Voice of Business: Fostering Inclusion: A Business Roadmap to Economic Reconciliation

This week in Voice of Business, we’re highlighting the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s new two-part report on Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Equity, Economic Inclusion, and Growth.

Part 1, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples” focuses on how the business community can help create real opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Part 2, “Finance & Capital” looks at how the financial sector can help guide reconciliation through inclusive programming design and Indigenous perspectives. Indigenous populations are growing at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians, and studies show they are nine times more likely to start a business. This presents an opportunity to support a community that has long faced systemic barriers.

The reports offer practical guidance for businesses, educational institutions, and financial organizations on how to advance economic reconciliation. They emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for Indigenous Peoples through inclusive education, employment, and access to capital. Both reports share resources for employers and institutions that can help to foster inclusive employment through various Indigenous organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendships Centres. Attending Indigenous community events can also help to build and develop relationships with potential Indigenous job seekers, here are some notable organizations with events: CCIB Conference & Events, First Nations Major Projects Coalition, Indigenomics, Ontario First Nations Economic Development Conference, and Indigenous Prosperity Forum. Leveraging these organizations can help your business or institution support your Indigenous employees.

A key focus is ensuring that programs and services reflect the realities facing Indigenous workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. This includes rethinking job requirements, fostering inclusive workplaces, and reshaping financial programs to improve access to capital. These lived realities are evident— for example, as of 2015, 15 per cent of Indigenous individuals were unbanked, compared to just 2% of the general population. Educational gaps also remain. The proportion of First Nations (10.4 per cent), Inuit (7.6 per cent), and Métis (18.8 per cent) individuals with a university degree is significantly lower than that of non-Indigenous Canadians, with approximately 37% holding a university degree. Rethinking job requirements that prioritize degrees and reshaping financial programs to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and job seekers is crucial to bridging these gaps. These efforts will help unlock the potential of a growing population eager to contribute to Ontario’s economy through both employment and entrepreneurship. Part 1, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples”, highlights the importance of:

• Adapting job requirements to use a skills-based assessment approach as potential employees from diverse backgrounds who have all the necessary skills but may not have the typical education requirements.

• Creating inclusive workplaces to tackle discrimination by fostering learning and education on the legacy of residential schools and the legacy of colonialism within Canada. · Offering remote work to overcome geographic challenges as more than 60 per cent of First Nations reserves are located in remote or very remote areas in Ontario.

• Incorporating Indigenous perspectives into business practices such as including Indigenous leadership in roles that require recognizing and changing policies, procedures or governance that may impact Indigenous employees. In fact, research from the McKinsey Institute demonstrated that diverse companies are 27 per cent more likely to outperform other companies. Further highlighting how incorporating diverse perspectives can propel your businesses competitiveness as well.

In addition to creating inclusive workplaces and modernizing job requirements, Part II “Finance and Capital”, highlights three main themes to advance economic reconciliation through the financial sector:

1. Building Trust and Relationships Creating meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities is key to restoring trust in financial institutions. This can include:

• Training staff to build cultural awareness and understanding of Canada’s colonial history.

• Hiring Indigenous employees to bring lived experience into the workplace.

• Supporting long-term prosperity through Indigenous Trusts, equity investments, and community-led decision-making.

By taking these steps, businesses and financial institutions can ensure their programs and services meet the needs of Indigenous clients.

2. Tailoring Financial Programs Financial programs for Indigenous Peoples should be designed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples and communities to ensure access to the capital needed to start or grow businesses. This includes reshaping lending and risk criteria to reflect the realities of

Indigenous entrepreneurs, who may not have the same credit history or cash flow patterns as others.

3. Building Partnerships Partnering with Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) is essential. IFIs were created to provide capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs often overlooked by mainstream lenders. Financial institutions can work with IFIs and use Indigenous loan guarantee models to help make financing more accessible, especially in rural and remote communities. These Indigenous loan guarantee models are critical to leverage as they are financed through the federal or the provincial government which can eliminate the risk for lending institutions.

