For immediate release November 14, 2022
Uncertain Times Call for Targeted and Predictable Path Forward
(Toronto – November 14, 2022) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT), released the following statement in reaction to the Province’s 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review:
“Amid so much ongoing uncertainty, it has never been more important for Ontario to focus on creating the right conditions to support competitiveness, productivity, and growth,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with the Government of Ontario to implement the measures announced today.”
Ontario’s economic outlook remains uncertain against a backdrop of higher interest rates, inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. The OCC appreciates additional measures to fill labour shortages across a variety of sectors, in particular the skilled trades, health care and early childhood education; provide tax relief for small businesses; and support for workers with disabilities.
“Yet, key issues impacting Ontario’s economy will still require urgent action from government, most notably addressing a fragile and overstretched health care system. In Budget 2023, we will be looking for long-term strategies which contain immediate measures to address critical vulnerabilities in health care, workforce gaps, supply chain backlogs, infrastructure deficits, housing supply and energy shortfalls. Government can create sustainable economic growth by enabling businesses to attract talent and invest in industries with high growth potential – such as clean energy and life sciences,” added Rossi.
“With the release of the Fall Economic Statement, we are pleased that the Province has recognized the critical importance of continuing to support small businesses in Mississauga and across Ontario through proactive tax policy measures. Expanded funding for the Skills Development Fund is also welcomed at a time when many of our members continue to face labour shortages – particularly in the skilled trades. We will continue to engage with the Ford Government to advocate for policies that support a competitive business climate and prosperity for Mississauga,” said Trevor McPherson, President and CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade.
OCC’s recommendations to the provincial government are developed through its diverse 60,000 members. Read OCC’s 2022 provincial budget submission.
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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:
Mississauga Board of Trade
About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs
[email protected] | 647-234-0255
