Western Canadian business groups outline wish list ahead of election

CALGARY — Western Canadian business groups have outlined their wish list ahead of an expected federal election call this weekend.

Councils in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba jointly released a policy paper Friday entitled Untapped Potential — Driving Canadian Prosperity Through Natural Resources.

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They say Canada’s next government faces a critical choice — continue with policies that limit investment, development and growth or create a competitive environment that allows the resource sector to thrive.

“Canada has the untapped potential to be an economic superpower by leaning into policies that support the development of our resource sectors. Instead, we are limiting opportunities for the next generation by falling behind in our growth, productivity, and prosperity,” said Laura Jones, head of the Business Council of B.C.

“It’s time to change course.”

The paper is focused on five key industries: agriculture, forestry, energy, mining and aquaculture.

For all those sectors, the groups advocate for streamlining project approvals, pursuing new global markets and investing in trade-related infrastructure.

They also want to see a clear and effective Indigenous consultation process and ways to unlock Indigenous economic potential in the resources sector.

Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, said Canada’s resource industry is constrained by regulatory and policy barriers.

“This initiative is about growing Canada’s economy and improving the well-being of Canadians by unleashing Canada’s natural strengths.”

Bram Strain, who heads the Business Council of Manitoba, said “Western Canada has the expertise, resources, and innovative capacity to grow our nation and meet global demands.”

The federal government enacted environmental review legislation in 2019 that aimed to better weigh major projects’ impact on Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental, social and health matters. The Impact Assessment Act has since been amended after court challenges to its constitutionality, but Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and others still take issue with the revised legislation.

Industry players have said regulatory uncertainty and long review timelines have made it difficult to make investment decisions.

“By cutting red tape and creating a more predictable regulatory environment, we can attract investment, create jobs, and ensure long-term economic resilience,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this week, top executives at 10 major oil and gas producers and four pipeline companies released an open letter urging the federal government to invoke emergency powers to get energy export infrastructure, like pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, built. That includes nixing the Impact Assessment Act and a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in the role a week ago, is expected to ask Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve parliament on Sunday, triggering an election.

The election will take place against the backdrop of a trade war with the United States, as well as President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to make Canada the “51st state.” Canada has retaliated against U.S. levies with its own tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. goods.

The Liberals have said they would keep a cap on industrial greenhouse gas emissions, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said his party would scrap it.

Poilievre has also promised “shovel-ready zones” with pre-approved construction permits for major resource or energy projects.

Carney said Thursday he is committed to making Canada’s oil industry more competitive, including by getting pipelines built so Canada can displace imports of foreign oil.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2025.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press