MEDIA RELEASE: Ontario Chamber Network calls for targeted business supports, in-demand training programs, and bold moves on interprovincial trade during 2021 Advocacy Series  

Mississauga Board of Trade
Mississauga Board of Trade

Published

March 22, 2021

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March 22, 2021                                                                                                           For immediate release 

Ontario Chamber Network calls for targeted business supports, in-demand training programs, and bold moves on interprovincial trade during 2021 Advocacy Series  

Chamber Network meets with all four political parties ahead of Budget 2021 to address pressing concerns for Ontario business and lay the groundwork for a strong economic rebound 

MISSISSAUGA – Today, the Mississauga Board of Trade and Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) kicked off their 2021 Advocacy Series. The Network, which comprises leadership from 140 chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the province, will be meeting with all four of Ontario’s political leaders and one-on-one with key economic caucus members in March. The Chamber Advocacy Series takes place just ahead of Ontario’s 2021 Budget and discussions will build on the themes in the OCC’s pre-Budget submission: recovery, growth, and modernization.  

“With Ontario’s economy expected to enter a period of recovery later this year, resources need to be focused on the hardest-hit sectors and communities – like Mississauga where they will have the greatest impact.” said David Wojcik, President and CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade. “In the upcoming budget, we would like to see a focus on reskilling, broadbandand access to capital, which will be necessary for the revival of small business and entrepreneurship as well as an inclusive economic recovery.” 

In 2021, Ontario will continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. The OCC’s submission notes the crisis has created new problems and exacerbated pre-existing ones 

The impact on people and business has been catastrophic overall, and disproportionate for certain regions, sectors, and demographics. During its Advocacy Series, the Network will emphasize that the province should:  

  • Target recovery funding towards the hardest-hit sectors; 
  • Develop demand-driven skills programming; and  
  • Be bold on interprovincial trade. 

“Our 2021 Ontario Economic Report noted industries requiring face-to-face contact, small businesses, as well as women, lowerincome, racialized, elderly, new immigrant, and younger Ontarians have been unduly impacted and effective government policy must account for this,” added Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. 

The recommendations outlined in the submission were developed together with businesses, post-secondary institutions, chambers of commerce, and boards of trade. The submission focuses on mitigating the immediate impacts of the crisis, while laying the groundwork for a robustsustainable and inclusive economic recovery. 

Read the OCC’s 2021 Ontario pre-Budget submission here. 

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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 close to 800,000 residents and over 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.

Media Contact:
David Wojcik
President & CEO, MBOT
ceo@mbot.com
905-273-3527

 

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