Centennial Business Is Your Business

MR. LANGLEY:

The Empire Club of Canada is particularly conscious of the significance of anniversaries in view of the fact that we are so busily engaged in marking our own Sixtieth Anniversary season this year. As Canadians, dedicated to the interests of Canada-and of Canada in the greater realm of world affairs together with its partners in the Commonwealth and its allies throughout the world, it is fitting for the Empire Club to be particularly concerned and enthusiastic about an even more important anniversarythe 100th anniversary of this nation.

It is particularly appropriate, therefore, that in our Sixtieth Anniversary season we should assist and encourage the focusing of attention on this tremendous milestone in the growth and development of our wonderful country.

Time is short. The selection and development of ideas and plans suitable to this momentous anniversary is commanding the attention of responsible men and women at all levels of government, business and various types of associations. It was to give a purposeful lead and to effect a useful measure of coordination that the National Centennial Administration was formed, and who but Mr. Canada -John Fisher-could have been more appropriate to become its Commissioner. Typical of the sort of prominent, dedicated business men who were called upon to constitute the Centennial Administration's Board is our guest of honour.

He is well known to all of us as the spark plug of the Weston Organization and for his successful direction of many key enterprises in the greater Canadian community--Eddy Paper, Westfair Foods, Loblaws, Wm. Neilson and so forth. I will not attempt to catalogue his many and selfless community services perhaps best exemplified by his devotion for 40 years to the personal leadership of his bible class at Grace United Church.

George Metcalf is at one and the same time an enthusiast and a dedicated man. Always, his personal dedication and commitment to the ideals in which he believes, have marked him as an outstanding Canadian and these particular individuals are certainly the ones which Canada needs to help ensure that our Centennial is as successful as it deserves to be.

For a hard-headed business man's look at the potential for Canada in the coming Centennial, we are pleased to have the privilege of welcoming George Metcalf, in his capacity as a Director of the National Centennial Administration.

MR. METCALF:

When I was invited by your President to address the Empire Club of Canada. I was highly honoured to have the pleasure of bringing my message to the Empire Club-one of the most important forums in Canada, with an extensive, creative influence in industrial and financial circles of this country.

I am doubly pleased to be here today when I learned that members of the Toronto Board of Trade are in attendance ... and no one underrates their place of prominence, and role of importance, in the business communities of the nation. In addition, I understand that our meeting is graced by the presence of many of the top leaders of the food industry. I thank you most sincerely for your heart-warming, generous attendance.

I must say that I am grateful for this chance to speak to all of you, not only as a Director of the National Centennial Administration, but in a personal way, straight from the heart.

Centennial business is your business.

Here is a letter from Lester B. Pearson, Prime Minister of Canada, which I should like to read to you now.

Ottawa, October 10, 1963

Dear Mr. Metcalf:

On this occasion of your address to the Empire Club of Canada and the Board of Trade, will you please carry to the members my best wishes. I note you have been asked to talk about the Centennial.

The year 1967 will be an outstanding one for Canada, if each one of us plays a part in the birthday celebrations. The Centennial of Confederation offers a great opportunity to emphasize the need for close cooperation between government and business in the development of our country.

The Federal Government recognizes its responsibility in preparing a program that will mark this historic occasion. The Government believes that, in addition to a vibrant national theme, the celebration of the birth of our nation must have important local and provincial aspects with the enthusiastic participation of millions of Canadians. There must be a powerful element of grass roots participation.

This is the nation's birthday and future generations will judge us on how well we accepted the Centennial challenge. A Centennial is really everybody's business.

I hope that business, industry and all voluntary groups will help make 1967 the brightest and most memorable of the century of years. It will be good for the unity and national spirit of Canada, if we can leave some beneficial and lasting memorials at the start of our second century of nationhood.

I know that business men in this audience and everywhere in Canada will study ways and means of establishing centennial projects and of stimulating Canadians about the future of their country.

