CCI Statement on Ontario’s New Cabinet

Today in Toronto, Premier Doug Ford was sworn in for a third term and announced his new cabinet. In response to the cabinet announcement, CCI’s Director of Ontario Affairs, Skaidra Puodžiūnas, issued the following statement on behalf of our membership:

"The economic reality Ontario faces today is vastly different from when the Progressive Conservatives first formed government seven years ago. To stay competitive, the province must move beyond outdated economic strategies and embrace bold, value-added strategies that secure better paycheques and a prosperous future for Ontario.

"With American trade hostilities escalating, Premier Ford and his cabinet must focus on strengthening domestic capacity in sectors where Ontario can lead globally—developing and exporting high-value products that the world needs, especially in health care, cybersecurity, and digital services. Ontario’s long-term prosperity depends on scaling homegrown firms that generate high and lasting economic value here, rather than relying on foreign direct investment models that benefit other economies more than our own.

"In his fight to protect Ontario, Premier Ford has signaled a shift away from buying American, but without a new approach and structural reforms, that goal remains unattainable. Strategic procurement can unlock Ontario-made technology to improve health care, modernize public services, and strengthen cybersecurity while bringing new wealth for Ontario. This must be a whole-of-government priority for this government under a renewed mandate.

"Now is the time for decisive action from this new cabinet. Ontario’s innovators stand ready to work with this government to drive economic resilience and long-term prosperity."

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Media Contact:
Skaidra Puodžiūnas
Director of Ontario Affairs
spuodziunas@canadianinnovators.org