With 2022 in the rear-view mirror and our sights set on a fresh start in 2023, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks and admiration for Canada’s small business community.
2022 was full of challenges for the business community, with many of them having a disproportionate effect on small and medium-sized businesses. You had to navigate through ongoing supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and inflation, to name but a few. No doubt many of these challenges will persist in the new year, but I have great confidence in the future of Canadian SMEs because I‘ve seen, first-hand, the incredible creativity, resilience and strength that characterize the SME business community.
From impressive digital transformations to innovative hiring practices and reinvented business strategies, SMEs have proved to be remarkably agile as they prepare for the upcoming economic headwinds. While I know that it has not been easy and that there are many who continue to struggle, please count on the Canadian Chamber Network to work tirelessly on your behalf.
Small businesses are at the heart of communities from coast to coast to coast. You are essential to Canada’s economic growth and social well-being, and we will do all we can to support your efforts to keep Main streets across the country vibrant and flourishing.
On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, congratulations on your remarkable contributions to your communities and to our country. I look forward to working with you in 2023 to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all Canadians.
Perrin Beatty
President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC, OC, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the over 200,000-member Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s largest and most activated business network. Before joining the Canadian Chamber in August 2007, Perrin held the same role at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). Perrin is currently a member of the board of directors of Mitsui Canada. In 2018, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2020, the Government of Japan awarded Perrin the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.
