Ontario Chamber Welcomes Skills Investments, Urges Long-Term Vision for Talent and Innovation

(June 11, 2025 – Toronto, ON) —As Ontario charts its path forward following the recent election, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is reaffirming the critical importance of workforce development to the province’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.

Persistent labour shortages, skills mismatches, and demographic shifts are creating significant barriers for employers. To lead efforts to address these issues, the OCC’s Workforce Development Policy Council has appointed Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC and ApprenticeSearch.com, as its new Co-Chair. With over two decades of experience in workforce development, skills training, and community engagement, Hoey will help advance the Council’s policy and advocacy priorities.

“Workforce development is a foundational pillar of economic growth — and we’re encouraged to see Budget 2025 acknowledge this with targeted investments in skills and training,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “That said, building a resilient workforce requires long-term commitments, including a sustainable post-secondary education system and bold strategies to attract and retain global talent.”

“Ontario has a real opportunity to lead in talent development,” Tisch added. “As the U.S. contends with brain drain in key sectors like health, research, and technology, Canada must act quickly to position itself as a destination for the world’s top talent — and that starts with sustained investment in our own institutions.”

“Ontario’s workforce challenges are complex — they require collaboration, creativity, and commitment across sectors,” said Kelly Hoey, Co-Chair of the Workforce Development Policy Council. “I’m honoured to join this Council at a time when workforce development is at the heart of our economic future.”

The Workforce Development Policy Council will focus on the following four key priorities:

1. Addressing labour shortages across key sectors and regions | Ontario’s economic potential is being constrained by workforce gaps in sectors like mining, agriculture, infrastructure, construction, hospitality, tourism, and engineering. The OCC supports targeted workforce strategies that align training and immigration with region- and sector-specific labour market needs.

2. Ensuring a robust and financially sustainable post-secondary education sector | A globally competitive and financially sustainable post-secondary system is essential to talent development. The Council advocates for increased base operating grants, support for enrolment growth, enhanced research funding, and deeper collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

3. Strengthening skills development partnerships | As automation and digital transformation reshape work, Ontario must prioritize adaptable workforce development. This includes scaling up sector-specific skills training, building talent pipelines, and aligning education programs with evolving business needs.

4. Fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce | Unlocking Ontario’s full potential requires inclusive workforce policies. The Council is calling for greater investments in mentorship, wraparound supports, and training for equity-deserving groups to reduce barriers and build a more resilient economy.

For more information on the OCC’s policy councils, visit occ.ca/occ-councils.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255