A Message for our Members from MPP Brian Saunderson

Greetings to Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce Executive, Volunteers and Members,

Let me begin by acknowledging that the annual Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day, held on the last Friday of June, was well received and will now be observed each year. This day encourages Ontarians and Canadians to support local businesses and choose products proudly made in Ontario and across our country.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving growth and providing jobs across Simcoe–Grey and Ontario. In fact, 98% of businesses in Ontario are small businesses, employing nearly 2.5 million people across the province. Our government remains a strong supporter of these job creators and is committed to ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to thrive.

To protect Ontario’s economy from ongoing global uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs, we recently announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses.

We have also made record investments in programs that support entrepreneurs, including:

• Starter Company: which provides training and mentorship for entrepreneurs aged 18+ and offers grants up to $5,000.
• Summer Company Plus: which provides students between the ages of 15-29 who wish to start a full-time business over the summer with training and grants of up to $3,000.
• Futurpreneur: which provides mentorship and collateral free loans of up to $75,000 to expand the pipeline of youth-led Ontario companies.
• Digitalization Competence Centre: which is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation and supports businesses to develop Digital Modernization Plans. The DCC’s program budget is $10 million for 2022 to 2024.

Last month, I was pleased to welcome the Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, to Simcoe–Grey. Together, we toured Agnora and Pilkington, two leading local manufacturers. The Minister saw firsthand how foundational affordable, reliable, and clean energy is to Ontario’s manufacturing sector. He also recognized the contributions of our local workers and innovators, who are leading the way in the North American glass market.

I would welcome the opportunity to tour your business and learn more about the important work you and your team do. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office to arrange a visit.

Additional Funding Opportunities for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses:

Applications are now open for the following programs:

• Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF): provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses, build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.
• Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP): will help communities and local industries in Ontario navigate significant economic challenges caused by U.S. trade disruption.It supports local projects that align with Ontario’s key economic priorities of: Economic Resiliency, Supply-Chain Diversification, and Trade Partnerships.

If you have questions about these programs or need assistance accessing provincial services, please contact my office. My team and I are always available and committed to helping local businesses succeed. I remain dedicated to making Clearview, and all of Simcoe–Grey, a place where people and businesses can continue to grow and thrive.

Stayner Constituency Office Phone: (705) 428-2134

Email:

Wishing you all continued success during this busy summer season.

Yours Truly,

Brian Saunderson

MPP, Simcoe-Grey

Brian Saunderson has been the Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe-Grey since 2022. He is also the Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, as well as the Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing.  In 2024, Brian helped to bring over $500 million in provincial funding to Simcoe-Grey – an unprecedented amount for one year.