NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Representatives of The Chamber—President Melanie Verreault, Vice-president Rob Knox, CAO Keitha Robson and Policy and Engagement Lead Cameron Grant—recently represented the interest of the region’s business community at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual Policy Debate to advance member priorities.
The debate, which was hosted virtually for the first time in its over 100-year history, included more than 100 chamber delegates from across the Province. The policy resolution debate, which mirrors the Ontario Legislature proceedings, is where accredited Chamber representatives presented their respective priorities to the chamber delegation. Of the proposed resolutions submitted to the compendium, thirty-nine were raised and debated on the virtual floor. Those passed successfully form the final compendium, while the submitting chamber typically revisits those voted down for reconsideration.
The chamber introduced two made-in-Timmins resolutions, which called on the Province of Ontario to improve Indigenous education in Ontario and support Ontario’s forestry industry by establishing an Ontario Commercial Loan Guarantee Program – issues that are evergreen for our natural resource industries and impede growth for Indigenous participation in our economy.
“Workforce shortages are among the most significant challenges for Ontario businesses, and it is widely recognized that Canada’s Indigenous people – the fastest-growing population in the country – must be a key component of Ontario’s strategy,” said Chamber President Melanie Verreault, speaking to the context of the resolution. “Our second resolution also highlighted that as a natural resource-rich province, the government must do all it can to realize the success of our industries who are responsible for maintaining our forests for generations to come.”
Both policy resolutions were heavily supported and have been successfully adopted as official Ontario Chamber policy positions, forming part of their advocacy efforts for the next three years.
“The policy debate is an important opportunity for our chamber to elevate our members’ priorities,” said Verreault. “Not only does it showcase how candid conversations from local business owners develop into impactful resolutions but demonstrates the value chamber membership has in amplifying your voice to all levels of government.”
The compendium is slated to be published later this Fall. To read the Timmins Chamber’s policy resolutions, click here.
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