ALBERTA – July 24, 2025 – A major reason for Canada’s stalled economic growth and declining standard of living over the past decade is that business investment—a critical driver of growth—has been weak, suffering under a federal policy environment that has ranged from unhelpful to counterproductive. As Canadian policymakers begin the process of reversing this trend, the Business Council of Alberta (BCA) has released a new report, From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Early Steps to Unlock Canada’s Investment Potential, calling for urgent action to restore investor confidence and chart a new course toward long-term prosperity.
The report builds on BCA’s A Strong Canada. A Good Life. policy platform released earlier this year and is intended to help guide federal action at a critical moment. It emphasizes the need for government to create the conditions for growth and strengthen Canada’s position as a top destination for investment.
“Most Canadians now realize that our economy has been underperforming, and our standard of living has been declining — this report is what we do about it,” said Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta. “The steps we’ve outlined are achievable and realistic. But they are also essential. At a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, countries are seeking reliable trading partners, and investors are looking for stable, competitive environments. Canada can offer both. With bold leadership, we can restore confidence, attract investment, and build a stronger, more prosperous future for all Canadians.”
Immediate Steps: Part one of the report identifies key actions the federal government can take now to signal a new era of economic ambition, strengthen investor confidence, and unleash the potential of Canada’s natural resource sector. These include:
- Show the world Canada is ready to lead: Position Canada not just as a top choice for business—but THE top choice. Clearly signal to global investors a shift that Canada is now serious about growth and competitiveness.
- Build a truly national economy: Eliminate internal trade and labour mobility barriers to unlock the full potential of a unified Canadian market.
- Respect the Constitutional authority of provinces and territories: Align federal efforts with provincial authority to provide policy clarity and stability for business and investors.
- Unlock the potential of Canada’s natural resource sector: Repeal or reform policies that deter investment and actively champion responsible resource development.
- Create clarity on Indigenous consultation: Establish a clear, credible and effective consultation framework to support shared prosperity.
- Strengthen trade infrastructure to enable export growth: Invest in the expansion of modern, reliable trade infrastructure to ensure goods reach global markets efficiently.
- Refocus immigration on highly skilled talent: Prioritize attracting and retaining top global talent to drive innovation and economic growth.
Part two of the report outlines critical areas for further research including fixing Canada’s major project approval process, modernizing the tax system to incentivize investment and streamlining Canada’s policy and regulatory landscape —which will form the focus of the Council’s upcoming work.
“We need to send a message globally that Canada is now re-focused on competitiveness and a commitment to growth,” said Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta. “This must be reinforced on every global stage, in every major speech, and through every international engagement, making clear that this is a lasting economic priority that will endure beyond election cycles and will be supported by action to deliver results.”
BCA will continue to advance this work over the coming months through a series of focused reports with policy recommendations that will be released later this year.
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About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building a better Alberta within a more dynamic Canada. Composed of the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of the province’s largest enterprises, Council members are proud to represent the majority of Alberta’s private sector investment, job creation, exports, and research and development. The Council is committed to working with leaders and stakeholders across Alberta and Canada in proposing bold and innovative public policy solutions and initiatives that will make life better for Albertans. https://businesscouncilab.com/