Release: 54% of Albertans believe Canadian governments need to do more to champion economy in the U.S.

New report from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce finds that Albertans believe governments are not effectively advocating for national economic interests south of the border and offers recommendations to support strong bilateral trade relations

Calgary, AB, September 19, 2024 – The economic relationship between Canada and the United States (U.S.) is vital to the health and growth of the Canadian economy – and to Canadians’ overall standard of living. However, a recent poll from Janet Brown Opinion Research, commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, found that the 54% of Albertans are concerned that Canadian governments are not doing enough to protect and champion Canadian economic interests.

“Canadians expect their governments to be forward-thinking, strategic and focused in championing their interests with our international partners. It’s concerning that most Albertans don’t believe we’re doing enough to support our economy south of the border,” says Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Whether trade infrastructure, energy security or labour force stability, we must continue to invest in our relationship with the U.S. and showcase that we remain a strong trade and economic partner, regardless of who holds power in the White House next January.”

Today, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce released its final paper in a three-part series that has examined the bilateral relationship in depth. Entitled 2024 U.S. Election: Recommendations to Canadian Governments to Work with Either Administration, this paper provides recommendations to the three levels of government to work effectively with the incoming American administration.

Key recommendations include:

• Take a ‘Team Canada’ approach to international relations with the United States, ensuring collaboration across federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments is top of mind.
• Ensure Canadian energy, environment and labour policies showcase alignment with U.S. domestic policy while maintaining Canada’s own policy priorities.
• Strengthen Canada’s competitiveness by ensuring regulatory and tax structures promote investment.
• Improve key sectors’ access to markets through trade infrastructure, supply chains and competitiveness in advance of potential CUSMA renegotiations.

“The recommendations we’re putting forward today would have considerable impact for governments as they work to strengthen Canada’s position as a strong trading partner and ally – especially as the CUSMA agreement could be re-opened for negotiation in 2026. Time is of the essence – we strongly encourage provincial and federal governments to collaborate with industry to champion Canadian economic interests with our southern neighbours – and grow Canadian prosperity as a result,” says Ismail-Teja.

Quick Facts

• 72% of Albertans are paying attention to the U.S. election and 83% of Albertans believe the U.S. election will have an impact on Canada’s economy.
• 54% of Albertans don’t believe Canadian governments are doing enough to champion Canadian economic interests in the U.S.
• In the past 15 years, Canada’s trade infrastructure has gone from being ranked 10th best globally to 26th.
• In 2023, Canada exported $595 billion in goods and services to the U.S. – this comprises 78% of our net exports. In 2023, Alberta exported $156.1 billion to the U.S. – over 90% of our net exports by value.
• Canada is the single largest supplier of energy to the U.S., providing more than 4.6 million BOE per day, and more than $216 billion worth of energy products. That accounts for 52% of U.S. imported supply.
• In 2023, Canada exported over $60 billion of food and agricultural products to the U.S. and the trade relationship has grown at an average annual rate of 8% since 1989.
• In 2022, small businesses accounted for 42% of our exports to the U.S.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce 

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities 

For media inquiries, please contact

Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
media@calgarychamber.com