A powerful alliance of Western business leaders is sounding the alarm over the country’s economic trajectory and directly challenging the federal government’s climate policies.In a blunt letter sent to every Member of Parliament, the Western Business Coalition — representing the Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Business Council of Manitoba — urges immediate action to restore Canada’s economic competitiveness. The group warns that per capita economic growth has flatlined, public spending has surged, and private investment is withering, threatening the country’s long-term prosperity.“On a per-capita basis, the country has been in a recession for more than two years,” wrote Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of BC. “To reverse this trend, we must adopt policies that attract investment and support rising living standards for Canadians.”.Among the coalition’s key demands:Scrap the proposed oil and gas emissions cap, which they argue would hobble a critical sector for exports, employment, and economic reconciliationOverhaul the tax system, including accelerated depreciation allowances and more competitive personal income tax rates to attract capital and talentStreamline Canada’s regulatory processes, which are described as sluggish and deterrent to major project investmentThe letter paints a stark picture of a country losing ground. Since 2014, private sector investment has declined significantly, exports have fallen on a per capita basis, and government employment has far outpaced private sector job growth. .Meanwhile, monthly food bank usage hit a record 2.1 million visits in March, up 90% from five years ago.“Canada’s prosperity depends on enabling private sector growth, not stifling it,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “We need competitive tax policy, clear regulation, and investment-friendly policies to ensure businesses can thrive and create opportunity.”The coalition also expressed alarm over rising support for Western independence referendums in Alberta and Saskatchewan, fuelled by growing resentment of federal policies seen as hostile to energy development. .For many in the West, Ottawa’s climate agenda — particularly the emissions cap — symbolizes a broader pattern of neglect and centralization that sidelines regional interests.It comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to convene Canada’s forty-fifth Parliament with a speech from the Throne by King Charles III next week.In his inaugural address prior to the election, Carney acknowledged the economic concerns raised by Western leaders while defending his government’s dual mission of economic renewal and environmental responsibility..“We hear the message from the West,” Carney said. “We know investment is stalling, and growth is uneven. But we reject the idea that Canada must choose between a healthy economy and a healthy planet. We can, and must, achieve both.”Carney pledged targeted tax reforms, incentives for private investment and a more efficient regulatory framework, but stopped short of abandoning the emissions cap. But that balancing act is already being tested. Western provinces are watching closely to see whether rhetoric will be matched by policy shifts. Carney is expected to meet with members of the Western Business Coalition in the coming weeks as part of a broader outreach strategy. Yet with support for secessionist referendums rising, and a private sector in retreat, the window for bridging Canada’s regional and economic divides may be narrowing fast.
A powerful alliance of Western business leaders is sounding the alarm over the country’s economic trajectory and directly challenging the federal government’s climate policies.In a blunt letter sent to every Member of Parliament, the Western Business Coalition — representing the Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Business Council of Manitoba — urges immediate action to restore Canada’s economic competitiveness. The group warns that per capita economic growth has flatlined, public spending has surged, and private investment is withering, threatening the country’s long-term prosperity.“On a per-capita basis, the country has been in a recession for more than two years,” wrote Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of BC. “To reverse this trend, we must adopt policies that attract investment and support rising living standards for Canadians.”.Among the coalition’s key demands:Scrap the proposed oil and gas emissions cap, which they argue would hobble a critical sector for exports, employment, and economic reconciliationOverhaul the tax system, including accelerated depreciation allowances and more competitive personal income tax rates to attract capital and talentStreamline Canada’s regulatory processes, which are described as sluggish and deterrent to major project investmentThe letter paints a stark picture of a country losing ground. Since 2014, private sector investment has declined significantly, exports have fallen on a per capita basis, and government employment has far outpaced private sector job growth. .Meanwhile, monthly food bank usage hit a record 2.1 million visits in March, up 90% from five years ago.“Canada’s prosperity depends on enabling private sector growth, not stifling it,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “We need competitive tax policy, clear regulation, and investment-friendly policies to ensure businesses can thrive and create opportunity.”The coalition also expressed alarm over rising support for Western independence referendums in Alberta and Saskatchewan, fuelled by growing resentment of federal policies seen as hostile to energy development. .For many in the West, Ottawa’s climate agenda — particularly the emissions cap — symbolizes a broader pattern of neglect and centralization that sidelines regional interests.It comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to convene Canada’s forty-fifth Parliament with a speech from the Throne by King Charles III next week.In his inaugural address prior to the election, Carney acknowledged the economic concerns raised by Western leaders while defending his government’s dual mission of economic renewal and environmental responsibility..“We hear the message from the West,” Carney said. “We know investment is stalling, and growth is uneven. But we reject the idea that Canada must choose between a healthy economy and a healthy planet. We can, and must, achieve both.”Carney pledged targeted tax reforms, incentives for private investment and a more efficient regulatory framework, but stopped short of abandoning the emissions cap. But that balancing act is already being tested. Western provinces are watching closely to see whether rhetoric will be matched by policy shifts. Carney is expected to meet with members of the Western Business Coalition in the coming weeks as part of a broader outreach strategy. Yet with support for secessionist referendums rising, and a private sector in retreat, the window for bridging Canada’s regional and economic divides may be narrowing fast.
