Minister Day launches first of cross-country economic roundtables

VANCOUVER, July 14 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today launched a series of roundtables on Canada's economic future. He met with representatives from Vancouver's private sector, business associations and universities to discuss ways to build on Canada's strong financial position and keep the country on the road to a strong recovery.

"Canada's economy is on the right track and our country's continued job creation is proof that our Economic Action Plan is working," said Minister Day. "Nonetheless, the global recovery remains fragile and it will be essential for the government to live within its means and identify substantial savings."

Today's meeting marks the first in a series of roundtables to be held by Minister Day in Calgary, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax. During the roundtables, Minister Day will hear from Canada's leading experts on their views about how to ensure long-term growth and prosperity. These roundtables will provide the Minister with a unique opportunity to consult with key business leaders and thinkers across the country.

"The participants in these roundtables are among the best and brightest in their fields and their ideas will be valuable as we move forward in this period of fiscal restraint," concluded Minister Day.

A list of today's roundtable participants is attached.

    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC
    VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) - 613-957-9090

This news release is available online at: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca.

    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 Backgrounder
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Vancouver Roundtable Participants
    

Ryan Beedie, President, the Beedie Group

Mr. Beedie became President of the Beedie Group in 2001. The company specializes in the design, construction and management of industrial buildings in Greater Vancouver.

Dr. David Farrar, Provost and Vice-President Academic, University of British Columbia

Dr. David Farrar has been the Provost and Vice-President, Academic of the University of British Columbia since 2007. He is a professor of chemistry and has authored numerous papers and holds several patents.

Jock Finlayson, Executive Vice-President, Business Council of British Columbia

In addition to his work at the Business Council of British Columbia, Mr. Finlayson is the author of several books and numerous articles on international trade and Canadian public policy. Mr. Finlayson previously served as Vice-President of Research at Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

Marie Gallant, Executive Director, Community Futures Development Association of British Columbia

As the Executive Director, Ms. Gallant leads an organization that services the over 30 Community Futures Development Corporations across British Columbia. Ms. Gallant also sits as a member of Pan West Community Futures and Pan Canadian Community Futures.

Jon Garson, Vice-President of Policy Development, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Garson emigrated from the United Kingdom in 2003 where he worked for the British government in a number of senior positions in a variety of ministries, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Canada

Mr. Gordon has extensive experience in banking and international finances. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Bank Canada in 1999, and then President and Chief Executive Officer in 2003. Mr. Gordon is a Governor and Co-Founder of the Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders Foundation.

Dr. Arvind Gupta, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (MITACS)

Dr. Gupta is the Scientific Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (MITACS), a national research network which connects academia, industry and the public sector to develop tools for Canada's knowledge-based economy.

Afif Mango, President, Junior Chamber of Commerce International Vancouver

Mr. Mango was elected President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce International for the Lower Mainland in 2009. He is an IT buyer for Best Buy and has over ten years experience in purchasing and supply chain management.

Mark Von Schellwitz, Vice-President, Western Canada, Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Mr. Von Schellwitz has worked for the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association in management roles since 1997 and was appointed Vice-President for Western Canada in 2001. He also serves as the Chair of the Coalition of BC Businesses.

For further information: Mélisa Leclerc, Director of Communications, Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, 613-952-5051; Media Relations, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 613-957-2640