Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager
Housing, immigration, public infrastructure.
Our members have identified these among their most critical federal concerns for the upcoming year, and recently, we had the opportunity to advocate these issues on your behalf at Canadian Global Cities Council (CGCC) Day on Parliament Hill.
The CGCC is a coalition of CEOs from eight of Canada’s largest urban Chamber of Commerce and Boards of Trade. Every year they convene in Ottawa to advocate and meet with decision-makers to discuss the shared issues impacting their urban centres.
While many pressing concerns including trade, urban infrastructure, and transit have remained key, every year is unique. Internal trade barriers and productivity took centre stage this year with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) up for review in 2026. The CGCC met with both the government of the day and members of the opposition to discuss how government can help urban centres thrive.
Representing more than half of Canada’s population and 52 per cent of Canada’s GDP, the CGCC is a strong voice for Canada’s urban centres. For detailed insights into key meetings, keep reading.
Key Meetings and Actions or Asks
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Topic: Immigration
Ask: A one size fits all immigration lens doesn’t allow smaller urban centres to embrace much needed growth.
The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transportation
Key Topics: Internal Trade Barriers
Action: Minister Anand stressed interest in refreshing federal leaderships investment in driving tangible movement on internal trade barriers.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation Science and Industry
Key Topic: Productivity and Fiscal Policy
Ask: Canada’s small businesses are a big part of addressing Canada’s productivity challenges, but debt management is a major hurdle for many.
Ask: When fiscal policy is well formulated it can incentivize industry growth. Manitoba’s film industry is a great example of how fiscal policy designed to encourage industry growth can drive success.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Key Topic: Housing Accelerator Fund & Infrastructure
Ask: Funding to improve infrastructure is key to achieving Canada’s housing targets. For Winnipeg, upgrading the North End Water Treatment Plant is crucial.
Learn More and Take Action
Read CGCC’s 2018 Report: Planning for an Urban Future
If you would like to be involved in The Chambers advocacy efforts, please contact Gwen Black our Policy and Government Relations Manager.
And check out these upcoming policy events:
