Perrin Beatty, the President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says businesses in this country are beginning to face a number of growing issues, the worst being a skilled labour shortage.

"It's everything from our tax system today which might put a drag on the economy, to internal barriers to trade, to problems with infrastructure, to the most important one which is skills and that's where the Chamber is going to be focussing on this year."

Beatty spoke at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Conference on Business today, (Thurs) on why Canadian businesses need to start branching out more internationally, instead of sticking closer to home.

Beatty says a strong Canadian dollar with rising wages means business will also have to start investing in better, more efficient equipment, to cut down on labour costs.

The Saskatchewan Chamber will be addressing their barriers to growth later today at the conference in Saskatoon.

[ED May 10/12]