Within days, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party will choose their new leader and the countdown to the June 7th Ontario election will begin. While the actual writ won’t come until May, we can be sure that campaigning by all political parties is already in full swing!
The Thunder Bay Chamber and our Chamber colleagues across Ontario are campaigning too. We’re reaching out to Party leaders and local candidates to make them aware of the Chamber election platform, Vote Prosperity, which provides political parties with tangible solutions to address the challenges businesses are currently facing.
Vote Prosperity is built around four fundamental pillars to support a strong economy in Ontario:
Strengthening Business Competitiveness
Ontario businesses are constrained by rising input costs, including rising property taxes, fees, and electricity prices. While on-going investments such as those in nuclear life-extension and refurbishment projects can boost our economy and provide relief to some of our energy woes, other opportunities exist. Vote Prosperity makes recommendations that will strengthen business competitiveness by reducing the cost burden on businesses.
Fostering Job Creation
A robust labour market consisting of good jobs is essential for all Ontarians. Unfortunately, a mismatch exists between employers, workers, and available jobs, which limits the ability of our economy to grow and our people to prosper. Vote Prosperity provides concrete solutions to foster job creation through a renewed focus on skills development.
Building Healthy Communities
Ontario is facing a trio of serious challenges stemming from housing affordability, an infrastructure deficit, and an inefficient health care system. These challenges impact the well-being of our citizens and consequently, the well-being of business. Vote Prosperity advances recommendations that will support strong communities through plentiful housing, sustainable health care, and resilient infrastructure.
Improving Government Accountability
Poor implementation of government initiatives can result in resource waste, political frustration and disruption for Ontarians. We demand more from our leaders. Vote Prosperity advances solutions to enable proper consultation and measurement of government initiatives.
How can you get involved?
The upcoming provincial election comes at a pivotal time. With greater economic uncertainty, we are mobilizing our members to ensure a more prosperous economy that supports local communities across the province. Please highlight Vote Prosperity priorities in your engagement with local candidates and help to share our key messages thru your social media channels. We can all play a part in ensuring that strengthening Ontario businesses becomes a top issue this election cycle.
