The Canadian Council of Chief Executives

 

For over 30 years the Canadian Council of Chief Executives has been both an important and influential force in Canadian business and politics. Back in 2001 when the Business Council on National Issues (BCNI) changed its name to the CCCE, the staff of the Johnston Library used the opportunity to provide considerable information about the history of the BCNI. The information includes two complete articles that were written soon after the BCNI was formed in 1976 and a comprehensive bibliography of articles relating to the Council that should prove to be very useful for those interested in the BCNI and Canadian business-government relations. This material will be found below the recent updates.

 

Update October 30, 2009

Thomas d’Aquino has been the head of the CCCE for many years. On the eve of his departure, he answered a series of questions raised by Paul Vieira of the National Post (Oct. 23, 2009). A sample is offered here for your convenience:
Q. “Is it easier or more difficult now, after three decades, to relay the council's message to government and having policy makers understand it?”
A. “In the years following the Second World War, there was almost a symbiotic relationship between business and government. That began to fade in the 1960s, and by the time Pierre Trudeau came to office there was a severe polarization. But as we got into the 1970s and 1980s, governments became more sensitive to inclusiveness. And business had to compete, unlike the days where CEOs could pick up the phone and call the Prime Minister. It has become much more complex and competitive. But I would say we have always had good access to government. The reason is not because who we are -- CEOs. We get a hearing because we do good work. Remember, government would be happy to ignore us, and be able to say, ‘We are not under the sway under big business.'”

[As an aside it can be noted that, at this time (2009), Mr. d’Aquino is Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management here at the Richard Ivey School of Business. As well, ‘Jack” Lawrence, an Ivey graduate and the founder of the Lawrence National Centre, was associated with the founding of the BCNI. See: “Jack Lawrence Will be Missed,” Diane Francis, National Post, Aug. 7, 2009. Mr. Lawrence died in a plane crash in August, 2009.]

Update July 7, 2009:

On June 26^th it was announced that the former Liberal deputy prime minister John Manley would replace Thomas d’Aquino as President of the CCCE. See: “Manley Takes Over New Post,” Kathleen Harris, The London Free Press,, June 26, 2009 and “Manley is the New Voice of Corporate Canada,” The Globe and Mail, June 26, 2009. This important and influential lobby was originally called the Business Council on National Issues (BCNI). When the name was changed back in 2001 the Johnston staff provided some very useful background information which can be found here: http://www.lib.uwo.ca/programs/generalbusiness/bcni.html

 

 

 

On December 6, 2001, the National Post reported that the "blue-chip lobby group" known as the BusinessCouncil on National Issues was changing its name to the "Canadian Council of Chief Executives" ("Business Council Changes Name, Focus: Global Orientation," by Alan Toulin, National Post, Dec. 6, 2001). It will now consist of three committees which will cover 1) National Policies; 2) North American Issues and 3) Global Policies. Jean Monty is the Chairman and Thomas d'Aquino is the group's president and chief executive. For additional information see the Council's site which is now located at: www.ceocouncil.ca

The BCNI was founded in 1976. Below you will find two articles from the Spring of 1977 that discuss the origins of the group. In addition, a list of BCNI-related publications that are found in the Western Libraries is provided for your convenience along with a lengthy bibliography of articles written over the last 25 years. It is anticipated that the CCCE will continue to be an influential policy advocate and that the information provided here will be of interest to students of business/government relations in Canada.

The Origins of the BCNI

 

From the Board of Trade Journal, Apr 1977, p.30-31.

[ This article was scanned from the April issue of the Board of Trade Journal held in the Business Library. The original article should be consulted since this copy may contain some errors. The text and the image are being made available to researchers for scholarly purposes. They should not be used for commercial gain without the permission of the author or publisher.]

"BLUE CHIP ROSTER FOR BUSINESS COUNCIL
Powerful new business council will deal with national issues as top corporate executives provide strong base of support"

by: Charles Davies

 

Business Council co-chairmen W.O. Twaits (left) and Alfred Powis sit at head of conference table as plans for new national group are announced.

