FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade responds to federal budget
Welcomes steps to help business in uncertain economic times

AJAX/PICKERING, ON (June 7, 2011) –The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade welcomed the federal government’s budget which seeks to achieve its economic recovery objectives, to hasten the return to balanced budgets and to promote a more competitive economy with increased employment.

The Board of Trade supports the Government’s plan to reduce Canada’s federal deficit without resorting to raising taxes and applauds the aggressive four year timetable set out in the budget.

“The government is showing leadership with prudent cost containment and we applaud their commitment to look for savings,” said Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade President Donna McFarlane. “We look forward to a return to balanced budgets in the near future.”

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty also shared a similar viewpoint regarding the Governments approach.
“We are pleased that this budget reflects the one tabled in March,” said Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty. “The government has endorsed our call for a plan to return to budget balance in the medium term by committing to eliminate the deficit by 2014-15 without raising taxes on businesses and families,” Beatty added. “This will secure the fiscal flexibility that is crucial to our long-term competitiveness and it is encouraging that the government continues to focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. That is what businesses and Canadians need now.”

The Government announced a one-time Hiring Credit for Small Business of up to $1000 against a firm’s increase in its 2011 Employment Insurance (EI) Premiums over those paid in 2010. The Board of Trade supports this initiative as it will encourage hiring and therefore improve employment which will spur economic growth. The Harper Government also renewed their commitment to the reduction of administrative and tax burdens to small and medium businesses.

“The majority of our members are small- to medium-sized business and this budget promises to continue efforts to reduce administrative burden to this business class,” said Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Government Relations Co-Chair Joan Wideman. “The Red Tape Reduction Commission reduction is a good example of something we have long called for and we look forward to seeing the tangible results of its efforts.”

The Board of Trade also understands the importance of investing in innovation, education and training in order to stay competitive. Initiatives such as the $80 million in new funding through the Industrial Research Assistance Program to help small and medium-sized businesses accelerate their adoption of important information and communications technologies and support for research links between colleges, universities and businesses are steps in the right direction.

While the strategy of supporting the economic recovery by helping Canadian businesses to flourish and create jobs is sound, there is more that could be done. The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has been calling on the government to develop retraining programs for workers before they lose their jobs.

“While the targeted retraining program for older workers on EI is welcome, more needs to be done to ensure these workers don’t lose their jobs in the first place,” said Wideman. “Funding for the retraining of existing employees would help to keep Canadians in their jobs and off the EI rolls and is a vital piece of this equation.

About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade:

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 500-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, health care, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.

To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go to www.apboardoftrade.com.

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For additional information, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Nathan MacDonald
Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229
nmacdonald@apboardoftrade.com