Businesses drive cities that thrive

Calgary Chamber releases Alberta election platform recommendations

CALGARY – Adopting business-forward policies that drive market growth, certainty and investor confidence will enable Alberta communities and households to thrive, says the Calgary Chamber in its 2019 Alberta Provincial Election Platform recommendations.

Titled Businesses Drive Cities That Thrive, the platform makes nine specific recommendations under five principles for all provincial parties to adopt as they vie this spring to become the next government.

Some of the Chamber’s recommendations the next government must adopt include:

• A cut to the corporate tax rate;
• A reduction of layered costs and regulations on business including the elimination of two regulations for every one introduced;
• A disciplined plan to return to balanced budgets;
• Adherence to contracts with business and the rule of law; and
• A commitment to prevent future free market intervention

“Successive governments have made numerous decisions that have severely impacted business confidence, investment and competitiveness. Once known as a province where risks were often rewarded, many investors now see Alberta as too risky,” said Sandip Lalli, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber.

“There is a path forward. Businesses are ready to grow and punch their way out of this. But they expect a lot more from governments. We, as citizens, need to vote for the policies we want to see govern our businesses and communities,” said Lalli. “Our city’s businesses, entrepreneurs, dreamers and scientists will take care of the rest.”

Developed with input from business leaders the Calgary Chamber’s platform consists of the following five principles:

1. Creating stability through fiscal responsibility
2. Driving productivity through regulatory and tax reform
3. Supporting growth through internal trade and access to markets
4. Increasing certainty through good governance and accountability
5. Preparing for the future by developing and retaining a skilled workforce

Media Inquiries

For all media inquiries, please contact media@calgarychamber.comor (403) 750-0401.

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 128 years the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.