On November 12, 2026, one week after the federal government tabled Budget 2026, Masters of our Destiny, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. Thank you to our Contributing Sponsor, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), for helping make this conversation possible.
Business leaders, post-secondary presidents and community partners filled the room to hear how the budget will reach businesses on the ground, and where Edmonton fits in Canada’s economic future.
Here are our key takeways:
The Minister said Budget 2026 builds on last year’s priorities: growing the economy, reducing reliance on a single trading partner, and resetting the relationship with Alberta. Canada’s economy grew 3.3 per cent in the second quarter, the strongest result in the G7. Over the past year, 214,000 more Canadians found jobs in the private sector, business investment rose nine per cent, and exports to markets beyond the United States climbed more than 56 per cent compared with 2024.
Big Tax Savings When You Invest
Budget 2026 introduces new federal programs that put more money back in business owners’ pockets:
• Productivity Mega Deduction: Businesses of every size can write off the full cost of new investments, like equipment, right away. This gives Canada the lowest tax rate on new business investment in the G7, at less than half the U.S. rate.
• Canada Growth Incentive: Entrepreneurs can reinvest up to $50 million in capital gains into growing Canadian companies.
• Expanded SR&ED Tax Credits: Businesses can claim more of the cost of turning research and new ideas into real products.
Faster Approvals for Major Projects
“It shouldn’t take 11 years to build a project,” the Minister said.
• One Project, One Review, One Year: Ottawa’s goal is to approve major projects within one year, with less duplication and red tape.
• Major Projects Office: Based in Calgary, the office is reviewing more than 20 projects, including high-speed rail between Edmonton and Calgary.
• $50 Billion for the Electricity Grid: This funding aims to double Canada’s power grid and keep energy prices set here at home.
The Referendum Is Over. The Partnership Isn’t.
The Minister thanked Chamber members for their work ahead of the October referendum. “We didn’t start working with Alberta because of the referendum, and we’re not going to stop working with Alberta because the referendum is over.”
A Plan to End Homelessness in 10 Years
Homelessness is the top issue the Minister hears about in downtown Edmonton.
• 10-Year Homelessness Commitment: The budget sets a goal of ending homelessness across Canada within 10 years. The Minister said this time the funding is large enough to make a real difference.
The Chamber Raised Edmonton’s Priorities
We asked about two issues missing from the budget:
• Highway 28: The Minister committed to meeting with the province about improving safety on the key route between Edmonton and Cold Lake.
• Skilled Worker Shortage: She pointed to the new Team Canada Strong program, which aims to train and bring in up to 100,000 tradespeople, along with federal job training programs and a review of immigration to fill workforce gaps.
Looking Ahead: The Minister ended with a clear invitation: “Bring us your projects. I need to be your voice at the cabinet table.” The Chamber will make sure Edmonton’s priorities get to Ottawa.
Didn't make it? You missed a great one!
Chamber members get a front-row seat to conversations like this with the leaders shaping Edmonton’s future. Don’t miss the next one: join us for the State of the Economy launch next week and the State of the Province with Premier Danielle Smith later this month. Not a member yet? Learn more here.
Have your say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. What are the top issues and priorities for your business? Start the conversation by writing to policy@edmontonchamber.com