Together, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples” and “Finance & Capital” offer a roadmap for businesses, educational institutions, and financial organizations to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. These reports highlight both sides of the opportunity: helping businesses and educational institutions create inclusive environments, while also supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners. This is about providing a leg up where it’s needed, unlocking the talent, innovation, and leadership Indigenous Peoples bring to the table.

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

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Voice of Business: Peterborough Is Set For a Record-Breaking Summer

With summer officially setting in, it’s time to explore the tourism trends and business factors shaping the season ahead.

Could this be Peterborough’s busiest tourism year yet? With more Ontarians opting for staycations and fewer Canadians heading south, local tourism is expected to grow. A key boost comes from the Ontario government’s recent removal of tolls on Highway 407 from Pickering to Highway 35/115, making our region more accessible than ever.

Tourism spending is already on the rise. Between January and July 2024, spending reached $639 million, a 10 per cent increase year over year. If you haven’t already, check out our Lakefield Stay and Play section to discover great local spots for you and your family. This year’s calendar is packed with exciting events, including Musicfest, Nine Ships (a 200th anniversary celebration of Irish immigration to the region), farmers' markets, parades, and more.

Peterborough’s tourism scene hosts an abundance of diverse and vibrant options. From wineries, resorts, hotels, and inns to Indigenous cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, animal attractions, and local cuisine. Add in water sports, gaming, history, and the arts, and music festivals! One major highlight: the Trent-Severn Waterway was named the only Canadian destination on the New York Times’ list of 52 Places to Go in 2025—a proud moment for the entire region.

To support this growing industry, local and provincial partners are stepping up. This past January, the Ontario government announced $20 million over two years to enhance rural connectivity, revitalize downtowns, grow rural businesses, and support the local workforce. These investments will strengthen programming delivered by Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) and the County of Peterborough Tourism Office.

RTO8 plays a key role in building a competitive and sustainable tourism economy. One standout program is the Acceler8 Business Mentorship Program, offering one-on-one coaching to local tourism businesses. This support is open to accommodation providers, retailers, attractions, and food & beverage operators across the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. Another strategy by Peterborough County is to promote pre-planned travel packages, making it easier for both visitors and locals to explore the region. These itineraries reduce planning time and encourage more spontaneous trips. Additionally, the County is working to address wayfinding signage across the region. This initiative will help travelers navigate more easily, making local tourism businesses more visible and accessible while enhancing the overall visitor experience. To attract more visitors, RTO8 is running targeted marketing campaigns aimed at audiences in the GTA, Kingston, Ottawa, and Hamilton. These campaigns promote year-round tourism experiences, highlighting all four seasons. Recognizing the power of social media, they’re engaging every demographic—from Instagram-savvy young travelers to Facebook- for families and older adults. Data and technology are also transforming tourism. RTO8 is also using geo-fencing and visitor analytics to uncover new opportunities and tailor strategies to visitor interests. Research into visitor personas shows that the primary tourist type is the “Connected Explorer”, tech-savvy travelers who love sharing their journeys online. Secondary personas include Nature Lovers, Family Memory Builders, and “Tweeniors” (active adults aged 50+). Most visitors fall between the ages of 35–64, with an average age of 46 which provides important insights to tailor existing tourism packages to specific age groups. Nationally, Canada is also encouraging domestic tourism through free or discounted access to iconic attractions, including national parks, museums, and railroads. No pass is needed, just visit a participating location to enjoy the benefits.

Your local Chamber of Commerce is also doing its part by hosting Tourism Talks—forums where tourism-related businesses can share feedback, voice challenges, and influence local strategies. These sessions help ensure that plans developed by the County and RTO8 reflect the needs of the sector.

Finally, it’s exciting to see the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and RTO8 working together with such a strategic and targeted approach. With more Canadians choosing to explore their own backyard, Peterborough’s accessibility by car, boat, bike, or paddle makes it an ideal destination. With all the momentum, 2025 could be a record-breaking year for local tourism and our community.

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

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Voice of Business: A United Canadian Economy

Welcome back to this week’s Voice of Business. These past few months have been intense for businesses, with grand uncertainty and rising costs. We do not know what to expect; any day could bring a new tariff, complicating supply chains and squeezing margins. Despite this, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to address long-standing interprovincial trade barriers that hinder growth and add unnecessary administrative burdens.