William Twaits began the press conference announcing the formation of the Business Council on National Issues (BCNI) by referring to co-chairman Alfred Powis and Council president and executive director William Archbold as "the troika." He hardly needed to mention that the new business interest group pulled along in their wake includes the greatest collection of heavyweight
executive talent in Canada's history.
Twaits, former Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Oil Ltd., and Powis, Noranda Mines Ltd.'s President and Chief Executive Officer head a 91-name membership list that reads like a business Who's Who and covers every major segment of the economy. Among the other chief executives are Alcan Aluminum Ltd.'s Paul Leman, Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd.'s Roy Bennett, Massey-Ferguson Ltd.'s Albert Thornbrough, Steel Co. of Canada Ltd.'s Peter Gordon, Wood Gundy Limited's C. G. Medland, Canadian Pacific's Ian D. Sinclair,, Imperial Oil's J. A. Armstrong, Power Corporation's Paul Desmarais, Abibiti Paper's T. J.
Bell, and the Royal Bank of Canada's Earle McLaughlin to name a few. For good measure, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Manufacturers' Association are also members.
The press conference was told the purpose of the BCN I is to correct what is seen as a need for a cohesive and responsible business voice on national issues to deal with organized labor and governments that have grown in size as well as propensity to regulate and intervene in the economy.
Despite the super-lobby impression, the co-chairmen took pains to emphasize that the BCNI won't try to speak for all businesspeople. Twaits said the search for a business group format of this kind has been going on for at least 15 years and that it was only in the last two years the idea of using a council of chief executives really began to take shape.
"It will be a reliable voice of business but it's not the voice of business," he said . . . "We're not trying to become a large, amorphous organization. We want to be a pool of expertise that can comment on national matters."
"We're trying, in effect, to bridge gaps," Powis said, outlining the BCNI's plans to supplement the efforts other business groups are making to get points across to labor and government. A core group of BCNI members are already involved in the tripartite talks that began last fall through the Prime Minister's off ice.
"In all probability, there will be regular meetings with labor," Powis added. "This would be one of our objectives."
Almost equally important will be the BCNI's work in sponsoring research projects through established research institutions or through mission-oriented task forces using the resources of member companies. The members have already paid for a Touche, Ross and Co. study, "The Impact of Inflation on Business, " that details the eroding effect inflation has had on corporate liquidity.
With the funding from membership dues - adjusted company by company depending on such things as assets and type of business - the BCNI permanent staff of Archbold and one secretary will direct research spending this year amounting to $300,000. Of this, $100,000 is going to a three-part study of the economy using the resources of The Conference Board in Canada.
The Conference Board has already completed and released a survey of 250 chief executives' attitudes as phase one and is now working on the second phase, a series of reports on such topics as capital formation and international trade, for release over the next four or five months. The third phase will be an attempt to evaluate policy alternatives for the post-controls period, working from the data base compiled by Touche, Ross for its inflation study.
Other programs and budgeting will be studied at the quarterly meetings of a 21member policy committee (with at least one committee member coming from every industry represented in the BCNI) while more general topics will be covered at semi-annual general membership meetings. One priority will be consideration of ways to improve the working of federalism, Powis said, and it may be done b)6 an independent institutional study or through a committee of eminent Canadians.
Average Canadians won't be left in the dark. Twait's said one of the most important tasks will be to translate research studies
into language that people can understand. This information will then be disseminated through the CMA, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the media generally.
At this stage, the BCNI is not taking positions on news developments but individual members are willing to give opinions.
Twaits said the recent federal budget should not be criticized as a "nothing" document because it was framed within realistic economic options and did recognize "the need to stimulate investment in this country to produce jobs."
Commenting on the Quebec white paper on language policy, Powis said the members did not discuss it at their first meeting "but if we had, we wouldn't have discussed anything else. I'm appalled by it."
He agreed with Twaits that the white paper is only a symptom of the Quebec problem which is, in turn, a national problem that comes down to the ability to maintain a working federalism.
Both said the BCNI will make what contribution it can in this direction, recognizing the principal effort of members has to be running their businesses.
Powis, who is a former council member of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Toronto, said: "We can contribute to a well-functioning Canadian economy, an economy where the average Quebecer or anyone else can get a job and fulfill himself."
The Business Council on National Issues is not unlike the Business Roundtable in the United States. It is made up of chief executive officers from major American corporations. The Roundtable is a powerful voice representing business at the national level.

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

"Business Voices," by Ronald Anderson, Globe and Mail, April 6, 1977, p.b2.

[ This article was copied from a microfilm version of the Globe and Mail. The original article should be consulted since this copy may contain some errors. The text is being made available to researchers for scholarly purposes. The material should not be used for commercial gain without the permission of the author or publisher.]

"A proliferation of business-oriented associations in recent years indicates how frustrated executives have become over the communications gap that has developed between government and the private sector.
There are now more than a dozen influential bodies that profess to speak for all or important sectors of the Canadian business community. Unfortunately, not all of them are frank, objective, analytical commentators on the authentic needs of the business community, nor are they always willing to acknowledge that the preferences of business sometimes do not coincide with the legitimate aspirations of various social groups.
The latest group to enter the arena is the Business Council on National Issues which held its first general meeting this week in Toronto. Co-chairmen of the BCNI are W. O. Twaits, former chief executive of Imperial Oil Ltd., and Alfred Powis, president of Noranda Mines Ltd. Membership at present includes executives of 93 national and international corporations, and the number is increasing.

Broader national interest
It is too early to decide yet whether the business council will become just another lobby, seeking to influence government policies and legislation in the interests of business.
But the objectives enunciated by Mr. Twaits raise the hope that the council will have regard for the broader national interest as perceived by the BCNI members.
"We intend to strengthen the voice of business on issues of national importance, and to put forward constructive courses of action for the country," he said. "The BCNI will operate through direct dialogue with governments and labor on general economic conditions and specific concerns, and through sponsorship of research projects on national issues by established research institutions. The objective is to stimulate growth and employment opportunities through the private sector."
The commitment of the BCNI to support of the private sector is, of course, to be expected. Furthermore, the expressed preferences and the voting behavior of the electorate would suggest that a majority of Canadians share this commitment.

