**TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS RELEASE**

Today, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce provided the Government of Ontario with six tangible recommendations for the upcoming provincial budget. Held at the Senator Hotel, Chamber President Nancy Mageau presented to the Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs with the membership’s top priorities to create a strong business climate for the City of Timmins.

Proactive in voicing the concerns of its 650 members with respect to local, provincial and federal government policy while actively addressing educational, civic, social and economic issues, the Chamber was invited to share a seven-minute presentation before the committee.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and the heart of our community. Yet, cumulative red tape, economic uncertainty, and a system that discourages growth have led to a staggering scale-up challenge for businesses of all sizes across Ontario,” said Mageau.

The Chamber’s presentation included recommendations on key topics such as permitting delays for mining exploration, the newly imposed Municipal Accommodation Tax, a service skills strategy to boost enrolment in the trades, the development of a long-term transportation plan with regards to connecting link funding, enhancing fiscal capacity for municipalities, and increasing broadband to businesses in northern communities.

The committee was particularly interested in the Chamber’s service skill strategy policy resolution that urges the provincial government to address the workforce shortage felt by many within the membership.

“We are encouraging the government to address these challenges, focusing on fiscal balance and smarter spending in the upcoming budget to help Northern Ontario businesses today and into the future,” added Mageau.

The Timmins Chamber also recommends removing red tape for small and medium businesses to access procurement opportunities, leading to employment, economic growth, innovation, and cluster development.

“Northern Ontario has a unique economy prone to boom and bust cycles. Our economy largely depends on non-renewable natural resources, and we must balance the need for sustainability of our economy with sustainability of our communities,” Mageau said. “While Northerners often feel alienated and left out of the decision-making process, the future is the one thing we all have in common. We would like to remind the provincial government that what is good for the north is also good for the south.”

The Timmins Chamber looks forward to working with the government to support evidence-based policies that drive growth and contribute to a stronger Northern Ontario for all.

About the Timmins Chamber of Commerce

With over 650 members, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest accredited chambers of commerce with distinction in northeastern Ontario. As the “Voice of Business in Timmins” since 1949, our advocacy and policy initiatives focus on ensuring a positive business climate in the City of Timmins.

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