The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce is leading a province-wide engagement initiative focused on energy agnostic solutions that address Ontario’s diverse energy and economic landscape. As part of this effort, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted a locally focused roundtable discussion on October 2nd that highlighted northern Ontario’s opportunities and challenges.

“Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario face unique energy and economic realities that require tailored approaches,” said Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce “Hosting these regional engagements gives our community a direct voice in shaping provincial energy infrastructure policies while emphasizing Indigenous partnerships, sustainable local fuels and the critical need to remove regulatory hurdles on both provincial and federal levels. This is essential to unlocking the economic potential of critical minerals, including the Ring of Fire and other nation-building projects that will benefit our communities and Ontario as a whole.”

Abdus Samad, Vice President of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, added: “Ontario’s energy future depends on recognizing the needs and strengths of all regions. By convening engagement sessions across key economic hubs like Thunder Bay, we help ensure a coherent approach that links Vaughan’s robust manufacturing base (supporting over sixteen hundred jobs historically connected to western oil and gas) with Northern Ontario’s growing capacity in biomass, LNG, and biofuels. This energy agnostic approach guides us toward sustainable nation-building projects that create jobs, support Indigenous leadership, and break down regulatory barriers impeding development.”

This initiative is part of a broader series of regional engagements through Ontario’s economic hubs designed to spotlight local priorities and help navigate regulatory challenges, including those at the federal level. Insights gathered will support advocacy aimed at driving investment certainty and enhancing Ontario’s energy competitiveness across all communities.