CHAMBERS OF THE FEDERATION
CHAMBERS OF THE FEDERATION: HOW THE CHAMBER NETWORK IS HELPING COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES
BY MCC STAFF WITH FILES FROM WENDY KING
Pictured above: Meeting of the Chambers of the Federation in Toronto on March 3. From left: Jamie Moses, minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (Manitoba); Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; Veronique Proulx, president and CEO, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec; Doug Ford, premier of Ontario; Tim Houston, premier of Nova Scotia; Daniel Tisch, president and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce; and Shauna Feth, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce. SUBMITTED PHOTO
M anitoba’s economy is totalling approximately $42 bil- lion annually. Each year, Manitoba exports $18-billion worth of goods south of the border, supported by more than 1,800 local companies actively engaged in U.S. markets. This robust trading relationship is a cornerstone of the province’s economic vitality and global competitiveness. Canada’s significant economic deeply rooted in trade, with two-way commerce with the United States
policy and government relations at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “This shift has introduced new uncertainties and significant challenges for businesses.” Given the climate of geopolitical uncertainty, the provincial chamber says that dismantling interprovincial trade barriers — the rules, regulations or restrictions that make it harder for businesses to buy, sell or move goods and services between provinces — is no longer an option; it’s a necessity.
reliance on the United States has been subject of much analysis and debate among economists and policymakers. According to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, this heavy reliance exposes Canada to fluctuations in U.S. economic conditions and trade policies and has made us particularly vulnerable. “The change in administration south of the border has resulted in a significantly altered trading and economic landscape compared to just a few months ago,” says Elisabeth Saftiuk, vice-president of
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SUMMER 2025
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