TORONTO, May 14, 2013: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with other GTHA chambers of commerce and boards of trade, released the results of a GTHA-wide consultation of businesses on how to fund The Big Move, the province’s transportation plan to relieve congestion in the region.

The results are consolidated in a new report, The $2 billion Question: GTHA Business Opinion on Funding The Big Move. The report is intended to inform Metrolinx’s recommendations to the provincial government, due at the end of May.

The report reveals a clear consensus among GTHA businesses that new revenue tools are required to fund The Big Move. According to a recent OCC survey, 66 percent of GTHA businesses support the need for new revenue tools.

“Businesses understand that the status quo is no longer an option and that the case for better transportation is overwhelming,” said Allan O’Dette, President & CEO of the OCC. “The question is no longer ‘if’, but ‘how’ to fund new infrastructure in the GTHA.”

The report identifies three ‘non-starters’ from the business perspective: an employer payroll tax, a property tax, and a vehicle kilometres travelled fee.

“Businesses made it loud and clear that an employer payroll tax would hurt job creation at a particularly sensitive time in our economic recovery,” said O’Dette. “It could also incent businesses to set up shop outside of the region.”

Opinion was split on a number of ‘medium potential’ tools, including a commercial parking levy, a sales tax, high occupancy toll lanes, development charges, land value capture, and a transit fare increase.

High potential tools were those where a large majority of businesses voiced support. They include highway tolls and a fuel tax.

The report proposes several design parameters for each of the medium and high potential tools as a means of drumming up support.

The report sets out several conditions if new revenue tools are to be implemented. For example, revenues will need to be dedicated to transportation improvements and not absorbed into general revenue. Further, the tools must not hurt the region’s overall economic competitiveness.

Face-to-face consultations were held with more than 250 businesses in 10 sessions across the GTHA. In addition, the OCC surveyed its membership in the GTHA and throughout the province regarding their preferences.

-30-

Read The $2 billion Question: GTHA Business Opinion on Funding The Big Move

For more information, contact:
Neville McGuire, Manager of Communications
Telephone: 416-482-5222 ext. 2410
Email: nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post Media Release: New Report from OCC Reveals GTHA Business Opinion on Transit Revenue Tools appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The OCC applauds progress on some measures that will improve Ontario’s overall competitiveness. These include maintaining the current Corporate Income Tax rate, extending the Capital Cost Allowance for Manufacturers, movement on Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs), and new investments in transportation infrastructure.

Some measures are more disappointing. There is no clear plan on how government will cut program costs. The OCC firmly believes that government must transform service delivery and adopt new business models in order to protect access to public services.

Earlier this month, the OCC and Certified General Accountants of Ontario called for more private sector delivery of government services as a way to constrain costs and put Ontario back on the path to fiscal sustainability.

Further, the OCC is concerned about the government’s move to interfere in pricing on auto insurance. There must be clear evidence of collusion or monopoly in the marketplace to justify this type of government intervention. The unintended consequences of this move could be harmful to the industry and ultimately consumers.

“This year’s budget shows progress on many issues that matter to our members,” says Allan O’Dette, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud progress on Pooled Registered Pensions Plans, and holding the line on Corporate Income Tax will keep us competitive.”

O’Dette also notes that “OCC members also realize the need for new revenue tools to fund transportation improvements in the GTHA. However, their support is not unconditional.” “We need to see clear evidence that revenue tools will be dedicated to transportation improvements and that government is working hard to make service delivery more efficient,” he adds.

Next week, the OCC and GTHA chambers of commerce and boards of trade will release the results of extensive consultations on revenue tools.

The OCC is also concerned that the deficit for 2013-14 is projected to be approximately $2 billion higher than in 2012-13.

“It looks like some important decisions have been deferred. We are looking for the government and opposition to work together to deliver a plan for transforming the way government works,” O’Dette says.

- 30 -

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC): The OCC is a network of 160 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the Province of Ontario, representing 60,000 businesses of all sizes, in all economic sectors and from every area of the province.

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:
Neville McGuire, Manager of Media and Communications
P: 416-482-5222, ext 2410
E: nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post Media Release: Ontario Budget is mixed bag for business, says Ontario Chamber of Commerce appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

TORONTO, ON, April 18, 2013: Partnering with the private sector to deliver more public services could potentially save Ontario billions of dollars, according to a new report on alternative service delivery from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Certified General Accountants of Ontario.

