The 2018 federal budget: A missed opportunityHeading into federal budget day, there were many priorities the business community was hoping to see the government focus on in Budget 2018. Top of mind for business was addressing competitiveness, stepping back from federal small business tax proposals, outlining a plan to balance the budget, and encouraging skills training and workforce inclusion. How did Budget 2018 meet these priorities? Read this to find out how it stacked up and the key budget items your business should be aware of. Changes to Canada’s resource regulators are coming: Here’s what you need to knowIn 2015 the federal government announced a review to modernize Canada’s national environmental assessment and energy infrastructure regulators. On February 8, 2018, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the results of this review in the form of new rules and two new regulatory agencies that will govern the approval of major energy projects in Canada. The economic prosperity created from Canada’s natural resource sector largely relies on an efficient regulatory environment. Will the recent reforms encourage or discourage future natural resource development? Dive DeeperThe Alberta-BC pipeline dispute: What's nextUncertainty over the construction of pipeline projects and interprovincial trade has reached new heights over the last month. The BC Government’s proposal to limit oil sands crude flowing through their province could have significant impacts on Canadian competitiveness, jobs, and public services, despite recent developments. In this blog, our Director of Policy and Government Relations, Zoe Addington, provides an update on the actions taken by both provinces, their potential impacts, and where the dispute is headed next. Give your inputProperty tax assessments: Let us know how your business has been impactedThe City of Calgary has mailed out property tax assessments for 2018. This year, 81% of businesses will see a municipal property tax increase for 2018. Property owners have until March 12, 2018 to discuss their assessments and file an appeal. We need your input to inform our municipal advocacy on this issue. Please take our two-minute survey and tell us how your business has been impacted by the 2018 property assessments. In case you missed itAlberta announces private cannabis retail regulationsThe Alberta Government has announced the regulations that will govern Alberta’s private retail cannabis market. The regulations outline who can own cannabis stores, rules for staff, where stores can be located, and other operation details for private retailers. Read our blog below highlighting all the details you need to know about regarding this emerging industry. |