On November 16, the Government of Ontario introduced new legislation which would mandate directly-elected regional chairs for two-tier regions such as Peel, York, and Niagara.
Governance reform has been an appeal the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce alongside Niagara’s business community has supported for many years, and it remains so today. The GNCC’s Vote Niagara 2014 initiative called on all candidates to publicly state their support for this move following past surveys of GNCC members indicating that governance reform was one of the highest priorities for the business community.
A directly-elected chair is more democratic, with Niagara’s most powerful municipal politician now accountable directly to the people. Accountability, openness and transparency in politics are good for business. Additionally, a directly elected chair with support from across the entire region will further link our economic interests and provide focus to the collective prosperity of all our municipalities within a regional economy.
We are hopeful that the Building Ontario Up for Everyone Act (Budgetary Measures), 2016 will pass and that 2018 will be the first time that the citizens of Niagara are able to select their own candidate for regional chair.
Quotes:
“We are pleased that the Government of Ontario has stepped up and introduced this legislation. Businesses and citizens support this governance reform, allowing us to become more democratic, effective and transparent.”
— Mishka Balsom, President & CEO, GNCC
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The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the champion for the Niagara business community. With over 1,600 members representing 50,000 employees, it is the largest business organization in Niagara and the third largest Chamber in Ontario. The Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada has recognized the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce with its highest level of distinction.
For further information, contact:
Mishka Balsom
President & CEO
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
905-684-2361 ext. 227 or mishka@gncc.ca
