Bay of Quinte Candidate Questions

The pandemic and its effects on Ontario business continue to be felt by many in our community. Future public policy and the next Parliament must focus on developing pragmatic policies that ensure a strong post-pandemic recovery. As Ontario is responsible for 40% of the national GDP, we believe the priorities of the province’s business community must be front and center during the federal election.

As the economy continues to reopen and recover, adopting pragmatic solutions to support Ontario business competitiveness will be a critical driver of Canada’s economic recovery. Over the course of the election campaign, the Bay of Quinte Chambers of Commerce (Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County) and Ontario Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other local chambers and boards of trade in over 155 communities will highlight policy recommendations to ensure the voices of local business guide future legislation and Canada’s next Parliament.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has set out priorities for Canada’s next Parliament called What it Takes to Grow and I would encourage you to take the time to read through the  recommendations they have laid out under 3 pillars:

1. Finishing the fight against COVID
2. Getting the fundamentals right
3. Creating 21^st century opportunities

Please see here the Ontario Chamber Network’s one pager outlining key concerns of Ontario’s business community for the federal election.  These recommendations will fall under three pillars:

1.  Workforce Recovery and Business Competitiveness. 
2.  Healthy People and Prosperous Communities. 
3.  Resilient Infrastructure.

We asked the candidates three questions that combine these pillars from the Ontario and Canadian Chambers.  They focus on business issues facing our region.

Finishing the fight against COVID/Workforce Recovery and Business Competitiveness.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, Ontario businesses need strategic support from the federal government to strengthen the key enablers of competitiveness, including access to interprovincial and global trade, capital and talent.
Question 1 – Businesses have struggled during the pandemic to attract and retain the talent and labour needed to be successful.  Do you feel the Canada Recovery Benefit has contributed to this problem and if elected, what would your approach be to CRB and other support programs?

Creating 21st century opportunities /Healthy People and Prosperous Communities.
COVID-19 has exposed and amplified challenges for those who call Ontario home. To ensure an inclusive post-pandemic recovery in our province, Canada needs to invest in community well-being through reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, child care, and health care.
Question 2 – If elected what will you do to advance opportunities for women and others displaced by technology adoption and pandemic-related job losses to support an economic recovery for everyone?

Getting the fundamentals right/Resilient Infrastructure.
Infrastructure connects Ontarians to jobs, education, goods, services, and the people they love. The federal government should be a critical partner in building modern, low-carbon infrastructure to drive our economic recovery.
Question 3 – To ensure Ontarians can access the jobs of the future, what would you do if elected to increase digital and other types of infrastructure in our region?

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