Contribute to consensus
The BCNI, in its policy statement, does not appear to be a propaganda agency of business. The proposal to have direct discussions with government and labor on general economic conditions and particular matters of concern may well contribute to the formation of a consensus on troublesome economic issues.
Perhaps the council will have more success than others have had in persuading labor leaders that the stimulation of growth and employment opportunities is closely linked to capital investment, and that investment is dependent on an adequate level of retained earnings, capital consumption allowances and access to a healthy capital market. But establishment of the linkage between reasonable profits and reasonable levels of pay and job creation is a difficult task, which cannot be accomplished in the short term.
Labor unions have become much too suspicious of the motives of big business (and most members of the BCNI represent big companies) to be easily persuaded that they and the big corporations share the same interest in keeping business in a good state of health.
However, low-key rational discussion over a period of time may bring the two groups more closely together in their perceptions of what needs to be done to make Canadian industry competitive, productive and capable of providing an adequate number of well-paying, stable jobs. Canada cannot afford the antagonism and mood of confrontation that exists at present between business and labor.
The recent federal budget indicates that Ottawa has become more inclined than it was in the past to listen to the complaints of business, to try to mitigate the effects of inflation on business, and to aid in the generation of cash flow required for expansion and modernization.

Erratic liaison
It is not clear, though, that the council has correctly assessed the reason why, during the postwar period, "the voice of the private sector has become increasingly fractured and has declined in credibility."
Mr. Twaits attributed the decreasing effectiveness of communication to rapid growth of government expenditures and size of the bureaucracy; a proliferation of regulatory boards and general market interference that has restricted capital formation and the complexity of social-economic issues that results from a highly industrialized economy, growing provincial frictions and international tensions.
The three factors have undoubtedly been present, but the first two certainly reflected in broad terms the changing aspirations and values of the public. Government may often have moved in advance of public pressure, but it seems quite clear that the public wanted a different kind of society than existed before the Second World War.

More difficult task
The third factor, the complexity of the issues, made the task of changing the social and economic system more difficult. And it was here that business leaders failed to respond effectively. Instead of helping to work out answers that would meet the problems without reducing the effectiveness and flexibility of the private sector, business spokesmen tended to resist change at the cost of losing credibility. Business lost its voice because it had little useful to say.
One of the more promising aspects of the BCNI is that it proposes to suggest constructive courses of action for the country. Moreover, it intends to sponsor research projects on national issues by established research institutions.
If the council does address itself predominantly to issues of national importance, and if it supports its arguments with careful, unbiased and unedited research, it will command respect and it will be heard. If it follows any other course, it will quickly be dismissed as another business lobby.

Material Related to the BCNI in the Western Libraries

 

[These items have some relationship to the BCNI. For additional information simply click on each entry.]

Risk and reward : creating a Canadian culture of innovation : a working paper of the Business Council on National Issues following the CEO Summit 2000, Toronto, Canada, April 5, 2000.
T177.C2R57 2000.

Winning the human race : developing and retaining world class talent : a working paper of the Business Council on National Issues following the CEO Summit 2000, Toronto, Canada, April 5, 2000.
HD4904.7.W56 2000.

Magnetic north : powering Canada's growth : a working paper of the Business Council on National Issues following the CEO Summit 2000, Toronto, Canada, April 5, 2000.
HG5152.M24 2000.

Jobs, Growth and Community : Large Enterprises at Work.
HD5701.5.J63 1997.

Lipsey, Richard G.
Reflections on Canadian regional trade policy: Canada and the United States North America and the Western Hemisphere.
HF1766.L563 1993.

CANADA'S ECONOMIC UNION - THE ADVANTAGES, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, THE COST OF FRAGMENTATION.
DBWGOV CA5 BC 92C12.

Business Principles for a Sustainable and Competitive Future : a Declaration of the Business Council on National Issues.
DBWGOV CA5 BC 92B76.

Towards a Sustainable and Competitive Future : a Statement of the Members, Business Council on National Issues.
DBWGOV CA5 BC 92T57.

Options for a new Canada / edited by Ronald L. Watts and Douglas M. Brown.
DBW & JL65 1991.O77 1991.

