THUNDER BAY -- Northern Ontario's business voices are calling for economic development to be the "first and over-riding principle" as the province develops its long-term energy plan.
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce issued a joint submission with business leaders from across the region to the province as Ontario designs its 20-year Long Term Energy Plan, which is scheduled to be tabled in 2017.
Their submission called for transparency in billing as well as a better understanding of how Ontario will transition into a lower-carbon economy but its top priority was requesting assurance Ontario's business climate won't be impacted by the government's plan to confront climate change.
“Ontario is at a turning point in its planning process regarding the future energy needs of the province," Thunder Bay chamber president Charla Robinson said in a release.
"In order for businesses in Northwestern Ontario to grow and succeed, it is imperative that future energy policies respect the concerns of businesses and support future economic growth.”
The submission pointed out the relative expense businesses face in Northern Ontario, specifically related to rising electricity costs, "harsher" seasonal climates and greater transportation costs.
It also registers its concern over the well-being of firms in the region's resource extraction sector, which are deemed to be among the largest provinical energy users.
Considering the potential growth and return of the extractive sectors, Robinson said the north needs to maintain its competitiveness in attracting and retaining business.
Other parties signatory to the submission include Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, and Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
According to an Ontario Chamber of Commerce report issued earlier this year, one in every 20 businesses across the province expects to close its doors by 2021 due to rising electricity prices and 38 per cent of respondents predict those costs will delay or cancel investments, which will decrease profit.
