In this edition:
- Bethlenfalvy releases 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook, creates Ontario Infrastructure Bank
- Newcomers represent an opportunity for Niagara, economic summit panellists argue
- Minister Miller releases immigration level plan for 2024-2026
- Daniel Tisch announced as new President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Niagara engineer recognized — again — as one of Canada’s most powerful women
- ‘Why have council,’ ask critics of Campion’s move to appoint new Welland CAO
- Focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
GNCC file photo
Bethlenfalvy releases 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook, creates Ontario Infrastructure Bank
Today, Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building a Strong Ontario Together. Among the announcements were the creation of the Ontario Infrastructure Bank, a new arms-length, board-governed agency to enable public-sector pension plans and other trusted institutional investors to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects across the province. At the outset, projects will be focused on long-term care homes, affordable housing and infrastructure in the municipal, community, energy and transportation sectors.
An additional $100 million was slated for the Invest Ontario Fund, $12 million per year in tax credit support to Ontario’s critical minerals mining industry, and the extended fuel tax cuts and the HST elimination for purpose-built rental housing that were teased over previous days.
Newcomers represent an opportunity for Niagara, economic summit panellists argue
Taking out a ball diamond in favour of a cricket pitch wasn’t something most Niagara municipalities would have fathomed even a few years ago.
But it’s a decision people like Jason Burgess must now consider as the region grows and changes. That change isn’t always easy, but it’s something panellists at the Niagara Economic Summit argued must be embraced to ensure a brighter future.
“If we don’t capture the talent that is coming to us, we’re going to miss an opportunity,” the chief administrative officer for Niagara Falls said. “As an employer, I always say capture the talent whenever you can.”
Hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, the economic summit is an annual event that brings together bureaucrats, politicians, business people and experts to discuss the issues and opportunities of Niagara’s economy.
Minister Miller releases immigration level plan for 2024-2026
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today tabled the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan. With this Levels Plan, the Government of Canada is maintaining its target of 485,000 permanent residents for 2024 and completing the final step to reach 500,000 in 2025. Starting in 2026, the government will stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000, allowing time for successful integration, while continuing to augment Canada’s labour market. The government also plans to take action over the next year to recalibrate the number of temporary resident admissions to ensure this aspect of our immigration system also remains sustainable.
Daniel Tisch announced as new President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
After an extensive executive search, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel Tisch as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 2024.
“I am thrilled to welcome our new President and CEO Daniel Tisch to usher in a new era for the OCC and its members,” said Joaquim Ballès, Chair of the Board, OCC. “Dan emerged as the clear choice to lead the organization into a future of innovation and growth. His track record of successful leadership, combined with his deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence, make him the ideal candidate to drive the OCC forward.”
Niagara engineer recognized — again — as one of Canada’s most powerful women
Niagara engineer Stephanie Thompson is again being recognized for helping to break down barriers for women in science, technology, engineering and math careers.
For the fourth year in a row, Thompson, an engineering manager at General Motors Canada in St. Catharines, is a recipient of the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award from Women’s Executive Network (WXN).
‘Why have council,’ ask critics of Campion’s move to appoint new Welland CAO
Strong mayor powers are undemocratic, say Ward 6 Couns. Bonnie Fokkens and Jamie Lee in the wake of Mayor Frank Campion using them on the first day he could do so.
Campion hired community services director Rob Axiak to replace interim chief administrative officer Sheri-Marie Millar, director of infrastructure services.
Millar was appointed in August to the position left vacant after politicians fired Steve Zorbas in mid-July.
“I think appointing someone and not going through the democratic channel — then why have council there?” said Lee.
Did you know?
The world’s first movie theatre was the Vitascope Hall in New Orleans, opened in 1896.
Focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
How organizations can address toxic workplace cultures to tackle sexual harassment
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
