Voice of Business: Government In Action

On this week’s Voice of Business, we’re taking a closer look at how the Government of Ontario has responded to the growing economic pressure caused by U.S.-imposed tariffs and international uncertainty.

While these measures won’t solve all challenges overnight, and many businesses are still struggling, Ontario’s action represent significant steps in addressing the stress and pressures facing various industries.

It often takes a crisis for us to evolve, and this trade war forced that evolution to happen sooner than expected.

Just last month, Ontario led the way in removing several interprovincial trade barriers, a long-standing issue that has held back economic efficiency and domestic trade. By doing so, the province opened new pathways for goods, services, and talent to flow more freely across the country, a move that reduces our overreliance on the U.S. market and strengthens internal Canadian trade.

Ontario has also taken further action on multiple fronts to support local businesses and future-proof our economy.

One key step is a $750 million investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across post-secondary institutions. This funding will support up to 20,500 new student seats per year, helping Ontario build a future-ready workforce in critical industries like advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and data science. As global demand rises for tech and engineering talent, this investment will help keep Ontario competitive.

The province is also addressing a long-standing challenge around innovation ownership. A $3.39 million investment will help Ontario’s colleges and universities build stronger intellectual property (IP) capacity. This means research breakthroughs developed here are more likely to stay in the province, creating homegrown companies and jobs. It also protects Ontario from the common practice of IP being owned by foreign corporations through research partnerships, ensuring that the economic value of innovation benefits Ontarians first.

To alleviate immediate financial pressure, Ontario has announced $11 billion in tariff relief and cost-saving measures. This includes $9 billion in suspended interest and penalties on various provincial taxes, including the Employer Health Tax and levies on insurance, gas, alcohol, and tobacco. In addition, $2 billion in WSIB rebates are being returned to businesses to help offset operating costs. Together, these moves will allow more businesses to retain staff, invest in operations, and weather economic uncertainty.

The province is also expanding the Skills Development Fund by $1 billion over three years, ringing the fund’s total to $2.5 billion. This investment will help retrain and upskill Ontario workers, especially those affected by layoffs tied to tariff pressures. Whether transitioning into trades, healthcare, or other growing sectors, workers will be supported in securing good-paying jobs with long-term potential.

These investments, from education and innovation to cost relief and workforce development, represent a strategic shift. Ontario is building a future-proofing our economy if a trade war does reappear in the future. While challenges remain, these efforts lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity, job growth, and economic resilience.

For businesses, these measures open new opportunities to access skilled talent, manage costs, and stay competitive. For workers, they offer greater stability and upward mobility during uncertain times. At a broader level, Ontario’s investment in intellectual property is a strategic step toward addressing Canada’s productivity crisis, helping to ensure that innovations developed here stay here, fueling domestic growth and job creation. While no policy can solve every challenge overnight, these initiatives target critical areas in need of support. They provide relief for vulnerable industries like auto and steel, while also empowering post-secondary institutions to play a central role in developing a resilient, future-ready workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy and keep high-quality jobs in Ontario.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Trent University, Kawartha Manufacturers, Opus Tribute Group and Gardens Plus

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

There’s a new micro credential program from Trent University that is designed for women moving into leadership positions in government, public administration, and non-profits.

The Women's Leadership in Governance program explains some of the challenges women leaders face in public service. Further, it engages strategies and behaviours to employ toward enabling women leaders to lead successfully. The course starts soon, so reach out to Trent University if you’re interested.

The Kawartha Manufacturers are hosting a Finance for Non-Finance People workshop at Savage Arms in Lakefield on May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

It’s aimed at manufacturing supply chain supervisors, managers, and technical or project managers without formal business or finance training. The workshop will provide useful concepts to help influence the financial position of your company. A tour of Savage Arms will follow. There is a non-member rate for the workshop, or you can sign up for a KMA membership.

Little Lake Cemetery Company, a longstanding leader in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, has rebranded as Opus Tribute Group.

The new name reflects a broader vision and renewed commitment to honouring life stories with compassion, dignity, and personalized care. The company goes back 175 years and now encompasses a growing network of cemetery, memorial, and funeral service providers, including Highland Park Funeral Centre, Little Lake Cemetery, Highland Park Cemetery, Mill Valley Funeral and Cremation Centre in Millbrook, Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre in Lindsay, and Trent Cremation Services.

