Canadian Chamber hosts executive roundtable on Canada-US engagement strategy

[OTTAWA] — [February 15, 2024] — Yesterday evening, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce convened a small group of cross sectoral CEOs and senior executives for a roundtable discussion on a renewed Team Canada engagement strategy. Both the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development attended to provide more details on their Team Canada approach, and to solicit direct feedback from business leaders deeply engaged in US-Canada relations. The meeting followed the recent launch of the Canadian Chamber’s new Canada-U.S. Engagement Plan, aimed at providing Canadian businesses opportunities to increase ties with U.S. counterparts and policymakers.

The world has changed dramatically since the last U.S. election, and as another election comes into view, it’s vital for Canada to cement its relationship with our closest neighbour. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach. That’s why we’re pleased to bring together business leaders and the government to collaborate in strengthening both our strategic and economic ties with the U.S.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Canada and the United States share one of the largest trading relationships in the world, underpinned by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canada-U.S. trade in goods and services was over $1.2 trillion in 2022, representing two thirds of Canada’s total global trade.  

Our relationship with the U.S. is key for our economic prosperity. Team Canada is about promoting, defending and protecting Canadian interests. It’s about working together at all levels and across the country to make sure the Canada-U.S. relationship is top of mind for our American friends, reminding them that this unique relationship is a source of strength for both our countries. That’s why we want to work together with the business community to deepen our relationship with our closest ally.

The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

The Prime Minister recently tasked Minister Champagne and Minister Ng to be co-leads on a renewed Team Canada engagement strategy to advance Canada’s interests in and with the United States. 

We’re working together as Team Canada with industry and business leaders because they are at the heart of our trade relationship. This is about reminding our partners what Canada has to offer our allies as a stable and reliable trading partner. As we deepen these relationships, we will keep collaborating with the Chamber and with Canada’s business community to amplify their success here at home and across the U.S.

The Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

For its part, the Canadian Chamber will lead four business missions to the U.S. in 2024 as part of its Canada-U.S. Engagement Plan. The missions will focus on key areas of the Canadian economy where there are significant opportunities for growth and synergy with the U.S. economy: life sciences, Canada-U.S. trade, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

I see it as a great privilege and responsibility to be part of this initial discussion. We have so much to offer as an innovative and industrious nation with a highly educated workforce. That’s why this type of engagement with our trading partners is essential – we can’t miss out on any opportunity to highlight our strengths in a time of fierce global competition.

Penny Wise, Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs for 3M, Vice Chair of the Canadian Chamber, and participant at the roundtable

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance. 

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Contact 
Karl Oczkowski 
Senior Director, Corporate Communications and PR 
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 
613.238.4000 (2231) 
koczkowski@chamber.ca