A Federal Mandate for Competitiveness

Trevor McPherson

President & CEO | Mississauga Board of Trade

With renewed momentum in Mississauga and beyond, businesses are looking to Ottawa for clear direction and bold action. With a new federal government in place led by a new Prime Minister, now is the time to reset priorities and lay the groundwork for a more competitive and productive Canada. And the business community - especially here in Mississauga, Ontario’s secondlargest economy - is ready to do its part.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce have put forward a compelling set of policy recommendations that should guide the federal government’s early actions.

These priorities align closely with the realities and aspirations of Mississauga’s diverse economic sectors—from advanced manufacturing, smart logistics and life sciences to food processing, goods movement and fintech.

Tearing Down Trade Barriers

Canada continues to be hamstrung by internal trade barriers that restrict the free flow of goods, services, and labour across provincial borders. In a country as vast as ours, that is not just inefficient—it is costly. Mississauga’s thriving transportation and logistics sector, a national hub due to our proximity to Pearson Airport and key highways, suffers when supply chains are delayed by inconsistent provincial

regulations. Removing these barriers, as recommended by both Chambers, would immediately improve competitiveness and unlock billions in economic potential. The Province of Ontario’s recent progress in this area in signing agreements with several provinces and introducing legislation (Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act) in an encouraging first step. It is also encouraging that Canada now has a Cabinet Minister responsible for this important file.

Rebuilding the Foundations of Growth

Canada’s productivity levels continue to lag our international peers, threatening long-term prosperity. One way to reverse this trend is to reduce red tape and modernize our tax and regulatory frameworks. For instance, the federal government should make permanent the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which allows businesses to fully deduct investments in equipment— critical for manufacturers in Mississauga. It should also reform outdated tax rules and sunset the proposed Digital Services Tax, which increases costs for consumers and businesses alike and serves as an additional irritant in the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade negotiations.

Investing in People and Innovation

Our members consistently tell us that access to talent remains a top concerns. We support calls for federal programs—like the Immigration Levels Plan and Temporary Foreign Worker Program—to be signed with regional labour market needs. Mississauga's growing life sciences and tech sectors depend on highly skilled workers, yet credential recognition delays and siloed immigration policies often leave talent on the sidelines. A national strategy and faster foreign credential recognition would help full critical labour gaps while also strengthening our communities. Of course, this should be balances with action to address the current housing shortage. At the same time, government must encourage business-led innovation. Expanding the SR&ED tax credit and introducing a "patent box" regime to commercialize Canadian research would position us to lead in areas like AI, fintech, and greentech—fields where Mississauga companies are already making thier mark. A patent box would lower taxes on IP-related revenues, encouraging innovative corporate activities and investments.

Infrastructure That Moves the Economy

Strategic investments in trade-enabling infrastructure must also be a priority. From high-speed rail links to smart port facilities and digital infrastructure, these projects do not just support business, they build long-term national capacity. Mississauga's growth depends on seamless connectivity, both physical and digital. Whether it is life-saving pharmaceuticals that need to move swiftly across the country or expanding broadband to support remote work and AI development, infrastructure matters.

Championing Business Enabling Communities

As always, the Mississauga Board of Trade will continue to champion public policies that reduce barriers to growth and improve productivity. We believe that a competitive private sector is the engine of prosperity—and that government revenues grow not by raising taxes, but by expanding the economy. Only then can Canada sustainably fund investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the pressing social challenges we face, including crime, housing, and addictions.

The Mississauga Board of Trade and our members stand ready to collaborate for a stronger future for Canada and our community.