This week’s VOB will unpack what to expect from this legislation and, more importantly, how it could impact local businesses. Bill C-5 aims to create one Canadian economy out of 13 by removing federal barriers to internal trade. The first key measure in Bill C-5 establishes equivalency for provincial standards on goods and services. This means that goods or services produced, used, or distributed according to a province or territory’s standards would automatically meet the equivalent federal requirements. In the past, businesses had to navigate overlapping or conflicting federal and provincial regulations, which led to extra costs for businesses.

The second major measure would federally recognize occupational certifications and titles authorized by provinces and territories. This is significant for sectors facing skilled labour shortages. For example, an Alberta-certified electrician could work in Ontario without going through a separate federal certification process. This change helps businesses fill vacancies faster and allows workers to move more freely where opportunities are available, whether it’s trades, health care, or professional services. For local businesses, this means easier recruitment and a wider pool of qualified candidates.

With the federal government mirroring the authorization of products, services, and credentials, businesses would be able to access broader markets across Canada. Instead of facing a patchwork of different rules in each province, a business in Peterborough could now more easily sell to customers in British Columbia, Quebec, or Nova Scotia, without needing to re-certify or re-test products. This opens the door to increased sales, market expansion, and opportunities to diversify revenue streams.

As noted, many provinces are already working on memoranda of understanding with the federal government to align their standards and streamline trade. They should also review their own compliance processes to identify areas where they might now benefit from these equivalencies, for example, labelling, packaging, or equipment certifications.

Deviating from these past regulations means that businesses will face fewer hurdles to navigate, freeing up time and money that would otherwise go to regulatory compliance.

This can be especially helpful for small and medium-sized businesses, which often lack the resources to manage complex approval processes.

While businesses stand to benefit from reduced trade barriers, Bill C-5 also addresses nation-building projects major infrastructure, energy, and economic initiatives with national significance. Under the new legislation, such projects would undergo a single, harmonized approval process, with a target timeline of two years to secure final approval. This creates predictability for businesses and investors, helping them plan and execute major projects more effectively.

Importantly, the legislation also implements meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples during the process of determining which projects are in the national interest and setting conditions for approval. This ensures that while processes are streamlined, Indigenous rights and interests remain a core part of project development—a key consideration for any business involved in infrastructure or natural resources.

While these measures will strengthen Canada’s internal economy, it’s important to note that they won’t alleviate all the trade challenges with our largest trading partner, the United States. In 2023, about $532 billion worth of goods and services moved between provinces and territories, while annual two-way trade with the U.S. exceeded $1 trillion. This means that while the domestic market offers significant growth potential, businesses must continue to navigate cross-border issues such as tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory differences.

Finally, this legislation is expected to have positive effects from east to west and north to south. Eliminating barriers at both the federal and provincial levels is estimated to add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy, unlocking opportunities for businesses in every region, from manufacturers and service providers in urban centers to small businesses and resource industries in remote areas. This is a significant step toward building a more dynamic, competitive, and integrated national economy.

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

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Voice of Business: The Future Is Built Here: Why Local Manufacturing Matters and Why Youth Should Be Paying Attention

In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, manufacturing is more than just an industry—it’s a cornerstone of our economy, a driver of innovation, and a powerful engine for community growth. And yet, many still think of manufacturing as it was decades ago: repetitive, low-tech, and physically demanding.

That image couldn’t be further from the truth.

Today’s manufacturing is modern, high-tech, clean, and creative—and it needs a new generation of workers to thrive.

A Vital Part of Our Local Economy

Manufacturing has deep roots in our region. From historic companies like General Electric, which helped power Canada’s early electrification, to modern innovators in cleantech, aerospace, and food production, manufacturers have always been builders—not just of products, but of communities.

Local manufacturers:

• Provide hundreds of stable, well-paying jobs

• Drive investment in infrastructure and innovation

• Contribute to sustainable development and clean technology

When we support manufacturing, we support a resilient, self-reliant local economy.

A New Generation of Careers

Today’s manufacturing is driven by automation, digital tools, sustainability, and innovation. Career paths in this sector are more diverse and exciting than ever before.

