Advocacy

 2010 Federal Budget

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, Finance Minister James Flaherty will deliver the federal government’s budget. Its focus will be on how to best lead Canada to full economic recovery – the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. As Canada’s economy is transitioning from recession to recovery, now, more than ever, Canada needs a strong business community.
 
In to ensure that the voice of Nanaimo Business is heard, have will host a business roundtable discussion on Friday, January 29.
 
The following issues will be discussed.
 
·        To what extent has Canada’s Economic Action Plan been effective in stimulating activity in your industry, sector, or community?
 
·        What suggestions do you have for improving the effectiveness of the government’s stimulus measures or the speed of its delivery?
 
·        What steps should the government take to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and ensure that Canada continues to attract investment and create jobs once the recovery is achieved and the Economic Action Plan is wound down?
 
·        Over what time period should the government bring the budget back into balance?
 
The views expressed at this meeting will be summarized and submitted to The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, along with those from other meetings being hosted by chambers of commerce across the country. The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will present the Canadian Chamber Network’s positions to Minister Flaherty and officials prior to the tabling of the budget. 
 

To download a copy of the Canadian Chamber’s Policy Brief on the Budget, please click here

Did you know that the Chamber is the voice of business to all three levels of government?
Recently we held a meeting of key business leaders to review the federal budget and put forward those issues which concern Nanaimo businesses.  To read the summary please click here.
Also, in February, we met with senior City staff to review the municipal budget and financial plan – particularly relating to business taxes.
These are examples of how the Chamber advocates for business.