The new Canadian Chamber Council responds to the strain on Canadian supply chains

(OTTAWA) — (May 23, 2024) — The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently launched its newest board in response to the long-term weakness of the Canadian economy. The Supply Chain Council represents a joint national forum of 16 organizations across sectors, industries and populations who work together to protect our supply chains.

The last few years have shown that Canadian supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link; and as Canada faces another summer of labor market disruption, strengthening our supply chains is more important than ever.

Because trade accounts for more than two-thirds of Canada’s GDP, our ability to get goods to and from market determines whether we will be competitive in the global economy. For our standard of living and the well-being of all Canadians, Canada must remain competitive. We know the economic damage caused by last year’s West Coast port strike. Anything that blocks trade prevents us from serving our customers at home and abroad. Now is not the time to further burden a system under pressure.

Pascal Chan, President of the Council and Senior Director of Transportation, Infrastructure and Construction at the Canadian Chamber

Members of the Canadian Chamber’s Supply Chain Council will take a leading role in ensuring Canada has resilient, reliable and efficient supply chains. The Council will undertake targeted advocacy efforts and build relationships with senior government officials to build trust, create dialogue and offer prospects for strengthening Canadian supply chains to ensure product flows, price stability and improve Canada’s reputation as a reliable place to do business.

As the world increasingly needs what Canada can provide, it is critical that Canadian businesses can reliably bring their goods to market. We have an opportunity and an obligation to meet the world’s need for food and energy security, but we risk squandering this opportunity if we do not act on it urgently.

Pascal Chan, President of the Council and Senior Director of Transportation, Infrastructure and Construction at the Canadian Chamber

During its term of office, the Council will actively advocate for:

• A strategic, long-term investment in Canada’s trade infrastructure. Domestic and international trade corridors should strengthen supply chains to make Canada a reliable business partner.
• Reducing avoidable risks to supply chains. The government should consider providing new tools to resolve labor disputes in sectors essential to Canadian supply chains.
• Accelerating the regulatory modernization program. An economic and competitive outlook for federal regulators would encourage enforceable regulations that support economic growth and our global competitiveness.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – The future of business success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most active business network – representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of commerce and over 200,000 businesses of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from all parts of the country – dedicated to creating the conditions for our shared success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is an undisputed advocate and catalyst for future business success. From working with government on economically friendly policies to providing trade intelligence and enablement services, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competition and trends, influence on the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic results.

contact
Karol Oczkowski
Senior director of corporate communications and PR
613.238.4000 (2231)
[email protected]