• Robotics & automation

• Engineering & CAD design

• CNC machining & precision fabrication

• Sustainable product development

• Supply chain & logistics

• Quality assurance and safety

These roles aren’t just in-demand—they’re also high-paying, future-proof, and often come with opportunities for on-the-job learning or apprenticeships.

It’s time to bust the myths and show young people that manufacturing is more than a job—it’s a pathway to building something lasting.

Building the Future—Together

Organizations like the Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA) a local association, offers personalized support and attention to each member. We understand the local manufacturing landscape and provide targeted networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections.

• Advocate for local manufacturers

• Create networking and learning opportunities

• Promote careers in the skilled trades and manufacturing to youth

• Support each other

Final Word

Manufacturing isn’t just about making things—it’s about shaping communities, launching careers, and building a better future. In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we have the tools, the talent, and the history.

Now we need the next generation to step up and help shape what comes next.

Guest Column from Sherry Hill, Secretary of Kawartha Manufacturers Association and CFO at Peterboro Matboards Inc.

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

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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.

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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.

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Voice of Business: Investing in Ontario’s Future: Why Sustainable Investment Matters

Welcome back to this week's Voice of Business. Today, we’ll be discussing the future of post-secondary education and what is needed to ensure its sustainability, particularly as Canada faces increasing demand for skilled workers and the need to enhance productivity.

As you know, Canada’s productivity has been lagging for years—this is not a new issue. There is a direct correlation between productivity, the quality of our post-secondary education system, and workforce development. This week, we’ll examine the impact of post-secondary investment and the advocacy efforts that have been undertaken on this issue.

Last month, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC), and the Council of Ontario Colleges and Universities, released a letter urging the provincial government to invest in post-secondary education. The provincial government has frozen funding for the sector, leading institutions to rely heavily on international students for revenue. Without critical funding, many post-secondary institutions have been forced to cut programs vital to Ontario’s economy. This has dangerous trickle-down effects on workforce development, especially as we strive for self-sufficiency amid a hostile trade environment. If we want to position ourselves for success, we need targeted investments that contribute to and build our economy. The letter highlights the key link between strategic investment in AI and technology and the need to spur innovation in post-secondary institutions home to Ontario’s research and development. Investing in post-secondary education not only drives innovation but also strengthens our workforce and economy. If the government is investing in key growth sectors, we must ensure we have the talent to support these investments.

How did this problem arise and worsen? A combination of underfunding and a tuition freeze contributed to the crisis. In 2019, Premier Doug Ford mandated a 10 per cent tuition cut for colleges and universities. With domestic tuition frozen at this reduced rate, post-secondary institutions had to find alternative revenue sources to offset the financial shortfall. By 2024, the federal government further strained the sector by capping international student permits by 35 per cent to address housing market pressures, particularly in areas with low rental vacancy rates. As a result, post-secondary institutions began reporting significant revenue shortfalls. Adding to the crisis, another 10 per cent funding cut was introduced this year. Consequently, 24 of Ontario’s colleges are projecting a billion-dollar deficit by the 2026-27 school year, forcing many institutions to implement program suspensions and layoffs. Locally, Fleming College has suspended eight more programs, in addition to the 29 programs cut last year. Another notable college is Seneca Polytechnic which was forced to close its Markham campus due to declining international student enrolment.

Universities may need to downsize to remain financially viable. Although the Ontario government has allocated $1.3 billion to post-secondary education, the Ontario Council of Colleges and Universities reports that this does not account for the $2.5 billion in ongoing base funding recommended by an expert panel commissioned to assess the sector’s financial health. In short, current funding levels are not sustainable.

The OCC and the Council of Ontario Universities and Colleges are advocating for a new approach to post-secondary funding, including:

• Increasing base operating revenues

• Fully funding enrolment expansion

• Enhancing research funding

• Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and academia

Your local Chamber of Commerce, along with other Chambers across the province, has signed onto this advocacy effort. As a Chamber, we recognize the critical role that education plays in equipping our business community with top talent. Universities and colleges are essential to providing graduates with the skills needed to drive our province’s and country’s prosperity. Given the federal government’s continued cap on international student permits, the current funding model is unsustainable, and urgent action is required to ensure the long-term viability of post-secondary education in Ontario.

