At the 2024 Ontario Economic Summit, business, academic, and government leaders converged to address the province's economic challenges and opportunities. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for navigating economic uncertainty and future-proofing the economic landscape. Ministers from federal and provincial governments led roundtable discussions on critical economic priorities and potential pathways for sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.
The summit's fireside chat featured George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon and Barbara Zvan, President of University Pension Plan Ontario, who explored several pivotal economic themes, including workforce and infrastructure challenges, global trade and diversification, and sustainable finance and climate adaptation.
Economic resilience and partnerships
Dr. Fearon emphasized the importance of aligning education with the aspirations of students and the needs of industry and society, particularly in emerging electric vehicles and artificial intelligence sectors. He stressed the critical role of educational institutions in preparing students for rapidly evolving labour markets, technological advancements and societal developments.
"We're reimagining education's role in national competitiveness. By aligning educational institutions, industry, and government, we can transform technological potential into revolutionary advancements that position Canada at the forefront of global innovation," said Dr. Fearon.
He added, "Technology is the bridge between education and industry. At our institution, we're not just teaching skills; we're actively collaborating with employers to ensure our students are equipped with the cutting-edge technologies they'll encounter in real-world workplaces."
Looking Forward
The speakers advocated for economic resilience through a multi-faceted strategy: collaborative engagement across academic, government, non-profit, and indigenous sectors; strategic investments in productivity-enhancing training and technology; and developing inclusive growth strategies that create opportunities across diverse societal segments.
The summit's overarching message was one of cautious optimism. As Dr. Fearon noted, leadership in uncertain times requires meeting people where they are, using data-driven analysis, and avoiding overly simplistic solutions. We have the obligation and opportunity to contribute to the capacity and success of our students to meet the challenges and possibilities of the future with confidence and the skills to succeed. Working together across society and institutions, we can do it!
