George Brown Polytechnic welcomed the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Ontario Business Advisory Council (OBAC) to its Waterfront Campus on December 8th for a forward-looking discussion on Ontario's economic future and workforce readiness. The event brought together business leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore strategies for building a strong talent pipeline that connects education directly to industry needs.
Driving growth through education and workforce initiatives
Leslie Quinlan, Senior Vice-President of People Enablement and Experience, opened the event by emphasizing George Brown's role in preparing job-ready graduates and supporting Ontario's economic growth. Attendees also had an opportunity to tour Limberlost Place, the polytechnic's new mass-timber, zero-carbon building a symbol of sustainability and innovation in education.
The highlight of the event was the fireside chat moderated by Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, who shared insights on Ontario's economic landscape, talent needs, and growth opportunities. His remarks reinforced the province's commitment to aligning education with industry demands and fostering innovation to maintain Ontario's competitive advantage.
Ontario's economic momentum
Despite global uncertainty, Ontario's economy continues to show resilience and growth. Last year alone, the province attracted 409 international companies, secured $40 billion in investment, and created over 24,000 new jobs, supported by major commitments in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. While global competition remains fierce, Ontario continues to leverage its stability, educated workforce, and leadership in clean energy to attract investors.
Building a talent pipeline
Central to Ontario's economic success is talent development. This focus highlights a simple truth: skilled workers drive investment and economic growth.
To address critical labour shortages in high-demand fields, Ontario has introduced targeted tuition programs for STEM, healthcare, and skilled trades. These initiatives aim to remove barriers for students entering essential professions and bolster the talent pipeline in sectors vital to Ontario's economic future. These emerging partnerships between business and education mark a new era of collaboration, positioning Ontario as a global leader in workforce readiness.
For the education sector, increased funding and industry partnerships enable institutions to respond more effectively to market demands while preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. This integrated approach ensures that Ontario remains competitive, innovative, and ready for the future.
Collaboration for competitiveness
The event emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between government, business, and education sectors to strengthen Ontario's competitiveness, workforce readiness, and sustainable economic growth. By aligning education with industry needs and investing in skills development, the province is not only preparing students for success but also attracting billions in global investment.
George Brown extends its gratitude to Minister Fedeli, Daniel Tisch, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and OBAC members for an engaging and forward-thinking dialogue. Together, we are shaping a future where education and economic growth go hand in hand.
