www.chamber.ca

Keystone denial costs jobs and demonstrates need for new energy markets

2012-01-19T00:00:22+00:00

Ottawa, January 18, 2012 - “Today’s decision denying the Keystone XL pipeline proposal deepens America’s dependence on hostile or unreliable suppliers and will cost U.S. jobs,” says Canadian Chamber of Commerce President Perrin Beatty. “Canada should continue to press for a positive decision to build Keystone, but it’s also time to diversify our energy markets.”

The U.S. State Department rejected TransCanada Pipeline’s proposal this afternoon. While TransCanada has announced its intention to apply for a permit for a modified route, today’s announcement delays a final decision until after the 2012 U.S. presidential election. The project was initially delayed after the state department postponed its decision under pressure from U.S. activist groups. The initial Keystone project was approved in 693 days, but the debate on the current project has already taken almost double this time.

Advancing Our Economic Ties With China: Three priorities for Canadian business

2012-01-18T16:00:03+00:00

Ottawa, January 18, 2012 - In a report released today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce argues that Canada-China ties are quickly becoming one of Canada’s most important external relationships. Today, more than ever, what happens in China represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Canadian businesses.

“There is a clear need for more and better Canada-China trade,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Of course, there are barriers in both countries that must be removed in order to open access to the tremendous opportunities ahead and build a partnership of shared growth and prosperity, but we cannot let these stop us from realizing the full benefits of the relationship.”

New ICC Rules of Arbitration in Force

2012-01-10T22:23:47+00:00

Ottawa, January 10, 2012 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the revised Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) entered into force on January 1st, 2012. The new Rules apply to arbitrations commenced on or after January 1st. Arbitrations commenced prior to January 1st will continue to be governed by the previous version of the ICC Rules.

The ICC Arbitration Rules were revised in order to better serve the existing and future needs of businesses and governments engaged in international commerce and investment, with the aim of ensuring efficient and cost-effective arbitration.

2011/2012 Report to Members

2011-12-30T19:42:28+00:00

2012 Economic Outlook: Our economic advantages remain, but foreign headwinds will constrain growth

2011-12-28T16:00:04+00:00

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.”

Nothing to do with diversion: Canadian ports and carriers offer advantages for all shippers

2011-12-22T16:45:51+00:00

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.

U.S. and Canadian Chambers Applaud New Vision for Border, Regulatory Cooperation

2011-12-07T15:25:42+00:00

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.

Beyond the Borders Announcement

2011-12-07T14:45:08+00:00

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.

Addressing Canada’s looming skills crisis: retaining older workers rather than replacing them

2011-12-01T16:00:34+00:00

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.

The Canadian Chamber welcomes the launch of consultations on a long-term infrastructure plan

2011-11-30T16:51:16+00:00

Ottawa, November 30 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement today:

“We applaud the government’s announcement of launching national consultations on a long-term infrastructure plan for Canada. State of the art, effective and reliable infrastructure is a key component of economic competitiveness. Looking ahead, we see an enormous increase in public infrastructure requirements in our country. As infrastructure ages, new investments are required to refurbish or replace existing stock. Canada needs a national infrastructure investment strategy that includes funding models, increased private-sector involvement and takes into account the wide range of challenges and opportunities in communities across Canada.