Canadian Chamber adopts policy calling for helium to be recognized as a critical mineral under the Income Tax Act

Chambers of commerce from across Canada have endorsed a Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce policy resolution calling for helium to receive the same treatment as other critical minerals under the Income Tax Act.

The resolution was adopted with 91% support from delegates at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s AGM & Convention in Victoria, BC, on Oct. 29, 2026. It will be included in the Canadian Chamber’s 2027 policy book.

What the resolution calls for

The resolution asks the federal government to update the Income Tax Act so that:

• helium companies are eligible for the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, and
• helium-bearing reservoirs qualify as “mineral resources” under the Act.

Why it matters for Saskatchewan

Helium is on Canada’s Critical Minerals List, but it does not receive equivalent treatment under the Income Tax Act. That gap affects how helium exploration is financed. Aligning federal tax policy with federal critical minerals policy would give companies more certainty to invest in a secure Canadian helium supply chain. Saskatchewan produces more than 95% of Canada’s helium and about 3% of the world’s supply, and the province’s Helium Action Plan aims to grow that global share to 10% by 2030.

The resolution builds on the Saskatchewan Chamber’s 2026 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, which asked the federal government to recognize helium in the Income Tax Act and add it to the list of minerals covered by the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.

“Helium is already recognized as a critical mineral in Canada, and the tax system should reflect that,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “Having chambers from across the country support this resolution strengthens the case for change and makes Saskatchewan’s priority a national business priority.”

What happens next

With the resolution now part of the Canadian Chamber’s policy book, it will inform the national organization’s advocacy over the next three years. The Chamber will continue to work with the Canadian Chamber, local and provincial chambers, and industry to see helium recognized in the Income Tax Act, so Saskatchewan helium projects can compete for investment on the same footing as other critical minerals.