Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce held its 5th annual Queen’s Park Advocacy Day March 9. As your Advocacy Committee Chair, I attended the event and took part in group meetings throughout the day. It was an opportunity to speak to government leaders and policy staff from all parties, on a number of issues that impact business on a broad global stage and those that are more specific to Whitby and Durham Region.

My overarching message to government was for equity for this region around investments and transportation as well as the need to open employment lands along the 407.

For those who train, provide or require skilled trades, I sensed optimism that this year’s budget will offer more tax incentives and a stronger focus (Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Education collaboration) on pathways to careers to fill needed jobs in Ontario.

It was also reassuring to hear the government’s continued focus to eliminate red-tape for businesses. The Province will be conducting consultations across Ontario as part of its Small Business Success Strategy. This government is very interested in supporting small businesses growth to reflect what they are seeing in other markets and I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to inform government. Business owners can also give feedback online. The deadline is September 1, 2020.

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee will continue to lobby on behalf of our members and we encourage you to be involved and keep us appraised of challenges or opportunities impacting your organizations.

– Chris Bovie, Chair, Whitby Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Committee