The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) has had resolutions adopted to support some sectors of the local economy.
Resolutions calling for support of the Windsor-Essex wine industry and its growing electric vehicle sector got the support of other chambers at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) annual general meeting. The resolutions were submitted for OCC's Policy Compendium for 2023 to 2026. The 94-page draft compendium is a document that lays out key business issues.
WERCC CEO Rakesh Naidu said it did not take much convincing to see how vital these industries were to Windsor-Essex.
"After reaching out to our Chamber partners locally and across the province, we are pleased to see the level of support for our policy resolutions," said Naidu in a media release. "The issues covered by our submitted resolutions are key to the long-term success of our local economy. From the automotive sector to wine production, to our international students, these groups are key to our region’s prosperity."
According to the draft compendium, available on the official OCC website, the resolution on wine production was co-sponsored by chambers of commerce in Amherstburg and Leamington, as well as Prince Edward County.
"In 2015, the Ontario wine and grape industry contributed $4.4 billion to the Ontario economy, supported 18,000 jobs and hundreds of small family-owned businesses accounted, and attracted over 2.4 million tourists to wine country every year. This accounted for nearly half of Canada's wine and grape industry."
The resolution called on Queens Park to eliminate the import tax on Ontario-produced wines, cut out the alcohol manufacturer retail tax, and ensure the market has easy access to businesses regardless of size.
Naidu said there was overwhelming support for the resolution on electric vehicles.
"We know the future of the auto industry is electric and that it will require the necessary support, infrastructure, and workforce for the transition to be smooth for businesses and consumers," said Naidu.
That resolution asked the provincial government to start a rebate program to make EVs affordable, and a complete infrastructure plan as the industry takes hold in Ontario.
The WERCC also co-sponsored a resolution on international student entrepreneurs, which pointed out that in 2017, 170,000 jobs were created nationwide thanks to international student spending.
The wine and international student resolutions were "sunsetting", meaning they will be renewed for the latest compendium. The electric vehicle resolution is new.
The adopted compendium is expected to be ready by late spring or early summer.
