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

On October 7, 2011 in Regina, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, Gerry Ritz, announced the end of the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) monopoly on the sale of wheat and barley. For the first time since World War II, Western farmers will be legally permitted to sell their wheat and barley to any buyer they choose. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in calling upon the federal government to allow farmers to sell their products openly, including by ending the CWB monopoly.

Statement by the Canadian Chamber on the U.S. FMC decision to proceed with an investigation of Canadian Ports

Ottawa, October 5 - Today, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), a U.S. agency that regulates ocean bound shipping decided to start the process of launching an investigation into the “diversion” of U.S. cargo through Canadian ports.

Ottawa, September 29 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased that the government has acted quickly to re-introduce copyright legislation in the House of Commons. Many companies, big and small, rely on the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights to maintain their businesses in Canada.

Updated copyright legislation will bring Canada more in line with other leading nations and establish guidelines for those who download and file share in the Internet. Properly applied, intellectual property rights drive job creation, economic growth and innovation.

“IP is the economic currency of the future. By defining and better protecting IP rights, we will continue to develop a marketplace that rewards investments in innovation and creation. This bill will help foster new business models that will lead to stronger economic growth in Canada” stated Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 

Ottawa, September 21, 2011 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased that Jason Fry, Secretary General of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), will be in Canada this week to brief Canadian arbitration practitioners and Canadian businesses on the new ICC Rules of Arbitration. On September 21st Mr. Fry will be in Montreal and on September 22nd he will visit Toronto to give presentations on the new Rules.

Last week the ICC launched a revised version of its Rules of Arbitration with the aim of better serving the existing and future needs of businesses and governments engaged in international commerce and investment. The new Rules will come into effect on January 1st, 2012.  

St-John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 20, 2011 - Robert Youden, Partner, Savarin Consulting from Quispamsis, New Brunswick, was elected volunteer Chair of the Board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for 2011-2012 at its Annual General Meeting in St-John’s today (biography attached).

“The Canadian Chamber’s greatest strength has always been the power of the chamber network and the ability of businesses of all sizes and from everywhere across Canada to speak with one voice,” said Robert Youden, Chair of the Board of Directors. “As the most influential business association in Canada, the Canadian Chamber is the primary and vital link between business and the federal government. We have a demonstrated impact on public policy and decision-making to the benefit of business and for all Canadians.”