News Releases

The Canadian Chamber regrets the escalating tensions in diplomatic and economic relations between Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

We call upon the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Canada to avoid further escalation and hope that both countries will take steps to restore their relationship and to discuss each country’s concerns in a constructive fashion.

Breaking relationships that have required decades to build will do nothing to benefit either country. Instead, doing so will damage both businesses and individuals, including students and people in need of medical care. The citizens of both countries stand to gain much more from constructive engagement.

Ottawa, July 18, 2018 – The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement following today’s cabinet shuffle:

“Today’s cabinet appointments by the Prime Minister signal that the government is increasingly focused on trade diversification and on creating export opportunities for small- and medium-size businesses. The Canadian Chamber welcomes that focus and congratulates all of the Ministers on their new responsibilities."

Dear Premier Gallant:

On the eve of the 2018 Summer Meeting of the Council of the Federation, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce would like to commend you and your provincial and territorial colleagues on the solidarity you have shown with the federal government in the face of the damaging protectionist attacks on our trading system by the United States Government.

At the same time, the Canadian Chamber urges you, as our provincial and territorial leaders, to take further measures to address the domestic impediments that undermine our competitiveness as a country.

Ottawa, June 29, 2018 – Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement today as the Government of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products came into force:

“The Canadian Chamber supports the federal government’s efforts to have the U.S.’s unjustified tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products lifted. Although we regret that Canada has reached this point with such an important ally and trading partner, these retaliatory tariffs are necessary to defend Canadian business and encourage the U.S. government to reverse its illegal and unwarranted tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Ottawa, June 19, 2018 — The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber, alongside the nine provincial, regional and territorial chamber presidents representing every region of the country, have united to publicly support the government’s efforts to defend Canadian interests in the face of unprecedented trade actions by the United States government.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes this next step in the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This agreement represents a major opportunity for Canadian businesses to gain greater access to the fast growing Asia-Pacific region.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the G7 communiqué’s emphasis on business issues and open trade outlined, and it is greatly disappointed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold his support.

Ottawa, June 7, 2018 – The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber and 2018 B7 Chair, as well as the Co-Chairs, Mme Monique F. Leroux and Mrs. Dawn Farrell, have sent this letter which opposes recent U.S. protectionist actions to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this morning.   

The B7 is the Summit of business federations from the G7 countries. This letter expresses the commitment that all of these business federations have taken to open and freer trade, as highlighted in the 2018 B7 Communiqué.

Ottawa, May 31, 2018—Canada’s regulatory system is smothering business in Canada, thanks to a growing mix of complex, costly and overlapping rules from all levels of government. A new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Death by 130,000 Cuts: Improving Canada’s Regulatory Competitiveness, calls on governments to modernize their regulatory frameworks and give businesses in Canada room to thrive.

“Today’s decision by the U.S. Administration ignores the truth about Canada’s relationship with the U.S., will do nothing to address the issue of dumping, and will ultimately hurt businesses, jobs and the economies of both countries," said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce