Hamilton, ON, September 25th, 2017: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently concluded its annual general meeting held between September 23rd to 25th in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The convention is centered around a policy process that featured almost 70 resolutions submitted from Chambers of Commerce across Canada, which were then formally debated, resulting in adoption or rejection.

We’re pleased to report that the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce was successful in passing all three of it’s co-sponsored resolutions. Here’s a quick summary:

1. National Digital Broadband Strategy: As the digital economy continues to grow it is becoming imperative that all Canadians have access to broadband internet in order to effectively participate and compete in the world economy. With unique geographical challenges to overcome that competing jurisdictions do not face, it is critical that a national strategy is enacted to provide equitable broadband access to all Canadians. CLICK HERE for the full policy.

Our recommendations were:

1. Undertake a national broadband feasibility study that lays out minimum service levels, delivery models, cost structures, funding, regulatory models that support facilities and service-based competition and implementation timelines for 100% digital inclusion and work with all jurisdictions and the private sector to determine action required and implementation staging plans. Furthermore, the study should also address ongoing operations and maintenance in deploying infrastructure.
2. Support and expand government funding programs that create incentives for network building by the private sector and public-private partnerships, including, evaluating funding mechanisms to help realize the recent CRTC ruling declaring broadband (http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2016/2016-496.htm) download speeds of at least 50 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps will now be considered a “basic telecom service”.

2. Establish a New Proactive Trade Policy in Canada: Since 2009, the long-standing Canadian trade balance shifted to a deficit as imports value increased more than exports. The United States is by far Canada’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 75% of exports and 66% of imports as of 2015 (Trading Canada). Canada is also experiencing high levels of trade deficits with China and Mexico. In order to restore trade balance, Canada needs a new proactive international trade policy that works for businesses. CLICK HERE for the full policy.

Our recommendation:

“In the model of the Trade Estimates Report by the U.S., conduct an annual inventory of the most important foreign barriers affecting Canadian exports of goods and services, foreign direct investment by residents, and protection of intellectual property rights. Such an inventory will improve awareness and transparency of these trade barriers and allow the business community to collaborate towards improving competitiveness.”

3. Securing North American Steel Production Through a Unified Position on Section 232 of NAFTA: The United States review of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 19621 and the potential result of the investigation of the Steel Industry as a “core industry’ and “critical element” to US national security poses to have a significant impact on the Canadian steel industry and the 22,000 direct and several hundred thousand indirect jobs that it generates. CLICK HERE for the full policy.

We recommended:

1. Under NAFTA section 232, stress that free and full access to each other’s market is the key to avoid reciprocity of a “Buy America” trade stance.
2. Stress to all levels of US Government that a disruption to Canadian markets creates uncertainty in the US market.

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has now adopted these issues within their advocacy strategy. On behalf of our membership, they will engage the Federal Government. The Hamilton Chamber will also continue to advocate these matters with relevant elected officials.

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For more information please contact: Huzaifa Saeed | Policy & Research Analyst | Hamilton Chamber of Commerce | t: 905-522-1151 ext: 230 | e: h.saeed@hamiltonchamber.ca

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