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

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Photos: Local Candidates Mingle With Constituents At Peterborough Chamber's "Coffee With the Candidates" Event

The Peterborough-Kawartha federal election candidates got a chance to mingle with their constituents at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ event held at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday morning.

Conservative candidate and incumbent Michelle Ferrari (left) being thanked by Joel Wiebe (right) of the Peterborough Chamber for attending. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Each candidate had three minutes at the podium to speak to the room before breaking off to speak with the public.

The attending candidates briefly spoke about the following during their podium time (in order):

Chad Jewell (Independent): Regardless of who was in power, no party had answers to raising concerns and issues.

Emma Harrison (Liberal): She highlighted her upbringing which attributes to her hard work ethic. She also highlighted the importance of small businesses and their impact. However, her speech was cut short due after going over the time limit.

Michelle Ferreri (Conservative): Addressed homelessness, increased crime and drug addiction as significant issues that require tackling. Emphasized the housing crisis and says the party is working to cut GST on homes and development fees.

Heather Ray (NDP): Highlighted her past work history and emphasized protecting small businesses.

Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC): Criticized over promises made by past governments and trading children’s futures for virtue-signalling and economic benefits. She said she does not expect to win but wants to help draw eyes to her party and the issues they want to address.

Jazmine Raine (Green): Gave a timeline of her work and school history, highlighting her journey of finding answers as she does not feel her questions or concerns are heard. She also remarks on how voters feel disenchanted when voting because of the lack of real choice on the ballot. She also briefly wanted to fight for improved healthcare funding and instill a universal basic income.

Matthew Grove (Christian Heritage Party of Canada) was absent from the event.

Election day is April 28 and advanced voting starts this Friday until Monday.

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Voice of Business: Expanding Canada’s Trade in a Shifting Global Landscape

This week in Voice of Business, we are diving into trade expansion and the need to diversify Canada’s trade amid an ongoing tariff war.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to explore new trade partners. With internal trade barriers coming down and more reductions expected, Canadian businesses are looking for ways to expand beyond our traditional reliance on the United States.

Locally, the reality is that the U.S. remains Ontario’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 81% of our exports and supplying 52% of our imports. Given this deep economic relationship, shifting trade beyond North America is no simple task. It involves numerous hurdles, including regulatory challenges, financial risks, costly investments, and market uncertainty. In this article, we explore the key considerations for expanding trade and the role government can play in supporting businesses as they navigate global markets.

The first step in diversifying Canada’s trade is providing businesses with the resources and opportunities to branch out. Trade missions are an effective way to connect Canadian businesses with international markets, helping them reach a global audience. These missions facilitate networking with senior officials and key industry players, creating opportunities to diversify exports and establish a presence in foreign markets. Canada must commit to supporting key industries impacted by tariffs to mitigate potential consequences if another trade war arises.

One upcoming opportunity is the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia at the end of May. Click here to find out more about how this trade mission could benefit your business.

Trade agreements are another powerful tool for businesses exploring international markets. Canada currently has 16 free trade agreements (FTAs), with Ecuador recently initiating discussions for a new agreement. FTAs help lower trade barriers, streamline regulations, and create easier pathways for businesses to expand. While moving operations or sales to another country may not fully offset the costs of U.S. tariffs, establishing a presence in alternative markets can help mitigate future trade risks.

Despite the benefits, expanding into new markets comes with challenges. Businesses must navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and varying regulatory frameworks. Researching international markets and understanding cultural norms are critical steps in ensuring a product or service aligns with local consumer expectations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face additional obstacles, such as high shipping costs, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and complex compliance requirements.

Unlike large corporations, SMEs may lack the resources to absorb these costs, making international expansion a more daunting endeavor.

While businesses must take the lead in establishing themselves in new markets, there are valuable resources available to ease the transition. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides support in over 160 cities worldwide, helping businesses navigate foreign markets and connect with global partners.

While expanding internationally cannot fully replace Canada’s deep trade ties with the U.S., it is an important strategy for reducing long-term risks. By leveraging government support, trade agreements, and market intelligence, Canadian businesses can build resilience and unlock new growth opportunities.

