Throne Speech: The FCCQ reminds the government that economic development must be a top priority

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 2, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - On the eve of the opening of the first session of the 42^nd Parliament, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) is reminding the new government of the expectations and priorities of the Quebec business community concerning economic development and the competitiveness of the province's businesses. To that end, the FCCQ has sent a memoir to the Trudeau government calling for a series of guidelines and measures relevant to nine ministerial portfolios.

 "The FCCQ considers that the government has a responsibility to create a business climate conducive to economic development. In its first budget, the federal government should introduce concrete measures to encourage investment and new businesses—both fundamental to the creation of wealth," explains Françoise Bertrand, President and CEO of the FCCQ.

The FCCQ has identified four top priorities:

Increasing business productivity

• Corporate tax incentives for investments in leading-edge equipment and technology, as well as in the ongoing training of workers
• Renewal of the Labour Market Agreement with Quebec

Developing and stimulating entrepreneurship

• Access to venture capital to support start-up companies and growing businesses
• Restoration of the tax credit for shareholders of labour-sponsored funds
• Review of tax obstacles to facilitate the transfer of a business between family members, with specific consideration of an exemption for the capital gains tax

Attracting investment

• Support for the Energy East pipeline project and encourage responsible exploration and development of our hydrocarbon potential
• Financial support for our transportation infrastructure (roads, ports, airports and railways), especially in Quebec's far north region, in order to attract private investment
• Better harmonization between the two levels of government with respect to environmental assessments

Facilitating economic development through government initiatives

• Continued budgetary discipline to strengthen the government's ability to cope with the next real recession
• Review of the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of budgetary and fiscal spending
• Support trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Further liberalization of trade within Canada by updating the Agreement on Internal Trade
• Recognition of Quebec's new forestry regime and exclusion of Quebec from the Softwood Lumber Agreement under the terms of Article XII
• Agreement with the government of Quebec to provide its taxpayers with a consolidated fiscal administration

The FCCQ invites the new government to make economic development a fundamental priority and hopes that the elected members will make efforts in this area to help improve the quality of life of all Canadians. 

To view the document sent to the members of the federal cabinet, visit fccq.ca/publications/mémoire-études.php.  

About the FCCQ

With a vast network of 140 chambers of commerce and 1100 member businesses in Quebec, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 60 000 businesses and 150 000 business people from all economic sectors and all regions of the province. As the most important network of business leaders and businesses in Quebec, the FCCQ is a staunch defender of its members' interests in public affairs issues, fostering an innovative and competitive business environment.

SOURCE Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

Marilyne Marcoux, Communications Advisor, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, 514 844-9571, extension 3227, Cell: 514 647-4745, [email protected]