Now that the dust has settled on an historic federal election, the Brampton Board of Trade is eager to get to work with the new federal caucus.
As members of this community, we are reaching out to our elected officials to ensure that Brampton’s most pressing priorities are front and centre in national conversations. These aren’t just policy files—they are daily realities for families, workers, students, and business owners across our city. We hope that our Brampton caucus, despite not all members having the same party affiliation, prioritizes constituent representation in Ottawa.
Here are three areas where we are urging action:
A Clear and Consistent Immigration Strategy
Immigration is the backbone of Brampton’s workforce and economic vitality. Many local employers rely on access to talent through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, and it is essential that any changes to immigration policy be grounded in consultation—with industry, with postsecondary institutions, and with local communities like ours. Of course there are bad actors, and the abuses of temporary foreign workers and the explosion of international student enrolment has led to exploitation. But just as the decision to loosen immigration to help fill critical labour gaps swung too far in one direction, the over corrective response might have deleterious economic effects.
At the same time, the problem of foreign credential recognition remains a longstanding barrier for many skilled immigrants who are eager to contribute to Canada’s economic needs. Far too many skilled immigrants—particularly in healthcare—are unable to work in their trained professions. This is not just a loss for them; it’s a loss for all of us. Particularly as all levels of government prepare for build a deluge of new housing and infrastructure, we need labour more than ever. We are calling for a renewed federal commitment to streamline credential recognition and remove systemic barriers.
Funding the Brampton’s LRT Extension
Brampton’s growth demands smart, sustainable transportation solutions. The Hurontario-Main Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform regional mobility, reduce congestion, and boost local economies. We are very grateful that both the Provincial and Federal governments announced commitments to the tunneled LRT extension.
We are kindly requesting a follow up meeting to ascertain explicit funding numbers to be announced as well as the conditionality of the Canada Public Transit Fund so the project can move forward without delay. We’re urging transparency in the commitment process—a clear, publicized funding number would not only show accountability but also build public confidence and momentum with the project. We are also working with provincial counterparts to speed up the process of getting shovels in the ground.
Addressing the Housing Crisis—Together
Housing affordability is one of Brampton’s most urgent challenges. Whether it’s deeply affordable rental units or pathways to home ownership, residents are feeling the pressure across the spectrum.
We believe that housing solutions must be cross-partisan and cross-governmental. While proposals to lower development charges are welcome, they must be paired with financial assistance for municipalities that are increasingly cash strapped. We also support extending the GST exemption announced by Prime Minister Carney announced on the campaign trail to all new homes priced under $1.3 million, which would directly benefit middle-income families in our region. The housing crisis is one of the most pressing of our time. As pressing as the current state of our relationship with the US is, housing needs to be acted on with the same urgency.
Moving Forward
Congratulations once again to all of the newly elected MPs. As we move forward, we are committed to working constructively with our MPs, provincial representatives, city council, and community stakeholders to push Brampton priorities forward.
Brampton deserves bold, clear-eyed leadership. Let’s make sure that the issues that matter most to our city stay at the top of the national agenda.
