All of Canada will benefit from a stronger North, and organizations like local businesses and their chambers of commerce have a major role to play in that, says Perrin Beatty.

The career of the president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), has also seen him in various key roles, including heading up the CBC and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and as the youngest member of a federal cabinet, beginning with Joe Clark's

1979-80 government.

Beattie spoke at the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting and northern chambers meeting Tuesday at the High Country Inn.

Talking to reporters prior to his noon address, Beatty emphasized the potential in northern Canada is tremendous, with the Yukon taking a lead in economic growth.

His various roles in the federal government and in directing the CBC have shown him the North is also not without its challenges when it comes to economic growth, he said.

It's "abundantly clear,” he said, that in an area as large as the North, telecommunications are extremely important, as is other infrastructure.

In the past, Ottawa hasn't seen that, but there is now a growing awareness of the investment needed for the region, which has its own very diverse areas, Beatty said.

It was a point he continued to emphasize in his address to northern business leaders, pointing out the importance of housing and other infrastructure.

While there are obvious benefits to a growing economy, such as the Yukon's, there are challenges too, such as housing and access to cheap power.

It will take ongoing investment in both of those to seize economic opportunities, he said.

A number of resolutions scheduled to come forward at the CCC's pending AGM in Gatineau, Que., are proposed to address both issues.

"Industry and government must work together,” he said.

If the resolutions go ahead, the federal government would be urged by the CCC's 190,000 business members to develop a plan to end homelessness, set targets and sustain affordable housing.

Another resolution would call on Ottawa to encourage land owners to revitalize rental properties through tax incentives.

Another would propose permitting additional energy generated in the North to be sold to southern markets.

A number of other resolutions will also be voted on to deal with infrastructure and other matters in an effort to see more economic growth, Beatty said.

He stressed that organizations like the local chambers of commerce are the strength of the national group.

In the past, the united front of businesses from across the country the CCC brings in approaching the federal government has had successes like tax cuts, the elimination of certain charges to businesses and other positives which help promote the economy.

"Your success is vital to our success,” Beatty told northern businesses.

Canada weathered the financial crisis better than many developed countries, and the Yukon is expected to outpace the national average economic growth this year, he said.

"That's a stellar achievement,” he said.

He pointed to factors benefiting the territory, such as its proximity to Alaska, access to Asian markets and daily flights through the summer from Germany.

As Beatty concluded his presentation, he recalled former prime minister John Diefenbaker's 1958 vision for the North, and noted how far the region has come, but also where it needs to go in creating a stronger North.

"We all have a stake in bringing that vision to life,” said Beatty, who overnighted inWhitehorse and flew out this morning.

The meeting of the northern chambers continued today, with Yukon Senator Dan Lang scheduled to address delegates at noon, meetings throughout the day and a closing reception set for this evening.

See tomorrow's edition for coverage of the senator's address.

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