Ontario Economic Summit 2007

November 14-15, 2007
(Grand Opening Reception: evening of November 13)

WHITE OAKS CONFERENCE RESORT & SPA
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

In three short years, the Ontario Economic Summit (OES) has developed into the central forum for influential leaders in the province to share knowledge and insights, inspire each other and collectively seize new opportunities to move the economy of Ontario forward. Leaders from business, labour, academia and government have collectively acknowledged that while we have tremendous economic strengths to share with the world, we can do much more.

The 4th Annual Economic Summit builds on this collective spirit and the important initiatives that have been undertaken through the OES. Past participants have overwhelmingly endorsed the theme of stewardship, a premise that underpins all three sessions presented at this year’s Summit. Each session will approach the stewardship theme from a distinct angle, examining how a prudent and proactive approach to managing not only Ontario’s environmental resources, but also its economic, social and infrastructure assets, is critical to advancing the province’s success.

I. Competitive Communities

A prosperous Ontario tomorrow means strong and sound communities today. How can the province’s communities re-engineer themselves to meet new challenges in the global economy? What are current obstacles and solutions to enhancing community economic development efforts? This session will look “beyond the borders” to consider what unites a community besides geographic boundaries or local governments. How can factors such as social and human capital, industry clusters, resource assets and economic needs shape local requirements and invigorate community development efforts?

II. The Infrastructure Challenge

Increasingly challenged transportation infrastructure, aging water supply and old sanitation systems threaten Ontario’s economic growth prospects. Sound stewardship and planning in these areas is paramount to the province’s future success. Featuring a guest speaker followed by a panel discussion, this session provides participants with the opportunity to hear and challenge speakers on their views of how Ontario’s infrastructure must develop in order to position Ontario for continued growth.

III. Ontario’s International Stewardship: Beyond the Moral Imperative

Can social investment co-exist with economic prosperity? These sessions address the linkages between international stewardship, sustainable growth and competitiveness with a focus on two main topics:

• Is it important for Ontario to play a leadership role in areas of global health, fair trade, and community development? How can the economy benefit?

• How can stewardship of Ontario’s environment and energy resources result in a more competitive and innovative Ontario in the global economic arena?

Spotlight Issue: “Hollowing Out or Holding Our Own?”
Foreign Acquisitions of Corporate Canada

In addition to the above discussion areas, the 2007 OES will feature an enlightened and timely debate on the issue of foreign acquisitions of Canadian corporations and the implication on future economic growth for Ontario and Canada.