Coalition forms to unlock ‘the economic power of the West’

VANCOUVER — The Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Manitoba have joined forces to form the Western Business Coalition.

The alliance’s key goal is to ensure Canada “reaches its full economic potential by unlocking the economic power of the West. For the coalition, that begins with natural resources, and trade,” explains a release.

“Canada is home to vast natural resource wealth, yet federal policies have long constrained the growth and global export of these assets. A complex and uncompetitive regulatory environment, combined with trade barriers, and shifting global economic dynamics, has limited Canada’s ability to fully leverage its energy, agriculture, mining, forestry, and aquaculture sectors. The time has come for that to change.”

The coalition’s first order of business is a new natural resource policy project that provides recommendations and raises public awareness about the sector’s critical role in the country’s economy.

The coalition will also produce policy recommendations on Canada-U.S. trade, as well as reducing barriers to Canadian interprovincial trade.

In particular, the coalition’s first initiative delves into five key areas:

• Energy – oil and gas: Enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness and ensuring access to new markets. 
• Agriculture: Strengthening Canada’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse while promoting sustainability. 
• Mining and critical minerals: Expanding production of essential minerals needed for clean technology and economic security. 
• Forestry: Advancing responsible forestry management and increasing global trade opportunities. 
• Aquaculture:Supporting the sustainable growth of aquaculture to meet rising seafood demand. 

Each policy stream is being jointly led by two of the four councils, with top business leaders from across the West contributing to each, the release adds.

Final recommendations will form a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering economic growth and reconciliation, innovation and regulatory improvements.