Each
year the Burlington Chamber's Political Action Committee
hosts a series of forums to discuss the current political issues
facing your business. This is your opportunity to let local politicians know
what is important to you. Whether it's municipal issues addressed by Mayor
Cam Jackson, regional issues with Regional Chair Gary Carr, provincial issues
with Joyce Savoline MPP or federal issues with Mike Wallace MP, or other important
issues addressed by senior policy-makers from government, we help
you stay on top what's important to your business and, more importantly,
give you the opportunity to talk directly to politicians.
RECENT
BUSINESS FORUMS
BUSINESS FORUM WITH JOSEPH BRANT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
On October 29, the Chamber is hosting a Business Forum with the Joseph
Brant Memorial Hospital. Our featured guests will be Eric Vandewall, President & CEO of JBMH, and Peter Vankessel, Board Chair of
JBMH. Following a short presentation by Messrs Vendewall and
Vankessel, we will open the microphone to the audience to ask questions
about JBMH's proposed expansion and future operating plans. This
event will provide a unique opportunity for you to speak directly with
the chief policy makers at JBMH.
BUSINESS FORUM WITH MIKE WALLACE M.P.
The
Political Action Committee’s first Business Forum of 2009 featured
recently re-elected Burlington Member of Parliament Mike Wallace as the
guest speaker. The event, sponsored by BDO Dunwoody, was very
popular, seeing the largest Business Forum audience in several years.
In his brief presentation, Mr. Wallace talked about the recent political
upheaval in Ottawa and while it did create some problems for the country
“It did get people talking about politics.”
On the recent budget he explained that, while the conservative
government is normally uncomfortable with deficits, it was necessary to
bring in a deficit budget to stimulate the economy.
At 1.9%, the Canadian stimulus package is in line with the 2%
proposed by the G20 group of countries.
While the focus of the stimulus package is infrastructure
spending, Wallace was quick to point out some of the benefits for small
business; reductions in taxes, freezing the EI rates and extending
workfare by 14 weeks. As with all Business Forums, the highlight
of the event was the question and answer session and Wallace brought a
frank and open approach to all the issues.
Questions from the audience covered topics such as
training, transit, infrastructure, government accountability and bailout
money. On the local front,
Wallace has advocated for funding for the sewage treatment plant
upgrade, the Waterdown Road interchange, the Lift Bridge renewal and
McMaster University.
BUSINESS
FORUM WITH MAYOR CAM JACKSON
Our March 20,
2008 Business Forum featured Mayor Cam Jackson and gave attendees the opportunity to
discuss specifics of city priorities, both capital and operating with
our Mayor.
The one-hour event featured a 20 minute presentation by Mayor Jackson
followed by a 40 minute question and answer session. The Q&A
featured questions on the
Burlington Performing Arts Centre, the proposed hospital expansion, the city budget,
development charges, transportation and
McMaster Univeristy. This Business Forum was proudly sponsored by Booker
& Associates.
BUSINESS
FORUM WITH JOYCE SAVOLINE MPP
Our February 12,
2008 Business Forum featured Joyce
Savoline, newly elected MPP for Burlington. Ms. Savoline's
presentation focussed on her key issues as Burlington MPP and Education
Critic. There were several questions from the audience about
funding for capital projects in Burlington, primarily the proposed
hospital expansion and the Performing Arts Centre. Attendees also
asked about health care for seniors, housing and black-focused schools.
BUSINESS
FORUM WITH THE CHAIR OF THE GTTA
The Burlington Chamber Political
Action Committee hosted a Business Forum with Rob
MacIsaac, the newly named Chair of the Greater Toronto Transportation
Authority. Mr. MacIsaac outlined the current status of establishing the
GTTA and developing key strategies. Key is ensuring the GTTA, along with
the Greenbelt and Places to Grow concepts, supports growth in the area.
The highlight of the morning was the Q & A session, hosted by
Vice-Chair Rosalene Phillips, where the
audience asked Mr. MacIsaac questions about regional transportation.
Go to our Advocacy page
for details.
BUSINESS
FORUM WITH TREASURY BOARD PRESIDENT
The Chamber of Commerce partnered with Mike Wallace, M.P. to
host an information session featuring the Honourable John Baird,
President of the Treasury Board. Read the details on our Advocacy
page.
To Sponsor
a
Business Forum
Contact keith@burlingtonchamber.com
for more information about sponsoring a Business Forum or any other Chamber
event.
