Premier Doug Ford and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, wrapped up their two-day trip to the Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association on Sunday. Discussions with key U.S. governors and business leaders focused on investment and trade.
“Our close economic ties have proven time and time again to be a benefit to people in Ontario and the U.S. by creating new jobs and new opportunities,” said Premier Ford. “I took that message to my colleagues in Washington, D.C. — we will continue to work together to create the right conditions for businesses to invest and grow on both sides of the border.”
At a roundtable event with business leaders, Premier Ford unveiled the Ontario government’s new strategy for trade with the U.S., which he says will expand opportunities for businesses to grow and create jobs on both sides of the border.
The strategy includes pursuing strategic investment and procurement agreements (SIPAs) with U.S. states, which would seek to secure improved access to government procurement opportunities in U.S. states for Ontario businesses.
Premier Ford also had discussions with key officials, including U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Acting Ambassador of Canada to the United States Kirsten Hillman.
He also met with of U.S. state governors from Wisconsin, Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, Arizona, Ohio and Illinois, as well as governors from the Mexican states of Querétaro and Baja California Sur, discussing ways to work together to remove trade barriers, create good jobs and strengthen economic ties.
At a National Governors Association plenary session, Ford highlighted Ontario’s leadership in infrastructure procurement and using public-private partnerships to deliver large, complex projects. He also invited governors to participate in the upcoming NGA Infrastructure Study Tour in Toronto.
“Trade and investment are essential for Ontario’s growth, competitiveness, and job creation,” said Minister Fedeli. “By travelling to Washington, our government is ensuring Ontario is well-positioned to increase trade and unlock opportunities for Ontario businesses, making it easier to succeed in today’s globally competitive world.”
Ford and Fedeli travelled to Dallas, Texas to meet with Consular General Rachel McCormick and business leaders to further the province’s important trading and investment relationship with the U.S. state.
Strategic Investment and Procurement Agreements (SIPAs) with U.S. states would seek to secure improved access to government procurement opportunities in U.S. states for Ontario businesses, and identify key actions to enhance and promote overall investment flows between Ontario and U.S. states.