Porter, Michael E., 1947-
Canada at the crossroads. Final report : the reality of a new competitive environment / [prepared for the Business Council on
National Issues and the Government of Canada by] Michael E. Porter and the Monitor Company.
HD3616.C23P67 1991.
Porter, Michael E., 1947-
Canada at the crossroads. Synthesis : the reality of a new competitive environment / a study prepared for the Business
Council on National Issues and the Government of Canada by Michael E. Porter and Monitor Company.
HD3616.C23P672 1991.
CANADA AT THE CROSSROADS - THE REALITY OF A NEW COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT - A STUDY PREPARED FOR THE BUSINESS COUNCIL ON NATIONAL ISSUES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA.
DBWGOV CA1 RS 91C11 . 1991.
Canada at the crossroads [microform] : the reality of a new competitive environment : final report.
DBWGOV CA7 MC M32 no.92-03277
Canada at the crossroads [microform] : the reality of a new competitive environment : a study.
IMPRINT S.l. : The Council ; Ottawa : The Government, 1991.
DBWGOV CA7 MC M32 no.92-02236.

D'Aquino, Thomas, 1941-
Parliamentary government in Canada : a critical assessment and suggestions for change
DBWSTK JL136.D38. 1979

Perspectives on the Canadian economy : an analysis of cyclical instability and structural change / by Lawrence J. Murphy ...
HC115.4.P467. 1977

Articles Related to the BCNI

 

These articles range chronologically from this century back to the late 1970s. They are arranged by publication for your convenience and in reverse chronological order. The citations were retrieved by searching the database Canadian Business and Current Affairs which is available through the Western Libraries. The entries indicate if the full text of the publication is available.

Alberta Report (the full text is also available on CBCA)

TI: Central Canada finds its man [Business Council on National Issues president says Ralph Klein is the natural leader for the national unity campaign]
AU: Mulawka-Brian
SO: Alberta Report, v.24(31) Jl 14'97 pg 6.

British Columbia Report (the full text is available on CBCA)

TI: Central Canada finds its man [Business Council on National Issues president says Ralph Klein is the natural leader for the national unity campaign]
AU: Mulawka-Brian
SO: British Columbia Report, v.8(46) Jl 14'97 pg 8.

Bout de Papier (this publication is unavailable in the Western Libraries)

TI: BCNI: National issues ahead of business concerns (Business Council on National Issues)
AU: Lipman-Ted
SO: Bout de Papier, v.3 Fall 1985 pg 7-10.

Calgary Herald

TI: Big business warns against new spending [Pre-budget report from Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Calgary Herald, S 10'98 pg A11.

TI: Forum says gas targets may effect Canadians' lifestyles [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Calgary Herald, D 5'97 pg A3.

TI: Top business leaders want all provinces declared equal [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Calgary Herald, Jl 31'97 pg A4.

TI: Ordinary citizens will save Canada: conference on unity (Conference 2000: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Calgary Herald, May 6, 1996 pg A3.

TI: Elder statesmen have plan to save Canada (Confederation 2000 conference: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Calgary Herald, May 5, 1996 pg A10.

TI: Foreign policy blasted as too timid (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Calgary Herald, July 26, 1994 pg A9.

TI: Business Council not out of step with Canadians - Thomas P D'Aquino, Business Council on National Issues
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Calgary Herald, July 7, 1991 pg C5.

TI: Business group (Business Council on National Issues) supports pact on free trade
SO: Calgary Herald, Oct 22, 1987 pg H1.

TI: Trade agreement endorsed (by Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Calgary Herald, Sept 27, 1985 pg F6.

Canadian Business Economics (these are all available on CBCA)

TI: How to become a beacon of irresistible opportunity [BCNI: Prescription for Canada]
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Canadian Business Economics, v.8(2) Ag'00 pg 3-5.

TI: Government policy and the Canadian advantage [BCNI: Prescription for Canada]
AU: Mintz-Jack
SO: Canadian Business Economics, v.8(2) Ag'00 pg 6-9.

TI: Need to remain a kinder, gentler society [BCNI: Prescription for Canada]
AU: Jackson-Andrew
SO: Canadian Business Economics, v.8(2) Ag'00 pg 10-13.

TI: Canada's competitive challenges [BCNI: Prescription for Canada]
AU: Rao-Someshwar; Nadeau-Serge
SO: Canadian Business Economics, v.8(2) Ag'00 pg 14-18.

Canadian Business Magazine

TI: Thomas d'Aquino: the voice of business in the halls of power
SO: Canadian Business Magazine, v.56(3) Mar 1983 pg 17+.

Canadian Business Review

TI: Business Council on National Issues: new factor in business communication
SO: Canadian Business Review, v.4(3) Summer 1977 pg13-15.

Canadian Forum

TI: Premiers push BCNI agenda: following the corporate devolution script
AU: Finn-Ed
SO: Canadian Forum, v.77(869) My'98 pg 6-8.

Canadian Press Newswire (these are available full text on CBCA)

TI: Charest meets with business leaders [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Ap 1'98.

TI: Cut debt then taxes, business lobby tells PM [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: McIntosh-Gord
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Mr 24'98.

TI: Greenhouse gas limits may force hard choices [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: Kenny-Eoin
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, D 4'97.

TI: Business group wants premiers to head unity fight [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: Brown-Jim
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Jl 30'97.

TI: Klein willing to take business message on unity to premiers [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: Curren-Reg
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Jl 7'97.

TI: Business leaders want Klein to lead premiers on distinct society [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Je 28'97.

