“Chambers of the Federation” initiative proposes immediate action on trade, energy and procurement
(Winnipeg, March 6, 2025) – As Canada enters a trade war provoked by the United States, the nation’s provincial chambers of commerce have come together to present An Agenda for Economic Growth and Stability, a set of recommendations to Canada’s premiers to drive economic growth, strengthen domestic trade, and elevate Canada’s global competitiveness.
“This is a defining moment for Canada’s economy,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, who brought the group together. “That’s why business leaders from across the country have come together to put forward a bold, united plan to enhance national competitiveness – and national resilience. We call on Canada’s premiers to dismantle internal trade barriers, fast-track energy infrastructure, and strengthen domestic supply chains – to benefit businesses, workers and communities.”
Mirroring the premiers’ Council of the Federation, the new Chambers of the Federation initiative outlines key priorities, including:
- Removing barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility: Commit to tabling legislation in every province to enable mutual recognition agreements that allow for the seamless movement of goods, services and talent, similar to Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Mobility Canada Act and the commitments made by Ontario.
- Making an immediate, unified and unambiguous commitment to a National Energy Corridor: Immediately sign a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of oil, natural gas, electricity, hydrogen and other resources across Canada, from east to west and to our northern ports, opening up both internal and new export markets.
- Bolstering domestic procurement and supply chains: Align provincial public procurement policies to support Canadian content. This means increasing the weighting of local economic impact in procurement decisions, using trade agreement flexibilities to support domestic suppliers, and aligning procurement policies with key sectors such as manufacturing, agrifood, and steel. In parallel, governments should invest in strengthening domestic supply chains and our industrial capacity to meet economic needs.
- Strengthening Canada’s trade position with the U.S.: Advocate for the federal government to accelerate the renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review.
“Canada’s chamber movement stands ready to work with governments at all levels to shift gears from discussion to action. As the Council of the Federation deliberates on these priorities, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce joins our fellow chambers across the country in urging provincial and territorial leaders to take immediate steps to implement these recommendations,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
“To support the development of a National Energy Corridor, we need to prioritize strategic trade infrastructure including investments in ports, such as the Port of Churchill, so we can support business and industry in accessing new export markets,” Davidson added.
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About the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) has championed businesses across Manitoba since 1931 through advocacy, valuable programs, and strategic partnerships. MCC plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, promoting economic development, and providing essential support to Manitoba’s diverse business community, with the vision of making Manitoba the best place to live and work.
For more information, please contact:
Sherry Kaniuga
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
[email protected] | (204) 290-2903
Pictured above: Members of the Chambers of the Federation met with members of the group they were inspired by – the Premiers of the Federation – in Toronto on March 3. From left: Hon. Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (Manitoba); Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; Veronique Proulx, President & CEO, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (Québec Chambers of Commerce); The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia; Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce.
