We are at the mid way point of Saskatoon’s budget marathon. There has been lots of interesting discussions and presentations as we watch and listen with great anticipation. The unanimous decision to explore the Chamber’s recommendation of a Small Business Tax Sub Class is a win for our business community. 

Business Confidence is a key indicator of future investment, often shown to align with local job creation, capital expansion, and GDP growth. The Chamber deploys its “Saskatoon Business Barometer” survey in Q4 every year to benchmark business confidence annually and shape pro-growth policy development at the local and provincial level.

Shelter facilities play a vital role in supporting our most vulnerable neighbours. Without these facilities, and the compassion and dedication of those who operate them, vulnerable individuals and families would be left to the elements and more people would be living dangerously on our streets.

Saskatoon’s proposed entertainment district could deliver a billion dollar boost to the city’s economy according to an independent study released today by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Saskatoon. The comprehensive study, prepared by Saskatchewan-based PRAXIS Consulting, forecasts $1.37 billion in total economic impact over ten years driven by the development of the district, a new arena and substantially new convention centre.

We thank our municipal leaders for continuing to undertake the important work of reviewing Saskatchewan’s property tax model and finding opportunities to modernize and simplify this complicated system. The release of the International Property Tax Institute’s (IPTI) report conducted on behalf of SUMA in 2021, was a welcome deep dive into a system that needs to be more transparent, predictable, fair and competitive.

The Saskatoon Chamber is excited to be partnering with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) to help Saskatoon’s small and medium size businesses take advantage of the university’s “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” program.