ONTARIO ECONOMIC SUMMIT SAYS PEOPLE ARE THE KEY TO ECONOMY

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - The 7^th annual Ontario Economic Summit wrapped up today with a strong consensus that it is the people of Ontario, not government, business or labour, who hold the key to our future economy.

"We have had more than 200 leaders from the business, government, labour and academic sectors here," notes Ontario Chamber of Commerce President Len Crispino, "along with leading economists and other experts from around the world.  They all agree that our economic recovery today, and a stronger economy in the future, will depend on the human factor."

The annual gathering of diverse leaders in Niagara-on-the-Lake heard that Ontario's economy can no longer depend on a low Canadian dollar, plentiful resources or manufacturing.  Future prosperity will require an even more skilled, educated, innovative population that is deeply engaged in their work.

"Ontario has a tremendous advantage at the moment, with one of the best-educated and most diverse workforces in the world," explains Crispino, "but we are falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to innovation and productivity.  As other economies in the world grow stronger, we must invest more in our people. 

"That means education, skills development, engaging workers in solving problems, and becoming a magnet for the best and brightest from around the world."

The 2010 Ontario Economic Summit also tackled the issues of red tape, transportation and the impact of global changes on the province's economy.  By fostering new partnerships and encouraging stronger leadership from all sectors, and by helping draw a roadmap to future prosperity, the Summit aims to strengthen Ontario's economy for the benefit of all Ontarians.

The Summit was created by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Government of Ontario and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.  Further information is available at www.occ-oes.com and the OES blog at www.oestalks.com.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is a federation 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.  In its mandate to advocate strong policies on issues affecting its members, the OCC is currently focused on economic renewal and business competitiveness.  Its over-arching goal is to make Ontario the most competitive jurisdiction in North America.

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NOTE TO MEDIA:  Interviews with Len Crispino can be booked through Communications Assistant Erin Riach at [phone] x248 or (cell) 416-605-8205 or[email protected].