TI: Business wants Ottawa to take hard line after deficit targets achieved [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: McIntosh-Gord
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, Je 25'97.

TI: Past leaders say ordinary Canadians key to national unity (Conference 2000: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, May 5, 1996.

TI: Old unity proposals endorsed by disparate group of prominent Canadians (Conference 2000: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, May 4, 1996.

TI: Business leaders troubled by softwood deal Business Council on National Issues
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, April 18, 1996.

TI: Forum told national security includes protecting trade (Business Council on National Issues forum on trade and security)
SO: Canadian Press Newswire, September 6, 1996.

Canadian Printer and Publisher (this issue not available in the Western Libraries)

TI: Sales tax reform urged
SO: Canadian Printer and Publisher, v.97(11) Nov 1987 pg 22a.

CCPA Monitor

TI: Business Council on National Issue's tax cut proposal massively favours rich
AU: Jackson-Andrew
SO: CCPA Monitor, v.6(7) D'99/Ja'00 pg 18.

Daily Commercial News (not available in the Western Libraries)

TI: Business community urges Ottawa to tackle debt next [Scotiabank & Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.70(125) Je 27'97 pg A5,A7.

TI: Business council welcomes "broad thrust of [tax] proposals"
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.60(145) Jul 29, 1987 pg 5.

TI: Attack debt, federal government advised [by business leader]
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.59(15) Jan 22, 1986 pg 1,3.

TI: Business group admits economic warning [based on deficit projections] "exaggerated"
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.58(209) Oct 29, 1985 pg 9.

TI: Business leaders urge government to slash spending up to $4B
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.58(197) Oct 10, 1985 pg 17.

TI: Trade talks urgent, council claims
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.58(154) Aug 9, 1985 pg 1,3.

TI: Some development aid "should be cut"
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.57(207) Oct 31, 1984 pg B1.

TI: Trade enhancement between Canada, United States needed - council
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.57(188) Oct 3, 1984 pg B1+.

TI: US, Canada "need special relationship"
SO: Daily Commercial News, v.57(32) Feb 15, 1984 pg B1+.

Executive

TI: Lobbyist isn't a four letter word
SO: Executive, 26(3), Mar 1984 pg 30-32.

TI: Profile
SO: Executive, v.20(4) Apr 1978 pg 27.

Financial Post (National Post) (this paper is available on microfilm in the Western Libraries. Many of the more recent issues are also available electronically)

TI: BCNI urges extension of free trade
AU: Toulin-Alan
SO: Financial Post (National Post), My 30'00 pg C1,C6.

TI: Consensus is never easy: the head of the Business Council on National Issues defends the organization's attempt to set a new economic agenda for Canada
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Financial Post (National Post), v.2(144) Ap 11'00 pg C19.

TI: Business leaders express their dreams, frustrations [Excerpts from 90-minute interviews given by CEOs to BCNI officials]
SO: National Post, v.2(139) Ap 5'00 pg A8.

TI: BCNI urges Ottawa to focus on cutting debt [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: Toulin-Alan
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.11(30) Mr 25'98 pg 6.

TI: Global warming deal penalizes Canada: BCNI
AU: Geddes-John
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.10(87) Jl 4'97 pg 8.

TI: Funds push business for short-term gains, report says [Business Council on National Issues]
AU: Geddes-John
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.10(82) Je 26'97 pg 3.

TI: Strange bedfellows achieve a surprising degree of consensus: group goes to bat for Quebec's distinctiveness (Confederation 2000: Business Council on National Issues) - Nankivell
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.9(53) May 7, 1996 pg 21.

TI: Copps and business disagree over method - TP D'Aquino, president/CEO, Business Council on National Issues Letter
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.8(180) December 15, 1995 pg 12.

TI: BCNI calls for smaller government (Guy Saint-Pierre)
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.8(47) April 26, 1995 pg 6.

TI: SNC's Saint-Pierre set to take over at influential BCNI
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.8(46) April 25, 1995 pg 13.

TI: Deficit must go by 1999 (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.7(154) October 28, 1994 pg 55.

TI: BCNI embarks on a reality check of debt crisis - Nankivell
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.7(43) April 19, 1994 pg 13.

TI: BCNI sounding the economic alarm bells - Nankivell
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.6(138) September 30, 1993 pg 17.

TI: Canada faces debt crisis: BCNI says deep spending cuts essential to protect economy
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.6(46) April 22, 1993 pg 3.

TI: Business council voting Yes
SO: Financial Post, v.86(38) Sept 19/21, 1992 pg 5.

TI: BCNI sets out agenda to boost productivity
SO: Financial Post, v.86(27) July 4/6, 1992 pg 6.

TI: Business leaders attempt to forge unity consensus
SO: Financial Post, v.86(19) May 9/11, 1992 pg 11.

TI: Cost of separation estimated at $30B
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.5(53) May 6, 1992 pg 6.

TI: BCNI backs Ottawa on unity
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.4(200) January 23, 1992 pg 8.