Yours sincerely,

(Sgd.) Lester B. Pearson Prime Minister of Canada

Canada-nowhere in the world a better place to live. We have a boundless wealth of natural resources, bounteous harvests-enough to feed the world. Truly a nation supremely blessed. Throughout the vast expanse of this spacious and splendid domain, the sky is the limit for initiative and enterprise. The world knows us as a young, dynamic, prosperous nation, willing to tackle anything, and thrill to the unknown. A nation growing in grandeur, measured for the mantle of greatness . . . exhilarating and free, exploding with opportunity-wide open to the genius and activity of free men.

In less than one hundred years Canada has advanced from an unknown frontier land to a position of world prominence. In proportion to its population, no nation can command so much respect as this land of the Maple Leaf. Canada's coming Centennial commemorates a century of illustrious history and glorious achievements, created by the courage and enterprise of its people. Canada is a free nation. Let free enterprise show what it can do voluntarily to make the Centennial of Confederation a monument to progress and freedom.

The Centennial Year is rushing at us with the speed of sound and it is just over the horizon. There are less than 1200 days to January 1, 1967 . . . Canada's Centennial Year. We are fast approaching the most historic landmark in Canada's brisk march to nationhood. It will take all the inspired persistence, determination, and enthusiasm we can muster to continue to thrive and expand and strengthen our national purpose. The Centennial of Confederation, suitably celebrated with nation-wide festivities, should be a great event in the history of our nation.

Gentlemen--Centennial Business is Your Business. For an event of such magnitude, far-sighted, vigorous planning is essential. Government, business, cultural organizations-all must work in close co-operation and harmony. A genuine and dramatic Centennial, shared by all, would create and inspire a better atmosphere for a greater Canada. These short years before 1967 offer Canadians the opportunity to plan for that great event, to make it the most climactic year in Canadian history, ensuring that our nation will go on to finer and greater things. The largest aspect of the Centennial should rest with those who volunteer, and not with Governments alone. Business and industry must give strong leadership. We must use 1967 not so much to reflect on a century of colourful history and progress, but rather to rededicate ourselves, to redouble our efforts, for a new 100 years of achievement and development-to move forward to unprecedented heights of prosperity and accomplishment in this Space Age.

All provinces have passed Centennial legislation, and the number of cities, towns, municipalities, counties and voluntary groups which have started Centennial Committees is most impressive.

An act of Parliament gives the National Centennial Administration its authority to enter into cost sharing programmes with the provincial governments, and also to embark on projects of its own. The federal government agreed to set aside $19 million for local Centennial projects. This means the provinces can receive one dollar per capita per province. One-third of the total cost of any acceptable project will be borne by the federal government. It must be understood that the provinces will see that the remaining two-thirds is raised. They can do it themselves, or in cooperation with municipalities or other initiating agencies. In other words, for every dollar the federal government raises, twice that amount must be accountable by the province. In the case of Ontario, this means the federal will pay $6,448,000, providing the province will guarantee that $13 additional millions will be found and spent on agreed projects. This is not a job for any one group or agency. It is a national undertaking-a project for all Canadians.

We at the National Centennial Administration are acutely conscious of the fact that the success of the Centennial depends almost entirely on getting all Canadians people in government ... people in business ... and people in private life-individuals and groups-enthusiastically involved in this enterprise.

Centennial Business is Your Business.

One of the most important factors sparking its success will be the support of groups like your own-groups which include captains of industry, the pace setters of the professions, leaders of Canadian community life. The time to start Centennial planning is now. Companies, industries, should recognize now the benefits which will accrue to all Canada if the Centennial is properly honoured. Industries throughout Canada should accelerate a Centennial programme of their own. Let us move happily, and confidently, into the second century of Canada's nationhood . . . proud of the past, and eager for a finer and greater Canada tomorrow.

Where will business fit into this salute to the nation? As businessmen we have a major part to play, for our interests cover the full range of economic activities throughout the nation. Regardless of the size, or nature of our business interests, we have one thing in common, positively ... the welfare of our country. As businessmen, our future progress is enhanced by a prosperous Canada. Free enterprise, responsible enterprise, is our way of life. It is the backbone of Canada's economic strength and political stability.