The report, Public Sector Problems, Private Sector Solutions, makes the case that many of the services Ontarians rely on can be delivered better and more affordably by businesses and not-for-profits, including in areas of health care and education.

Unlike other models of public sector transformation, alternative service delivery gives governments the flexibility to transfer the responsibility for service delivery to an outside agent, while retaining the ability to set overall policy direction, protect the public interest and maintain quality.

The report comes at time when all eyes are turning to Ontario’s 2013 budget and the $12 billion dollar provincial deficit.

“Maintaining the status quo is not enough,” says Doug Brooks, FCGA, CEO, Certified General Accountants of Ontario. “Factors such as an aging population, citizen expectations, and labour force restructuring are leading to new and growing demand for public services in Ontario. Looking to alternative service delivery models is one of the ways that we can support this demand while tackling the deficit and debt.”

According to Allan O’Dette, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, “government must transform itself and adopt new and modern service delivery models.” He adds that “across-the-board cuts do not lead to long-term savings, additional borrowing just crowds out future program spending, and tax hikes are a difficult sell.”

The report examines failed attempts at alternative service delivery in Ontario, including Ornge, and offers lessons in how to better harness private sector innovation. These case studies show that failures are typically the result of poorly designed contracts that weakened government oversight, its capacity to set policy direction and to protect the public interest.

In addition to surveying approaches to alternative service delivery being used in Canada and around the world, the report identifies a number of promising areas for transformation in Ontario, including medical procedures, corrections, training, and the enforcement of child and spousal support payments.

“We don’t expect everyone to agree with our conclusions,” admits O’Dette. “However, we do hope that this paper helps steer a principled conversation about the future of government in Ontario.”

The paper also highlights nine steps to successful alternative service delivery in Ontario.

-30-

Earlier today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Certified General Accountants of Ontario released “Public Sector Problems, Private Sector Solutions: Harnessing the Power of Alternative Service Delivery in Ontario.”

Read the report here.

For more information, contact:

Neville McGuire, Manager of Communications
Telephone: 416-482-5222 ext. 2410
Email: nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post Media Release: Private sector could ease Ontario’s squeeze, says business advocacy groups appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

“Ian is going to be a great leader for the Chamber and the business community,” said Mark Sutcliffe, chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “His past experience as a CEO and his understanding of public policy, advocacy and economic issues makes him the ideal candidate for this position as we continue to build the Chamber in the years ahead.”

Faris has more than 20 years of senior management experience in the areas of public policy, advocacy and stakeholder relations. He’s worked in private, not-for-profit and government organizations, most recently as the President and CEO of the Brewers Association of Canada.

“I am delighted to take over this role and help build the Chamber as the voice of local companies and the backbone of the business community,” said Faris. “I know that over the last 150 years, the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce has been a leader on many historical and important milestones for our city, and I’m looking forward to working with our staff, volunteers and members to take it to the next level.”

“Ian has a wealth of knowledge and insight to bring to this role, having worked in Ottawa for many years and with significant experience in membership and stakeholder driven organizations,” said Sutcliffe.

Faris holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies and English from Queens University.

-30-

For more information, contact Kenny Leon, Senior Communications Manager at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

The post Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Appoints New CEO appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Over 100 leaders from Ontario’s agriculture and food processing sector gathered at the agri-food summit in Clinton, Ontario—the largest food producing region east of the prairies.

“Given its size and importance, we don’t talk nearly enough about agriculture and food in this province,” said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. “I want to be part of changing that and making the sector’s value much clearer to the people of Ontario. I am committed to advancing the agri-food sector,” she added.

Allan O’Dette, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, called the agri-food sector one of Ontario’s competitive advantages and vowed to make growth of the sector a priority for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

“Global food demand is going to double in the next 30 years,” noted O’Dette. “If we can position ourselves to capitalize on the export opportunities arising from global population growth, our agri-food sector stands to benefit in a big way.”

At the summit, agri-food leaders identified the main barriers to the sector’s growth, including regulatory obstacles, lack of access to capital, difficulty retaining young talent, and insufficient infrastructure.

