News Release for IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APBOT Resolutions Support Economic Growth and Healthy Workplaces All Three APBOT Resolutions Survive Debate and Pass at Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM HAMILTON, May 15, 2018 – The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade had incredible success at the recent Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, in Hamilton, Ontario. The two-day conference included speeches by Premier Kathleen Wynne, Ontario PC Opposition Leader Vic Fedeli, and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, as well as debates on a broad range of provincial issues including employment law amendments, competitiveness, and the growing skills shortage. The Board of Trade presented three resolutions and was successful in seeing all three carried. “The OCC AGM is an opportunity to highlight areas of concern for member businesses,” said Christine Ashton, 2018 APBOT President. “Our resolutions addressed concerns regarding a lack of reliable affordable broadband, the need for proactive and positive ways to address mental health in the workplace, and the need for the province to explore using the private and not-for-profit sectors to deliver public services. The Ajax- Pickering Board of Trade was also happy for the opportunity to unite with other Durham Region chambers and boards of trade at the OCC AGM to advocate for businesses across Durham Region.” APBOT brought forward three sunsetting resolutions: • "Using the Private and Not-for-Profit Sectors to Deliver Public Services" supports the idea of the Ontario government continuing to find new ways to bring residents and businesses the services they rely on through successful public- private partnerships. • "Develop a Provincial Long-Term Broadband Strategy" calls on Ontario to not just say that high speed internet is an essential service, but to take the steps to ensure all Ontarians have equal, reliable and affordable access to broadband. • "Workplace Mental Health Strategy" highlights the impact of mental health problems in the workplace and calls on the Ontario Government to help employers focus on positive ways to address and respond to workplace mental health issues. The APBOT also worked closely with other members of the joint Durham chambers at the OCC. Durham Region chambers and boards of trade represent roughly 3,000 businesses and together have a strong and united voice for advocacy in the region. The resolutions carried will form part of the mandate which guides the OCC in representing the Ontario Chamber Network. Recently, the effective advocacy of the Ontario Chamber Network was confirmed when, on May 7, 2018, the Ontario News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Government introduced regulation reverting the holiday pay calculation method back to the pre-2018 method temporarily effective July 1, 2018. This conference was a great lead off into the election and an opportunity to focus on the OCC’s Vote Prosperity provincial election campaign platform. - 30 – Established in 1955, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) is the voice of business in Ajax and Pickering, ON. With more than 700 members, APBOT represents an array of business sectors and small to large organizations. APBOT is part of the nation-wide network of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, as well as the Joint Chambers of Durham. For more information regarding the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, visit: www.apboardoftrade.com. For more information, please contact: Samantha Paterson, Communications & Policy Specialist, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade T: 905-686-0883 x 229 | E: [email protected] .