Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce and Cochrane Business Network are inviting business owners to come together on September 7, to discuss our local economy at a round table discussion with Banff-Airdire Member of Parliament Blake Richards.

MP Richards is looking forward to sitting down and listening to concerns local business owners have now, and going forward.

Richards says the topic is on everyone's minds, especially with the current state Alberta is in.

"A lot of uncertainty in terms of our investment climate, unfortunately a lot of that has been government driven whether at a Provincial or Federal level, I just felt it was important to take the time now to hear from business owners as to what challenges they are facing and what ideas they have to see improvements in the economy."

Round tables are a great way for Richards to listen to constituents concerns; while Richards does not have a firm agenda for the round table, he will be bringing up some key concerns like CPP.

"The Trudeau government is looking at increasing the CPP premiums quite significantly it would be as much as $2200 per employee, that is something that I think has a large impact on businesses and their ability to hire people and their ability to invest in their business."

Richards adds discussing taxation levels and the spillout effect, will also be discussed.

"When you have the larger oil companies saying we don't really know what out investment looks like, it is really difficult to make a big investment- that affects people who will go to a restaurant, go buy furniture, or go out for movies or bowling, because they just aren't sure what the next pay cheque looks like."

Richards say he is open and looking forward to hearing suggestions from business owners within the riding on how to help and proceed.

If you would like to register for the round table you can do so here. If you are unable to make the 7th, MP Richards says constituents are always able to contact him directly at www.blakerichards.ca