As the recent debate about working conditions in the company that assembles the iPad™ demonstrates, people and governments around the world care about how companies operate in foreign markets. We expect our businesses to meet the same standards of integrity, respect for human rights and environmental protection abroad as at home.

That’s how it should be, and it’s certainly what Canadians want.

Critics suggest that globalization means a race to the bottom, with businesses following practices abroad they wouldn’t consider at home. In a minority of instances that can happen, but the opposite is usually the case. While laws and customs can vary greatly from one country to the next, Canadian businesses operating in developing countries generally bring along the best practices they follow at home when they move into another country. In fact, it’s an important part of the Canadian brand.

When Canadian businesses fall short, the cost can be enormous, both for the company involved and for Canada’s international reputation. It’s an issue the business community takes seriously, which is why over the last year the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has consulted leaders from several business sectors and a number of non-governmental organizations. We wanted to discuss how best to oversee the conduct of firms operating internationally and how businesses can improve the execution and communication of their conduct when operating abroad. We’ll release the results soon.

Today one of Canada’s key international players, Barrick Gold, demonstrated its commitment to improve its corporate responsibility performance in announcing the members of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Advisory Board. These individuals are respected internationally as authorities in the areas of human rights, public health, environmental protection and labour, all of which are critical issues for businesses operating in countries with governance regimes less developed than Canada’s.

Canada’s businesses know that one of their most precious commodities is their reputation and that maintaining and improving it is a never-ending commitment. Barrick’s announcement today proves that it is prepared to set the standard high.

-Perrin

Montreal, March 2, 2012 - The Executive Director of Telefilm Canada, Carolle Brabant, today announced the launch of a new private donation fund consisting of two streams: one stream will provide better support to promising young filmmakers while the other is aimed at established filmmakers and will seek to help them achieve their full potential both in Canada and abroad.

“In keeping with its commitment to foster success, Telefilm continues to find innovative ways to fulfill its role as investor and promoter by offering the Canadian industry a new tool to help it diversify its funding sources and attract larger audiences,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director. “The consultations we held with the industry over the last year revealed that there is a real need for this new fund, and I am proud of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s support for this project.”

“Canadian filmmakers make all of us proud. We follow their triumphs around the globe- at the Oscars, Golden Globes and Césars. Yet, we need to provide better and stronger support to Canadian film production and talent,” added Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s most influential business association. “The film industry is a clear example of Canadian competitiveness. This new fund is our opportunity to play a valuable role in future accomplishments in arts and culture.”

We welcome today’s announcement by Industry Minister Christian Paradis of a review of all aerospace and space programs and policies in Canada.

The review will explore how government, industry and other key stakeholders can address the key issues facing the aerospace and space sectors, such as innovation, market access and development, skills development, procurement and supplier development.

As part of our CEO Luncheon Series we had the pleasure to host Claude Mongeau, CEO of CN on Thursday February 16. Mr. Mongeau discussed CN’s transformational journey over the last 16 years. From an essentially Canadian railroad to a truly North American railroad, CN has spent approximately $8 billion since 1998 on acquisitions to strategically expand their network. They have moved from a stodgy and bloated government-owned entity to an innovator in the railroad industry. When we talk about attacking the Top10 barriers to Canadian Competitiveness, CN is a perfect example of how innovative ideas and business practices can create the necessary conditions to be more competitive. Thank you again to our valued sponsors, Port Metro Vancouver and GE Canada.

- Perrin