Canada needs a national, systemic plan to build faster, reduce barriers and improve productivity or prosperity will suffer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON, Nov. 25, 2025—Canada’s potential remains untapped. Investment uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, regulatory hurdles and labour shortages have made it increasingly difficult to build in Canada, whether it’s an interprovincial pipeline or a regional economic corridor. While the federal government has laid a foundation to advance critical infrastructure, we lack the tools needed to build quickly, effectively and with confidence.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has released Infrastructure in Waiting: Building Canada for a Prosperous Future—a new report featuring 62 recommendations for the federal government to ensure Canada can build beyond the major projects list, turning “infrastructure in waiting” into infrastructure in action.

“This report is designed to complement the federal government’s efforts to strengthen Canada through the advancement of major projects,” says Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “While the focus remains on nation-building infrastructure, regional and local projects will also play a central role in building Canada’s productive capacity. The current policy environment creates barriers and slows down projects of all sizes, threatening both future development and long-term growth and prosperity for the country. Canada’s potential will remain locked — with infrastructure in waiting — until these challenges are addressed.”

Research commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce reinforces this urgency. Eighty-one per cent of Albertans support the federal government encouraging the development of local and regional infrastructure projects, and 64 per cent of Canadians want government to champion the development of critical infrastructure.

“It is clear the federal government has a strong mandate to drive investment in building Canada, illustrated by what we expect to see in the upcoming Ottawa–Alberta MOU,” adds Yedlin. “But as a country, we must think bigger not only about what we build, but systemically about how we build. The success of our business community and economy depends on establishing a policy landscape that provides clarity and certainty, attracting capital and investment and positioning the country for long-term growth. This economic imperative is the guiding logic behind our report.”

Key Highlights

Canada needs a plan that extends beyond individual projects and focuses on the systemic changes that will unlock our potential.

Modern, trade-enabling infrastructure is essential, including improved ports and rail corridors, efficient pipelines and clean, reliable power systems. To make this possible, we must speed up approvals and improve the regulatory environment, remove barriers to Indigenous participation and ownership throughout project development, and support infrastructure development across Canada.

Unlocking Canada’s potential is not only about building more infrastructure—it is also about improving productivity.

Productivity drives income growth, business success and the investment needed for innovation. Yet despite having the most educated workforce in the world, with 63 per cent of working Canadians holding a post-secondary credential, Canada’s labour productivity fell by 0.6 per cent between 2019 and 2024. Boosting productivity is essential to raising incomes, helping businesses grow and strengthening long-term economic prosperity for all Canadians.

Chamber Recommendations

  • Invest in trade-enabling infrastructure through transportation and economic corridors, supply chain integration and digital connectivity.
  • Remove excessive regulatory barriers and streamline interprovincial trade rules.
  • Advance innovation and competitiveness through de-risking and catalysing investment, supporting technology adoption and improving climate competitiveness.
  • Support Indigenous participation in business by expanding procurement and equity partnerships.
  • Establish a competitive labour market by expanding capacity in building professions and recognizing foreign credentials.

Quick Facts

  • Eighty-one per cent of Albertans are supportive of regional or local infrastructure development, and the federal government working to champion these projects.
  • Sixty-four per cent of Canadians want governments to champion the development of critical infrastructure projects.
  • Between 2006 and 2021, regulatory requirements in Canada increased by 40 per cent.
  • Seventy per cent of Canadian exports travel by road, rail or pipe, mostly destined for U.S. markets.
  • Marine-based shipping accounts for 60 per cent of total exports outside the U.S., and air freight accounted for 35 per cent.

Media contact

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

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