At the heart of dialogue

The Speech from the Throne in November 2008 heralds a new departure and recalls Canada’s fundamental objectives. At a time when the ongoing crisis is shaking up the entire world economy, Canadian leaders have stated their priorities, fixing the major policy targets for the years to come.
“The aims expressed are cause for great satisfaction. We are very attentive to the government’s position and today realise that we have been fully heard,” rejoices Tina Kremmidas, Assistant Vice-President and Senior Economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber network declares itself to be the country’s most influential association of businessmen and women and companies, with over 170,000 members represented. “The diversity of our members is undeniably a strength that sets us apart from other pressure groups,” states Tina Kremmidas. “Our structure has been in place for close to a century. It constitutes a key reference name and is highly representative of the expectations of the country’s economic players.” The Chamber pays particular attention to reciprocal consultation with its members on controversial themes that directly affect companies. It carries out research on best practices for companies, on tax, social and regulatory levels… It then communicates its opinions to federal government representatives, as well as foreign leaders, Canadian citizens and the media. In doing so, the Chamber has succeeded in exercising its influence. The reform of the financial system has, naturally, largely found its way into exchanges during the last few months. The credit crisis has recalled the dangers of a fragmented mode of regulation.
This is why the government is opting for the creation of a common commission for property values, aimed at further tightening surveillance of financial markets between the various provinces. “Responsible financial management and a better collaboration between provinces and territories, aiming to establish common rules, are initiatives that the Chamber has long advocated,” underlines the Assistant Vice-President. Canadian leaders are also proving favourable to the support of the manufacturing activities currently undergoing difficulties, particularly in the automobile sector. The latter will benefit from aid to the total of some 2.8 billion dollars (2.08 billion euros), as announced in December by the Minster of Industry, Tony Clement. Letters addressed to the Prime Minister by the Chamber on this point as well as many other measures considered necessary to increase growth, will not have been sent in vain. Amongst the recommendations was “the elimination by 2010 of obstacles to domestic trade, investment and labour mobility”. The government has responded by an intention to lower taxes and reduce business costs to help support competitiveness and create employment. The exact form of reforms remains as yet vague, but Tina Kremmidas considers that “current discourse reveals a genuine desire to act”. The government also foresees working with industry to better develop national scientific and technological expertise (1). “Links between the public and private spheres have often been inadequate in the past,” she adds. “Collaborations of this type are essential. We must be glad that our leaders are moving in this direction.”
For the Chamber, the global success of the country will take place through tighter relationships between the provinces. The government also wishes to draw closer to territories, in particular for the recognition of foreign skills qualifications, in order to draw more international students and increase participation in establishment programmes amongst immigrants. Extra grants for students, measures to harmonise training and encourage the learning of specialised professions further lengthen the list of government priorities for a more competitive Canada. It remains to be seen whether the details of these major directions will entirely correspond with Chamber expectations.


(1) This position is more optimistic than that of the Administrative Council of the Canadian Chamber (see our article page 46).