Wait, there's an election in Ontario?
There is - and here's how the next government can boost our small business ecosystem.
*He loves me*
*He loves me not*
Tariffs are off for 30 days. But the uncertainty is the worst part, isn't it? Businesses can't operate on a 30 day plan.
So, as many others have said, this changes nothing about what #TeamCanada does next - build internal capacity and bolster international trade with partners who value what Canada has - and what we're all building next.
While all eyes are on tariffs, there's an election happening in Ontario. Liliana Camacho & I have been working on some bold ideas for the Better Way Alliance that would help boost Canada's internal resilience:
1️⃣ Create a Local Ownership Mortgage Program
Toronto retail rent jumped 68.5% IN ONE YEAR to $48/sq ft, and many small Ontario cities face similar spikes. We need to help business owners buy their spaces and escape the rental market. Many Ontario businesses that bought property in the 60s/70s are still operating - ownership equals stability.
2️⃣ Create a new Crown Corporation for Business Insurance (like BDC)
60% of Ontario businesses get insurance from just 3 providers - that's not a free market. Private insurers are consolidating further, raising rates, and dropping coverage. We need a profit-positive public option to ensure real choice while encouraging new market entrants.
3️⃣ Establish a NextGen Ownership Fund
Many business owners are retiring in the next 8 years - most without succession plans or facing pressure to sell to private equity. Meanwhile, new entrepreneurs can't access capital. Let's bridge this gap with financing that helps buyers purchase businesses individually or as a group - ensuring both local ownership and fair value for retiring owners.
The time to bet big on Canadian business is now - creating stability at home while building new opportunities abroad.
Read our full platform:
https://betterwayalliance.ca/ontario-election-2025-small-business/