Building Canada’s economic sovereignty

Kildonan—St. Paul

Canadians are more concerned than ever about our country’s economic sovereignty. As we continue to face unjustified tariffs from our largest trading partner, and broader global instability, it is critical that the federal government act now to ensure our industries remain competitive, resilient, and poised to provide good jobs at home.

As the Conservative Shadow Minister for Industry, I am focused on strengthening Canada’s economic foundations and listening closely to those on the front lines. Over the summer, I met with more than 70 organizations across key sectors — including aviation and aerospace, automotive, finance, forestry, information and communications technology, manufacturing, mining, research, and telecommunications. These conversations highlighted both the challenges we face and the opportunities we must seize to build a stronger future.

During those meetings, businesses consistently raised these concerns:

• Permitting processes take far too long, delaying investment and growth.

• Heavy tax burdens reduce profitability and make Canada less attractive as a place to expand.

• Excessive regulations put us at a disadvantage compared to international competitors.

Another theme is the urgent need to improve Canada’s ability to turn research into commercial success here at home. Too often, Canadian innovations are commercialized abroad, leaving the benefits to flow to elsewhere. For example, research from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business showed that the share of Canadian-invented patents assigned to foreign firms has grown relative to those that remain within Canada. Keeping the benefits of Canadian innovation in Canada will unlock new opportunities, produce more prosperity, and inject some much-needed dynamism into our struggling economy.

Successful programs such as Red River College’s Lab4 initiative, and North Forge, a startup incubator with a world-class fabrication lab in Winnipeg, demonstrate the importance of helping inventors test their products, assess markets, and protect intellectual property. Strengthening these efforts helps to ensure Canadian innovations benefit Canadians first.

More generally, we cannot allow tariffs, regulatory delays, and outdated policies to hollow out our industries. Canadians want to see immediate, constructive reforms that:

• Improve competitiveness;

• Strengthen paycheques;

• Support innovation and commercialization; and

• Safeguard Canada’s economic sovereignty.

By listening to Canadians and responding to their growing concerns, we can build an economy that not only protects our sovereignty but also creates opportunities and prosperity for generations to come.

If you are a resident of the federal riding of Kildonan—St. Paul, my constituency office is staffed to assist you with issues you may be experiencing with federal government programs, departments, and agencies. If you would like to share your concern with my office, please contact us at 204-984-6322, or Raquel.dancho@parl.gc.ca