Downtown revitalization key part of Calgary Chamber's 2023 provincial election platform
The Calgary Chamber has released its provincial election platform, including priorities the organization hopes whomever is elected will embrace.
Policy initiatives call for specific investments into Calgary's downtown core and support for small businesses.
The platform, titled Accelerate: Driving Alberta Forward, is billed as a business-led, solutions-oriented plan to "build economic momentum and achieve economic resilience."
It has also outlined spending ideas for province's projected $12.3 billion surplus.
The Chamber would suggest 30 per cent for debt reduction, 40 per cent for the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, 20 per cent on one-time investments, and 10 per cent for the continuation of affordability measures to alleviate inflation.
Those one-time spending items would focus on infrastructure in Calgary's downtown for arts and entertainment venues to bolster vibrancy and increase tourism.
CALGARY DRIVES ECONOMY
Officials say the province should focus on Calgary as the economic driver for the province.
"To see the province backing Calgary is really critical. We are the corporate headquarters for this province," said Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
The plan also includes tax policy suggestions, such as a freeze on the corporate TD rate at eight per cent and the elimination of the small business tax rate.
One café owner in the Beltline says more investment is needed to alleviate pressure after the recent economic crisis followed by pandemic restrictions.
"For small businesses like myself with all the challenges that has been going on for the last three years," said Yin Sung, owner of Sucre Patisserie and Café.
She added, "inflation is up, food cost is up and everyone needs to survive."
SUPPORT FOR CALGARY
Mayor Jyoti Gondek says most of the platform aligns with initiatives and plans at the City of Calgary to support the local economy.
"Small businesses have taken quite a hit over the last few years, thats something (the Chamber is) advocating for on behalf of their membership so it's good to see."
The Downtown Calgary Association also supports funding initiatives to improve vibrancy in the core, to encourage more activity and spending."
The executive director says one-time investments for facility upgrades are important, but is calling for all levels of government to commit to long-term support.
"Those investments are not just one time investments, it needs to be an on-going investment. So if they could match the city investment, fantastic, but then five years from now we need those investments to continue with the economic growth," said Mark Garner.
'ACCELERATE' POINT-BY-POINT
Developed in consultation with Calgary Chamber members, the election platform – released on Tuesday -- includes 120 recommendations in 21 areas under the five following headings:
- Fiscal responsibility: Allocate the surplus in line with our economic context today and forecasts for the coming years, ensuring Alberta’s economy is set up for success today and tomorrow.
- Affordability and rising costs: Introduce measures to alleviate the pressure of rising costs on businesses and families, helping build resiliency through economic headwinds.
- Economic diversification and competitiveness: Advance our traditional industries while driving investment and growth in emerging economic sectors, de-risking innovation, enhancing access to capital and creating a competitive investment landscape across our economy.
- Talent and labour: Growing Alberta’s talent pool, ensuring businesses have access to talent by investing in education and training, streamlining immigration systems and increasing access to affordable childcare.
- Strategic infrastructure investments: Investing in infrastructure that supports community vibrancy, transport and mobility, safety and security, making Alberta a magnet for talent and facilitating the growth of infrastructure-dependent sectors.
You can view the complete platform on the Calgary Chamber's website.
Alberta's next provincial election is scheduled on May 29.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.