Statement In Response to the Ontario Budget 2025
The Ottawa Board of Trade congratulates the Government of Ontario on the release of its 2025 Budget—an important step in protecting Ontario’s economic future. As the voice of business in Ontario’s second-largest city and a critical economic engine for the province, we are encouraged to see a strong commitment to investments that enhance competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth.
Amid global volatility—from shifting U.S. trade dynamics to accelerating technological disruption—this budget delivers timely, strategic investments in infrastructure, innovation, and industry. These are the foundations of a productive and prosperous economy.
We strongly support continued infrastructure investment, including transit expansion. Efficient, sustainable mobility is a competitive advantage. Projects like the Ottawa LRT are not just regional priorities—they are provincial imperatives. We call on the Government of Ontario to move swiftly from exploration to execution in uploading the LRT. This bold step will unlock financial capacity for the City of Ottawa, accelerate transit solutions, and deliver economic returns across Eastern Ontario.
We applaud the government’s leadership on dismantling interprovincial trade barriers, and we support Budget 2025’s further investments in trade diversification, enhanced venture capital, and business succession. As many entrepreneurs near retirement, it is critical to protect local enterprises, preserve jobs, and create new pathways to ownership for the next generation.
While we would have liked to see a greater focus on Ontario using procurement as a powerful lever to support and scale Ontario businesses, we welcome increased investment in venture capital. Our future depends on scaling high-potential companies and capital is a key ingredient to this.
We are pleased to see practical support for SMEs, including digital adoption, workforce upskilling, and housing supply measures. These are essential to economic vitality. So too are investments to address mental health and homelessness—issues that directly affect business operations, talent attraction, and urban vibrancy.
Finally, we commend strategic investments in energy infrastructure. A modern, reliable, clean energy grid is fundamental to growth. It is not optional—it is essential. Energy policy must stay a top priority if Ontario is to attract capital and power productivity.
As a champion of business and economic development in the Nation’s Capital, the Ottawa Board of Trade will continue to lead with bold ideas and collaborative action. We look forward to working with the provincial government to ensure this budget delivers real outcomes—for Ottawa, for Ontario, and for future generations.
Sueling Ching
President & CEO
The Ottawa Board of Trade
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About the Ottawa Board of Trade:
The Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) is the voice of business in Ottawa, representing enterprises of all sizes and from across all sectors since 1857. As a key economic development partner in the National Capital Region, OBOT advocates for collaborative and sustainable community prosperity, supports businesses at every stage of growth, and champions Ottawa as the best place to live, work, learn, play, visit and invest. It is committed to fostering a thriving, world-class business community and advancing affordable, inclusive, and sustainable city building. For more information, visit www.ottawabot.ca.