New alliance aims to drive economic growth by unlocking Western Canada’s resource potential

Western Canada’s business councils form a new coalition to push for policies that strengthen the region’s economy

THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Four major business organizations—the Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Business Council of Manitoba—have joined forces to create the Western Business Coalition.

This new partnership is dedicated to advancing policies that unleash Western Canada’s economic potential, particularly in natural resources and trade.

Advocating for a Stronger Resource Sector

Despite Canada’s vast natural resource wealth, federal regulations and trade barriers have long constrained the sector’s growth. The coalition argues that streamlining regulations and expanding global market access for energy, agriculture, mining, forestry, and aquaculture will strengthen Canada’s economy and create new opportunities for workers and businesses alike.

“By starting with policy solutions to unleash our natural resources sector, Canada can create a better life for all by meeting the world’s growing demand for energy, food, materials, and minerals,” said Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta.

“Ironically, Canada’s resource sector is our Trump card when it comes to strengthening the economy. When the resource sector thrives, so do our workers, families, and communities,” added Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of B.C.

Key Initiatives of the Coalition

The coalition’s first initiative is a natural resource policy project that will provide concrete recommendations to policymakers and raise public awareness about the sector’s role in Canada’s economy. The group will also develop policies on Canada-U.S. trade and interprovincial trade barriers in future projects.

Focus Areas for Growth

The coalition will initially target five key sectors:

• Energy – Oil & Gas: Enhancing global competitiveness and securing new markets.
• Agriculture: Strengthening Canada’s position as a global agricultural leader while ensuring sustainability.
• Mining & Critical Minerals: Expanding production of minerals essential for clean technology and economic security.
• Forestry: Supporting responsible management and increasing international trade opportunities.
• Aquaculture: Growing the sector to meet rising global seafood demand.

Each policy stream is led by two of the four councils, with input from top business leaders across Western Canada to ensure regional concerns are addressed.

“Now is the time to use our collective voice to advocate for policies that will strengthen Canada’s economy and our position as a global leader in natural resources,” said Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba.

“By uniting as a coalition, we are strengthening our ability to advocate for policies that drive investment, create jobs, and ensure Western Canada’s resource industries remain competitive on the world stage,” added Prabha Ramaswamy, President of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

With economic and global uncertainty looming, the Western Business Coalition aims to drive long-term prosperity by ensuring that Western Canada’s economic strengths are fully leveraged.