Letters & Editorials
The Chamber of Commerce Movement in Canada shines through in crisis
Justin Rigsby
December 12, 2008
There is a saying that goes something like this – “One man’s demise is another man’s opportunity.” This was no more true, than events that unfolded in the first few days of December in Ottawa.
Following the Conservatives’ delivery of an economic statement - that would have severe ramifications on the other federal political parties - the Liberals and NDP, with support from the Bloc Quebecois, embarked on a plan to defeat the minority Conservative government and bring about a Coalition government. What followed was described by many in the electorate as stupid, silly, power mongering and many other quotations not suitable for publishing. Many asked the question how politicians could be playing silly power games while the country was on the brink, if not already, in the worst economic crisis in over 75 years. How could it be that the focus got shifted from protecting the livelihood of Canada’s financial survival to one of political folly amongst a collection of competing egos?
From outside our borders the view must not have been pretty, and in fact, downright laughable to some. Canada, for all its dignity and quietude as compared to its more verbose neighbours to the south, was looking more like a spoiled child. Was there hope that common sense could or would prevail?? Yes, there was probably hope in the eyes of some, but few could predict where the voice of reason would come from, to truly put things into perspective.
Darned if it wasn’t the Canadian Chamber of Commerce! “Who?” some might ask. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce? When all appeared to have resorted to insanity in the nation’s capital, there was a group of sane, clear headed minds meeting for a quarterly board meeting in Ottawa. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Chamber’s regular quarterly meeting and was able to witness first hand sound leadership in action, effective communication to the public, engagement of the Chamber’s member network, and funnily enough, a public statement on the economic crisis that should have been heard loud and clear by the politicians elected to provide such leadership.
The Chamber’s President and CEO, former Cabinet Minister Perrin Beatty and the Board’s Chair Roger Thomas, led the charge that would make the Chamber the leading business organization to speak out on the economic crisis gripping the country. With support from the chamber network across the country, garnered within in hours of a Monday morning committee meeting, the Canadian Chamber embarked on a communication strategy and policy statement that would provide an answer to the country’s economic woes and a plea for politicians to put aside their differences and focus on the economy.
Mr. Beatty provided that so-needed voice of reason in the many interviews he conducted using the considerable political savvy gained after many years as an MP and Cabinet Minister. Yet his leadership didn’t end there. It continued on over the next few days and continues as we speak in how the Chamber can advocate for a better economic life, not only for its direct members, but also for Canadian business in general. The Canadian Chamber showed its ability to be versatile, nimble and respondent to the concerns of its members and Canadian citizens. These traits are shared by provincial organizations such as the BC Chamber of Commerce and local chambers in the many communities throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it! The Canadian Chamber of Commerce revealed its character last week and no doubt will continue to do so in the coming months as more political shenanigans take place in Ottawa. At least we have the comfort of knowing there is a voice of reason and leadership in Ottawa.
Justin Rigsby
Justin Rigsby is the Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce
