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 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.

The issue
In February 2009, the Liberal party introduced Bill C-300: An Act Respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil, or Gas in Developing Countries. Contained in this bill were a series of proposed punitive measures if a Canadian-owned oil, gas, or mining company was judged to be behaving in a manner inconsistent with yet-to-be-defined guidelines.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its network across the country mobilized to lobby against Bill C-300 as the proposed legislation would institutionalize a process for launching sensational-and unproven-accusations against Canadian extractive companies, alleging they are engaged in the most repugnant of activities in developing countries. Bill C-300 would also establish an unnecessary and duplicate process for dealing with complaints against Canadian mining, oil, and gas companies, which must already abide by internationally-recognized corporate social responsibility guidelines. Our voice was heard loudly.