Candace Laing aims to address challenges such as red tape and supply chain obstacles
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has appointed Candace Laing as its new president and CEO, effective September 1.
Laing brings over two decades of experience from both the private and public sectors. She joined the Canadian Chamber’s board of directors in 2019, was vice-chair from 2021 to 2022, and became chair of the Board in 2022.
During her tenure, she led governance reforms and modernization efforts. She will succeed Perrin Beatty, who concludes his 17-year tenure on August 30.
Laing spent ten years at Nutrien and its predecessor, PotashCorp, where she was a senior vice president and chief human resources officer and the vice president of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations.
She played a crucial role in merging PotashCorp and Agrium Inc. to form Nutrien. Laing is known for aligning people strategies with business objectives and overseeing global sustainability strategies and government and community relations.
Laing expressed her honour at taking on this new role, emphasizing the importance of supporting local chambers, boards of trade, and businesses in addressing Canada's economic challenges. She believes that grassroots solutions can inform federal policymaking to improve the lives of Canadians.
Penny Wise, chair of the chamber’s CEO search committee and vice-chair of its board, highlighted the extensive search process that attracted candidates with impressive experience in government and business.
Wise stated, “What set Candace apart was her experience in both business and the chamber movement and her vision for the Canadian chamber’s future as a champion for Canadian businesses.”
Beatty praised Laing's understanding of the needs of businesses of all sizes, stating, “There’s nobody who’s better qualified to take the Canadian chamber to the next level.”
As Laing prepares for her new role based in Ottawa, the Chamber’s board is considering interim steps to fill the chair’s duties until the election of a new chair at the AGM in October.
