On June 20th, over 320 business, political, and community leaders gathered for the Brampton Board of Trade’s Vision for Prosperity brunch featuring Premier Doug Ford as well as a fireside chat with Cabinet Ministers. The event reflected the growing importance of Brampton in the provincial conversation and served as a platform for deep, direct dialogue on Ontario’s economic and social future.
Event Recap: A Full House and a Clear Message
The sold-out event underscored just how vital the relationship between Brampton and the Province of Ontario has become. As the third-largest city in Ontario, and one of the fastest-growing and youngest communities in Canada, Brampton is increasingly seen as a bellwether for the province’s prosperity. It’s a sentiment shared not only by local leaders but echoed at Queen’s Park, where Brampton continues to secure transformative investments in hospitals, downtown development, and transit infrastructure.
Preceded by remarks from Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown that emphasized the city’s focus on growth and commitment to partnering with the province, Premier Ford’s keynote focused on the theme of Protecting Ontario – emphasizing workforce resilience, infrastructure investments, and protecting local industry from global economic pressures, including the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building the province’s economic capacity through highway expansion, transit development, and support for job creators.
The event was also attended by an impressive list of dignitaries, including:
- Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier & Minister of Health
- Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
- Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism
- Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
- Additional MPPs, regional and municipal elected officials from Peel, Caledon, Mississauga, Orangeville, Centre Wellington, and representatives from multiple ministries
Following the Premier’s remarks, I had the privilege of moderating a fireside chat with the local Cabinet Ministers. Topics included:
- Progress on Brampton’s second hospital and advocacy for a third, including a new cancer care centre
- Connecting newcomers with in-demand jobs through upskilling and workforce alignment
- Investment in downtown transit, including LRT and bus rapid transit initiatives
However, one of the most significant and timely discussions centered around Bill 5, the newly passed legislation enabling the designation of Special Economic Zones across Ontario.
Keep Moving Fast, But Not Without Consultation
Bill 5 introduces sweeping powers that allow the Province to fast-track infrastructure and development projects while bypassing the requirement for traditional stakeholder consultation. Although aimed at reducing red tape and unlocking job-creating opportunities, the bill has sparked concern, particularly around its implications for Indigenous communities, environmental protections, and long-term accountability.
As a business organization, we understand the urgency to move major projects forward, especially those tied to economic competitiveness, workforce development, and regional prosperity. However, we also believe that consultation is not an obstacle to progress; it’s a prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Here’s why:
- Verbal assurances aren’t policy. While Ministers at our event reaffirmed their intention to consult—calling it an “ongoing process”—there are currently no legislative guarantees. Relying on goodwill alone is not sufficient, especially when future governments may interpret or apply the law differently
- Bypassing consultation may backfire. Ironically, a law meant to expedite development could actually cause delays. Legal challenges, public protests, and a loss of stakeholder trust can all slow progress and raise costs
- Consultation without information is hollow. When projects move ahead without required studies or clear disclosures, affected communities including First Nations are left without the data they need to meaningfully engage. That isn’t consultation – it’s notification
- Unclear criteria breeds uncertainty. The legislation does not provide clear standards or a transparent process for how Special Economic Zones will be designated. While many assume the Ring of Fire region will be among the first, communities like Brampton are left wondering: How can we advocate for our own priority projects? What qualifies? What’s the process?
We believe we don’t have to choose between moving fast and doing things right. In fact, cutting corners often adds time and cost in the long run, as we’re forced to revisit, rework, or defend decisions that weren’t made transparently or inclusively.
A Collaborative Path Forward
We need clear, binding criteria for designating Special Economic Zones. The process must be transparent, with a commitment to:
- Engaging stakeholders early and broadly, including Indigenous nations, municipalities, businesses, and civil society
- Publishing data and impact assessments so that consultation is informed and not symbolic
- Prioritizing local procurement and labour to ensure communities benefit directly
- Investing in capacity-building and training to ensure long-term economic returns
And importantly, we urge the Province to view organizations like the Brampton Board of Trade as partners in consultation; not just on paper, but in practice. The diversity of leadership in the room at our Vision for Prosperity event demonstrated the unique ability of Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce to bring people together across sectors, industries, and political perspectives to engage in conversations on policy and provincial decision-making.
We are ready and willing to facilitate conversations that ensure Brampton and Ontario’s economic growth happens with purpose, equity, and lasting benefit.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our many sponsors. Their commitment to civic dialogue and business leadership is essential to the success of gatherings like these. We’re grateful for their partnership in helping shape a prosperous future for our region.
