Reflecting on 50 years of business leadership
As published on LinkedIn
In April, I had the honour of joining past and present members of the Business Council of Canada to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary. Since 1976, Canadian business leaders have come together to share their knowledge and expertise in the service of their country.
Through the Council, generations of leaders have parked their sector-specific issues at the door and joined forces with one mission: to ensure that Canada becomes and remains the best country in the world in which to live, work, invest and grow.
Over the course of its history, the Council has partnered with 11 federal governments and 10 prime ministers. It has worked with key partners from across Canada and around the world.
That work is as important today as it was when the Council first began.
I am humbled to carry the torch passed down by founding president and CEO Thomas d’Aquino, CM, LL.D and his successor, the Hon. John Manley, two Canadians I admire greatly. They understand what I mean when I say it is an incredible honour to have the opportunity to represent Canada’s leading CEOs and entrepreneurs.
The tone is set at the top
Council members have taught me many things, first and foremost, that the tone is set at the top. Business leaders are optimists, and thanks to their example, I’ve learned to look at the world as a glass half full.
They have inspired me with the idea that one can do anything and shape any outcome by leaning in to provide clear, principled and determined leadership.
Never was that more apparent than when a global pandemic hit in 2020.
Canadians saw what our business leaders were made of in that moment when it mattered most. To a person, members of the Council stepped up.
I witnessed it firsthand when the phone rang repeatedly with calls from members simply asking “how can I help?”
Members rallied to protect their employees and communities, using their resources to ensure Canadians had what they needed during lockdowns and closures.
They joined together to initiate projects to test and deliver fast, affordable rapid screening kits.
Manufacturing facilities retooled to design, develop and produce ventilators.
Apparel companies pivoted to produce medical scrubs and masks.
Companies hosted public vaccine clinics in cities and towns across the country.
Canadians saw business leaders and government working together for the greater good to keep Canadians safe and our economy moving.
Frankly, that’s how it always should be.
Think long-term
Another lesson I’ve learned from members of the Business Council of Canada is to think long term.
That lesson inspired the Council to think big.
For over four decades the BCC had a single office in Ottawa facing Parliament Hill.
Today, the Council has gone national and international with on-the-ground presence in Calgary, Washington D.C., Mexico, Brussels and Tokyo.
The BCC acts as a strategic partner for the federal government around the world at a time when trade expansion and commercial diplomacy are key priorities.
Of course, diversification has always been pursued in tandem with strengthening Canada’s presence in North America.
During each of our terms, Tom, John and I have all experienced important moments in the bilateral Canada-U.S. relationship while doing our part to secure Canada’s role on the global stage.
Here at home, we have continued to advocate for policies to make Canada more competitive and more united in every way.
Prime Minister Carney is right to say we are at a hinge moment of history.
It is time to be ambitious and focus on what we can control.
For 50 years, Council members have worked together in the best interests of Canada. I look forward to continuing that journey as the BCC embarks on its next half century of business leadership.