TI: Key report slams Canada's managers (Porter Report for National Council on Business issues)
SO: Financial Post, v.85(43) October 19/21, 1991 pg 1,13.

TI: Big business sends out clear call for major reductions to be made [Series: Spending cuts]
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.3(9) Feb 15, 1990 pg 6.

TI: Executives tell leaders to ratify Meech pact
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.2(204) Jan 25, 1990 pg 6.

TI: No witchhunts: BCNI
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.3(67) May 29, 1990 pg 4.

TI: Business Council wants GST rate cut
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.2(132) Sept 20, 1989 pg 4.

TI: Business Council is debating 9% tax rate
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.2(129) Sept 14, 1989 pg 4.

TI: Business task force to study environment
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.2(59) May 16, 1989 pg 4.

TI: "Urgent" environmental business studied
SO: Financial Post Daily, v.1(167) Nov 16, 1988 pg 3.

TI: Business council asks Ottawa to trim deficit, watch inflation
SO: Financial Post Daily, Apr 6, 1988 pg B7.

TI: Business Council looks at Canada's defense policy
SO: Financial Post, v.78(45) Nov 10, 1984 pg 18.

TI: At the top
SO: Financial Post, v.77(20) May 14, 1983 pg 15.

TI: Business Council disagrees with bishops
SO: Financial Post, v.77(4) Jan 22, 1983 pg 8.

TI: Business Council spearheads key issues
SO: Financial Post, v. 76(30) Jul 24, 1982 pg 6.

TI: Business council president -- profile
SO: Financial Post, May 30, 1981 pg 11.

TI: Plans channels for unity funds
SO: Financial Post, Sept 23, 1978 pg 14.

Financial Times of Canada

TI: The BCNI chairman is opposed to the concept of pollution permits (Interview with Ted Newall)
SO: Financial Times of Canada, v.79(13) September 3/9, 1990 pg 31.

TI: Formation
SO: Financial Times of Canada, v.65(45) Apr 11, 1977 pg19.

Globe & Mail (this publication is available on microfilm in the Western Libraries. Current years are also avialable electronically).

TI: BCNI steps up campaign for tax cuts
AU: McCarthy-Shawn
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, My 30'00 pg B1,B27.

TI: Business Council on National Issues [forms Canada Global Leadership Initiative]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Ap 16'99 pg B4.

TI: Council advocates spending freeze [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, S 10'98 pg B9.

TI: Business lobby urges Ottawa to slash into debt [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Mr 25'98 pg B8.

TI: Ottawa told to cut debt before spending [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, O 24'97 pg B10.

TI: BCNI proposal [Letter]
AU: Vandenbroucke-Margaret
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Ag 7'97 pg A16.

TI: What the premiers should say about Quebec in Canada: the Business Council on National Issues offers a template for a collective statement by the provincial leaders [Text of declaration]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Jl 31'97 pg A15.

TI: Shun distinct society, business group urges: paper proposes premiers take unity lead [Paper by Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Jl 31'97 pg A1,A6.

TI: Ottawa urged to keep purse strings tight [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, Je 25'97 pg B4.

TI: CEOs say tax cuts are wrong (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, October 30, 1996 pg B5.

TI: VIP group trying to ignite unity interest: extensive game plan drafted in effort to wake people up, Lougheed says (Confederation 2000 committee: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, May 6, 1996 pg A4.

TI: (Business Council on National Issues appointment)
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, April 26, 1995 pg B2.

TI: Economics of Quebec separation - TP Aquino, President, Business Council on National Issues (Letter)
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, February 11, 1995 pg D7.

TI: Team Canada's effort (in China) - T d'Aquino, President, Business Council on National Issues [Letter]
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, November 21, 1994 pg A14.

TI: Tax burden increased - JA Finlayson, VP, Business Council on National Issues (Letter)
AU: Finlayson-Jock-A
SO: Globe & Mail Metro Edition, April 15, 1993 pg A24.

TI: No quarantine for poverty (Excerpt by Thomas d'Aquino, CEO of the Business Council on National Issues)
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, June 15, 1992 pg B4.

TI: Economic union (Internal barriers cost $7b a year) [Excerpt by Business Council on National Issues President Thomas d'Aquino]
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, April 15, 1992 pg B4.

TI: Canada urged to stop living off fat of the land: Harvard professor [Michael Porter] prescribes change in attitude
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct 25, 1991 pg B1, B6.

TI: "Adopt an institution" a concept to build on (Ontario is maintaining the supremacy of social justice over private charity to the dismay ofthe Business Council on National Issues) - Valpy // Column
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, June 3, 1991 pg A6.

TI: BCNI urges Japanese free-trade deal: Mulroney asked to consider ways to expand links with Asian giant
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, May 30, 1991 pg B5.

TI: Contribution ignored (Criticism of Michael Valpy's views of the Business Council on National Issues) - Thomas d'Aquino, President, Business Council on National Issues
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, May 7, 1991 pg A16.

