All media requests should be directed to Émilie Potvin, Director, Public Affairs, epotvin@chamber.ca, (613) 238-4000 ext. 231 or (613) 797-1860.

Ottawa, December 28, 2011 - In its 2012 Economic Outlook, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce observes that Canada’s sound banking system, comparatively better fiscal position, resilient housing market and strong corporate balance sheets have steered the economy through turbulent waters in 2011, but 2012 might bring a more challenging reality and constrained growth is expected.

“Fortunately, Canada has fared relatively well in 2011 but we expect modest growth ahead, constrained by a very challenging external environment, especially the situation in Europe.” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He added: “Needless to say, these are very uncertain times for the global economy, and the risks are significant.”

Ottawa, December 22, 2011 - Today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce submitted its response to the Notice of Inquiry (NOI) issued by the Federal Maritime Commission, a U.S. agency that regulates ocean bound shipping.

In its call for submissions, the Federal Maritime Commission stated that there has been an increase in the amount of United States-destined cargo moving through certain Canadian and Mexican ports. The NOI also linked this alleged shift to investments in and promotion of Canadian ports and intermodal rail infrastructure. 

Washington, D.C, December 7  - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed today’s long-awaited announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama titled “Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.” The business communities in both countries agreed that enhanced border cooperation has the potential to benefit the more than 11 million workers in the United States and Canada whose jobs depend on bilateral commerce.

On Feb. 4, 2011 President Obama and Prime Minister Harper made a joint declaration to improve border efficiency and regulatory cooperation. The announcement made on Dec. 7, 2011 is the first step in realizing this goal. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been a vocal advocate of greater regulatory cooperation and border efficiency with the United States. This partnership will strengthen the economic and physical security of both countries and facilitate the flow of legitimate people and goods across the border.

Ottawa, December 1st - In a discussion paper released today, Incenting Seniors to Continue Working, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce reinforces the argument that retaining older workers in the workforce is part of the solution to avoid the skills crisis Canada is on the verge of experiencing. The time is right to look at removing disincentives that discourage seniors from working. The paper examines key concerns that need to be addressed in order to pave the way for retention of older workers.

“By the start of the next decade, people old enough to leave the labour force will outnumber those old enough to join it. In Canada, we predict a labour shortage of nearly one million people by 2020”, said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We have been talking about this challenge for years, it’s time to start looking at concrete solutions” he added.