Ontario Economic Summit to Map Out Post-Recession Strategies

TORONTO, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - The 7^th Annual Ontario Economic Summit (OES) will bring together some of Canada's most distinguished and innovative business leaders with respected government decision-makers.  Their objective - map a path that will lead Ontario to post-recessionary growth and a stronger future. This year more than ever, the deliberations at the Summit among the delegates representing all sectors of the economy, will be vital to identifying opportunities for future economic strength.

Co-chairing the OES this year are Peter Galanis, President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. and Réal (Ray) Tanguay, Chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC).

One of Europe's leading futurists on global economics, business and society, Hamish McRae, will open this year's Summit with an honest look at the current economic situation. Delegates will also have the opportunity to hear a unique perspective on the 'double-dip economy' from former Merrill Lynch chief economist, David Rosenberg of Gluskin Sheff + Associates. Glen Hodgson of the Conference Board of Canada will deliver an Ontario Economic Update as well as provide a special report on the economic contribution of applied research and development at Ontario's colleges.

Other speakers at the 7^th Annual Ontario Economic Summit include:

• Chief Isadore Day, Serpent River First Nation
• Fred Green, President and CEO, Canadian Pacific Railway Limited
• William A. Henderson, Senior Vice President - Operations, Purolator Courier Limited
• Andrea Horwath, Leader of the NDP and MPP, Hamilton Centre
• Tim Hudak, Leader of the Official Opposition
• Paul Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, GlaxoSmithKline Canada Inc.
• Hon. John Wilkinson, Minister, Ministry of the Environment and MPP, Perth-Wellington

Every year, the Ontario Economic Summit brings together business, government, labour, education and the non-profit sector to create an action plan for economic success. The initiative is generously sponsored by a number of private and public sector partners.  This year's Summit will take place from November 1 - 3, 2010 at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The key themes to be tackled this year are transportation, innovation, smart regulation and 21^st century workforce strategies.

NOTE TO MEDIA:  Representatives of accredited media are welcome to attend any or all of the panel sessions.  Please register with us in advance.

Further information can be found at www.occ-oes.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.

For further information:

Erin Riach [phone], ext. 248, [email protected]