Drummond Report sets stage for Ontario's future competitiveness

TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - To slay the deficit and keep Ontario competitive, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) believes the government must seriously consider the package of reforms coming out of the Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Service (the Drummond Report).

The OCC supports the innovative nature of the report as it takes a systematic approach to change in very challenging economic times. It attempts to manage fiscal realities as it seeks to return the province to fiscal balance without sacrificing investment in future innovation.

"The Ontario Chamber of Commerce supports the spirit of the Drummond report as it sets the stage for Ontario's future competitiveness," said Allan O'Dette, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "It advises a fundamental shift in the way Ontario does business, yet offers a pragmatic approach to productivity based on innovation and collaboration."

Ontario's business community has been asking the government to get the province's fiscal house in order by setting out a deficit reduction plan, negotiating a new fiscal deal with the federal government, finding efficiencies in service delivery and managing public sector compensation. This report responds to those ideas, while calling on the private sector to play a role of its own.

The business community is certainly willing to do their part and welcomes the invitation to contribute to service delivery. Now more than ever, the government needs to look to the private and non-profit sectors to partner in the delivery of services and financing of public projects. It is this push towards innovation that will increase productivity and provide Ontario with a sustainable economy in the 21^st century.

"The report challenges traditional assumptions and encourages collaboration in non-traditional areas of service delivery," said Len Crispino, Special Advisor to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "This is a radical but informed report and, as a province, we need to put Ontario on a new path towards competitiveness and prosperity."

Indeed, all sectors and all Ontarians need to play a role in balancing the provincial deficit and moving Ontario into its next great economic era.

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. Being recognized as the single, most influential and respected voice for business in Ontario, OCC's over-arching goal is to build a world renowned business environment that creates a more competitive Ontario.

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Jody Lundrigan, Manager of Media and Communications
P: 416-482-5222, ext 241
C: 416-605-8205
E: [email protected]