The time to act is now—Canadian businesses must look beyond our southern neighbor to secure a more stable and diverse economic future.

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

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Voice of Business: Everything Tariffs: Local Panel Insights, Federal Support and Economic Impact

This week on Voice of Business, we are discussing the impact of tariffs and what has happened since their implementation.

Tariffs came into effect on March 4, and we recently hosted a well-rounded panel with industry experts to examine their effects. This week, we will explore how the Canadian government has responded and what it means for businesses.

March has been a volatile and concerning month for our members and local businesses. As of March 4, at 12:01 a.m., U.S. tariffs took effect due to Canada’s perceived inaction on Fentanyl-related concerns. In response, the Canadian government responded with counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods. If U.S. tariffs remain in place, total Canadian countermeasures could increase to $125 billion, totalling $155 million in tariffs on U.S. imports. The affected products such as electric vehicles, fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, dairy, electronics, steel, aluminum, trucks, and buses. Currently, the list of affected goods includes orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and certain pulp and paper products. On March 6th, the U.S. announced that CUSMA-related products, including auto parts, would be exempt from tariffs until April 2nd. Canadian officials later confirmed that approximately 40per cent of Canadian exports to the U.S. would be exempt and that Canada would not proceed with the second wave of $125 billion in tariffs until April 2nd. Despite Canada appointing a Fentanyl Czar and increasing border security measures, these efforts have not been sufficient to prevent U.S. tariffs. With $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily, these tariffs will have a substantial impact on jobs, industries, and local businesses. The effects are already being felt. Businesses exporting products to the U.S. are experiencing financial strain, with some anticipating layoffs and price increases to offset rising costs. Supply chain disruptions are also expected, as importers of affected goods will face higher prices. Consumers will bear the burden through increased costs at checkout. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has been actively advocating for the removal of U.S. tariffs, estimating that their economic impact on every Canadian will be approximately $1,900. Canada remains the number one trading partner for 34 U.S. states, highlighting the deeply integrated nature of the supply chain. In Ontario alone, nearly one million Canadian jobs depend on Ontario’s U.S. exports, and 19,927 companies export to the U.S. These tariffs will create logistical and financial challenges, particularly for industries such as homebuilding, which rely on American products and will be forced to pass price increases onto consumers. Given the deeply integrated trade relationship between Canada and the U.S., supporting millions of jobs in both countries, it is clear that continued tariffs would cause significant economic damage.

Despite the challenges, there is some hope. Last week, Community Futures and the local Chamber of Commerce hosted a Tariff Panel discussion featuring industry experts.

Some Key takeaways from the panel included:

• the importance of businesses connecting with provincial and regional Chambers of Commerce to explore new markets.

• Panelists emphasized the urgent need for interprovincial trade reform to increase cross-border trade within Canada. Businesses were encouraged to participate in global trade missions with the government to diversify export markets.

• Expanding port infrastructure was identified as a crucial step to improving trade efficiency.

• Additionally, the panel highlighted that the U.S. may underestimate Canada’s leverage, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where Canada produces 90 per cent of the world’s potash, a critical resource for American farmers.

Although the trade war is beyond our control, recognizing these opportunities provides a sense of optimism. Canada is more unified than ever in its approach to economic resilience. Municipal governments are taking action, with both Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough committing to a “Made in Canada” procurement strategy to ensure local spending benefits local businesses. The Canadian government has also introduced several measures to support businesses affected by tariffs:

• The Trade Impact Program, launched through Export Development Canada, will deploy $5 billion over two years to help exporters reach new markets, navigate economic challenges, and address issues such as currency fluctuations and cash flow shortages.

• Additionally, $500 million in favourable loans will be available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses and their supply chains, along with advisory services on financial management and market diversification.

• Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to assist the agriculture and food industry with cash flow challenges, helping businesses adapt to changing market conditions. If your business is struggling with these challenges, please visit our Tariff Resources page for contact points and assistance. The situation is evolving rapidly, and while the future

remains uncertain, it is crucial that the Canadian government continues to develop strategies to support businesses through this difficult time.

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

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