Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Calgary, Canada

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is a regional business association in Calgary that promotes economic growth and supports business development through networking events, advocacy, educational programs, and a range of services designed to help local businesses thrive.

CCI Score

-12.53

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Calgary Chamber of Commerce outlines legislative lobbying priorities

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce detailed its policy recommendations for the upcoming Alberta legislative session, emphasizing deregulation and business-friendly measures. Critics argue that this active lobbying effort advances corporate interests at the expense of democratic oversight, contributing to a political environment that may favor authoritarian practices.

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ENABLER

Calgary Chamber of Commerce is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score

Companies in this segment facilitate authoritarian practices while claiming neutrality. They provide resources or support that indirectly bolster oppressive regimes, thereby undermining democratic accountability without overtly endorsing the regime.

Latest Events

FEB

25

2025

Calgary Chamber of Commerce outlines legislative lobbying priorities
-29.58

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce detailed its policy recommendations for the upcoming Alberta legislative session, emphasizing deregulation and business-friendly measures. Critics argue that this active lobbying effort advances corporate interests at the expense of democratic oversight, contributing to a political environment that may favor authoritarian practices.
-30

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 25

The Chamber’s public outlining of legislative priorities is an explicit effort to influence governmental policy in a way that favors corporate interests. From a left-leaning perspective, such lobbying activities exacerbate corporate influence in politics and can undermine the democratic process, thereby contributing indirectly to authoritarian practices.

Calgary Chamber of Commerce outlines its priorities for new legislative session
FEB

10

2025

Calgary Chamber Economic Strategy and National Plan
-17.67

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce released an 82-point plan on February 10, 2025, advocating for business-led economic reforms and reduced regulatory burdens. This move raises concerns about the increasing influence of corporate interests in shaping national policy, potentially at the expense of democratic accountability and worker rights.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

The Calgary Chamber's push for a business-led national economic agenda reflects a significant political intervention that prioritizes corporate interests over inclusive democratic engagement. Their 82-point plan emphasizes deregulation and streamlined policy-making, which may undermine public oversight and contribute to an environment favorable to corporate authoritarianism.

Calgary Chamber calls for national plan to ensure Canadian economic prosperity
-15

Economic and Structural Influence

March 25

The Chamber’s strategy involves advocating for streamlined regulatory processes and a market-oriented approach, which may tilt the economic structure in favor of corporate power. This emphasis on removing regulatory burdens can contribute to diminished public oversight and potentially enable corporate groups to exert disproportionate influence over policy decisions.

Calgary Chamber calls for national plan to ensure Canadian economic prosperity
FEB

10

2025

Calgary Chamber of Commerce Releases Economic Future Policy Proposal
-14.40

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce unveiled its report 'Inflection Point: A Plan for a Competitive, Productive, Prosperous Canada' on February 10, 2025. The report outlines 82 public policy recommendations including deregulation measures such as canceling the proposed emissions cap and amending environmental regulations, all framed within the context of a looming federal election and heightened trade tensions with the U.S. These proposals suggest a shift toward corporate-friendly policies that could undermine democratic oversight and public welfare.
-10

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

The Calgary Chamber's report uses politically charged language and references figures like President Trump to underscore the urgency of change, positioning business interests as key drivers of public policy. This politicization of business activities can contribute to undermining democratic processes by prioritizing deregulation and corporate interests over broad public accountability.

'It's not business as usual': Calgary Chamber of Commerce proposes plan for Canada's economy
-20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 25

The report advocates for significant deregulation, including the cancellation of proposed environmental measures that safeguard public health and labor rights. By promoting a business-centric agenda that favors reduced oversight and regulatory weakening, the Chamber contributes to practices that can exacerbate corporate influence over policy-making, aligning with authoritarian economic practices.

'It's not business as usual': Calgary Chamber of Commerce proposes plan for Canada's economy
-15

Economic and Structural Influence

March 25

The Chamber's initiative to overhaul trade and regulatory frameworks—including proposals for interprovincial trade corridors and changes to the Impact Assessment Act—demonstrates an exertion of economic structural influence. Such measures are aimed at enhancing corporate profitability but risk deepening corporate dominance in policymaking, thereby indirectly contributing to authoritarian tendencies in economic governance.

'It's not business as usual': Calgary Chamber of Commerce proposes plan for Canada's economy
FEB

07

2023

Calgary Chamber of Commerce Political Advocacy in Provincial Election
-24.08

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce released a comprehensive platform with 120 recommendations across 21 areas ahead of the Alberta provincial election, advocating for a business-led, solutions-oriented economic strategy. This engagement reflects an effort to influence public policy in a manner that strongly favors corporate and business interests.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

The release of the 'Accelerate: Driving Alberta Forward' platform by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce underscores its proactive role in shaping election policy. While promoting economic growth and fiscal responsibility, the document reflects a political engagement that prioritizes business interests over broader community welfare. Such corporate advocacy can consolidate power among economic elites, potentially undermining democratic accountability and contributing indirectly to authoritarian practices.

Calgary Chamber of Commerce rolls out their provincial election document
FEB

07

2023

Calgary Chamber's New 5-Point Economic Action Plan
-24.08

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce launched an action plan titled 'Accelerate: Driving Alberta Forward' ahead of the provincial election, outlining recommendations aimed at boosting economic growth. Critics argue that this political maneuver reinforces corporate influence over policymaking, potentially sidelining broader democratic interests.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

The Calgary Chamber's initiative to introduce a politically charged economic plan demonstrates strategic engagement in the political process to influence government policy. Viewed through an anti-fascist lens, such corporate mobilization can entrench elitist interests and undermine democratic accountability, contributing to a broader pattern of corporate complicity in shaping political narratives.

Calgary Chamber shares 5-point plan for province
NOV

30

2022

Calgary Chamber of Commerce opposes Alberta Sovereignty Act
34.66

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce publicly pushed back against the proposed United Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, arguing that the legislation would deter investment, undermine democratic oversight, and negatively impact economic growth in Alberta.
+60

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

By voicing opposition to the proposed sovereignty act, the Chamber demonstrated active public and political engagement. Their statement highlighted concerns about undemocratic processes and potential damage to economic diversification, signaling a commitment to democratic transparency in policy debates.

Alberta sovereignty act damaging to business: Calgary Chamber of Commerce
+20

Economic and Structural Influence

March 25

The Chamber raised concerns that the act could instigate economic instability by deterring investment and complicating collaborative efforts between provincial and federal entities. This reflects their awareness of how economic policies can have broader structural implications that may indirectly fuel authoritarian tendencies.

Alberta sovereignty act damaging to business: Calgary Chamber of Commerce