Candace Laing named President and CEO of Canada’s largest business network

Come September, there will be a new face at the helm of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as Candace Laing will take over as President and CEO of the national business network. 

Representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 businesses of all sizes, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce works closely with member groups and the government to advocate for strong policies that will have a positive impact on business and economic performance — something Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors (and recent Honest Talk podcast guest!) Penny Wise says Laing is well equipped to handle. 

“Candace is a next-generation leader with a strong Canadian business background. She has extensive experience making decisions across complex organizations, which will help us build on our existing strengths and meet the challenges facing Canadian businesses and families,” she said. “She is exceptionally well equipped to partner with a broad range of stakeholders, including chambers, boards of trade, associations, and government.”

Bringing experience to the role

Over the last decade, Laing has worked her way up the corporate ladder at Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company based in Saskatchewan, her home province. 

While there, she helped facilitate the merger of Nutrien’s predecessor companies Agrium and PotashCorp, was responsible for sustainability strategy, and oversaw government and community relations.

Laing is also no stranger to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She joined the board of directors in 2019 and served as both Vice-Chair and Chair during her tenure. 

“I’m honoured to take on this new role at such an important time,” said Laing. “Both my work with the Canadian Chamber and my experience in business have shown me our country’s enormous potential, but now more than ever, Canada’s businesses of all sizes need a champion like the Canadian Chamber.

“I strongly believe that solutions to our greatest economic challenges are found at the community level, and I want to ensure we are focused on the critical role local chambers, boards of trade, and businesses play in our economy. The positive influence businesses have on the lives of everyday Canadians is the grassroots thinking that should inform federal policymaking and help create a better life for all Canadians.”

by Lisa Thibodeau

Lisa is a seasoned writer, content producer and is editor of The Honest Talk. With many years of journalism experience and a unique talent for digital content and media creation, she loves meeting new people and sharing stories.

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