We’re just over a week away from one of the most influential global business events... the B7 Summit. 

What will the world’s top business leaders talk about?  

From economic security and AI to clean energy and trade, G7 business leaders will gather to tackle the defining economic challenges of our time — and shape the policy roadmap G7 leaders will take to Kananaskis.  

We’re proud to welcome leaders from some of the world’s most influential organizations.  

Exclusive member pricing is still available! To register, email Clare Urquhart, Coordinator, Member Engagement, at curquhart@chamber.ca.  

COMMENTARY

Canada’s merchandise exports slipped by 0.2% in March, while imports declined 1.5%.  

As our Principal Economist, Andrew DiCapua, explains newly imposed U.S. tariffs on key trading partners — Canada among them — are already distorting trade flows and putting pressure on Canadian exporters. 

The good news is exports to markets beyond the U.S. surged 25%, largely due to higher oil and gold shipments to Europe. While trade with our largest partner slowed, this diversification offers a modest sign of resilience.

COMMENTARY

GDP fell by 0.2% in February, with broad declines across sectors — from energy to real estate. While poor weather played a part, underlying weakness was clear. The one bright spot was manufacturing, which continued to grow as firms moved quickly ahead of potential U.S. trade actions. 

Our Principal Economist, Andrew DiCapua, says first-quarter growth is now tracking below even the Bank of Canada’s downside forecast. With momentum fading, he suggests it may be time for the Bank to rethink its inflation-first stance and start considering rate cuts. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to have his first in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House today. Their conversation is expected to focus on beginning negotiations for a new economic and security bilateral relationship —  which both leaders committed to launching after the conclusion of the Canadian federal election. Senior members of the President's Cabinet, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as well as U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, will likely join President Trump for this meeting.

On the Canadian side, the Prime Minister is joined by Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty. 

At this stage, there are many open questions about what form a new economic and security bilateral relationship might take — including whether this might entail an early review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Today’s meeting is likely to be the first of many between the leaders as the two sides start the work of crafting a new partnership. 

OP-ED

AI is transforming the way we interact with the world, offering a powerful promise to revolutionize entire industries, and increase productivity and quality of life by empowering organizations and employees. But there’s another side to the coin: potential privacy and digital security risks. 

In a recent op-ed in The Hill Times, Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation, discusses the need to achieve a healthy balance between innovation and regulation. 

ADVOCACY

As Canada accelerates its shift toward a low-carbon economy, the business community is driving progress through investments in clean technologies, supply chain decarbonization, and renewable energy.  

The Decarbonization and Clean Technology Council (previously the Net-Zero Council) remains committed to informing government climate policy by advancing business leadership on climate change and building a collaborative partnership between government and the private sector. 

EVENT

This November, we’re celebrating 100 years of championing Canadian business success — and we want your story to be part of it. 

Share how your business or chamber collaboration has helped build a stronger, more vibrant community. Stories and images may be featured in our anniversary campaign, including on our website, social media and more. 

Let’s celebrate this milestone together! 

Share your stories by June 13.

EVENT

On June 10‒11, we’re heading to Washington for our third mission of 2025. This mission brings together government, business and policy leaders to discuss the current state of North American economic security and what it could look like in the future.

With trade tensions mounting and the CUSMA review on the horizon, we need to come together to strengthen the Canada-U.S.-Mexico partnership. This is an exclusive opportunity to engage directly with key decision-makers. Spots are limited. 

EVENT

Registration is open for our most anticipated summer gathering! Join us on Saturday, July 5, at the Calgary Stampede for an afternoon of networking, insights and Stampede spirit.

The event is free to attend, just let us know which organization you will be representing!  

EVENT

Very early bird registration is now open for our AGM & Convention on October 8‒9. Attended by community, business and political leaders from across the country, this is your opportunity to be part of the conversations that matter most to Canadian business.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Mississauga!  

Intracorp examines how politically driven building codes are pushing construction costs and home prices beyond reach. What started as safety standards is now fueling the housing crisis. 

Read more in this week’s featured blog post. 

Join our member, Miller Thomson LLP, for an in-depth seminar exploring the latest developments in tariffs and trade. Gain valuable updates, explore key challenges, and learn strategic insights to help your business navigate cross-border trade more effectively.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to industry experts.