Coalition for a Better Future tops 100 members as momentum builds for a bold new economic and social vision for Canada

Thirty-five new partners join from across the country

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Momentum to develop a long-term economic and social vision for Canada continues to build with almost three dozen new, diverse organizations joining the Coalition for a Better Future.

Launched this summer, the Coalition for a Better Future is working to build consensus around the need for an ambitious plan for Canada's economic future – with a clear focus on measures to reduce inequality, raise living standards and tangibly improve the lives of all Canadians.

The initiative brings together a broad range of leading Canadians and Canadian organizations, including business leaders, community and civic organizations, social policy advocates, Indigenous groups, environmental NGOs, and public policy research institutes.  

Former federal Cabinet Ministers Anne McLellan and Lisa Raitt chair the initiative's Advisory Council, which recently welcomed its newest member: Alicia Dubois, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.

In addition to the 68 organizations that took part in the initiative's launch on August 5, the Coalition for a Better Future is pleased to announce 35 new partners representing a wide range of perspectives. All are committed to finding common ground on the steps needed to ensure Canadians' long-term economic well-being. The new members are:

• ACCES Employment
• Beer Canada
• BlackNorth Initiative
• C2C2C Unity Corridor Foundation
• Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
• Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Medical Association
• Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce
• Canola Council of Canada
• Cement Association of Canada
• Chamber of Marine Commerce
• CivicAction 
• Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation
• Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO)
• Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
• Genome Canada
• Giv3
• Global Shapers of Canada
• HealthCareCAN
• Indian Resource Council
• International Institute for Sustainable Development
• Junior Achievement Canada
• Manufactured Housing Association of Atlantic Canada
• Mississauga Board of Trade
• National Association of Career Colleges
• The Natural Step Canada
• New Brunswick Business Council
• Partners in Project Green
• PayTechs of Canada
• The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy
• The Port of Montreal
• REALPAC
• Social Capital Partners
• Victoria Forum
• Wine Growers Canada

"We are excited to join a coalition that includes so many different and often under-represented or marginalized perspectives," Alicia Dubois said on behalf of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.

"Canada is an incredibly diverse country – geographically, demographically and culturally. Only by tapping into that diversity can we build a truly inclusive vision for our economic future.  We look forward to helping shape that vision." 

For her part, Leslie Woo, Chief Executive Officer of CivicAction, said, "The Coalition can build on what we learned during the pandemic: to achieve meaningful change, all voices must be included at the decision-making table."

She added: "The best way to ensure a healthy economic recovery and sustainable long-term growth is by working together to chart the path forward. Through its commitment to inclusivity, the Coalition for a Better Future does just that.

Dr. Richard Florizone, President & CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), echoed that sentiment: "We believe strongly that diverse partnerships produce better and more resilient outcomes. By bringing together different voices and expertise, the Coalition has an opportunity to develop a plan that is positive for people and the planet."

The Coalition for a Better Future will convene a summit of Canadian thinkers, leaders, and policymakers on October 27-28 in Ottawa. Building on the work of the Coalition, the summit will explore how the public, private and non-profit sectors can work together in support of long-term, inclusive and sustainable growth.

In advance of the summit, members of the Coalition's Advisory Council will participate in a series of roundtable discussions organized in collaboration with the Public Policy Forum. These sessions, along with other consultations, will help inform key areas of focus for the Coalition.

Learn more about the Coalition at https://canadacoalition.ca/ or https://coalitioncanadienne.ca, and on the Coalition's social media channels:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/CdnCoalition_ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CanadaCoalition 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadacoalition/

Organizations interested in joining the Coalition for a Better Future are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information.

SOURCE Coalition for a Better Future

Lauren Kutchaw, Senior Consultant, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, [email protected]