Summit participants concluded the day by agreeing to work together with government and the private sector to advance shared priorities, including an engagement strategy aimed at Generation Y and a renewed effort to streamline regulations contraining growth in the agri-food sector.

The Agri-Food Summit was organized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Huron Chamber of Commerce. Ontario’s agri-food sector employs 700,000 people and is valued at $52 billion.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Neville McGuire, Manager of Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
T. 416.482.5222 ext. 2410
E. nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post Media Release: Ontario’s agri-food sector primed for growth appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

On March 26th, agri-food leaders will come together in Huron County at an Economic Leadership Summit on Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector, organized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Huron Chamber of Commerce. Leaders will develop a clear strategy to advance agriculture and agri-food industries in Ontario and their presence globally at this interactive day-long event.

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Agriculture, will be on hand to address attendees at 12 p.m.

WHAT: Economic Leadership Summit: Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector

WHEN: Tuesday, March 26th

WHERE: Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron, 169 Beech Street, Clinton, Ontario

INFO: http://www.occ-oes.com/Agenda_March26.pdf

This event is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, RBC Royal Bank, the Government of Ontario, Foodland Ontario, Rediscover Goderich, and the United Communities Credit Union.

Media are asked to register in advance with the contact below, as space is limited. For more information or media accreditation, contact:
Neville McGuire, Manager of Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
T. 416.482.5222 ext. 2410
E. nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post Media Advisory: Agri-Food Summit in Huron County to Feature Speech by Ontario Premier appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The 2013 submission advises government to take seven practical steps to help grow the provincial economy, including tackling the provincial deficit, exploring new ways of delivering public services, and investing in ways to export Ontario to the world.

Addressing the fiscal challenge remains businesses’ top priority. “Our provincial debt is approaching $300 billion,” said Allan O’Dette, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Interest payments on that debt represent the third highest area of program spending after health care and education.”

“Government also needs to fundamentally re-evaluate its role as the province’s default service provider,” added O’Dette. “International experience tells us that you can shift service delivery to the private and not-for-profit sectors and create a cost-savings while improving service quality.”

Citing massive labour shortages, the submission also calls on the Ontario Government to let employers play a more prominent role in employment and training services. “It’s shocking to find that 30 percent of employers in Ontario are having difficulty hiring someone with the right qualifications,” added O’Dette.

Members of the OCC’s network of 160 chambers and boards were surveyed prior as part of the chambers’ pre-budget submission. Highlights of the survey include:

• 76% of Ontario businesses believe that reducing the size of government should be a top priority
• 62% of Ontario businesses believe clamping down on the underground economy should be a top priority

-30-

To read the full submission go to: http://occ.on.ca/assets/2013_Pre_Budget.pdf

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Neville McGuire, Communications Manager
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
416-482-5222, ext 2410
nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca

The post OCC Calls on Government to Tackle Skills Gap, Transform Service Delivery appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Index comes as business leaders, think tank, and pollster table agenda for new Ontario premier on how to strengthen the Ontario economy

TORONTO, January 29, 2013 – The Ontario Business Confidence Index shows that most Ontario businesses are confident in their own outlook (72 percent) and are planning to expand over the next five years (60 percent). However, the same businesses are unsure about the overall direction of Ontario’s economy–41 percent express confidence.

The index is a survey of 2,386 businesses and was conducted as part of Emerging Stronger 2013, a business-driven economic agenda for Ontario released today by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, its network of local chambers, along with their research partner, the Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto.

Emerging Stronger 2013 is a transformational agenda aimed at accelerating Ontario’s economic growth. It identifies Ontario’s challenges and advantages, and sets out practical and detailed recommendations for government and business.

Some of its key recommendations include: enabling better access to capital for start ups and small businesses through crowd funding; encouraging businesses to employ more Aboriginal people and people with disabilities; opening up more government services to private sector and not-for-profit delivery; utilizing Ontario’s large immigrant population to grow exports; and, allowing more employers to participate in training.

The agenda comes days after Kathleen Wynne was named Ontario’s next premier and is intended to provide a non-partisan platform that should appeal to all three parties.

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has criss-crossed this province engaging and hearing from local chambers and their 60,000 members,” said Allan O’Dette, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We are confident that Ontario has all the assets to prosper, but we need to act collectively, strategically, and with purpose.”