TI: Business community in need of better voice (than Business Council on National Issues) - Valpy
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, April 29, 1991 pg A6.

TI: Erroneous impression (re business' reaction to trilateral free trade talks with US and Mexico) - Thomas P d'Aquino, President Business Council on National Issues
AU: D'-Aquino-Thomas
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, April 9, 1991 pg A16.

TI: Council non-partisan - Thomas P d'Aquino, President, Business Council on National Issues [letter]
SO: Globe and Mail, Mar 25, 1991 pg A12.

TI: Minding more than its own business: is the private sector dictating politics
SO: Globe and Mail, Feb 1, 1991 pg A13.

TI: A radical departure or just more of the same? (Proposals, entitled Radically Reconstituted Federalism, sponsored by the Business council on National Issues)
AU: Sheppard
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, January 22, 1991 pg A15.

TI: Business advice earns cold shoulder - Corcoran
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct17, 1990 pg B8.

TI: Business calls for federal spending freeze: two year hold on expenditures and more control over provincial spending needed, business groups say
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct 12, 1990 pg B2.

TI: Canada needs to be at the table in Mexican talks (report by The Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Globe & Mail (Toronto) - Metro edition, October 11, 1990 pg B6.

TI: Japanese cool to trade group: contacts made by Canadian delegation of blue-chip businesses fairly low-level
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct 9, 1990 p. B1, B2.

TI: Business group finds no accord on accord
SO: Globe and Mail, Nov 7, 1989 pg A4.

TI: Business group takes aim at subsidies
SO: Globe and Mail, Feb 9, 1989 pg B6.

TI: Author: Our economy is improving. Let's make it stronger [Advertisement]
SO: Globe and Mail Apr 6, 1988 pg A9.

TI: Council urges world action on economy
SO: Globe and Mail, Apr 6, 1988 p B7.

TI: Lobbying: no respect but it gets things done [lobbying part 1]
SO: Globe and Mail, Dec 14, 1987 pg B1, B13.

TI: Business group urges cut in taxes
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct 29, 1986 pg B4.

TI: Business groups back parliamentary reform
SO: Globe and Mail, May 14, 1985 pg B10.

TI: BCNI argues time has come for a new oil and gas policy
SO: Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Metro Edition, Oct 4, 1984 pg B2.

TI: Politicians seeking office ignore problem of deficit
SO: Globe and Mail, Aug 31, 1984 pg B2.

TI: Business Council on National Issues pressing politicians to spell out economic issues
SO: Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Metro Edition, Aug 9, 1984 pg B2.

TI: BCNI identifies deficit as biggest challenge
SO: Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Metro Edition, Feb 2, 1984 pg B8.

TI: BCNA will impart views quietly
SO: Globe and Mail, Oct 4, 1979 pg B1.

TI: Executives ask end of indexed pensions
SO: Globe and Mail, Mar 9, 1979 pg B2.

TI: Planning called key to spending targets
SO: Globe and Mail - Sept 12, 1978 pg B6.

TI: Budgetary process criticized by BCNI
SO: Globe and Mail - Feb 21, 1978 pg B2.

TI: Business council voices concern about effects of zero growth
SO: Globe and Mail - Feb 21, 1978 pg B2.

TI: Executives find business philosophy the same in both languages
SO: Globe and Mail - Sept 21, 1977 pg B1.

TI: Profile
SO: Globe and Mail - Apr 6, 1977 pg B2.

Halifax Chronicle Herald

TI: Old unity proposals endorsed (Canada 2000 conference: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, May 6, 1996 pg A8.

TI: Deficits need cutting, but no new taxes: Council (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, September 17, 1994 pg C6.

TI: Meech impasse "dangerous dimension" to economic woes (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, May 26, 1990 pg A10.

TI: Council (Business Council on National Issues) warns of Quebec separation consequences
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, April 12, 1990 pg B6.

TI: Canadianization (of oil industry) too costly says BCNI energy study
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, Oct 3, 1984 pg 26.

TI: (Business) Council (on National Issues) urges massive hike in defence budget
SO: Halifax Chronicle Herald, Sept 18, 1984 pg 1,2.

Hill Times (available full text on CBCA)

TI: Giving the business to the Business Council on National Issues
AU: Camp-Dalton
SO: Hill Times, (514) N 15'99 pg 6.

Maclean's (the full text is available on CBCA and the magazine is held by the Western Libraries).

TI: A damning indictment of politicians' behavior (Business Council on National Issues report "Canada's Looming Debt Crisis")
SO: Maclean's (Toronto Edition), v.106(18) May 3, 1993 pg 15.

Montreal Gazette

TI: Quebec's unique character pushed (Business Council on National Issues congress)
SO: Montreal Gazette, May 5, 1996 pg A1,A9.

TI: Business gives social charter idea a boost: to express those principles as outlined by the NDP, is fine: BCNI
SO: Montreal Gazette, February 7, 1992 pg F6.

