Western Canada business groups have outlined their wish list ahead of the expected federal election call this weekend.
Councils of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba jointly released their policy paper for Friday.
They say the next government in Canada is facing a key choice. They either lead to policies that limit investment, development and growth, or create a competitive environment that allows the resource sector to flourish.
“Canada may have an undeveloped chance of becoming an economic superpower by leaning towards policies that support the development of the resource sector. Instead, we are limiting opportunities for the next generation by lagging behind growth, productivity and prosperity.”
“It’s time to change courses.”
This paper focuses on five major industries: agriculture, forestry, energy, mining and aquaculture.
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For all these sectors, the group streamlines project approvals, pursues new global markets, and advocates investment in trade-related infrastructure.
They also want to see a clear and effective Indigenous consultation process and ways to unlock the economic potential of Indigenous peoples in the resource sector.
Adam Reguet, chairman of the Alberta Business Council, said Canada’s resource industry is constrained by regulatory and policy barriers.
“The initiative is to improve the well-being of Canadians by expanding Canada’s economy and unleashing Canada’s natural strength.”
“West Canada has the expertise, resources and innovative capabilities to nurture our country and meet global demand,” said Bram Strain, head of the Manitoba Business Council.
The federal government enacted the Environmental Review Act in 2019, aimed to better compare the impact of major projects on Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental, social and health issues. The Impact Assessment Act was amended after the court’s agenda for its constitutionality, but Alberta Premier Daniel Smith and others still face issues with the revised law.
Industry players say regulatory uncertainty and long review timelines make investment decisions difficult.
Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, said:
Earlier this week, top executives of 10 major oil and gas producers and four pipeline companies released an open letter urging the federal government to incite emergencies and acquire energy export infrastructure, including pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals. This includes impact assessment methods and removal of CAPs on greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who served Justin Trudeau a week ago, will launch an election for General Mary Simon and ask Congress to be dissolved on Sunday.
The election will take place on the background of the trade war with the United States and President Donald Trump’s desire to make Canada a “51st state.” Canada retaliated against US taxation with its own tariffs on US goods worth billions of dollars.
The Liberal Party said conservative leader Pierre Poilierble would abolish it, but the Liberal Party would curb gas emissions from industrial greenhouses.
Poilievre promises “Shovel-Ready Zones” with pre-approved construction permits for key resources or energy projects.
Kearney said Thursday that he is committed to making Canada’s oil industry more competitive, including building a pipeline so Canada can replace foreign oil imports.
