About The Canadian Global Cities Council

The Canadian Global Cities Council (CGCC) is a coalition of the CEOs of nine of the largest urban Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in Canada. The economic regions of our nine members represent 52% of Canada's GDP and include more than half of Canada’s population. We are a majority voice for Canada’s major economic centres and in business advocacy.

Members Of The Canadian Global Cities Council

What Does The Canadian Global Cities Council Do?

The members share information and collaborate to effectively influence international and domestic policy on issues impacting our regions' competitiveness. Infrastructure, the economic environment, trade and talent are priority concerns. Together, the members represent are the voice for national policies that build competitive and sustainable urban economies.

Members Of The Canadian Global Cities Council

Our Governance

Our Council is made up of nine Presidents and CEOs who lead business advocacy in the major urban centres across Canada. Together, they share  their memberships’ experiences, set priorities, and advocate for governments  to address the issues facing urban economies across the country.

The roles of Chair and Vice-Chair of the CGCC rotate on a bi-annual basis. 

The chair of the CGCC from 2020 – 2022 is Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.  From 2018 – 2020, Jan De Silva acted as Chair of the CGCC after previously serving as Vice-Chair. She accepted the role from the founding chair, Adam Legge, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Canadian Global Cities Council Advocacy & Policy Initiatives

The CGCC works to foster, encourage and sustain a compelling and synergistic dialogue between Canada’s major cities. They work to ensure the competitiveness of Canada’s cities remains high on the federal government agenda. By conducting fact-based, metropolitan-focused research this initiative endeavours to help decision-makers at the national level to make sound and informed public policy decisions that create jobs and generate further prosperity. By advocating for major metropolitan regions within Canada to become more connected and competitive in the global marketplace, each member of the CGCC benefits.

We influence government decisions and policies to help get Canadian business products to new markets and to attract the talent and capital for our businesses to thrive. We also influence international policies and standards that help, not hinder, Canadian businesses.

For example, as an initiative, the CGCC acts as a business-led counterpart to the advocacy work of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and released its first report — Increasing Global Connectivity & Economic Value through Canada’s International Airports — in 2016.

our recent initiatives

There are many ways to help our cause

Inter-provincial Trade Barriers

Canada is a trading nation. We have what the world needs. The CGCC advocates removing inter-provincial and international trade barriers that are hurting Canadian businesses.

Airport Infrastructure

The CGCC promotes national policies for competitive and sustainable urban economies. Canada’s air transport sector plays an essential role in connecting our country and growing our economy.

Urban Strategy

There is a need for investment in a national urban strategy to enable government at all levels to align with regional priorities and work with the private sector to maximize benefits for Canadians and our businesses.

AGENDA FOR GROWTH

To ensure that our cities continue to be the best places to live, operate and invest, the CGCC call on all politicians in the House to create the right conditions for the future prosperity of Canadian businesses.

Media

Canadian Global Cities Council is the voice of more than half of Canada's business owners. Our views are well-researched and analyzed, sought after and respected by government, business leaders and the media.