| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (April 24th, 2025) – The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC) is attending the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Windsor this Thursday through Saturday, where Chambers across Ontario come together to shape the advocacy priorities of Ontario’s business community. In addition to the numerous policy resolutions the SSMCOC will be supporting to benefit our business community, there are four specific policy resolutions that have been co-sponsored by the SSMCOC. These four policy resolutions address critical economic and social challenges affecting Northern Ontario and communities across the province.
Resolution 1: Supporting Ontario’s Steel Industry and Supply Chain Clusters Background Ontario’s steel industry—including local producer Algoma Steel—is vital to Ontario’s economic strength, directly employing 16,000 people and supporting over 53,000 additional jobs. This industry faces significant challenges due to unfair competition, market instability, and rising costs related to decarbonization and energy transitions. Recommendations:
- Develop a coordinated Steel Manufacturing Strategy, prioritizing infrastructure investments.
- Expand procurement policies to prioritize Canadian steel in public projects.
- Implement a Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) to ensure fair competition against international steel producers.
Resolution 2: Sustainable Biomass Energy Expansion Background Biomass heat and power generation plays a crucial role in Ontario’s economy, diverting waste fibre from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass operations create local jobs and are essential to sustainable forestry management and economic development in Northern Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie. Recommendations:
- Renew existing Biomass Power Purchase Agreements for at least 10 years.
- Expand the volume of fibre procurement to increase regional economic benefits and reduce waste.
- Increase biomass generation capacity in regional communities.
- Develop policies supporting cogeneration, district energy systems, and investments in local infrastructure.
- Encourage the development of additional biomass facilities as a cost-effective alternative to new transmission infrastructure.
Resolution 3: Bridging the Digital Divide with a “Dig Once” Broadband Strategy Background Rural, remote, and First Nations communities across Northern Ontario face significant gaps in broadband internet access, which negatively impacts economic growth and community development. A provincial “Dig Once” policy would greatly reduce costs, streamline broadband deployment, and improve connectivity across underserved regions. Recommendations:
- Mandate conduit and fibre installation in all public infrastructure projects through a standardized provincial "Dig Once" policy.
- Strengthen municipal broadband deployment best practices and permitting processes.
- Collaborate with federal partners to incentivize private-sector broadband investments.
- Prioritize alternative broadband solutions, such as satellite internet, in remote regions.
Resolution 4: Addressing Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addictions Background Communities across Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, face increasing social issues related to homelessness, mental health, and addiction challenges. Businesses have felt the impact through increased operational costs and safety concerns. A comprehensive provincial strategy is needed to address these issues effectively and compassionately. Recommendations:
- Create and fund a provincial strategy to end chronic homelessness, including 5,700 new housing units and support spaces.
- Ensure availability of social service outreach teams to support marginalized individuals in partnership with local police.
- Implement recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2024 Opioid Strategy report.
- Review Mental Health Act regulations related to mandatory compassionate care.
- Coordinate provincial efforts across ministries addressing homelessness, mental health, and addictions.
- Monitor and assess new legislation (Safer Municipalities Act, 2024) effectiveness in managing public spaces.
- Incentivize municipalities to develop low-barrier supportive housing solutions.
Jason Naccarato, President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, states: “These four policy resolutions address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Sault Ste. Marie and communities across Northern Ontario. By presenting them at the Ontario Chamber AGM, we’re ensuring that our region’s priorities—grounded in economic strength, infrastructure equity, and social responsibility—are front and center in provincial advocacy.”
He continues: “Supporting Algoma Steel and Ontario’s broader steel industry is essential to protecting thousands of high-quality jobs and securing our domestic supply chain. At the same time, expanding sustainable biomass energy represents a clear competitive advantage for our region. With abundant fibre resources, existing infrastructure, and deep expertise, Northern Ontario is uniquely positioned to lead in renewable heat and power. Coupled with bold strategies to close the digital divide and address homelessness and addiction, these resolutions lay the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber remains dedicated to advocating for the region’s businesses, workers, and communities to build a prosperous future for Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario.
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