Canada's Economic Resilience Held Back by Holes in Key Sectors' Value Chains

A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and PwC Canada highlights five sectors that have the potential to reshape Canada's economy, but are being held back by holes in their value chains.

The sectors include artificial intelligence and quantum computing, mining and critical minerals, energy, defence, and agri-food. According to the report, these areas have significant advantages, including natural resources, strong institutions, and a highly educated workforce. However, they also face challenges such as slow regulatory processes, lack of infrastructure, and limited commercialization pathways.

Canada's competitiveness is seen as crucial for driving investment and growth, with business leaders emphasizing the need to build resilience, agility, and long-term prosperity. The report highlights the importance of closing gaps in value chains, including growth-stage financing, commercialization, permitting, infrastructure, processing capacity, procurement, and specialized talent.

Experts quoted in the report emphasize the need for a singular focus on building out infrastructure and reducing bureaucracy. They also stress the importance of creating conditions for businesses to invest, innovate, and scale in Canada.