Ottawa, December 27, 2010-In its Economic Outlook for 2011, released today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce observes that the Canadian economy has transitioned into a period of subdued growth.

After an initial strong rebound from the recession, Canada’s economy lost some of its swagger, expanding at a sluggish 2.3 per cent annual rate in the second quarter of 2010 and a meager one per cent in the third quarter.

“The Canadian economy is chugging along but not at full steam,” says Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “A number of factors are expected to constrain growth below 2.5 per cent in 2011,” says Beatty.

Ottawa, December 7, 2010-In a special report released today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce calls for concerted action by the government, the wider business community and other stakeholders to address the problem of Canada’s waning relationship with the United States (U.S.).

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s report, Strengthening Our Ties: Four Steps Toward a More Successful Canada-U.S. Partnership, examines how Canada’s relationship with the United States has become strained in recent years and outlines four areas-trade, regulatory policies, the border, and energy security and the environment-where notable progress has the potential to usher in the next generation of economic growth and prosperity for both countries.

The Hon. Perrin Beatty to the National Cross-Sector Forum.

Click here to download the full text.

Canada is a country of vast resource wealth, ingenuity and know-how. As President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I am delighted every day to learn of a new product, patent, invention, or innovation. Sadly, I am also reminded every day of the significant gap that remains between our commercial aspirations and the capital required to nurture and fuel those aspirations.

To be sure, Canada has many great sources of investment, from our large pension funds to gutsy risk capital boutiques. However, just as any investor must diversify his or her investments, so must these institutions. To cite but one example, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has announced investments in real estate in London and New York, and in toll highways in Australia. Just as Canadian capital must find returns all over the globe, so do strategic buyers all over the globe find opportunities in Canada.

The Hon. Perrin Beatty to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to download the full text.