What does the 2018 Chuckwagon Canvas Auction tell us about Calgary’s economy?July marks the 106th anniversary of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Through hell or high water, the Calgary Stampede has contributed economic benefits for Calgarians. Along with these benefits, the Stampede really does serve as a good indicator of how our economy is doing. In this blog, we outline the relationship between the 2018 Chuckwagon Canvas Auction results and business confidence in Calgary. Dive deeperFive better ways the federal government can respond to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffsThe U.S. decision to implement tariffs on Canada’s steel and aluminum shipments were unprovoked and an ill-advised measure to take against their foremost economic and security partner. In response to these tariffs, the Government of Canada has proposed to implement tariffs that are geographically relevant and monetarily equivalent to those imposed by the U.S. – set to take effect July 1. The Chamber commends the federal government for backing Canadian business. However, we support free and open trade and are concerned further escalation could have deeper impacts. We provided the federal government with five business-friendly recommendations on how to respond to U.S. tariffs. Legislature breaks for summerThe 2018 sessions of the Alberta and Federal legislatures brought about significant change in the country. Some of the biggest changes include legalizing cannabis, control over energy exports, and the national purchase of a pipeline. Read our blog to learn about the laws that were passed and policies that were implemented in Edmonton and Ottawa. Give your inputHas your business had issues applying for job grants?The summer months bring opportunities for businesses in Calgary to receive support to hire summer students through the Alberta Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and Canada Summer Jobs Grant (CSJ). Calgary businesses can also take advantage of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) to train new and existing employees. The Chamber is always looking to work with government to improve and streamline their programs. It is the perfect time to document and report to government on the issues businesses face when applying for job grants. Take the survey below and let us know about your experiences with these programs. Regulate smarter: Death by 130,000 cutsCanada’s regulatory system is limiting business’ ability to grow and create jobs, thanks to a growing mix of complex, costly and overlapping rules from all levels of government. A new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the Calgary Chamber, Death by 130,000 Cuts: Improving Canada’s Regulatory Competitiveness, calls on governments to modernize their regulatory frameworks and give businesses in Canada room to thrive. Read more about the report, as well as how local businesses are impacted by red tape, in our blog. |