Let all Canadian businessmen show that we accept freely, willingly, with confidence and high spirit . . . the task of honouring a century of glorious Canadian achieve ment. Let us launch Canada into her second century with a fanfare that will be heard around the world. The number and variety of Centennial projects that Canadian business can undertake are infinite. They can be great projects, befitting the resources of giant industrial corporations, or more modest programmes adapted to the limitations of the small business firms. Many of you, I know, are thinkingwhat can my organization do? what can my community do? Well, today I am going to tell you some of the things that can be done by business ... and why Centennial Business is Your Business . . . why Centennial Business is Good Business-for you.

Many Centennial projects can be successfully sponsored and undertaken by individual firms, large and small on their own, but in unity there is strength. If all the companies in a single industry or business activity-like the supermarket chains, banks, oil, paper, communications, transportation, insurance, food, advertising agencies, combined their resources and united their efforts to plan, to promote and really put over one of these Centennial programmes ... think of the power, the organizational ability, the executive talents, that can be brought to bear for the achievement of any purpose . . . by the joint action of all the members of a single industry. Let us, the businessmen of Canada, use our Centennial as the goal for a tremendous burst of enthusiasm. We all believe in Canada. . . why not invest in Canada, not only its stocks, its bonds, its real estate, but in its future ... its unity? It is only as Canada advances that you prosper.

The biggest threat to our future is our lack of understanding of our own countrymen. Put out your hand to your fellow Canadian, and then let's go forward, hand in hand, to give all Canadians everywhere the opportunity to live, and develop, and contribute to Canada's future. Put more people to work. Give each and every one of us a target. Give the nation a new spirit. Excitement makes sales, and sales create jobs, and jobs build nations.

If we are to play our full part in the building of a better world, we must be strongly united as a nation. We must have the economic toughness that goes with it. A strong economy at home is bound to strengthen our voice abroad. The economy of this country must be geared to the world which is being shaped for tomorrow. This country of ours should be the showplace among nations. We have everything in Canada, but we must work harder for this great nation of ours. Get excited for all out effort.

Canadians will expect that as many of the Centennial activities as possible will be shared throughout the nation. This means portable exhibits-artistic, scientific, cultural, industrial-visiting the smaller towns and villages in all the provinces of Canada... "CARAVANS OF CANADIANA ON WHEELS". There are songs to be written, music to be composed, films to be produced, T.V. programmes to be presented ... telling the Canadian story, urging Canadians to honour the birthday of their country. There are many stimulating projects here to interest the automobile industry.

In the field of community improvements, there is an abundance of programmes awaiting sponsorship. This is a project which affects every town and city in Canada-and even rural areas-the beautification and improvement of the main streets, shopping areas-such as the $10,000,000 Centennial project of one of our leading departmental stores -residential districts, the factories and the roadside farms of the nation. It can be done nationally, regionally, provincially, or even on the local level. A nation-wide paint and clean up campaign ... modernize and renovate.

Those of you who have seen Chicago's great State Street at night have surely marvelled at its brilliant daylight atmosphere, its sparkling store fronts, its crowds of active shop pers. Far too many of the main streets of our cities and towns need this radiance. A Centennial project to install specially designed, typically Canadian, bright and exciting street lighting in our main streets would add distinction to our cities and towns, and definitely stimulate business. The power companies, the electrical firms and design industries, could take the leadership in a- "BRIGHTEN THE FACE OF CANADA" project.

A programme to provide senior high school and college students with opportunities to see the wonders and marvels of Canada from coast to coast would be a wonderful project for business to underwrite.

1967 will be the biggest year ever for tourism. When a great nation celebrates its first century, we can expect visitors from other countries by the thousands. Think of the relatives Canadians have in the U.S. and Europe alone who will want to attend the birthday celebrations. If we can expect visitors from outside Canada, think of the number of Canadians who will be seeing more of their own country. I predict we will see the greatest criss-crossing of provincial borders that Canada has ever seen. The Centennial's aim is to strengthen Canada by getting Canadians to travel at home. The more we know each other, the more we see of this great colourful land, the more we will forge a national purpose.

In the field of higher education, the universities are always in need of financial help. One project that business could undertake is the perpetual endowment of, say, 100 chairs in Canadian universities devoted to studies which promote and foster better understanding between Canadians, or between Canadians and the peoples of other countries. Another project which needs sponsorship in this country-university exchange scholarships ... a system of financial aid to allow Canadian students to spend one or more years in universities other than our own in Canada. . . or perhaps in France ... or other countries represented by some of the principal racial groups in Canada. Think of what this would do in fostering and strengthening a wider understanding among Canada's population in the years to come.

