Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce outlines cost concerns over 2026 federal economic update

Apr 30, 2026 | 5:15 PM

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is raising concerns about competitiveness and cost pressures in its reaction to the federal government’s 2026 economic update.

The chamber said the update reinforces the need for businesses to focus on resilience as they face ongoing labour challenges, rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The federal plan highlights workforce development, infrastructure, domestic trade and long-term competitiveness, but does not include broad-based income tax cuts, as the chamber said the measures will still affect payroll costs, labour mobility and investment activity in the years ahead.

Board president Aaron Fleming says the update recognizes the payroll and workforce pressures businesses face, but more action is needed to strengthen competitiveness now and in the long term.

Fleming said businesses in southeast Alberta operate in sectors highly sensitive to fuel costs, workforce availability and regulatory complexity.

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While investment is important, Fleming said cutting red tape, improving tax competitiveness and removing interprovincial trade barriers would have the biggest impact for businesses.

The chamber also highlighted federal efforts through Prairies Economic Development Canada to boost export diversification, internal trade and industrial growth across Western Canada, alongside increased exports to non-U.S. markets and planned initiatives to improve market access and reduce interprovincial barriers.

To help guide local employers, the Chamber has also released a new advocacy insights article breaking down the update, while outlining steps businesses can take.

Those steps include workforce planning, cost management strategies, and identifying opportunities tied to infrastructure and trade initiatives.

The article can be viewed on the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce website.

The chamber said the goal is to ensure businesses are not only prepared for ongoing challenges but are also positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities as the economic landscape continues to evolve.

by Jett Schwaier

Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce outlines cost concerns over 2026 federal economic update

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