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OPINION FEDERAL BUDGET PRIORITIES PROPOSED BY BUSINESS ORGANIZATION FAYE LYONS Column Canada's _ competitive- tain our standard of living and continue to Provide the services Canadian: quire. ssage was re- cently ‘conveyed by the Ca- ian Chamber of Com- merce oe (CCC) to the federal government through its 2024 budget submission. Further, the govern- ment's focus on economic growth must include build- ing trade- enhancing j easing the bur. den of doing business, fa- cilitating the transition to net-zero, enabling an inno- vative economy, attracting and retaining talent and leading in life sciences. In the rmath of the pandemic, our interna- ities are clear. conditions have introduced insecurity and disrupted the rule of law and traditional trading relationships. While Canada is also ex- posed to this problem, we are unique among free so- cieties in our potential to underwrite Biobal econom- ic security through our abundant Tatural resourc- es. We now have an oppor- tunity to show the world we can, quite literally, deliver oods. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is eager to partner with government on the strategy that will al- low us to respond to this moment. sSiven the head- win ice, collabora- tion between policymakers and the business commu- nity is more critical than ever before. Clear priorities on trade infrastructure projects. that yield measurable eco- nomic returns are critical. The government can work with provinces, the private tions continue to inflict damage to Canada's econo- my and reputation. To that end, ‘govern- ment should consider pro- lew dispute resolu- tion tools, including the au- thority to the federal cabi- net to compel binding arbitration for the resolu- tion of a labour dispute in sectors that are essential to Canada's supply chains, in- cludin dports, sector, an Indigenous peoples to re- solve supply chain chal- lenges to enable the Cana- exports the world needs, Canada must build and maintain trade infrastruc- ture that reliably and effi- ciently transports goods to from market. Domes- tic and international trade corridors should solidify supply chains and estab- lish Canada as a reliable business partner. Moreover, recent and recurring labour disrup- as well as abandon intro- ducing anti-replacement worker legislation. Any ac- tions that introduce more ay and disruption to su] chain processes will _ raise costs on Ca- nadians | gna businesses, our a rading, reeOnELDS, Regulators and bu: nesses must also work to- gether to ease the burden of doing business in Cana- da and to avoid losing the next generation of talent and innovation to compet- ing nations. We continue to urge the government to launch a comprehensive indepen- dent review of the tax sys- tem with the goal to create a simpler tax system, as well as avoiding new busi- ness taxes that further drive away investment. Additionally, introduc- ing an economic and com- petitiveness mandate for regulators would encour- age manageable regula- © ry community workforce = needs. z To that end, the Oak- 8 ville Chamber has drafted $ a resolution to be present- ed at the Canadian Cham- 3 meet- 3 s labo! 5 aS eit the skills re- 2 quired to meet industry § g needs. Budget 2024 will provide 8 8 the federal government the opportunity to implement a decisive strategy to at- tract the investment need- ed for strong, sustainable tions that supporteconom- growth and a successful ic growth and take into ac- net-zero transition. count our The busi in the global marketplace. _ ty looks forward to the gov- Attracting and retain- ernment's action on these ing top talent while in- critical issues to increase creasing productivity is vi- Canada's competitiveness tal to and economic growth. Canadian businesses and is a current e for many locally based businesses. We will continue our ad- yocacy work to decentral- e immigration selec- and support local solutions to address Faye Lyons is the vice- president of government relations and advocacy for the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. She can reached at faye@oakvil- lechamber.com. DELMANOR © 995.269. 9292, Glen Abbey ey bb com Inspired Retirement Living™ gre ap! HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR Visit vendors, get your blood pressure checked, listen to speakers on seniors’ health and wellbeing, and sample healthy food options. Join us September 26" from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm at Delmanor Glen Abbey 1459 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville woo-uoyeyepisu!