“Today’s investment in skills development comes at an important moment for Ottawa.
Our region is undergoing significant economic transformation. As Canada’s capital and a major economic engine for Ontario, Ottawa has an increasingly important role to play in advancing the province’s growth and Canada’s nation-building agenda. As we work to diversify our economy, strengthen our private sector and capitalize on opportunities in defence, technology, advanced industries, housing, transit and infrastructure, our ability to develop, attract and deploy talent is one of the most important drivers of our success.
The Government of Ontario’s investment of more than $9.8 million in six workforce-training projects will help nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers across the province prepare for in-demand careers. We are especially pleased to see support for Youth Ottawa and valued Ottawa Board of Trade member the YMCA of the National Capital Region – whose programs will connect people in our community with practical training and meaningful employment opportunities while helping OBOT member employers access the skilled talent they need to grow.
We are pleased to continue partnering with the Government of Ontario on an economic growth agenda that connects talent, innovation and opportunity. Our roundtable with Minister Nolan Quinn last year explored many of these themes, and we look forward to continuing that conversation with him and Ottawa’s business, post-secondary and innovation leaders tomorrow.
Building Ottawa’s next economy requires us to align education, skills development, research, commercialization and employer needs. Collectively, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure more people, including young people, can participate in the opportunities ahead.
We commend Ministers David Piccini and Nolan Quinn and the Government of Ontario for investing in the people and skills that will strengthen our economy and help build a more diversified, resilient and globally competitive capital region.”
– Sueling Ching, President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade