The Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Skilled Workforce
Ontario’s people are the foundation of its economy. Ontario’s diverse talent pool gives it a creative edge in the innovation economy.
With innovation being the key to unlocking new discoveries that will help Ontario grow and prosper, government policy must do everything possible to ensure that our province’s greatest resource is fully supported and encouraged to reach its full potential. This means ensuring a world class education system that allows all regions to provide accessible, affordable and quality education for all Ontarians in every stage of life.
Our Goal
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) believes Ontario must not stop short of an integrated education system which equips life-long learners with the hands-on and advanced analytical skills that are the foundation of the new economy.
Building on Ontario’s human capital advantage requires the government to create a culture of life-long learning that is focused on the skills demanded in today’s marketplace. This renewed education environment needs to view business and management skills as equally important as traditional classroom skills.
Our Position
There are a range of ways in which the provincial government can contribute to an improved education system, all of which require learners and employers to be active participants in the policy-making process. The provincial government must:
- Better integrate workplace skills (from reading and writing to technological literacy) into the education continuum through greater support for experiential learning and workforce training
- Encourage the pursuit of higher learning through investments in post-secondary education and infrastructure
- Foster equity in education delivery through enhanced supports to disadvantaged groups such as First Nations and the immigrant community
- Acknowledge the important role of the skilled trades in Ontario’s economy through modernizing Ontario’s apprenticeship system
