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The New Balance: Reset Priorities for a Strong Toronto and a Competitive Ontario
The Government of Ontario’s 2006 Budget provides an opportunity to reset priorities and reposition both Toronto and Ontario for a higher standard of living. In this 2006 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission, the Toronto Board of Trade offers solutions to enhance Ontario’s fiscal environment and boost productivity through three critical areas:
1) Strengthen Toronto’s fiscal capacity and governance;
2) Invest strategically in Ontario’s infrastructure network to enhance growth; and
3) Create a more competitive and streamlined tax system.
Letter to The Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance
Making the Case for the GTTA:The GTTA is Needed Now
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Hamilton desperately need a solution to gridlock. Chronic under-investment in infrastructure over the years has resulted in inadequate transit service in some areas, increasing car dependence (approximately 72 per cent of GTA commuters travel to work by car each day) and longer delays in the movement of goods. The Toronto Board of Trade strongly urges the province to move ahead with establishing a Greater Toronto Transportation Authority (GTTA) for the GTA and Hamilton that would help to reduce gridlock and enhance quality of life in the region. This paper restates our 2003 position that outlines the case for creating the GTTA and some of its key features.
Media Release, November 21, 2005 (45 kb - pdf file)
Paper, November 21, 2005, (128 kb - pdf file)
2006 Federal Pre-Budget Submission - Invest in a More Vibrant and Competitive Toronto
Toronto's physical and human capital needs are substantial and governments cannot and should not try to fund them alone. We believe that the federal government should make a number of strategic public investments in priority areas while also making targeted tax improvements that will help unleash greater private investment. These investments and tax changes together can help grow Toronto's and Canada's economic pie. The Toronto Board of Trade believes the recommendations outlined in the 2006 Federal Pre-Budget Submission will help focus public resources on and unleash private sector investment in the areas that are key to a competitive and innovative Toronto and Canada.
View Submission, April 2006
View Submission, November 2005
Get Involved: Help Toronto Improve Its Business Climate
A fair competitive tax policy will improve Toronto’s financial sustainability, job prospects and the city’s overall quality of life. After decades of neglect, Toronto must act immediately to lower the business property tax burden, promote job creation, investment and economic growth and strengthen the city’s partnership with the business community.
View the Recommendation Letter, October 17, 2005
View the Recommendations, October 17, 2005
View Press Release, October 17, 2005
Setting the Course for a Strong Toronto: Recommendations for a New City of Toronto Act
The report is the work of the Toronto Board of Trade’s City of Toronto Act Task Force, which was struck earlier this year to provide input on this important legislative review. The report contains a balanced package of recommendations on what the new Act should contain. It sets out broad proposals that are common sense approaches to dealing with a delicate, complex and historic negotiation between two of Canada’s largest governments. While our recommendations constitute a bold approach, they are balanced by several appropriate safeguards. We believe the report sets out a model that meets Toronto’s unique needs, builds on what already works well, and suggests changes to what needs to work better. The City of Toronto Act review offers an unprecedented opportunity for Toronto. We hope our recommendations will help secure Toronto’s ongoing contribution to Ontario and Canada’s futures.
Press Release, July 4, 2005 (61 kb - pdf file)
Report, July 4, 2005 (711 kb - pdf file)
3rd Annual Competitive Cities Conference
Remarks By Angela Iannuzziello, Chair, Toronto Board of Trade Infrastructure Committee
Speech - June 22, 2005 (pdf file - 172 kb)
Standing Committee on Transport: Air Liberalization and the Canadian Airports System
The Toronto Board of Trade's policy submission to the federal Standing Committee on Transport proposes several recommendations to safeguard the viability of Canada's air industry.
English- March 22, 2005 (pdf file - 42 kb)
French- March 22, 2005 (pdf file - 42 kb)
Taking Action For Ontario’s Future: 2005 Pre-budget Submission to the Province of Ontario
The submission outlines recommendations we believe are crucial to the future success of Toronto and the province. Torontonians and Ontarians are relying on the government to make tough choices and spend their tax dollars where the return on investment is greatest.
Letter, January 17, 2005 (pdf file – 51 kb)
Submission, January 2005 (pdf file – 186 kb)
A Public Policy Vision: 2005 Pre-Budget Submission to the City of Toronto
This year’s budget deliberations take place within the context of unprecedented opportunity for Toronto. Implementing a fiscally responsible budget for 2005 will strongly demonstrate that it deserves such increased freedom, responsibility and resources.
Letter, January 17, 2005 (pdf file – 90 kb)
Submission, January 2005 (pdf file – 154 kb) |
