2016-03-04 Warden Tom Bain 9th Annual Warden's Luncheon speech

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2 Their advocacy efforts were successful in having PACA included in the federal Liberal campaign platform; now the government needs to act. 3. The Chamber will be shortly be bringing resolutions forward to the Ontario government on the impact on "cap and trade" on our agriculture -sector — stay tuned for that. It's a big issue with a lot of support across the Ontario Chamber network and we appreciate the Chamber's leadership and ongoing focus on the agriculture sector. In addition, I had the opportunity to raise the issue of "cap and trade" effects on small business during the Ministers' Bear Pit session at the recent Good Roads Conference. 4. Trans Pacific Partnership — we appreciate the Chamber's continued leadership on TPP Brenda and I went over to a Red Wings / Maple Leafs game a while ago and, as a surprise, I took her to an upscale restaurant. You know I don't drink, but Brenda ordered a nice glass of wine, which led her to ask what do a fine wine and the Toronto Maple Leafs have in common. Simple, I said — both spend lots of time in the cellar, both cost too much and both are enjoyed only on rare occasions. I am generally a pretty optimistic guy, but, lately, even my optimism is being tested. Turbulent economic times continue to confront us. Our region continues to experience the highest unemployment rate in the country at 9.6%, trending higher than the Ontario rate of 6.7% and the national rate of 7.2%. A low Canadian dollar, the recovering U.S. economy, low interest rates and low oil prices have collectively contributed to prompt pundits to suggest sluggish and marginal growth lie ahead for our region. A word of caution - if history has taught us anything, it is to be careful about making large bets on a low loonie. Goods sold into the U.S. do become more favourably priced, enabling products grown or manufactured in our region to be more attractive. However, as the Canadian dollar rebounds, any price advantage can quickly evaporate. The sustainability of Canadian export markets must be a function of product quality and value-added, and not at the whim of currency fluctuations. We seem to be facing a national sense of anxiety, fueled by geopolitical tensions and economic stagnation. How do we in Essex County combat this malaise? How will we position our region for economic prosperity? How will we stimulate job creation? How do we attract investment? How do we keep the best and brightest minds in our midst? Questions I repeatedly hear. My response? By focusing on those things that made our communities successful in the past — we need to continue to get our fundamentals right and we must, I repeat, we MUST reignite a spirit of collaboration and engagement and promote an environment that will foster innovation. I have mentioned this in years past, but I believe it bears repeating — municipalities rarely create jobs. Our focus as municipal leaders is to put in place conditions favourable for attracting investment. Three of the key environmental conditions that can be controlled locally are property taxes, a business friendly attitude and customer service.