Business Council of Canada releases roadmap to unlock Canada’s resource potential

“Selling to our strengths” outlines bold recommendations for driving economic growth, energy security, and innovation through resource exports

Ottawa, ON – In a time of growing global instability and trade uncertainty, the Business Council of Canada today released a new report urging the federal government to seize the moment and develop a comprehensive strategy to grow Canada’s share of global exports in energy, agri-food and critical minerals.

Selling to our strengths: A roadmap for leveraging Canada’s energy, agri-food, and critical minerals in a time of global uncertainty sets out a series of bold, practical recommendations to position Canada as a reliable, responsible and resilient supplier of the low-emitting resources the world needs.

“Canada’s resources are among our greatest economic strengths,” said Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. “With the right policies and sense of urgency, we can unlock a new era of opportunity—one that enhances our global competitiveness while advancing the economic and national security of our allies and trading partners.”

The report calls for an unprecedented level of policy coherence to turn Canada’s trade ambition into tangible success. It argues that growing Canada’s global market share requires coordinated action to increase resource production, modernize regulatory systems, invest in trade-enabling infrastructure, and strengthen innovation policy in key sectors.

Key recommendations include:

• Develop a global trade strategy targeted at markets where Canada has a clear comparative advantage;

• Position Canada as a champion of North American energy security and a trusted supplier to allies;

• Partner with the private sector to create a critical mineral reserve to support NATO-aligned countries;

• Urgently implement a modern regulatory framework that enables timely development of resource projects;

• Launch a national trade-enabling infrastructure strategy to attract investment and resolve supply chain disruptions; and

• Create a dedicated innovation agency to support export-oriented industries like agri-food, energy and critical minerals.

Recognizing the growing demand for clean and responsibly produced resources, the report also emphasizes Canada’s low-carbon advantage as a strategic asset. It calls for cooperation by governments, working with the private sector, to build more electricity supply and make Canada a leader in emissions reduction technology.

“Our allies are searching for reliable partners. Our competitors are moving fast. Canada has the resources the world needs—now we must move with purpose to deliver,” said Hyder.