Government must focus on job creation: Canadian Chamber of Commerce

OTTAWA, Oct 8 /CNW/ - Today's employment report, released by Statistics Canada, stating that Canada's labour market shed 6,600 jobs in September is, according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, further proof that the government's highest priority must be to encourage private sector job creation.

"While we still see the recovery taking hold, the loss of jobs indicates that it is fragile and that we need to do everything we can to see it continue," says Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Today's employment report illustrates that the Canadian economy lost momentum in the second half of the year. Uncertainty about the strength of the recovery will likely keep job gains restrained for the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.

"The figures in the report confirm the wisdom of the government's decision to hold EI premium increases to a minimum in the coming year and, they also underscore the importance of a clear message that the corporate tax relief that has been promised will continue," says Beatty. "Business confidence requires certainty and calls by some politicians to add a multiple-billion dollar tax bill to what businesses have been told to plan for will discourage investment and job-creation."

As Canada's largest and most influential business association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the primary and vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions.

For further information:

Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO
613.238.4000 ext. 237
[email protected]