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CANADIAN CHAMBER HAS NEW PRESIDENT
Perrin Beatty has been named President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
 A high-profile corporate executive and former federal Cabinet Minister, Mr. Beatty, 57, was appointed to the position after a unanimous vote by the Chamber's Board of Directors in Ottawa today.
He assumes his new responsibilities on Monday, August 13th.
"We're delighted to have a person of Perrin's stature lead the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and represent our more than 170,000 members," said Sean Finn, Chair of the Board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "We're extremely proud to be the voice of Canadian business. Perrin has the credibility and experience to ensure that our voice continues to be heard loud and clear, and respected at all levels of government across Canada."
Mr. Beatty, who since August, 1999 has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, welcomed the opportunity to lead the Chamber amid a time of unprecedented change - and challenge.
"Canadian businesses are coping with new competition from low-wage countries, a border that's becoming stickier and costlier, serious skills shortages and a dollar that's rising dramatically in value," he observed. "More than ever, it's essential for Canadian business to speak with a clear voice to ensure that we can compete in the global economy. The standard of living of every family in this country depends on it."
Mr. Beatty, who expressed pride in the achievements of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said he believes "the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to promote a strong economy and success for business through its integrated network of over 350 local Chambers across Canada."
Mr. Beatty succeeds Nancy Hughes Anthony as head of the Canadian Chamber. Ms. Hughes Anthony left the organization at the end of May.
A native of Toronto, Mr. Beatty grew up in Fergus, Ontario, where he worked in the family business, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1971. He was elected to the House of Commons as a Progressive Conservative in 1972 and in 1979 was appointed Minister of State (Treasury Board) in the government of Joe Clark, at the time the youngest person ever to serve in a federal Cabinet.
He held six additional portfolios in subsequent Progressive Conservative governments, including National Revenue in 1984, Solicitor General in 1985, National Defence in 1986, Health and Welfare in 1989, Communications in 1991 and Secretary of State for External Affairs in 1993.
Following the 1993 federal election, Mr. Beatty joined a number of private sector boards and worked as a consultant in the field of communications. In 1995 he was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held until joining Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
Mr. Beatty is bilingual. He is married and has two sons.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most representative business organization in Canada. Through its broad network of local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, it represents more than 170,000 members of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from all regions of the country.
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