For immediate release                                                                                             February 27, 2024

Ontario Chamber Advocacy Day: A Call to Action to Boost Productivity

(TORONTO– February 27, 2024) – Ahead of its ninth annual Advocacy Day, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is calling on public policymakers to prioritize investments aimed at enhancing Ontario’s productive capacity.

“As Ontario Chamber members come together for Advocacy Day, we urge policymakers to focus on strategic investments to counter Canada’s declining productivity,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “With business confidence at historic lows, our pre-budget call includes a push for policies that support a skilled, inclusive workforce, strong and sustainable infrastructure, a competitive business environment, and healthy communities – the foundations of productivity and prosperity.”

Some of the key recommendations of the OCC Advocacy Day delegation are:   

1. Investing in inclusive workforce development: To address labour shortages, investments to resolve skills mismatches are vital. These initiatives should be designed to close the gap between current workforce skills and the evolving demands of Ontario’s labour market.
2. Enhancing sustainable infrastructure: Strategic investments in smart and sustainable infrastructure, including transportation, clean energy, and digital connectivity, can boost immediate economic activity while supporting long-term growth. This includes expanding broadband access in rural and remote areas and upgrading public transit and road networks.
3. Fostering a business-friendly environment: Implementing policies that reduce red tape and create a conducive environment for business growth is essential. This includes reviewing and streamlining regulatory processes, providing tax incentives for businesses looking to grow and targeted support for small businesses.
4. Cultivating resilient, healthy communities: Improving health data system integration, addressing capacity gaps in health human resources, and empowering municipalities with new revenue sources are crucial steps in ensuring the well-being of Ontarians and fostering community prosperity.

“Productivity is an essential determinant of quality of life and overall economic wellbeing,” said Trevor McPherson, President and CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade. “We look forward to participating at this year’s Advocacy Day, bringing forward solutions that will bolster Ontario’s economic competitiveness and support a prosperous economy.”

The OCC will hold its ninth annual Advocacy Day at Queens Park on Feb 27, 2024. Hundreds of its members from across the province will meet with representatives from all parties to discuss how they can work together to improve Ontario’s productivity and achieve inclusive, sustainable prosperity.

Thank you to the OCC’s presenting partner, Chambers Plan, and event partners, Bruce Power, CN, Uber, and Waste Connections of Canada.

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About the Mississauga Board of Trade

Since being established in 1961, MBOT has played an important leadership role serving and representing the interests of business of all sizes and sectors in our community.

Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city and third largest in Ontario – with a population of over 700,000 residents and more than 50,000 businesses employing over 440,000 people, including 60 Fortune 500 Canadian headquarters. Mississauga is where successful companies choose to do business.  MBOT’s large, diverse and active membership has made us one of the most vibrant business associations in Canada.

As the “Voice of Business” we advocate on policy issues that impact local business at all levels of government and are influential in helping to shape policy decisions. MBOT also offers a wide variety of valuable business services and professional development programs, networking events and marketing opportunities, to help business grow, prosper, and get connected.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Ferreria, Public Affairs Specialist

[email protected]

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.