FIFE: Low business confidence should be a major wake-up call for Ford

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Catherine Fife (Waterloo), says the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s latest report confirms what businesses and workers across the province are already deeply feeling:

“Businesses are telling us they’re extremely worried about the future. When only 23 per cent say they’re confident in Ontario’s economy, you know something is terribly wrong. Investments are stalled, companies are struggling to find skilled workers, and that should be a major wake-up call for this government.

“At the same time employers are asking for more talent, Doug Ford is making college and university less affordable by cutting OSAP grants and lifting the tuition freeze. It makes no sense. If students can’t afford to get the education or training that they need, those jobs simply won’t get filled.

“The report also points to the basics every strong economy depends on housing people can afford, reliable health care, and infrastructure that actually works. It’s no surprise that only 19 per cent of businesses increased investment last year when families and employers are struggling on all fronts and communities across this province are falling behind.

“Ontario has incredible potential, but potential doesn’t create jobs, investment does. Businesses don’t need more spin or empty promises. They need a government that is willing to invest in people, in skills, and in the foundations of growth before more opportunities slip away.”