Federal industry minister Mélanie Joly joined Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette in Belleville on Thursday for a roundtable discussion with local business and economic development leaders at the Belleville Club.
In a release from the office of Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, it states that the roundtable included representatives from local Chambers of Commerce and the Quinte Economic Development Commission to discuss opportunities, challenges and priorities for businesses across the Bay of Quinte region.
The discussion provided an opportunity for local leaders to share their insights directly with Minister Joly
It also provided an opportunity to highlight issues that matter most to employers, entrepreneurs and investors.
Among some of the issues discussed including investment attraction, workforce development, innovation, trade and long-term economic growth.
You can read the full release below:
Bay of Quinte Member of Parliament Chris Malette was proud to welcome the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, to Belleville on Thursday for a roundtable discussion with local business and economic development leaders at the Belleville Club.
The roundtable brought together representatives from local Chambers of Commerce and the Quinte Economic Development Commission to discuss opportunities, challenges and priorities for businesses across the Bay of Quinte region. The discussion provided local leaders with an opportunity to share their insights directly with Minister Joly and highlight the issues that matter most to employers, entrepreneurs and investors.
“Today, I had the privilege of speaking with and hearing from business and industry leaders in Belleville,” said Minister Joly. “I can’t stress enough the importance of these kinds of meetings in communities like Belleville. My message to them today was clear: we are here to support businesses and industries as they take bold actions to reduce our dependency on the United States by investing together and pivoting toward new markets.”
MP Malette said the meeting was an important opportunity to ensure local perspectives are heard in Ottawa.
“Bay of Quinte is home to a strong and innovative business community that is helping drive economic growth across our region,” said MP Chris Malette. “I was pleased to bring together local business leaders and Minister Joly to discuss how we can attract investment, create good jobs and strengthen our economy. These conversations ensure local voices are heard at the national level, and my constituency office remains committed to supporting businesses by connecting them with federal programs, resources and opportunities to succeed.”
Participants discussed key issues affecting businesses and economic development, including investment attraction, workforce development, innovation, trade and long-term economic growth.
Jill Raycroft, Chief Executive Officer of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the opportunity for chambers to engage directly with federal leaders.
“For the Chambers and Board members to be invited to meet with Minister Joly and MP Malette is an affirmation of their role as the voice of business,” stated Raycroft.
“Today’s discussion reinforced the important role chambers play in bringing businesses together and ensuring their voices are heard,” Raycroft said. “We had a candid conversation about the challenges facing local employers, from infrastructure constraints to accessing new markets, and it was encouraging to hear the government’s commitment to supporting businesses that are prepared to pursue new markets and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.”
Chris King, CEO of the Quinte Economic Development Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“We were pleased to welcome Minister Joly to the Bay of Quinte region and have the opportunity to discuss the strengths, opportunities and challenges facing our local economy,” King stated. “Conversations like these are critical to ensuring federal policies and programs reflect the realities of communities like ours. We appreciate MP Malette’s leadership in bringing industry, economic development and government partners together to support investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth across the Bay of Quinte region.”
Joe Southwell, CEO of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, and Duarte Da Silva, CEO of the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the discussion.
“Given the current economic climate, the Quinte West business community and our Chamber members value practical, targeted support,” said Southwell. “We appreciate the opportunity to have a seat at the table with MP Malette and Minister Joly, and their willingness to listen and work with local chambers on the challenges businesses are facing right now.”
“Our members are small, seasonal and resilient, and they’re navigating uncertainty, rising costs, and workforce challenges,” stressed Da Silva. “Conversations with our federal representatives matter because they connect national policy to the needs of PEC businesses. The Chamber looks forward to continuing this work with all levels of government to build a strong four-season economy.”
The roundtable reflects the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to engaging directly with communities and business leaders to support economic growth, investment, and prosperity across the country.