TI: Business group not eager for more free-trade talks (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Montreal Gazette, April 5, 1991 pg F5.

TI: Canada needs surgery, might still die: Business Council (on National Issues)
SO: Montreal Gazette, January 18, 1991 pg B1.

TI: Backlash to independence could leave Quebecers isolated: business leaders (Business Council On National Issues)
SO: Montreal Gazette, November 23, 1990 pg B1.

TI: Key business group (Business Council On National Issues) backs Meech accord
SO: Montreal Gazette, January 26, 1990 pg D3.

TI: Sensible ideas worth adopting (BCNI report) - Anderson
SO: Montreal Gazette, May 14, 1985 pg C1.

New Maritime (not available in the Western Libraries)

TI: Rowland Frazee, the Business Council on National Issues, and the sorry genealogy of free trade
AU: Burgwin-Paul
SO: New Maritime, v.6(6) Feb 1988 pg 12.

Office Equipment and Methods

TI: Business leaders call for [trade] action
SO: Office Equipment and Methods, v.33(2) Mar 1987 pg 30.

Optimum

TI: Profile
SO: Optimum, v.12(3) 1981 pg 62.

Ottawa Business Life

TI: King of the lobbyists: the man behind the BCNI, Thomas d'Aquino, quietly beating the government at its own game // Company profile
SO: Ottawa Business Life, May/June 1988 pg 22-26+ Photograph; Company profile

Ottawa: Office of the Prime Minister

TI: Notes for an address before the Business Council on National Issues, Toronto, Ontario
AU: Mulroney-Brian
SO: Ottawa: Office of the Prime Minister, Oct 20, 1987.

Studies in Political Economy

TI: The Business Council on National Issues and the Canadian State
AU: Langille-David
SO: Studies in Political Economy, v.(24) Fall 1987 pg 41-85.

This Magazine

TI: And now a word from our unelected officials [Business Council on National Issues and the premiers' conference in Calgary on national unity]
AU: Inwood-Greg
SO: This Magazine, v.31(2) S/O'97 Special Literary Issue pg 44.

TI: Top guns: the budget, the BCNI and Bush's New World Order
AU: Nelson-Joyce
SO: This Magazine, v.25(2) August, 1991 pg 19-22.

This Week in Business

TI: Environmental initiative (on Business Council on National Issues) lacks Quebec input
SO: This Week In Business, v.2(19) May27/June 2, 1989 pg 4.

Toronto Star

TI: Tough unity questions block even the best of minds (Business Council on National Issues conference)
SO: Toronto Star, May 11, 1996 pg C5.

TI: Unity panel calls for urgent reform of federation (Business Council on National Issues conference)
SO: Toronto Star, May 5, 1996 pg A11.

TI: Eliminate deficit by 99, business group urges (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Toronto Star, October 28, 1994 pg E3.

TI: Pull out of NAFTA, Canada is urged (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Toronto Star, October 29, 1993 pg A14.

TI: Big business fires first salvo in new war with big labor (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Toronto Star, July 14, 1992 pg C1.

Transportation Business

TI: (The Business Council on National Issues is calling for an ambitious programme of economic renewal) - Pole
SO: Transportation Business, v.11(4) February 22, 1991 pg 8.

Vancouver Sun

TI: Big business group urges big tax break [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Vancouver Sun, O 6'98 pg D1,D12.

TI: Big business urges income tax cuts [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Vancouver Sun, S 10'98 pg A1,A2.

TI: Freeze new spending, business urges Chretien [Business Council on National Issues]
SO: Vancouver Sun, Mr 25'98 pg D5.

TI: Business chiefs press premiers for renewed confederation [Business Council on National Issues discussion paper]
SO: Vancouver Sun, Jl 31'97 pg A6.

TI: Quicken deficit cutting, Martin urged (by Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Vancouver Sun, October 30, 1996 pg D3.

TI: Recognize unique Quebec, or split up, Canada warned (Confederation 2000 conference: Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Vancouver Sun, May 6, 1996 pg A5.

TI: UI recipients should take available jobs, Council says (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Vancouver Sun, June 21, 1995 pg D5.

TI: Halt all big business handouts, MPs told (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Vancouver Sun, October 28, 1994 pg D2.

TI: Our foreign policy "too modest" (Business Council on National Issues plan)
SO: Vancouver Sun, July 26, 1994 pg A4.

TI: Parliamentary reform gets support from (Chamber of Commerce and Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Vancouver Sun, May 14, 1985 pg C3.

Winnipeg Free Press

TI: Separatism, debt called twin daggers (Business Council on National Issues says)
SO: Winnipeg Free Press, September 17, 1994 pg E1.

TI: Business calls ditching Confederation "crazy" (Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Winnipeg Free Press, May 22, 1991 pg 17.

TI: Program cuts urged (by Business Council on National Issues)
SO: Winnipeg Free Press, Oct 26, 1984 pg 36.

Prepared by the staff of the Business Library
Richard Ivey School of Business
University of Western Ontario
December 10, 2001.