The head of Chatham-Kent's Chamber of Commerce (CoC) sees some positive signs and potential in Ontario's proposed budget.
The budget, called "A Plan To Protect Ontario", promises more spending than ever before, as the provincial government attempts to keep Ontarians afloat amidst rapidly changing U.S. tariffs and trade policies.
"It certainly is an environment that's tough to predict, as to what is going to transpire with the economy going forward," said Rory Ring, President and CEO of the CoC. "One of the things that I think this budget tries to do is to address that very fact and at least do some programming that will help support businesses."
Ring added that the focus of those supports is for medium and small businesses, which he said make up a majority of jobs in Ontario.
He noted that there are some definite high points in the budget for Chatham-Kent specifically.
"For the agricultural sector, they tried to put in some programs there that can support our growers and producers," he said. "When we take a look at our rural infrastructure, there's a great deal of money being spent to maintain [or expand it]. So, we see some investments there that are very positive for the Chatham-Kent area."
Ring said that the proposed budget also provides opportunities for the area's manufacturing industry and life sciences, which stem from bio-based innovation.
"Overall, I think what we're looking at is an investment in Ontario's economy," he stated. "And you can argue whether it's better late than never, but it certainly is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow Ontario's economy and make the investments that make Ontario competitive in a global marketplace."
It's not all good news, though. Ring explained that the focus on infrastructure could see construction crews shift from building much-needed housing.
"Some of the challenges you see with any budget, I think, is to connect the conversation around housing... the need for a variety of types of housing; attainable housing, affordable housing, supportive housing and linking that to the dire need for us to have a labour market that can provide the skilled trades into building those homes," he said, adding that this is a long-term issue that needs to be addressed by all levels of government.
Ring added that education and healthcare also need greater investment.
"There are really two core areas that are critical to the economic vitality of Ontario, and that is education and healthcare," he noted. "When you address those two areas, you do help support the private sector to address market needs, whether they are here or abroad, by ensuring that you have a healthy and educated workforce."
Ring warned that some issues can't keep being kicked down the road.
"There's obviously a lot of balancing that needs to happen," he said.