Canada’s CEOs and business leaders support Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge’s interpretation of the Asian trade threat and the negative role of rigid exchange rates.

The majority of panellists agree with Dodge that continuing imbalances involving China would probably lead the U.S. and Europe to take stronger protectionist action, which could potentially damage world trade. By contrast, business leaders do not support the perspective of Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai. For example, respondents disagree with Bo’s view that Europe and the U.S. failed to prove that China’s exports were causing any real disruption or harm to their economies.

Almost all panellists believe that Canada’s trade with China will continue to grow, and most foresee the growth as doing harm to employment in Canada.

Canada’s CEOs and business leaders anticipate that the Chinese cultural, educational, and political impact on Canada will increase but that Canada’s Human Rights influence on China will not experience a corresponding boost.

These are some of the key findings from this week’s web poll of business leaders and CEOs, sponsored by BDO Dunwoody LLP and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

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