Toronto Region Board of Trade Statement on the Re-Election of Premier Doug Ford

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Region Board of Trade congratulates Premier Doug Ford and his government on securing a renewed mandate. Secure and confident leadership will be vital Ontario navigates through a period of significant economic uncertainty and opportunity. 

“The Toronto region is Ontario’s economic engine, but businesses across the region face uncertainty in a rapidly shifting global landscape,” said Giles Gherson, President & CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. “The looming threat of U.S. tariffs underscores the already urgent need to strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience and competitiveness. Now is the time to double down on a bold productivity agenda that attracts investment, fosters innovation, and fuels sustainable growth.” 

In keeping with our recent paper, Complacency to Competitiveness: A Blueprint for Canada’s Economic Future, we urge the Ford government to continue to focus on policies that will unlock investment and drive prosperity for all Ontarians:

• Reduce Barriers to Competitiveness – Double down on cutting red tape, streamline approvals, and create a globally competitive tax environment that attracts and retains businesses and business investment. 
• Invest in Infrastructure and Mobility – Clear Toronto’s gridlock by expanding transit, accelerating key infrastructure projects, and enabling automated traffic enforcement by the city. 
• Scale Innovation and Investment – Supercharge venture funding, unlock private capital, and turn R&D into revenue through industry-led commercialization. 
• Expand Trade and Talent Pipelines – Reduce reliance on the U.S. by maximizing global trade agreements with specific market action plans, empowering SMEs, and fast-tracking high-skill immigration tied to labour market demand and credential recognition to fill talent gaps. 
• Strengthen Ontario’s Economic Leadership – Reduce interprovincial trade barriers, modernize outdated regulations, and position Ontario as Canada’s engine for growth.

Ontario has the talent, ambition, and drive to win big on the world stage. With a renewed mandate, we call on Premier Ford and his government to seize this moment, implement decisive reforms, and ensure that Ontario remains Canada’s economic powerhouse. 

The Toronto Region Board of Trade will continue to work closely with the Premier and his team to advance these critical priorities and create a more competitive, prosperous future for our province.