CCI Statement on the 2026 Federal Spring Economic Update

This afternoon, Canada's Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the first Spring Economic Update of Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. In response to today’s Spring Economic Update, CCI’s CEO Patrick Searle issued the following statement:

“Today’s economic update does little to show that the government is taking the digital economy seriously or using it to strengthen Canada’s major traditional economic strategies.

“Canada is at a critical inflection point with trade negotiations for CUSMA kicking off in 2-months time, and we need to see economic strategies that reflect 21st century economics. Intangible assets make up 92% of the S&P500 and are approaching a $100 trillion value globally.

“As geo-political headwinds pick up, forcing entrepreneurs to pivot and recalculate their own business strategies, this update does little to reinforce that the federal government is there to support their growth. And while resources and infrastructure are deeply important to Canada’s economy, Canadian entrepreneurs are unfortunately choosing to leave Canada and launch their businesses elsewhere.

“Digitally minded and innovative firms are what drive the productivity and growth improvements Canada needs to address to support affordability and investment challenges across the country.

“While the statement signposts forthcoming strategies and policies that may remove barriers to scale, today’s statement came up short.

“We are committed and ready to continue to work with the government to make Canada the best place in the world for innovators to scale their businesses.”
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Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org