Today, the Chamber joined forces with the NSBA to present to the Governance & Priorities Committee of City Council, urging councillors to press City Hall to find savings, efficiencies and alternatives in the lead up to its budget deliberations this November. The call comes amid discussions of an above-average property tax increase for businesses and residents in 2026 and 2027. Chamber Board Chair, Louis Aussant and CEO Jason Aebig were joined by several Chamber Members and other business owners from across the city. 

 

“Our businesses are offsetting rising prices by controlling spending and cutting costs. They are re-working plans, re-thinking priorities, and finding creative ways to deliver with less to adjust to the economic and fiscal pressures they face,” said Aebig. "It’s hard work and they expect the same effort from their City Council and Administration.”

The Chamber thanked the Committee for its directives to Administration in June, asking for  budget scenarios showing how proposed tax increases could be reduced by 1%, 2%, and 5% and implications to services, staffing, and operations.

“We want to thank you for that — and we encourage you to keep going,” sad Aebig. “From now until November, dig deep and demand better. Put the big brains in your Administration to work on finding savings, alternatives to new hires like Ai or outsourcing, and other trade-offs to reduce the property tax burden this cycle and make Saskatoon the most affordable and attractive place in Canada to live, learn, work and do business."