This week we’re highlighting a locally grown business.

A big congratulations to Gardens Plus on winning the Canadian Choice Awards for Garden Centre in Peterborough. Gardens Plus is now in its 28th season. Not only is it the place to go as you start planting your gardens, but they are also selling gardening books with all proceeds going to the Survivors Abreast team for the month of May. They have a great selection of easy-care perennials like hostas, daylilies, coral bell, and coneflower. Check out Gardens Plus at 136 County Rd. 4 in Donwood.

We have a correction to a previous edition. While POI Peterborough is happy to help find solutions for your workplace, they do not sell pencils and paperclips.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Kawartha Lakes Inductees

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated its five local business owners at its third annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony for Kawartha Lakes at Mackey Celebrations on Thursday.

Gordon A. Ferguson (top left), The Poole Family (top right), Sherry Peel (bottom right) and Tim Wisener (bottom right). The Torrey Family (not pictured). Photo courtesy of Geoff Coleman, Lindsay Advocate and JA-Neo.

“The Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony will recognize the City of Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the local economy and their community through their extraordinary accomplishments,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President amd CEO. “I want to personally congratulate each of tonight’s honorees. They truly are exemplary individuals, widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions, and they are inspiration to us all.”

This year’s honourees include:

• Gordon A. Ferguson - Northern Casket

• The Poole Family - Buckeye Marine

• Sherry Peel - Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing  

• Tim Wisener - The Grove Theatre

• The Torrey Family - Torrey-Dale Farms

“The JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame not only focuses on celebrating outstanding local business leaders from across our community, it also plays an essential role in helping to prepare and inspire the next generation,” explained McNutt. “All of the proceeds raised from tonight’s event will help JA meet the growing demand for our financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship educational programs for students.”

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Lakefield Farmers’ Market Opening Day Starts This Thursday

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market returns for 2025 starting this Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, behind the Lakefield Arena on 20 Concession St.

Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

Returning vendors this year include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, Buns & Sweets, Carolina Coffee, Cedar Grove Organic Farm, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, LaMesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Madrigal Gardens, McLean Berry Farm, Ontario Cheese Union, Otonabee Apiary, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps and Yellow House Bees.

Kawartha Lakes Flower Farm and Mr. & Mrs. Perogie are new to this year's market.

In addition to weekly vendors, the market will welcome pop-up vendors throughout the season, including: Brad’s Knife Sharpening, Otonabee River Craft Co., Selwyn Makerspace, The Doggery, Juniper’s Wild Apothecary, and Munchies Gourmet Kettlecorn.

Opening Day festivities include a visit from Shifting Gears and B!KE: The Community Bike Shop. Market visitors can participate in the May Challenge, learn more about sustainable travel, and enjoy free bike tune-ups and giveaways.

Live music is also at opening day.

The market runs every Thursday from May 15 to October 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Shoppers are also invited to a special Mother’s Day Market this Sundaymfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beside The Village Inn, 39 Queen St. in Downtown Lakefield.

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Local Photographer Opens New Studio In Downtown Peterborough

Studio 5, a new photography studio, has opened its doors to the public with a grand opening in Downtown Peterborough on Water Street.

Le Franc was recently nominated for a Luminary Award, recognizing her early accomplishments and promising future in the local business landscape. Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc Photo.

Founded by Kayla Le Franc, a Peterborough-based portrait photographer, she held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion on Friday.

“Standing there as a mom, a wife, and a woman building something from the ground up… and having my son cut the ribbon with me — that was everything,” said Le Franc. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from the Peterborough community. The guidance from Community Futures through the Starter Company Plus program has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the continued support and encouragement from the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.”

“Watching Kayla open her own studio space just months after graduating from the Starter Company Plus program is nothing short of inspiring,” said Rose Terry, Community Futures Peterborough Business Advisory Centre manager. “It was originally part of her five-year plan, but she’s moved with such clarity, confidence, and success that she launched far ahead of schedule. I couldn’t be prouder of the determination and drive she’s shown. She’s building something truly special, and it’s only the beginning.”

