Ontario Chamber of Commerce Discussion With Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Time For Improved Infrastructure and Manufacturing Investments in Ontario

WELLAND, ON, Sept. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with over 10 local chambers, was pleased to host Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a discussion focused on the Ontario economy. The Prime Minister and OCC President and CEO Allan O'Dette engaged in an extensive conversation about the province's top economic priorities, in addition to the future of manufacturing and the need for long term infrastructure investment.

"Now is the time for Ontario businesses to be bold and visionary," said Allan O'Dette, President and CEO of the OCC. "Ontario businesses need government to equip them with policies that will support success not only today, but in the future. By leveraging long standing industries such as manufacturing through supportive policies, while encouraging new industry innovations, a long term vision for Ontario's economy can be born. Manufacturing investments are a key component to a successful future for Ontario business."

"The manufacturing sector is a major source of economic growth and jobs in Ontario and across the country, and our Government's manufacturing strategy - rooted in low taxes, a skilled workforce, and support for research and development - is helping to ensure that it continues to be a world leader," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Discussions around the need for further investment in infrastructure led the Prime Minister to outline his commitment to future investment to ensure economic growth across the province.

"Our Government has made historic investments in infrastructure - including launching the largest and longest federal investment in Canadian history - while balancing the budget and keeping taxes low," said Prime Minister Harper.

The OCC has put forth several platform proposals that are key priorities for Ontario's business community. The organization has reached out to each of the main party leaders to facilitate discussions that will put the Ontario economy in the spotlight. You can view the OCC's election positioning paper here.  On October 6^th, the OCC will release a major report that assesses each of the party's policies against this platform.

Through cooperation and collaboration with all levels of government, the OCC is committed to advocating for its membership in order to ensure that Ontario will emerge stronger in the years to come.

"It is important that Ontario businesses across the province have an advocate and voice. Today was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to hear first-hand from Ontario businesses about what they require from the federal government to succeed," said O'Dette.

SOURCE Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Michelle Kelly, Senior Communications Advisor, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 416-482­- 5222 ext. 2410, [email protected]