The Business Council of Toronto

WHAT IS THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF TORONTO?

We believe that a thriving, competitive business climate can enable social and economic prosperity. By making our region a better place to do business, we will make our region a better place to live.

Comprised of an executive table and three focused partnership councils, we’ve convened the Business Council of Toronto (BCT) for one purpose: to harness the insight and expertise of our region’s most influential leaders to drive innovative solutions and advocacy that will make life better for everyone who calls the Toronto region home.

This is not just another industry association. Through the work of the BCT, we will launch high-impact projects that will demonstrate to government and industry that we can transform our region’s ability to compete globally - and enhance our standard of living for generations to come.

About the Business Council of Toronto

We have a long period here in the region where we really weren't growing businesses, and so we really need to attract considerable investment here to grow businesses and make up for lost time.

Although we're adding more people, we're not adding more productive capacity to the people, and that means we're sharing the pie rather than building the pie. It's a world-class city and it has so much opportunity, but it also doesn't work.

Right now we're at this terrible crossroads of a lack of investment compared to the US and no talent pool to follow and build upon that.

If you look at the graph on productivity differential between the US and Canada, it's just so stark. And where Toronto goes, Canada goes.

The Business council of Toronto is designed to be that catalyst for positive change.

How do we translate these issues into something that can be materially different for the city and the country?

We're the fourth largest industrial market. We're the fourth largest city in North America, and when you get into tech, it costs the company half as much to set up in Toronto.

We want to continue to invest in all the elements that raise the economic votes for everybody.

I think we need to seize the moment now, really focus in on technology, AI innovation. We have a lot of opportunity to really highlight the world-class city that Toronto is and have people wanting to live here and really see a successful future here and now.

We have to really rebuild for our kids and our grandkids. And so this is what this is all about is can we rebuild Toronto as a great global city? We know it can be.

THE PRODUCTIVITY GAP

The Toronto region is falling behind. In terms of productivity – GDP per worker – we trail the US average by nearly $72,000 per worker. And that gap is widening.

To close this growing chasm and build not only our productivity, but our prosperity, we must aim for a GDP growth of 3.4%, a daunting but necessary leap from our current trajectory.

This is our call to action to make our region a thriving and competitive place to do business while enabling social and economic prosperity for all.

Learn more about the Productivity Gap

60,000 Torontonians left the city last year for more affordable communities.

BCT Advocacy and Members

The BCT is comprised of senior leaders and executives who are passionate about demonstration projects and advocacy streams. Learn more about both here:

Nathan Phillips Square, with the Toronto Sign prominently featured.

BCT Advocacy & Insights

A diamond designed element in TRBOT blue.

BCT Members

OUR APPROACH

Our research revealed a key differentiating factor in how other competing metros have advanced productivity and competitiveness: the role of business.

We are standing up high-impact demonstration projects through our three partnership councils to provide data-driven and evidence-based recommendations on unlocking our economic and productive potential.

Two mechanical arms manufacturing on an assembly line.

Advanced Manufacturing Council

Ontario’s manufacturing sector is poised to become a global leader. This council will focus on initiatives to help through tech-driven productivity enhancements.

Climate and Energy Transition Council

This group will drive programs to support the greening of our supply chain to accelerate regional innovation.

An aerial photo of the GTA West Economic Gateway area.

GTA West Economic Gateway Council

This council focuses on spearheading pilot projects to improve employment land availability, mobility, and net zero infrastructure in the area surrounding Pearson Airport.