Canada at an Economic Crossroads: Leaders’ Economic Growth Council Engages Canadians to Chart a Path to Prosperity
Canada is at an economic crossroads. Over the past decade, more than $500 billion dollars in Canadian investment capital has flowed abroad, chasing better returns elsewhere. Jobs, innovation, and prosperity have followed. The Leaders’ Economic Growth Council (EGC), chaired by Greg McLean, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, is determined to reverse that trend—and we’re asking Canadians to help chart the course.
The Council is actively gathering input from organizations across Canada on how to reignite economic growth, create new opportunities for prosperity, and bring back the hundreds of billions in investment capital that have fled the country.
Over recent weeks, the Council has completed consultations in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, and is now continuing its work in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Additional sessions are planned for Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan in January. Strong interest from stakeholders nationwide may lead to further meetings being scheduled.
“Our Council brings together sectoral and civic leaders from across Canada who share a common goal: building a stronger, more competitive economy for future generations,” said McLean. “The insights we’ve received so far are invaluable, and we are grateful to those who have contributed their time and expertise.”
Many participants have proposed innovative solutions to break the investment paralysis and restore Canada’s economic competitiveness.
McLean, along with co-chairs Gaétan Malette (MP, Kapuskasing–Timmins–Mushkegowuk) and former Nova Scotia MP Rick Perkins, expressed gratitude:
“We are indebted to the talent on our Council and the selfless input of Canadian leaders who want nothing more than a better country for our children and grandchildren.”
The Council will present interim recommendations to the Leader of the Conservative Party, the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, by the end of January, with parliamentary efforts to advance solidified policy recommendations to follow.
“In a world that is more competitive and less secure, Canada cannot afford to wait,” McLean added. “If Conservatives can move these changes forward in a Liberal minority Parliament, Canadians will be better off for it.”
Emerging Themes from Consultations
While perspectives vary, several consistent themes have emerged:
- Regulatory Overload: A growing multi-jurisdictional regulatory burden is stifling investment and creating uncertainty.
- Federal Overreach: Stakeholders cite inconsistent federal roles—both overstepping authority and failing to meet core responsibilities.
- Investor Confidence: Concerns include safety and security costs, access to capital, and clarity on Canada’s trade relationships and sovereignty over key assets.
- Tax Burden: Stakeholders point to a growing tax load on businesses—used to fund ineffective federal programs—combined with personal tax rates that discourage investment and entrepreneurship.
- Sovereignty Concerns: Participants highlight risks to Canada’s sovereignty in critical areas such as data protection, financial transactions, advanced manufacturing, and national defence.
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