A native of Fergus, Ontario, Mr. Beatty was first elected to the House of Commons as a Progressive Conservative at 22. Seven years later, he became the youngest federal Minister to that point in Canadian history. In 21 years in Parliament, Mr. Beatty led seven ministries in the Cabinets of three Prime Ministers. Among others, his posts included Solicitor General, Defence, National Health and Welfare, Communications and External Affairs.

Following the 1993 election, Mr. Beatty served on corporate boards, taught a course at Western University, and wrote a column for a major newspaper. From 1995-1999, he served as President and President and CEO of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before spending the next seven years leading Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. He then became the longest-serving President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, holding that position from 2007 until August 2024. 

In keeping with his long-standing interest in education, Mr. Beatty served as Chancellor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology from 2008 to 2015. He has received honourary Doctor of Laws degrees from Western University, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Wilfrid Laurier University.

In 2018, Mr. Beatty was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his lifetime of public service and for his devotion to the development of our nation as a community leader and corporate visionary. In 2020, the Government of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his contributions in international relations and advancements in Canada-Japan business relations.

Mr. Beatty currently serves as a director of Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd. and as a Senior Advisor at Teneo, and is active in public policy. He is Co-chair of the Expert Committee on Canada-US Relations.