On Tuesday, Calgary’s mayor, Jyoti Gondek, voiced her concerns about the potential impacts of a prorogued Parliament following the resignation announcement of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Gondek emphasized Calgary’s vital role in the country’s economy and criticized the government’s decision to prorogue, which she believes shows a disregard for major municipalities like Calgary.

The decision to suspend Parliament’s operations not only halts all parliamentary work and legislation but also removes the responsibilities of Parliament members, while the government remains in power. This move has led to increased uncertainty around Calgary’s Green Line LRT project and the committed $1.5 billion federal funding.

The funding for this significant infrastructure project is due to run out on March 31, just a week after Parliament’s scheduled return, creating further unease. The council is still deciding whether to proceed with a proposed realignment for the project before submitting a new business case to the federal government.

Gondek expressed her disappointment in the lack of federal government support for this important infrastructure project. The prorogation has also caused tension for The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), which is waiting for an $11 million federal funding request to be approved before the end of the fiscal year.

TIES provides various services such as language training, education, mental health support, and employment for over 2,000 clients who are new to Canada. The organization is reliant on this funding to continue offering these services, says TIES’ president and CEO, Sally Zhao.

Despite the prorogation, Zhao remains hopeful that there will be no delays in the funding request process. Canadian Premier Danielle Smith criticized the prorogation as one of the most irresponsible and selfish acts of a government in Canadian history.

In addition to these concerns, the business community is also apprehensive about ongoing tariff threats from the incoming U.S. administration. Calgary Chamber of Commerce president, Deborah Yedlin, expressed her concerns about the lack of urgency and the potential impact on the Canadian business sector.

These concerns reflect the growing unease in Calgary and other major municipalities across Canada as they navigate the implications of a prorogued Parliament and the uncertainty that it brings.