Mining opportunities creating economic optimism in northern Ontario businesses
The president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce says that while there is a lot of concern around the provincial economy, northern business owners are the most confident about the current opportunity and growth.
Daniel Tisch, Ontario Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Oct. 24, 2024 (Ian Campbell/CTV Northern Ontario)
Sudbury's business elite packed the Bryston's on the Park banquet hall in Copper Cliff on Thursday night for the local chamber's annual general meeting.
Under new leadership, Trevor Lalonde from Fisher Wavy was elected the chair in July. He replaced Geoff Hatton of The Spectrum Group.
The keynote speaker of the night was Daniel Tisch, the provincial chamber president and CEO.
Tisch said his group's research has found that confidence in the province's economy, especially small businesses, has never been lower than it is now.
"So, obviously, we need to look at what can we do to ensure that we've got strong economies, not just across the province, but that prosperity is inclusive and sustainable and includes all regions," he said.
"We're working with local business leaders to help look at solutions to make their businesses smarter, more successful and more productive, lower their risk, increase their reward."
Despite the exit of some major employers in the north -- like Domtar in Espanola and GM in Kapuskasing – there is a lot of optimism from businesses in the region.
"I think a big part of that is because of the opportunities that we see now with Ontario undergoing a bit of a manufacturing renaissance, there is the opportunity to look at how we can develop the mining industry in a way that's sustainable and you know creates in a renewed prosperity for some of these communities," Tisch said.
"I think the opportunity is to work on infrastructure, … looking at policy, looking at regulation, … do we have the right energy grid … to serve … communities here and to serve businesses here?"
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
He also said having a diversified economy is going to be key to success over the coming years.
"There seems to be a lot of incredible things happening and you look at even participation in this event tonight and the diversity of businesses involved in the chamber, that's supremely exciting," Tisch said.
" Having said that, I think mining continues to be a sector with incredible opportunity here in Ontario and well beyond Ontario, right?"
The provincial chamber is looking to make recommendations to the Ontario government in five core areas – energy, infrastructure, labour, health care and new mining initiatives -- to strengthen local economies.
"We need to look at all of this together and the biggest thing that I hear about is do we have the talent," Tisch said.
"Do we have the partnerships with local universities and colleges to ensure that that pipeline of talent that is here stays here and contributes to the economy for the long term?"
The Sudbury chamber is currently looking for nominations for its annual local business excellence awards.
Nominations for the following awards are being accepted until Oct. 31:
- Best non-profit/charity
- Small enterprise
- Innovation
- Young entrepreneur of the year
- Entrepreneur of the year
- Company of the year
- Executive of the year
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israel launches strikes on military targets in Iran, escalating Mideast wars
Israel pounded Iran with a series of airstrikes early Saturday, saying it was targeting military targets in retaliation for the barrage of ballistic missiles the Islamic Republic fired upon Israel earlier this month. Explosions could be heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran, though there was no immediate information on damage or casualties.
'I did everything I could': Canada Post driver recounts helping save woman from fiery Tesla crash
Canada Post driver Rick Harper recounts how he and others helped save a woman from a Tesla that caught fire after crashing into a guardrail on Lake Shore Boulevard.
An abrupt goodbye to a guerilla goldfish aquarium beneath a leaky Brooklyn fire hydrant
A makeshift aquarium that popped up this summer in a puddle beneath a leaky fire hydrant in New York City has been paved over, to the dismay of neighbours who turned the area into a hangout spot and goldfish shrine.
Scotiabank confirms outage for mobile, online banking resolved
Scotiabank has confirmed outages affecting mobile and online banking services, according to a statement published to its X account.
Mother who beat and starved her 5-year-old son to death sentenced to over 50 years in prison
A New Hampshire woman was sentenced Friday to 53 years to life in prison in the death of her 5-year-old son, who was beaten, starved and exposed to drugs before his 19-pound body was found buried in a Massachusetts park in 2021.
Pizza inadvertently infused with THC sickens dozens in Wisconsin
Pizza inadvertently laced with THC has apparently sickened dozens of people in Wisconsin.
'Get away from your inner circle': Liberal MP 'shocked' PM didn't take more time to reflect on calls to resign
Longtime Liberal MP Wayne Long says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should give more weight to the views of his backbenchers in determining his future leading the Party, rather than relying on those in his immediate orbit.
Mom and child jumped from a window to escape a Las Vegas fire that killed 2 children and 2 adults
Two adults and two children were found dead in the charred rubble of a house fire after a mother and another child jumped from a third-floor window to escape flames in a southwest Las Vegas neighborhood, authorities said.
Four arrested in Poland over alleged plot to send explosives via courier to Canada, U.S.
Polish authorities have arrested four individuals they allege planned to send parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials to Canada and the United States, according to Poland’s government website.