Canadian Chamber of Commerce says federal budget promises investment but that’s up to business

“Individual businesses – small, medium and large – will be the ultimate judges of whether this is enough to start making investments in Canada again”

The Chamber said Budget 2025 has focused on public backing of capital investments, setting new fiscal anchors and maintaining some reasonable restraint through operational cuts.

“To attract capital investment to fuel the growth we need, the government is making some large expectations on returns,” Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy Matthew Holmes said.

“It will be up to businesses to see if this will be enough to spur the level of economic activity, return on investment and capital attraction the government hopes for,” he added.

“At the same time, we’re pleased to see the government has made some difficult reprioritizations and cuts, while also making significant new defence spending to meet our NATO commitments.”

The Chamber said that small businesses have endured a tough year, weathering extra costs, lower consumer spending, and lingering supply chain pressures.

They add that trade partnerships have been impacted by the economic shifts, while small businesses are also still overburdened by taxes and regulations.

“Many business owners have used their personal savings to stay afloat — leaving little room to absorb new costs,” Laing said.

“They’ve carried extraordinary burdens over the past five years, but need breathing room to scale. Our Canadian Chamber Missions to new markets understand SMEs [Small and Medium Sized Enterprises] are critical to our economic DNA,” she added.

“We commend the government for investing in this diversification effort, so we’re not vulnerable to overreliance again.”

The Chamber supports the defence spending, saying international commitments would go a long way to Canada being seen as a reliable global partner.

“The only thing generational about this budget is that this is the first time in generations that we’ve taken our NATO commitments seriously,” Holmes said.

“This budget makes critical investments in the equipment and technology our men and women in uniform need to defend Canada at home and abroad.”

The group said that reliable investment depends on reliable governance.

They add that the uncertainty around the government’s ability to pass a budget, or the prospect of an election before key policies take effect, risks deepening the very crisis this Budget seeks to solve.

“Economic uncertainty doesn’t just come from markets; it comes from divisive politics too,” Homes said.

“Investors and employers need stability, consistency, and a sense that Canada can still nation-build in troubling times, which is why Parliamentarians must come together quickly to agree on a reasonable path to passage of a Budget — even if it sees some changes.”

The Chamber said Budget 2025 makes big promises, but only businesses can deliver most of them.

They add it takes a step toward balancing fiscal restraint with targeted investment, but the test ahead is execution and follow through — ensuring that policies translate into real-world competitiveness and growth.

“The world is competing for capital, and capital is mobile,” Laing said.

“Canada has the talent, the resources and the potential to lead. Now, we need to prove that we can provide the certainty investors and businesses are looking for here at home.”

Budget 2025: Read Insights from the Canadian Chamber Policy Experts

Read the Canadian Chamber’s Response to Pre-Budget Consultation 2026

by Jesse Gill

Canadian Chamber of Commerce says federal budget promises investment but that’s up to business

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