Small business week
” … This year more than ever, we all have to focus on the needs and survival our small businesses … ” — Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
This is Small Business Week (October 18 to 24) across Ontario. And following is an excerpt from a press release received by Sault Business Matters.
The Chamber network is deeply concerned about the impacts that the COVID-19 crisis is having on small-and medium-sized enterprises, charities, and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario.
These businesses and agencies are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for more than 90 percent of jobs in the private sector, yet they face critical labour shortages, skill mismatches, and ongoing challenges related to broadband internet access that threaten their competitiveness.
“With 75 percent of Ontario Chamber of Commerce members reporting that the ability to recruit and retain talent is a critical factor to their competitiveness, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has long called on the government to address the province’s skills mismatch.
“Modernizing Ontario’s apprenticeship system, reforming skills and employment training programs, and improving the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program are all critical steps to create the workforce of the future that we have been advocating for,” relayed Rory Ring, chief executive officer of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
Two weeks ago, a sun-setting policy resolution,co-sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, was returned for discussion and consideration during the OCC’s annual policy process. That resolution discussed options for improving Indigenous education in the province, recognizing that Canada’s Indigenous people, with the fastest-growing population in the country, must be a key component of the strategy for developing the skilled workforce needed for Ontario’s future.
The policy was supported overwhelmingly by Ontario’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
“We are pleased to see the recommendations in that particular resolution will remain part of the Ontario Chamber network’s advocacy framework,” added Ring.
“While educational attainment for Indigenous people has been on the rise, more must be done to ensure that all Ontarians have access to the education and training needed to succeed in a modern economy,” Ring further noted.
