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City Council agrees to campaign finance reform
Long-standing efforts by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce to encourage reform of campaign finance rules resulted in a win for taxpayers concerned with transparency and accountability.
In November, City Council agreed to new rules for alderman and mayoralty candidates. Campaign donation amounts will now be capped at $5,000. Candidates can also voluntarily sign a declaration to donate any campaign surplus to charity if they don’t run again and voluntarily disclose campaign contributions of $100 or more on nomination day, a month before the election.
LAND, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURES
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 seize the opportunity to improve the regulatory regime. It also emphasized the energy sector’s importance to the region’s prosperity and encouraged responsible development of the Eastern Slopes, in response to the first phase of consultation to create a southern
"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.”
Full news release
Submission: Response to the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Phase I Feedback Questionnaire
Environment and Natural Resources Committees tackle tough energy and environmental issues
Oil and gas competitiveness, climate change and the Provincial Land Use Framework highlight three of the key priority business issues for the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s Environment and Natural Resources Committees.
“Energy, environment and economic issues are interlinked,” said David Lawlor, Chair of the Environment Committee and Director of Environmental Affairs with ENMAX. “Our committees work together to develop new ideas and solutions in priority areas with this holistic view.”
MEETINGS WITH KEY GOVERNMENT DECISION-MAKERS
The Chamber held interactive, roundtable meetings with key government decision-makers in critical portfolios during Q1 and conveyed key membership positions on issues such as competitiveness of the energy industry, workforce development, infrastructure investment to drive productivity gains, health care reform, and tax competitiveness.
- Alberta Minister of Energy, the Hon. Ron Liepert
- Alberta Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr. Peter Watson
- Alberta Energy Critic, Mr. Dave Taylor
- Alberta Minister of Employment and Immigration, the Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk
- Alberta Minister of Infrastructure, the Hon. Ray Danyluk
- Chair, Alberta Health Services, Mr. Ken Hughes
- Alberta Minister of Finance, the Hon. Ted Morton
OP-EDS
In addition to these highlights, the Chamber published numerous op-eds on your priority issues.
Tax competitiveness and government fiscal responsibility
February 25, 2010
Unseen fingers dip in our wallets
February 11, 2010
Chamber finds deficit dismaying
Energy industry competitiveness
March 25, 2010
A tale of two royalty reviews
Fiscal management and accountability of Calgary City Council
January 28, 2010
Fair taxation a mere illusion
Health care reform
March 11, 2010
Let dollars move with the patient
Economic recovery
January 14, 2010
Prudent reasons for optimism
INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK
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. 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.