2025 State Of The Region

STATE OF THE REGION THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EMBASSY GRAND 8800 THE GORE RD BRAMPTON, ON L6P 0B1 CANADA

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STATE OF THE REGION THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

PROGRAM

10:00 am: Doors Open for Registration, Networking 11:00 am: Brampton Board of Trade Welcome Remarks 11:15 am: Peel Police Service Award Presentation 11:45 am: Caledon Chamber Welcome Remarks 11:50 am: Speaker: Gary Kent, CAO – Region of Peel 12:05 pm: Speaker: Daniel Tisch, OCC 12:40 pm: Mississauga Board of Trade Welcome Remarks 12:45 pm: Speaker: Karen Mazurkewich, Toronto Pearson 1:00 pm: Speaker: Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair 1:15 pm: Closing Remarks, Networking 2:00 pm: Event Ends

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STATE OF THE REGION

Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO, Brampton Board of Trade Welcome to the 2025 State of the Region Luncheon—an essential gathering of business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders from across Peel Region. We’re thrilled to once again unite the Brampton Board of Trade, the Mississauga Board of Trade, and the Caledon Chamber of Commerce for this signature event focused on insights, collaboration, and forward thinking as we map our collective future.

As economic landscapes shift both globally and domestically, it’s more important than ever for business and community leaders to come together with a shared purpose. From evolving trade conditions with the United States to the need for interprovincial cooperation, to fostering the sectors that will drive the economy of tomorrow, today’s discussions reflect a critical moment for reflection and bold decision-making.

Peel Region stands at a unique intersection of opportunity. As home to the Pearson Economic Zone, bringing together a deep pool of motivated talent alongside key industries driving innovation - whether in logistics, education, life sciences, food processing, manufacturing, or technology - this region has what it takes to set the pace for Canada’s next chapter of growth.

This luncheon isn’t just about updates—it’s about momentum. It’s a chance to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas, and build strategies that move our region forward. So let’s dig into the conversations ahead, meet new collaborators, and keep building a stronger, more resilient Peel for today and tomorrow.

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Trevor McPherson President and CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade The Mississauga Board of Trade is once again proud to join the Brampton Board of Trade and the Caledon Chamber of Commerce at today’s 2025 State of the Region. This annual gathering is an opportunity to align on shared priorities, exchange ideas, and shape the future of our interconnected communities.

In recent months, our nation has been challenged on several fronts. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding our economic relationship with the United States—our largest trading partner —has forced political and business leaders, labour groups, academia, and everyday Canadians to re-evaluate our collective risk tolerance. The spectre of tariff-based trade policies poses an existential threat to our long-term prosperity and quality of life across the Region of Peel.

At the same time, this moment of challenge presents an opportunity. It underscores the urgent need to dismantle long-standing internal trade barriers here at home—barriers that continue to frustrate business growth across provincial lines. It also reinforces the imperative to diversify Canada’s trade portfolio by expanding our presence in non-U.S. export markets. These outcomes are essential if we are to safeguard employment, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth for future generations.

Fortunately, the Region of Peel is uniquely positioned to lead. From the Pearson Economic Zone—an economic engine employing over 500,000 people and generating more than $70 billion in GDP annually—to our globally connected talent base and thriving sectors in manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, and information technology, we have the tools to succeed. With strategic public policy and a bold vision, we can convert our regional strengths into a lasting global advantage.

Let’s use today’s dialogue as a springboard for meaningful action. Let’s focus not only on the art of the deal, but on the art of the possible. Engage with your local chamber or board of trade. Be part of a collective voice that’s working to turn challenges into opportunities— and find the optimism and momentum that can often feel elusive in today’s complex world.

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STATE OF THE REGION Marion Upshall President, Caledon Chamber of Commerce The Caledon Chamber of Commerce is delighted to join our esteemed colleagues from the Brampton Board of Trade and the Mississauga Board of Trade for today’s 2025 State of the Region Luncheon.

As we explore where the Region of Peel is headed in these economic times, Caledon remains committed to responsible growth, sustainability, and community well-being. With a strong agricultural heritage, thriving businesses, and a focus on environmental stewardship, we continue to build a prosperous and inclusive future.

In partnership with the Town of Caledon and through our participation in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s monthly and weekly meetings, the Caledon Chamber of Commerce remains engaged in discussions on Ontario’s tariff situation, ensuring our business community stays informed and up to date.

