Federal Budget 2018 – Analysis from the Canadian Chamber
“Canadian business asked the government to focus on fundamentals like the growing competitiveness gap, the need to attract more private sector investment and presenting a realistic plan to balance the government’s books. Although the budget sets out many positive measures, including support for women entrepreneurs, a clearer path to Indigenous self-determination and improved skills development, it doesn’t address the most basic issues facing our economy,” said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “The cost of running a business in Canada is rising rapidly. Without a strong private sector, there’s no way to pay for all this spending, except by sending the bill to our kids.”
Read Full Canadian Chamber Federal Budget 2018 Analysis
Canadian Chamber of Commerce – News Release – Budget: Long on Spending, Short on Growth
Related Reading:
10 Ways to Build a Canada That Wins
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce set out its proposals to make Canada a more competitive, and attractive, country for businesses in the recent 10 Ways to Build a Canada that Wins document. Among these was a recommendation to make Canada an investment magnet by completely overhauling our archaic tax system.
Hot Topic: Tax Treatment of Passive Investment Income:
New rules for the tax treatment of small business passive income are simpler than previously proposed and will mitigate negative impacts on savings and investment for most small business owners. They will, however, still increase taxes for a small percentage of Canadian Controlled Private Corporations with passive investment income over $50,000. For more on this see the full Canadian Chamber Budget Analysis
Results for Our Members
Budget 2018 contained a number of measures that reflect the policy recommendations, and the advocacy work, of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, working in partnership with our national Chamber network. Following are some of the Chamber-supported initiatives that made it into this year’s Budget.
Cyber Security, Intellectual Property, and Innovation:
- Taking steps to streamline and simplify access to government innovation incentive programs.
- $150 million to be invested toward DARPA.
- De-risking the commercialization of innovative technology.
- Increased support to entrepreneurs by making it easier for them to access capital.
- Funding for a patent collective pilot project and an IP marketplace.
- A $100 million investment toward rural access to digital networks.
- Coordinating an approach toward cyber security.
International Trade:
- Amalgamation of multiple trade promotion programs under the Trade Commissioner Service to ensure a simplified offering for business.
- Additional funding to support Canadian companies looking to tap into export opportunities within Asia.
- Announcement of government plans to streamline the administration of the customs tariff legislation to reduce compliance costs for business.
Labour Market, Skills, and Training:
- Expansion of the Canada Summer Jobs program and the Youth Employment Strategy.
- Simplification of the application process for businesses seeking partnerships and financial support through the “Innovation Canada” single window.
Entrepreneurship:
- Commitment to simplify support programs for entrepreneurs, all-of-government data collection for performance metrics.
Indigenous Peoples:
- Investment in capacity development for Indigenous peoples’ self-determination.
Transportation and Infrastructure:
- A commitment to fund the renewal of VIA Rail’s fleet for the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.
- A $236.4 million investment toward CATSA for air security screening.
Whistler Recruitment Video – What your Chamber is Doing to Address Labour Concerns
The Whistler Chamber is proud to partner with Tourism Whistler to produce a new video to help the local business community attract employees. Throughout the summer, labour shortages have presented challenges across all industries in our municipality.
Whistler Chamber September Advocacy in Action Member Input Session
Advocacy in Action returned to the Whistler Chamber boardroom last week. The monthly meeting saw a great turnout, with 13 Members from the Whistler business community getting together to discuss their needs and developing concerns with the Chamber team.
Pulse Check #7 Results: Businesses Hopeful Despite Challenges
Pulse Check #7 Results: Businesses Optimistic Despite ChallengesJuly 29th, 2021 For the final Covid-19 Pulse Check Survey, the Whistler Chamber and BC Chamber have partnered to collect feedback from the Whistler business community on their experiences as we work...
BC Minister Ravi Kahlon Meets with the Whistler Chamber
BC Minister Ravi Kahlon Meets with the Whistler ChamberJuly 7th, 2021 On June 15th, BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation Ravi Kahlon joined the Whistler Resort Partners, hosted by the Whistler Chamber, for a meeting to discuss the challenges facing...
June Advocacy in Action Summary
June Advocacy in Action SummaryJuly 7, 2021 The last few weeks have seen a flurry of activity for businesses in Whistler. As we progress through the BC Restart plan, the easing of restrictions means visitors have returned to enjoy the charm of our Resort Municipality....
Whistler Chamber hosts Elected Officials for Advocacy in Action Community Discussion
Whistler Chamber hosts Elected Officials for Advocacy in Action Community Discussion May 31, 2021 The Whistler Chamber of Commerce was proud to host Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, and Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West...
Whistler Chamber Responds to new Health Orders
Whistler Chamber Responds to new Health Orders April 22, 2021 On March 31, 2021, Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, announced a series of health orders that would have implications across the province. The Whistler Chamber posted a response by...
Advocacy in Action – Celebrating the Power of Connection
Advocacy in Action - Celebrating the Power of Connection February 25, 2021 On February 18, the Whistler Chamber held our monthly Advocacy in Action: Member Input Session. Melissa Pace, CEO of the Whistler Chamber, connected virtually with eight Members and...
BC PNP Program – Letter to Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
BC PNP Program - Letter to Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation UPDATE: February 17, 2021 The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has resumed invitations to 31 occupations that were under a temporary suspension. This is a big win for Whistler...
Member Represents Whistler Businesses in Conversation with Prime Minister
In December last year, Patrick Weiler, MP, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, reached out to the Whistler Chamber to ask for a list of Members who would…