Uncertain Times Call for Targeted and Predictable Path Forward

(Toronto – November 14, 2022) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in reaction to the Province’s 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review:

“Amid so much ongoing uncertainty, it has never been more important for Ontario to focus on creating the right conditions to support competitiveness, productivity, and growth,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with the Government of Ontario to implement the measures announced today.”

Ontario’s economic outlook remains uncertain against a backdrop of higher interest rates, inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. The OCC appreciates additional measures to fill labour shortages across a variety of sectors, in particular the skilled trades, health care and early childhood education; provide tax relief for small businesses; and support for workers with disabilities.

“Yet, key issues impacting Ontario’s economy will still require urgent action from government, most notably addressing a fragile and overstretched health care system. In Budget 2023, we will be looking for long-term strategies which contain immediate measures to address critical vulnerabilities in health care, workforce gaps, supply chain backlogs, infrastructure deficits, housing supply and energy shortfalls. Government can create sustainable economic growth by enabling businesses to attract talent and invest in industries with high growth potential – such as clean energy and life sciences,” added Rossi.

OCC’s recommendations to the provincial government are developed through its diverse 60,000 members.  Read OCC’s 2022 provincial budget submission.

-30-

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs
andreacarmona@occ.ca | 647-234-0255