Caledon is actively addressing tariff challenges that impact our local economy while advocating for fair trade policies to support our farmers and businesses. Working alongside our regional partners, we are building a strong, forward-thinking community that embraces both tradition and innovation.

www.caledonchamberofcommerce.ca

STATE OF THE REGION THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT COLLABORATORS

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STATE OF THE REGION PRESENTING THE POLICE SERVICES AWARD IS

SUPERINTENDENT FERAS ISMAIL A/Superintendent Feras Ismail is a 23-year member of the Peel Regional Police and has worked in various areas including Uniform Patrol, the Street Crime and Gang Units, the Intelligence Security Section, the Training Bureau, and is now working in Community Safety and Wellbeing Services.

A recognized counter-terrorism and hate crimes expert, his operational experience, coupled with his community engagement and crime prevention work, have enabled him to play a pivotal role in the development of various organizational policies and training programs designed to build internal capacity to prevent and respond to hate motivated crime and violent extremism.

A/Supt. Ismail holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from McMaster University and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph. He is the current co-chair of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee, a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) – Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Subcommittee and a member of the National Hate Crimes Task Force. He is also the recipient of the 2020 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award and was appointed to the Canadian Order of Merit of the Police Forces in November, 2024.

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CONGRATULATIONS! 2025 PEEL REGIONAL POLICE POLICE SERVICES AWARD RECIPIENT

Constable Jerome Sta. Maria Peel Regional Police Constable Jerome Sta. Maria #2798 has 22 years of policing experience with Peel Regional Police. He has a diverse background in investigative and community policing, having spent time in Uniform Patrol, the Neighborhood Policing Unit, the Criminal Investigations Bureau, the Break and Enter Unit, and the Fraud Bureau. He is now a proud member of the Community Safety and Well-Being Unit, specializing in Youth Engagement.

With his family as his inspiration, Jerome finds creative ways to engage youth through the programs he develops or is involved in within the community. His ability to authentically connect with kids and relate to the experiences they are going through, with the goal of inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves, helps build trust between himself, Peel Regional Police, and the youth in the community.

As much as Jerome speaks about his Rexdale upbringing, he also boasts about his time as a member of the community here in Peel. His experiences over the past 22 years as part of the Mississauga and Brampton communities have helped shape him into the man he is today, inspiring him to follow his passion for giving back to the community without expectation.

This selfless attitude and mentality are the mindset and message that Jerome tries to deliver to youth in the community. With this message as the foundation of his daily interactions with youth, he attributes much of his success in connecting with kids to their willingness to listen and accept this message from him as a police officer, as well as to their courage and confidence in practicing this mindset daily with each other in the community.

Jerome has been recognized in the past for his work in the community: 2023 – Recipient of the Community Officer of the Year Award from the Mississauga Chinese Business Association 2024 – Recipient of the Most Innovative Police Youth Program Award – ProAction Cops and Kids

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STATE OF THE REGION Daniel Tisch is a business, public policy, and community leader with expertise in corporate communications, public engagement, and reputation management. He led Argyle Communications’ growth into Canada’s largest independent firm, advised the Canadian government, and lectures at Queen’s University. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Daniel Tisch CEO Ontario Chamber of Commerce Karen Mazurkewich, vice-president of stakeholder relations and communications joined Toronto Pearson in July 2022. She has built an in-house media team, undertook corporate and employee rebrands, and created teams to support the 10-year Pearson LIFT (long-term investment in facilities and terminals) program which was announced in April 2024.

Karen Mazurkewich VP Stakeholder Relations & Communications Toronto Pearson International Airport www.bramptonbot.com

STATE OF THE REGION Gary Kent is the Chief Administrative Officer of Peel Region, overseeing services and infrastructure for 1.5 million residents and 200,000 businesses. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and Fellow of ACCA, he holds the ICD.D designation from U of T’s Rotman School. With 30 years in senior municipal roles, including CFO for Peel and Mississauga, he brings deep expertise in public administration.

He serves on the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Board and stays active in his community, where he has lived in Mississauga with his family for his entire Canadian life.

Gary Kent, CPA, CGA, ICD.D Chief Administrative Officer Peel Region Chair Nando Iannicca was appointed Regional Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Region of Peel by Regional Council in 2018. Prior to his position as Regional Chair, he served as City and Regional Councillor for the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel for 30 years. His leadership spans roles on the Peel Police Services Board, Enersource/Hydro Board, and Credit Valley Conservation Board. A dedicated community volunteer, he’s contributed to the Trillium Hospital Foundation, Red Cross, and more, earning the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. As Chair, he leads Regional Council, represents Peel at all government levels, and oversees key committees, including the Board of Health and Peel Police Services Board.

Nando Iannicca Regional Chair and CEO Peel Region www.peelregion.com

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