Election Briefing: What Ontario Innovators Need to Scale

When Ontarians head to the polls on February 27, the province’s economic future will be on the line. Rising costs, declining productivity, and mounting global trade pressures—including the looming threat of U.S. tariffs—are making it harder for Ontario businesses to scale, compete, and succeed.

Ontario’s innovation economy is at a crossroads. While the province is home to world-class talent, cutting-edge technology, and high-growth firms, these companies face structural barriers to scaling up, including limited access to capital, procurement challenges, and increasing competition for top talent. Each party seeking to form government must put forward a clear, forward-looking economic plan that prioritizes innovation as the key to long-term prosperity.

To inform this crucial conversation, the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is proud to release What Ontario Innovators Need to Scale, a policy platform designed to fortify Ontario’s economic security and long-term prosperity. This comprehensive guide outlines the policies and strategic investments needed to ensure that Ontario’s fastest-growing companies can thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Key Recommendations for Ontario’s Next Government

Ontario has all the ingredients to be a global leader in innovation, but decisive action is needed. CCI’s recommendations include:

• Strengthening Ontario’s Leadership in National Security and Economic Resilience – Ensuring Ontario’s economy is protected from global shocks and supply chain disruptions by investing in cybersecurity, securing trade relationships, and prioritizing local innovation.
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• Expanding Capital Support for Ontario’s Innovators – Addressing critical funding gaps for scale-ups by improving access to venture capital, introducing co-investment strategies, and ensuring government funding drives measurable economic outcomes.
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• Bolstering Ontario’s Economy Through Strategic Procurement – Making Ontario a priority in government purchasing decisions by reducing procurement red tape, supporting local innovators, and ensuring the province competes on a level playing field with U.S. firms benefiting from ‘Buy American’ policies.
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• Lowering Healthcare Costs by Accelerating Innovation Adoption – Leveraging homegrown healthtech solutions to drive down system-wide costs, improve patient outcomes, and streamline procurement processes to move beyond pilots and toward large-scale adoption.
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• Addressing Ontario’s Tech Talent Shortage – Expanding work-integrated learning programs, investing in upskilling and retraining initiatives, and ensuring Ontario’s best and brightest can build their careers in the province rather than being lured away by foreign firms.
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Why This Matters

Ontario’s next government has a unique opportunity to position the province as a global leader in innovation. The policies outlined in this document are not theoretical—they are practical, tested, and backed by the experience of CEOs leading Ontario’s fastest-growing companies.

Political parties must recognize that innovation is not a single sector of our economy—it is the foundation of all sectors in Ontario’s future economy. By prioritizing policies that support high-growth firms, secure investment, and modernize economic strategies, Ontario can emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for global competition.

CCI’s Director of Ontario Affairs, Skaidra Puodžiūnas, captured the urgency of this moment in CCI’s statement as the election kicked off:

“This election comes at a pivotal moment for Ontario’s economy. In addition to domestic pressures, escalating trade tensions with our largest trading partner threaten key industries and the competitiveness of Ontario businesses. The stakes are high, and Ontario needs a clear and bold economic strategy to support homegrown innovation, scale domestic companies, and strengthen our province’s resilience.”

“Ontario’s next government has a unique opportunity to make innovation a cornerstone of its economic agenda. We urge all parties to present ambitious plans that prioritize scaling homegrown companies, investing in future-defining industries, and fostering an environment where Ontario innovators can thrive on the world stage.”

📥 Download the full report here:

As the election unfolds, CCI looks forward to engaging with all parties to advocate for the policies Ontario’s innovators need to scale. To get in touch with Skaidra, email her at spuodziunas@canadianinnovators.org.

Stay informed—subscribe to CCI’s Info Alert service for updates on Ontario’s innovation economy and election advocacy.

Media Contacts

S‍kaidra Puodziunas
‍spuodziunas@canadianinnovators.org

James McLeod
‍jmcleod@canadianinnovator.org