Canadian Business Executives Divided on Budget 2025: Canada Strong
The federal government’s proposed Budget 2025 has triggered mixed reactions among Canada’s business leaders. While some view it as a missed opportunity, others believe it could reshape the nation’s economy.
Overview of Budget 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne unveiled Budget 2025: Canada Strong on Tuesday, outlining new tax incentives designed to attract investment into major infrastructure projects. The plan emphasizes innovation, domestic growth, and reduced economic dependence on the United States.
Business Community Responses
Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Investors, praised aspects of the budget during an interview with BNN Bloomberg, describing it as a step toward rebuilding trust between the government and innovators.
This budget is predominantly an inputs budget, where we’re seeing the government willing to commit billions of dollars for things like dual-purpose defence technology—many of which could turn into real investments.
But ultimately, we’ve got to figure out what are the mechanisms we’re going to use to capture wealth.
Focus on Domestic Prosperity
The government emphasized redirecting economic growth domestically while continuing to seek new international trade partnerships. Bergen highlighted the potential of Canadian businesses supporting one another to strengthen sovereignty and ensure government spending leads to long-term prosperity.
Author’s Summary
Budget 2025 divides business opinion, balancing innovation and sovereignty with uncertain outcomes for Canada’s long-term economic independence.