Chamber News

Budget 2018 contained a number of measures that reflect the policy recommendations, and the advocacy work, of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, working in partnership with our members and the Chamber network. The following are some of the Chamber-supported initiatives that made it into this year’s Budget.

Cyber Security, Intellectual Property, and Innovation:

• Taking steps to streamline and simplify access to government innovation incentive programs.
• $150 million to be invested toward DARPA.
• De-risking the commercialization of innovative technology.
• Increased support to entrepreneurs by making it easier for them to access capital.
• Funding for a patent collective pilot project and an IP marketplace.
• A $100 million investment toward rural access to digital networks.
• Coordinating an approach toward cyber security.

International Trade: 

• Amalgamation of multiple trade promotion programs under the Trade Commissioner Service to ensure a simplified offering for business.
• Additional funding to support Canadian companies looking to tap into export opportunities within Asia.
• Announcement of government plans to streamline the administration of the customs tariff legislation to reduce compliance costs for business.

Labour Market, Skills, and Training: 

• Expansion of the Canada Summer Jobs program and the Youth Employment Strategy.
• Simplification of the application process for businesses seeking partnerships and financial support through the “Innovation Canada” single window.

Entrepreneurship: 

• Commitment to simplify support programs for entrepreneurs, all-of-government data collection for performance metrics. 

Indigenous Peoples:

• Investment in capacity development for Indigenous peoples’ self-determination.  

Transportation and Infrastructure:

• A commitment to fund the renewal of VIA Rail’s fleet for the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.
• A $236.4 million investment toward CATSA for air security screening.