Tax holiday nice, but businesses want real reforms

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The holiday on GST begins Dec. 14, but the measure misses the mark when it comes to improving affordability, the Canadian Chamber said.

“We’re pleased to see recognition that the affordability crisis continues to hurt Canadians. This relief on everyday purchases is an important first step. But the root causes of Canada’s affordability challenges cannot be fixed with half-measures or temporary relief,” said Jessica Brandon-Jepp, the Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy for Canadian Chamber. “What’s still missing is a clear plan to revive our economy for all Canadians — one that empowers new businesses to launch, helps existing ones grow and create jobs, ensures major projects get built, and keeps supply chains running smoothly without constant disruptions and rising costs. It’s time to move away from tax-and-spend policies and red tape that drive up the cost of goods and services, and move towards an economy that creates opportunities for Canadians.”

What will the GST Break cover?

 

Trump takes to social media to threaten huge tariffs

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There’s the economy, and then there’s the attention economy. The incoming US President has seized the spotlight with his comments on his Truth Social platform calling for a 25% tariff on products from Canada.

The damage such a move would do to the Canadian and US economies makes this pronouncement shocking, which is likely what Donald Trump intended.

Chamber Board Chair Kris Wirk spoke to CFAX this morning about the issue, noting that the uncertainty is not helpful regardless of whether any tariffs are introduced.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said it’s easy for Trump to be loud on social media, but there has already been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to mitigate the damage tariffs would cause.

“We need to remember that this is a public relations tactic and probably much different than what will occur in reality,” Williams said. “Our national Chamber network has built strong relationships with states along Canada’s border. Their leaders understand the trade relationship with Canada and its importance to American jobs, factories and consumers. They’ll bring a strong voice to any negotiations.”

Speaking of the Canadian Chamber, new President and CEO Candace Laing has issued a statement condemning any attempt to hurt Canada’s economy.

“Being America’s ‘nice neighbour’ won’t get us anywhere in this situation. President-elect Trump’s intention to impose 25% tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is no longer about mutual benefit. To him, it’s about winners and losers—with Canada on the losing end,” Laing said. “We’re facing a significant shift in the relationship between long-standing allies. Canada’s signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we’re going to stake out our position. It’s time to trade ‘sorry’ for ‘sorry, not sorry.’”

Feds step in to end labour disputes at Canadian ports

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The Chamber was part of advocacy efforts that succeeded in ending the recent labour disputes that had shut down vital ports across Canada.

The Chamber was a signatory to a letter that went directly to federal Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon. That effort helped push the Canada Industrial Relations Board to announce on Tuesday that it will impose final binding arbitration to resolve labour disputes at ports in British Columbia, Montreal and Quebec.

This decision will swiftly end disruptions and resume port operations, while extending current collective agreements until new ones are finalized.

“As an Island economy, we need our supply chains to operate efficiently,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Any disruptions can have critical impacts on businesses ability to plan with certainty.”

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

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The Chamber continues to call on our region’s Members of Parliament as well as the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services. A strike that began Aug. 22 threatens to disrupt local economies as well as our country’s national security.

Working with our national chamber network, we have been asking the government for weeks to protect the Canadian public. Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the federal Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and can end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. The government can also introduce back-to-work legislation.

This is not a partisan issue. However, a steep price will be paid by families, workers and businesses if action is not taken.

“I sent a letter to all of the Members of Parliament in Greater Victoria, so they are aware of the gravity of this issue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our expectation is they will take up this call in Ottawa and work with the government to protect our region before we experience supply shortages that could create a real crisis here.”

Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing

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The Chamber’s proposed policy resolution calling for investment in military housing has successfully taken the next step to being officially adopted by the national chamber network.

After passing an initial review, the proposed resolution will be debated at the Canadian Chamber AGM in October.

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce staff worked with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to craft the policy proposal, titled: Adding to Canada’s housing supply by strengthening Canada’s military through housing on military bases.

The resolution argues that the availability of secure and affordable homes is crucial for the retention and recruitment of members of the armed forces as well as for regional economies affected by a lack of housing.

By creating new housing on available Department of National Defence lands, Canadian Armed Forces members will be less dependent on market housing, which in turn will open up more homes for residents who work outside the military.

“We’re asking the federal government to focus funding — that it’s already announced for housing — in a way we believe will provide an effective boost to our national economy,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is a member of the national Chamber Network Review Committee.

Belleville Terminal construction starts this week

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Work is getting underway on the redevelopment of Belleville Terminal, with Phase 1 Wharf Modifications starting at the Steamship Building’s water lot.

A barge with a crane derrick is on site, and work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and potentially weekends depending on scheduling. However, no work will occur over long-weekends, and should be completed by the end of August.

“Potential impacts from this work include noise from the removal of existing pilings and installation of new pilings as well as the visual impact of the crane derrick within the inner harbour,” states a memo about the project from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Projects.

The Chamber advocated for two decades to gather support for the modernization of this important international gateway that greets thousands of travellers every year.

“It’s great to see the project finally underway and we know the temporary disruption will be worth having a 21st century facility in place,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

You can stay updated on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project by visiting the project website.

Fund helps municipalities cope with changing climate

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On Monday, the federal government announced $530 million to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the changing climate. The money will help cities and towns prepare for flooding, heat domes and other impacts on residents and infrastruture caused by weather events.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will administer the fund, which is a fraction of the $10 billion the FCM estimated is needed.

“In all, there are three funding streams that will provide substantial support for municipalities to carry out climate adaptation projects. In addition to support for climate adaptation planning, municipalities can apply for up to $1 million for implementation projects and up to $70,000 for feasibility studies,” the media release said. “Municipalities that have completed climate adaptation plans and/or risk assessments are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Aug. 14, 2024.”

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