Ontario's accomplishments and future economic plans were Premier Dalton McGuinty's focus as he visited Waterloo Region on Wednesday.
With just nine months to go before the next provincial election, McGuinty delivered an 30 minute talk at Bingeman's in front of about 225 local business leaders. But he insisted it was not a pre-election speech.
He praised Waterloo Region for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, saying that is what's needed in light of recent global changes.
"Now we've got a high dollar, now we can't count on a strong U.S. partner, now we can't count on a strong European Union," he says.
He also addressed how the province has rebounded since the recession, saying it has recovered 96 per cent of jobs lost in the recession, though he's not satisfied with the 8.1 per cent unemployment rate.
He is optimistic though, "We are into unchartered territory, and the fact of the matter is relative to other parts of the world we're more than holding our own."
Investment in education, health care and infrastructure will continue under his government, he says, to help make the province competitive.
He adds that Ontario can also build on the strength of its financial institutions and technology to use water more efficiently.
Regarding recent comments about the level of provincial spending made by Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak, McGuinty stressed that building, not slashing budgets is the way forward.
The luncheon was hosted by the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region, which includes the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. and Communitech.
Ontarians go to the polls on October 6.