Studio 5 is also open to other professionals for rent such as photographers, videographers, content creators and more. Le Franc says the venue has bright, flexible spaceand comes equipped with natural light, a ring light, clean backdrop walls and other tools ideal for visual storytelling.

“Kayla’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when creative entrepreneurs are given the support and space to grow,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “By opening Studio 5 in the heart of downtown, she’s not only building a business — she’s contributing to the heartbeat of our creative community. The DBIA is proud to support visionaries like Kayla.”

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East City Village Business Improvement Area and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Announce One-Year Pilot Merger

The East City Village Business Improvement Area (VBIA) has merged with Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) under a one-year pilot agreement, announced on Tuesday.

The DBIA now represents businesses on both sides of the Otonabee River, marking the first time in its 44-year history that the original boundary has been expanded for a one-year pilot. File Photo.

According to a press release the merger aims to unite two distinct districts under a shared vision for local business support, advocacy and community development.

This allows East City businesses to participate in DBIA-run programs and promotions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome East City’s vibrant business community into the DBIA. East City has always been a beloved and essential part of Peterborough with a strong sense of place,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring together two really vibrant and connected communities to elevate our collective impact and work together to strengthen our local economy. This merger will create even more opportunities for businesses to thrive. I think this is a really exciting next step in Peterborough’s story.”

The Peterborough DBIA was established in 1981 to support and revitalize the downtown core. East City was not included in the original map due to its distinct geography and character according to VBIA. In the following years, East City merchants created their own volunteer-led BIA to advocate for area improvements, while maintaining a separate identity and operation.

“This merger represents an opportunity for East City to access new tools and larger resources, while still celebrating the charm and community that makes our side of the river so special,” said Cassia Piper, VBIA chair. “The Village BIA has been shaped by neighbours who care deeply about their community. Merging with the DBIA builds on that legacy. It opens new doors and offers more chances to be a part of the big-picture vision for downtown.”

The merger means East City businesses will now be included in initiatives such as the Boro Gift Card program and the annual Holiday Shopping Passport.

During the pilot period, the DBIA will work closely with East City business owners to ensure local priorities are recognized, supported and celebrated.

“This isn’t about dissolving identities, it’s about strengthening them,” said Mazloum. “We believe this partnership will amplify what makes East City unique while connecting these unique communities through shared opportunity.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Resilient Retailer, Cark Oake Rotary Swim, Lakefield Pantry and Fairlife

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Today’s economy is evolving and Peterborough County want to equip local retailers with the tools and strategies they need to remain profitable, adaptable, and competitive.

They’ve organized The Resilient Retailer, a dynamic one-day event on May 14 at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre. The day will feature keynote speaker Barbara Crowhurst, CEO of Retail Makeover. An internationally recognized retail specialist, business coach, and speaker, Crowhurst brings decades of experience working with some of North America's largest retail corporations and thousands of independent business owners. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into best practices, customer engagement, merchandising and sustainable growth.

The 39th annual Cark Oake Rotary Swim beat their $50,000 goal, raising nearly $58,000.

Oake passed away in January and has left quite a legacy in our community. His swim has raised more than $1.4 million for Easter Seals, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, and other Rotary causes. A big shout out to the Oake family and Century 21 United Realty for keeping this legacy going and raising more money for great local causes. This year’s title sponsors were Baker Tilly and Holiday Ford.

Jennie MacKenzie is retiring after 35 years running the Lakefield Pantry, a fixture in downtown Lakefield.

It’s a destination for wholesome food, bulk goods, natural products, and a sense of community. The store was started in 1980 by Cam and June Fraser as a way to give people choice about quantity, quality, and packaging associated with their food. New owners Lindsey and Andrew Irwin plan to keep stalking your favourite food while bringing in some new products. They’re undertaking some light renovations to bring in a frozen yogurt bar. Drop by 44 Queen St. to see what has made the Lakefield Pantry a local icon.

This week’s made in Peterborough producer is Fairlife. Located at 758 The Kingsway, Fairlife uses 100% Canadian dairy in its products.

They specialize in delicious, dairy-based products to give everyone the nutrition they need. They are on a mission to enrich lives by sustainably providing nourishment and vitality to the world. You can find made in Peterborough Fairlife products in stores across Canada.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Voice of Business: Ontario Breaks Barriers to Boost Interprovincial Trade

There’s some exciting news coming out of Ontario this month, especially for businesses.

