THUNDER BAY – Premier Dalton McGuinty presented a forty minute update to Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce today. Weather in the region slowed the arrival of the Premier, by about an hour. In his speech McGuinty shared the successes that his leadership has brought to Ontario. Following the Premier Dalton McGuinty’s luncheon address to the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Premier sat down to discuss several issues that the Chamber has advocated over the past year.
“We discussed a number of topics with the Premier”, stated 2011 Chair Justin Frape. “Maximizing the benefits of Northern resources for the North, and energy pricing and system that attracts industrial investment, support the proposed Lakehead University Law School and the need to ensure that there is a guaranteed wood supply for industrial use were the main issues we raised.”
“We were impressed that in responding to our issues, Premier McGuinty brought up that he would like to help facilitate an ‘Open for Business’ dialogue with the forestry sector. Representatives from industry and all Ministry Deputy Ministers would work jointly to identify and address the five key barriers to investment. This also allowed us to again pitch for a Ministry of Economic Development and Trade office in Thunder Bay, a critical link for our region into the Province’s investment attraction efforts that has been missing for 15 years”.
“We were concerned that the Premier’s delayed flight would impact our meeting, but we were very pleased that the Premier and his office met their commitment to us,” added Chamber President Harold Wilson.
The Chamber looks forward to discussing these issues with the other political leaders during their visits to Thunder Bay prior to the Provincial election in October.