Who would take on the job of promoting a super-Rodeo . . . a Canadian stampede . . . bristling with our own colourful Mounties, Russian Cossacks, South American Gauchos, and specialty riders from countries like South Africa, Arabia and India, as well as from this continent? This would be a sporting event that would attract the attention of the world and thrill Canadians and visitors alike.

In my opinion, one of the most gratifying pleasures in the world is helping those who cannot help themselves ... the blind, the shut-ins, the immobile. Who is going to help them enjoy the Centennial celebration? What a humanitarian contribution it would be for some company to provide and equip buses to transport wheelchair patients to view and enjoy Centennial celebrations and spectacles nationally or regionally . . . to arrange for special showing of Centennial festivities on film in hospitals across the country.

What about the handicapped who are willing and able, but cannot find work? Couldn't their talents be mobilized to produce handicraft articles, souvenirs and items, of special appeal in the Centennial year? Some company could organize a programme of handicraft workshops across Canada... a National Exhibition of Canadian-made Products under a system of standards and awards which would not only improve the design and quality of Canadian handicraft, but open to many of our handicapped citizens a new world of interest, activity and participation ... a most worthy project.

If bilingualism is a problem in this country, why don't we businessmen do something about it? Surely in this day of electronic devices, and with all the research that has been expended on communications, we can provide some of the answers. What can business do to help make it easier for adults to learn French? What large corporations--or industry -or groups of industries-will take on the project of finding the tools for a wider use of the French language?

We in the English-speaking provinces should give leadership, and our businessmen could encourage our schools to continue to expand and accelerate their programmes to teach French ... organize special classes for young people, for adults . . . sponsor more broadcasts and telecasts in French. We will be surprised how many people will respond. Instead of stressing the effort required to learn another language, we should emphasize the rewards, the cultural development, the self-satisfaction. Private enterprise should find the best ways to interest more and more adults in another language, because another language is another door to adventure. It is an asset to the individual and an aid to the nation.

Canadians have learned to live with space. We made a working nation out of a country seven time zones wide ... one of the great success stories of nation building, one of the shining stars in the works of man. We have always found the will and energy to preserve our liberties. Now we must find the faith and enthusiasm to strengthen our unity. Canada needs a cause that will bring us together more strongly. Canada needs a national sense of direction ... the spirit, the drive, the courage to take bold giant steps. We must mobilize our energies, get every segment of Canadian life participating. Participation is the answer. Businessmen must all get in and pitch with ideas, co-operation and spirit.

Get ready to welcome the greatest peacetime invasion ever known to man. Extend the friendly hand of true Canadian hospitality. Display the wonders of a glorious country with magnificent hospitality. Canada's 100th birthday holds national and international interest. Project Canada's mighty image beyond our national borders, beyond this continent, into every remote comer of the world. Everybody, everywhere, should receive a hearty invitation to attend, to participate in the joys and festivities of this happy celebration ... the more, the merrier.

Many Canadians may know Canada, her amazing productive capacity, her great wealth of natural resources ... but does the world know? We want the world to know Canada and Canadians.

Let's think big, plan big. After all, it is good business for Canada ... for all nations. Trade follows the tourist. The bigger the celebration, the greater the stimulus to travel and trade. Canada has lots of things to sell the world. Let's tell them. Let's show them. The benefits could be terrific . . . the economic impact staggering.

The vision of the future lies in men's dreams. The abiding faith that created this nation can inspire dazzling new ideals, spur a resolute people onward, to even greater achievement. Each and every one of us has a responsibility and an opportunity to build a better Canada for all.

Let us go forward together, united in purpose, with dedication and resolve. If we believe positively and confidently in ourselves and our country, then there isn't a single shadow of doubt about our bright future. Believe and know there is a wonderful world in Canada's tomorrow.

Thanks

Thanks of this meeting were expressed by Mr. Robert L. Armstrong, the Chairman of the Board of Trade Club, and a Director of the Empire Club.