“This Index is one of the largest surveys ever conducted of business opinion in Ontario,” according to Dave Scholz, Vice President of Leger Marketing, the pollster. “Business sentiment is very much ‘glass half-full’ in the province right now.”

Among the survey findings are:

• Ontario is falling behind on productivity: only 10 percent of respondents believe their sector is a global leader in productivity.
• Some sectors are much more confident than others: the financial services sector is the most confident in their own outlook (74 percent say their business will expand in the next 5 years).
• Businesses are struggling to diversify their exports: 45 percent of Ontario businesses view China as the most critical market in the next 5-10 years. Yet only 1.4 percent of Ontario’s exports are bound for China.
• The debt and deficit remain big concerns: 26 percent of businesses believe Ontario is going in the right direction when it comes to restoring fiscal balance.
• Some regions are more confident than others: Hamilton businesses are most likely to respond that the economy is heading in the right direction (48 percent), while Eastern Ontario businesses are the least likely (36 percent).

Click here to read Emerging Stronger 2013 or visit www.emergestronger.ca

- 30 -

Source: Ontario Chamber of Commerce

For further information, contact:
Neville McGuire
Communications Manager, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
E. nevillemcguire@occ.on.ca
T. 416.482.5222 ext. 2410

The post Ontario Business Confidence Index Shows Businesses Plan to Expand, but are Unsure about Future of Ontario Economy appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Ottawa-born Mr. Sutcliffe is a writer, broadcaster and business owner, and has been a member of the Board of Directors at the chamber for a number of years, before taking up his new role as chair.

Mark Sutcliffe, said he sees the history of the local economy reflected in his own family tree.Two of his grandparents worked for the federal government. So did his father, sister and two aunts. He surprised his family when he announced at the age of 18 that he wanted to start his own business.

“That is representative of how much Ottawa has changed over the years,” Mr. Sutcliffe said in his inauguration speech.“The business community in Ottawa has grown rapidly in size and significance. We’re not just a government town anymore. We want to grow even more. We want more members, more engagement, more revenue from different revenue streams, and to have more of an impact. A great city needs a great chamber.” said Sutcliffe.

He  praised the contributions of previous leaders of the 157-year-old business association, specifically past chairs Dan Moorcroft, Tim Redpath and Dave Donaldson, as well as former executive director Erin Kelly.

Also on Tuesday, Michael Crockett was sworn in as first vice-chair of the chamber board. Mr. Crockatt is vice-president of business development and marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority. Last year, he was also named chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s board of directors.

Mayor Jim Watson presented outgoing Chair Dave Donaldson with the Queens Diamond Jubilee medal for his significant contributions to the chamber and the city.

-30-

The post Mark Sutcliffe Sworn in as New Chair for Ottawa Chamber of Commerce appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

O’Dette has spent the last week in China as member of the 2013 Ontario trade mission to China led by Premier McGuinty.

McGuinty says that he is “especially pleased that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has decided to forge a permanent relationship with Jiangsu. This will help even more Ontario businesses succeed and pursue opportunities in this fast-growing region of China.”

Several business members of the delegation were able to participate in the mission with the support of the OCC’s Export Market Access program*, which assists small to medium size organizations to access and expand their growth in foreign markets. Thomas Canning Ltd., Yorkshire Valley Farms Ltd., and Mariposa Dairy were among these businesses.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the trade relationship between China and Ontario, the OCC recently partnered with the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto and the China Foreign Trade Centre to deliver a promotional event for the China Import and Export Fair. The event was attracted over 200 business people who wanted learn more about doing business in China.

The event represents a big step in strengthening the OCC’s relationship the Chinese Foreign Trade Centre, developing new opportunities for cooperation, and identifying new trade partnerships for member businesses.

Did you know?

• In a recent survey of Ontario business leaders, 45 percent chose China as the most critical market for Ontario businesses in the next 5-10 years.

• Less than two percent of Ontario exports are bound for China.

• Between 2004 and 2008, 13 percent of all landed immigrants to Ontario came from China.

• In 2010, the GDP of Jiangsu, China, was estimated to in the range of $590 billion (USD).

*The Export Market Access program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

The post Ontario Chamber of Commerce Strengthens Linkages with China appeared first on The Ontario Chamber of Commerce.