Canadian business reaction to Throne Speech: Yes!

    OTTAWA, Nov. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Today's Speech from the Throne has firmly
put Canada's competitiveness at the top of the agenda, a critical move during
this time of global economic turmoil. Canada's largest business association,
the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, has been pressing for action on this very
important issue, and welcomes the Government's announced strategy to help all
Canadians weather this financial storm.
    "Competitiveness is the key to a high quality of life for all Canadians,
especially in tough economic times. The Canadian Chamber is very pleased that
the Government has listened to Canadian business because when our businesses
succeed, Canadians and their families succeed," says Perrin Beatty, President
and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "Tough times call for decisive
action. The commitments to act in areas like infrastructure, responsible
fiscal management, and working with the provinces and territories to establish
common securities regulation are initiatives the Canadian Chamber has long
supported."
    Today's Speech from the Throne included the Government's commitment to
act on many Canadian Chamber priorities recommended in letters to the Prime
Minister immediately following the October 14th Federal Election and prior to
the November 10th First Ministers' meeting. Some of these priorities, which
will benefit all Canadians, include:- Removing barriers to internal trade, investment and labour mobility by
      2010.
    - Encouraging skilled trades and apprenticeships
    - Accelerating, in co-operation with the provinces and territories, the
      recognition of foreign credentials
    - Ensuring Aboriginal Canadians fully share in economic opportunities
    - Recognizing the importance of public infrastructure to create jobs to
      create the links between communities and regions to help generate
      future employment by expediting Building Canada
    - Modernizing Canada's competition and investment laws and implementing
      many of the recommendations of the Competition Policy Review Panel to
      help Canada's businesses benefit from foreign investment and innovation
    - Modernizing Canada's copyright laws and ensuring stronger protection
      for intellectual property
    - Working with the U.S. administration to address shared challenges and
      enhance North American competitiveness
    - Working with the provinces and territories to establish common
      securities regulation
    - Pursuing new trade opportunities in Asia and the Americas, as well as
      with the EU
    - Taking measures to deal with climate change including the development
      of a North American-wide cap and trade system and an effective
      international protocol.For additional information on the Canadian Chamber's top priorities, a
more detailed document is available on our website: www.chamber.ca

For further information: Katie Anderson, Director, Communications, (613)
238-4000, ext.231, Cell: [phone], [e-mail]