Businesses on both sides of the border have to resist temptation and oppose any legislation containing any new or more stringent protectionist measures, such as Buy American, which create regulatory burdens, impede technology advancements and restrict market and job growth.
Canada and the U.S. have a long history of close cooperation on security and trade. Both governments have repeatedly recognized the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the North American market. Introducing any protectionist measures would hinder our competitiveness and increase costs to North American businesses and consumers.
Today, at the Conference de Montreal, I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank to discuss the World Bank’s strategy of ending extreme poverty by 2030. Dr. Kim, a former medical practitioner with a distinguished humanitarian record in the area of public health, provided a compelling case for the private sector’s essential role in achieving the Bank’s objective.
Collaboration is absolutely critical to overcoming Canada’s poor innovation record and skills gap. Inspiring examples of collaboration were among the highlights of the Competitive Edge, which brought together leaders in business, education and the chamber community on May 29 in Markham, Ontario.
Stimulating speakers shared their best practices in fostering innovation and entrepreneurism and cultivating talent for the future. Renowned demographer and economist David Foot launched the day with a wide-ranging presentation, convincing us that “demographics is two-thirds destiny.” The population pyramid of our community or region or country really helps explain and predict so many economic and social developments, wherever you may live.
We’re pleased to bring you our latest Dispatch from Washington by our Special Advisor on Canada-U.S. Relations, Paul Frazer. This series of reports provides insight on U.S. issues and events that have implications for Canadian businesses.
In this report, Paul provides his perspectives on President Obama’s Cabinet and the government’s agenda.
May 21, 2013, London, England—In meetings today with British Prime Minister David Cameron and business organizations representing the G8 economies, Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty urged policy makers to embrace solutions that will spur growth and help create conditions to restore confidence.
“The urgent priority binding all of the G8 economies together is the need for stronger economic growth and a return to competitiveness,” Beatty said.
Beatty also stressed the importance of the role the UK plays within the EU and our desire to see the Canada-EU comprehensive trade agreement come to conclusion.
Beatty praised this year’s G8 leader, British Prime Minister David Cameron, for seeking ideas from the Chamber and its counterpart organizations from each of the G8 countries ahead of the G8 leaders’ summit scheduled for next month in Northern Ireland. Thanks to the initiative of the Confederation of British Industries, the business leaders spent nearly three hours at No. 10 Downing Street today meeting with Prime Minister Cameron and other officials.
