Chamber Statement, Provincial

EDMONTON, AB – On February 27, 2025, the Honourable Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, tabled Budget 2025: Meeting the Challenge. This budget comes at a pivotal moment, as Alberta faces escalating Canada-U.S. trade tensions and the looming threat of tariffs. Against this backdrop, the budget holds significant implications for Alberta businesses striving to remain competitive and resilient. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the province’s commitment to our key priorities, including infrastructure, business competitiveness, and investment attraction. 

As the voice of nearly 2,000 businesses employing over 100,000 Albertans, the Chamber remains committed to championing policies that drive economic growth, strengthen Edmonton’s position as a global business hub, and deliver lasting returns for the economy. 

“Edmonton has the potential to be a global trade and investment leader. This budget makes some key investments, but we need to double down on policies that ensure local businesses can grow," said Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, "Strong cities build strong economies. Investments in transit, post-secondary institutions, and downtown revitalization will fuel Edmonton’s long-term growth, making it easier for businesses to thrive and attract top talent.”

The province is making high-impact investments in jobs and skill development, infrastructure—critical foundations that will drive long-term returns for businesses and communities. The Chamber is encouraged by several elements of Budget 2025 that align with our recommendations, including: 

• Increased Municipal Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT): Funding will rise to 75% this year, with full restoration to 100% of eligible funding by 2026-27. This ensures the City of Edmonton has the resources needed to invest in critical infrastructure, services, and business-friendly policies that support long-term economic growth. 
• $106M for Revitalization: Over the next three years, this funding will support key improvements throughout Downtown and the Coliseum site, enhancing the city’s economic core and driving business activity.
• $2.9B for LRT Expansion: This investment, including both federal and provincial contributions, will enhance transit infrastructure in Edmonton and Calgary, making it easier for businesses, workers, and customers to connect across the region.
• Major Investments in Edmonton’s Post-Secondary Institutions: Budget 2025 strengthens the city’s talent pipeline with: 
  • $100M for the University of Alberta’s Biological Sciences Centre,    
  • Ongoing $125M support for MacEwan University’s School of Business,  
  • $20M for NAIT’s Advanced Skills Centre planning,   
  • $4M for NorQuest College’s campus expansion. 
• 100 Additional Police Officers for Edmonton and Calgary: As part of the Safe Streets Action Plan, this investment will help enhance public safety, ensuring a secure environment for businesses, workers, and residents. 

While we understand the government’s challenges, we would have also liked to see Budget 2025 eliminate the province’s 2% small business tax. This would enhance Alberta’s competitiveness with other Western provinces and save Edmonton businesses $68 million annually, supporting hiring and growth. 

Ahead of Budget 2025, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce submitted key recommendations to the Government of Alberta, focusing on five priority areas: 

1. Strengthening our attractive and competitive business environment,
2. Fostering regulatory certainty and efficiency,
3. Focusing on labour development and productivity,
4. Investing in municipal infrastructure and revitalization,
5. Supporting Edmonton’s growth as a global hub 

We’re pleased to see many of our recommendations reflected in Budget 2025 and look forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Alberta to advance these priorities, ensuring Edmonton remains a key economic driver.  

We remain committed to advocating for policies that support a strong, vibrant, and competitive business environment. 

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