CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — As a federal election draws near, Perrin Beatty says the main issue facing a new government is defining Canada’s role in the world.
“Our diplomatic, security and trading relationships. Where do we fit when the global landscape has changed so much from the one we are used to,” said Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Beatty was in Charlottetown this week to deliver the keynote address at the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting on Tuesday.
One thing that stood out from April’s P.E.I. provincial election was how the conduct of the campaign “set an example for the rest of the country,” he said.
“This was one of the most civil, responsible and mature election campaigns that we have seen. I would love to see this replicated in the rest of the country, particularly at the federal level. I’m not hopeful at this point.”
Since the provincial election, he said the parties talking about how they can work together and find common ground is what we need in Canada.
As well, Beatty said the new Progressive Conservative minority government is off to a good start by agreeing to work with the P.E.I. Partnership for Growth, an alliance of more than 20 Island business organizations and associations, to create an economic action plan for the province. Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, is the group’s spokesperson.
Beatty said it is important to create a collaboration between business and government to look at removing impediments that make it difficult to do business on the Island as well as attract new investment, encourage economic diversification (such as “green” businesses), and attract newcomers and reverse out-migration.
“There’s no magic formula – do these three things and all this will take place. But the starting point needs to be collaboration,” he said.
Beatty has been at the helm of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce since 2007. Prior to that, Beatty’s other positions include serving as a member of parliament for the Progressive Conservative party for 21 years (first elected in 1971) and later as president of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Also this week, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce released 45 recommendations for the federal parties in anticipation of an election being called this year.
The chamber’s election platform – Vote Prosperity – places the recommendations in seven areas – a full review of the tax system to ensure it is fair, efficient and modern; reforming the regulatory system to make sure decisions are based on facts and not politics; diversifying trade and breaking down barriers; providing resources for small businesses to help them succeed; investing in innovation and infrastructure; having a workforce with the skills, education and training to help businesses succeed; and developing a cost-effective approach to pharmacare.
“We wanted to get out early before the political parties had their platforms set in stone in hopes that they could take a look at what elements could be helpful in terms of strengthening the economy,” said Beatty. “So, the stakes are high. And, it will be very important for the next federal government, whoever forms it, to give a priority to these economic issues.” Beatty said a new federal government can’t guarantee businesses will be successful, but it can create a climate that helps businesses succeed.
“(Businesses) need government as a partner as opposed to an opponent,” he said.
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