Business Council of Alberta

Join us on The Brief for a crucial discussion on the unprecedented rail work stoppage happening currently in Canada. Derrick Hynes, President and CEO of FETCO, shares his insights on the economic risks, collective bargaining challenges, and the minister's role in resolving the dispute. Listen to the in-depth analysis of Canadian labour relations now here: https://shorturl.at/lcT44 #abpoli #cdnpoli

Is reducing income inequality the answer to ending poverty? Our analysis of Canadian provinces suggests a more nuanced relationship. While many Canadians believe both issues need urgent attention, the data shows that tackling poverty doesn't always require addressing inequality. While provinces like Alberta have low poverty rates, their income inequality is relatively moderate. This challenges the common assumption that reducing inequality is the key to ending poverty. Read the full EconMinute here: https://shorturl.at/tClXP #CDNpoli #ABpoli

We are pleased to see the government appropriately utilize its authority, moving the dispute to arbitration, which will help protect Canadian jobs, businesses, and supply chains. Full statement here: https://shorturl.at/GfUsD #cdnpoli #abpoli

Canada's rail stoppage threatens livelihoods and the economy. The federal government must act now to resume operations. See BCA's 3rd statement on the crisis as it unfolds: https://shorturl.at/8Puba #abpoli #cdnpoli

The time is now for the Government of Canada to urgently intervene and avoid an unprecedented and devastating rail stoppage. Given the potential for significant harm to Canadians, all options including interest arbitration and convening an emergency session of Parliament should be on the table now. Read the full statement below. #canadianrailstoppage #cdnpoli #abpoli #CanadianRail

Unfortunately telling the parties to work harder is unlikely to create a resolution to this problem. The Government of Canada must use the tools at its disposal to ensure no rail stoppage occurs. Canada cannot afford a rail stoppage. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians earn income directly and indirectly from our rail lines. Thousands of businesses rely on products shipped by rail to generate income and jobs. Canada's farmers are now harvesting and need rail to move grain. Global logistics companies are already adjusting their operations due to Canadian rail issues. Canadians cannot afford this rail shut down. Canada cannot afford the global reputation, nor the economic impact, as a country that can't reliably get it's products to market. This stoppage has the potential to hurt Canadians and further embarass us on the global stage. It's time for the federal government to work harder to make sure this stoppage does not occur. They must act now. #cdnpoli https://lnkd.in/g2C_6f4S

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada is on the rise, signaling that foreign investors are still confident in our long-term market potential. However, there’s an important trend to note—Canadian investments in foreign markets are growing even faster. This suggests that while Canada remains attractive to foreign investors, it may be losing some of its appeal compared to other global markets. Could this be a signal for Canada to reassess its investment climate and industry focus to maintain its global competitiveness? Read the full EconMinute here: https://shorturl.at/jQgB5

The Business Council of Alberta is urging the federal government to immediately take all actions necessary to avoid our nation’s railroads grinding to halt. We have three primary concerns, for: 1. Workers and jobs 2. The economy 3. Canada’s reputation With rail transport is crucial for moving goods, especially during the critical harvest season, a work stoppage would jeopardize thousands of jobs, hinder economic activity, and damage Canada's ability to reliably export goods, particularly agricultural products. See our President, Adam Legge, speak about the situation on CBC here: https://lnkd.in/et3PZhGq #cdnpoli #abpoli

Please read an important statement from our President, Adam Legge, regarding the possible rail stoppages in Alberta.

We don’t know how bad crime is, and that’s a problem. Crime rates have officially decreased over the past 20 years, but many businesses and communities are still feeling the impact of rising crime. The increase in violent crime and potential underreporting of non-violent incidents like shoplifting may be contributing to a gap between perception and reality. How are you navigating these challenges? Full EconMinute here: https://shorturl.at/uMzPv