December 9, 2020

Honourable Lisa Thompson
Minister of Government and Consumer Services
Via email

Dear Minister Thompson:

SUPPLY ONTARIO

Thank you for your time to participate in the recent virtual meeting held with the Northern Ontario Chambers Coalition to discuss questions and concerns regarding the new Supply Ontario centralized procurement agency. It was encouraging to hear of your shared attention to ensuring that businesses in small, rural and northern communities will be included in the Ontario Government’s supply and service procurement opportunities.

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission work closely on efforts to enhance our local economic environment through the attraction of new business opportunities and supporting the growth of existing businesses.

We believe that Thunder Bay would be an ideal location for the establishment of Supply Ontario’s headquarters. As the commercial, administrative and transportation hub for the entire Northwestern Ontario region, our community offers access to a strong talent pool, global transportation connections, competitively low operational costs, and dependable telecommunications solutions. Locating in Thunder Bay would ensure the delivery of greater value for taxpayers dollars, reinforce the importance of connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs to the government and its customers, and serve as a significant boost for the Northern Ontario economy.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the many benefits that Thunder Bay has to offer as a location for Supply Ontario and look forward to continuing to work with you and your team in the establishment of this new agency.

Best regards,

Charla Robinson 
President 
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce

Eric Zakrewski
CEO
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission Inc.