After months of dealing with tariffs, uncertainty, and all the stress that comes with not knowing what the future holds for international trade, the Ontario government has stepped up. They’ve introduced a new legislative package called the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, in creating fewer barriers, more opportunities, and a much easier time moving products, services, and skilled workers between provinces.

Local businesses, along with businesses across the country, have been calling for this kind of action for some time. When uncertainty plagues international markets, it only makes sense to strengthen trade opportunities closer to home. These changes could open up new ways for businesses to grow across provincial borders and tap into markets they may not have previously considered.

Let’s break down the new legislation and why it matters for Ontario’s economic future: First, Ontario has signed new economic cooperation agreements with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to lead the way in breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. This proactive step will simplify and streamline regulations, ensuring that any good, service, or registered worker approved for sale, use, or work in one of the participating provinces (or by the federal government) will also be recognized as approved for sale, use, or work in Ontario. In practical terms, this means regulators here will now be required to recognize goods, services, and licensed workers from those other provinces. If you're running a business or working as a professional, it should now be much easier to expand your reach without getting buried in paperwork simply because you're crossing a provincial line. Second, Ontario is scrapping its 23 "Party Specific Exceptions" (PSEs) under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. These exceptions had dictated how businesses could operate, compete, and sell within Ontario, often creating extra hurdles for out-of-province companies. By removing these PSEs, Ontario is making it easier for businesses from other provinces to set up and operate here. This move not only benefits Ontario consumers and businesses, but it could also set a powerful example for other provinces to follow, encouraging a reduction of internal trade barriers and promoting free trade across Canada.

Third, Ontario is speeding up the certification process for workers. The Province will now have just 30 days to make a decision on whether a worker’s credentials are recognized. This is a game-changer for key sectors struggling with labour shortages, such as healthcare

and the skilled trades. By cutting down wait times, Ontario will make it much easier for qualified professionals to get to work sooner.

In addition to these changes, the Province is also opening up direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial borders. This move allows local wineries and breweries to expand their customer base beyond Ontario, selling directly to consumers across the country. At the same time, Ontarians will benefit from greater access to products from producers in other provinces, expanding consumer choice and bringing a more connected national marketplace.

Finally, Ontario is taking steps to make it easier for health professionals to get to work. Audiologists, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists among others will now be able to start practicing sooner. Even American-licensed nurses and doctors will have a smoother, faster path to working in Ontario. These changes are critical for communities across the province that address the urgent for more healthcare professionals and services.

While the current global trade tensions continue to have an impact both here and across the country, these new measures by the Province present a significant step in the right direction. Although they will not solve every challenge businesses are facing, strengthening domestic trade creates new opportunities right here at home and brings a little more certainty at a time when it is needed most.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, River of Yarn, Business Summit and Quickmill

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

One of the best ways to get involved in your community and meet some great people is to volunteer.

If you would like to know more about what opportunities are available, head to Peterborough Square on May 7 for the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair hosted by Volunteer Peterborough. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover meaningful ways to give back. Not-for-profit organizations are invited to set up booths in a tradeshow format in the lower level of Peterborough Square while the public are invited to browse and find a volunteer roles that are the perfect match. There will also be busloads of students looking for their volunteer hours.

Congratulations to Tracy Minnema, owner of River of Yarn, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

There are still a few days left to catch their anniversary sales for the month of April. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They carry a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp and acrylics. You can find River of Yarn at 353 Kents Bay Rd. in Keene.

There are still a few tickets left for the Business Summit, hosted by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and Acorn30 on April 30 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre.

This is a half-day conference filled with inspiring speakers and informative workshops. You’ll hear directly from business leaders on what they’ve learned and what worked on topics like growing your business, building partnerships, and handling uncertain times. This year’s keynote is from Matt Holmes of Holmes Reisely.

This week we’re highlighting more made in Peterborough products with Quickmill.

I recently had the privilege of touring their facility at 760 Rye St. Quickmill has been in the computer-controlled machining business, known as CNC, since 1984. They ship turn-key machines around the world for industries that include heavy equipment, aerospace, and oil and gas. They continue to grow and innovate, finding custom solutions for their clients with world-class machines built right here in Peterborough.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.