A former federal cabinet minister who served under prime ministers Joe Clark, Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell will speak Wednesday at a Red Deer Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will discuss a number of business issues at the Chamber’s Speakers Series Luncheon at the Red Deer Lodge.
These will include buy American policies and U.S. protectionism, the Canadian Chamber’s advocacy work with respect to employment insurance, and an update on the economy and stimulus spending.
First elected to Parliament as a 22-year-old in 1972, he became the youngest person ever appointed to cabinet when Clark named him minister of state for the Treasury Board.
Under Mulroney, Beatty served as minister of national revenue and minister responsible for Canada Post, solicitor general, defence minister, minister of national health and welfare, and minister of communications.
When Campbell succeeded Mulroney as leader of the Progressive Conservatives, Beatty became secretary of state for external affairs.
In 1995, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s Liberal government appointed Beatty president and CEO of the CBC.
In 1999, he became president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and in 2007 assumed his current positions with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Beatty also currently serves on a number of advisory committees for the Canadian government, covering such issues as national security, border management, privacy and international trade.
The Speakers Series Luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m., with the cost $30 for members of the Red Deer Chamber, and $35 for non-members.
RSVP as soon as possible by calling the Chamber at 403-347-4491 or by emailing lhutton@reddeerchamber.com.