Local Business Leaders Press Government on Regional Issues

 

 

Mississauga, Ontario (May 27, 2015) - Local business leaders from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) chambers of commerce and boards of trade, including Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT), met with Ontario cabinet ministers this week to discuss key issues impacting the regional economy.

 

In a wide ranging discussion held at Queen's Park, business and government leaders touched on three priority areas: solving gridlock and improving transit, planning for growth and infrastructure, and promoting economic growth across the region.

 

The meeting also served as an opportunity for business and government leaders to discuss the upcoming 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games, and the ways in which the region can capitalize on this major event.

 

"It was an important meeting to demonstrate the strength and collaboration of the chamber network and our collective interest in having a voice on important issues impacting the regional economy," says Sheldon Leiba, President of Mississauga Board of Trade and Co-Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce GTHA Caucus.

 

The provincial government has recently restated their commitment to invest $130 billion in new transportation infrastructure, with a large portion of that allocated for the region. This news was well received by the chamber network, which has been a strong advocate for necessary infrastructure investments in the GTHA.

 

The meeting brought together 22 chambers of commerce and boards of trade that make up the GTHA Chamber Caucus with the following provincial cabinet ministers:

• Brad Duguid, the MPP for Scarborough Centre, and the Minister for Economic Development, Employment, and Infrastructure;
• Charles Sousa, the MPP for Mississauga South, and the Minister of Finance;
• Ted McMeekin, the MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
• Michael Coteau, the MPP for Don Valley East, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport and the Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

 

Peter Nogalo, MBOT Vice Chair Policy, also attended the meeting. "Policy advocacy and government relations is an important priority for MBOT," says Nogalo.  "Very important decisions are being made at Queen's Park that will impact every business and the long-term viability of the Ontario economy, and these meetings ensure that the Province understands the concerns of the regional business community."

 

GTHA Chamber Caucus members include:

• Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce
• Beaverton District Chamber of Commerce
• Brampton Board of Trade
• Burlington Chamber of Commerce
• Caledon Chamber of Commerce
• Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development
• Flamborough Chamber of Commerce
• Georgina Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
• Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce
• Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
• King Chamber of Commerce
• Milton Chamber of Commerce
• Mississauga Board of Trade
• Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
• Oakville Chamber of Commerce
• Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
• Scugog Chamber of Commerce
• Toronto Region Board of Trade
• Vaughan Chamber of Commerce
• Whitby Chamber of Commerce

 

 

As the voice of business since 1976, Mississauga Board of Trade is a private-sector, not-for-profit business organization representing approximately 1,500 businesses, employing 65,000 people in Mississauga.  MBOT is well positioned to meet the needs of business by using its considerable influence at all levels of government.  As the forum for business, MBOT works together to influence public policy and promote a better understanding of the marketplace among policy makers, media and the general public.  

 

 

President & CEO

Mississauga Board of Trade

905-273-6151 ext. 270

sleiba@mbot.com 

www.mbot.com