In town for a series of funding announcements, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development and Growth Steven Del Duca sat down Thursday afternoon to talk shop with almost two dozen local business owners.

Photo courtesy of Alysson Storey.

A round-table discussion was held at the Sons of Kent with representatives from various local industries, including the agriculture sector, manufacturing, and more.

Del Duca says grassroots input is invaluable when it comes to supporting economic growth.

“To hear about what they’re experiencing on the ground and how we, provincially, can continue to work with the people and businesses of Chatham-Kent so we continue to see expansion, we continue to see economic growth, and a quality of life that’s supported by a strong economy,” Del Duca says.

My takeaway is that people are optimistic and determined to succeed,” Del Duca says. “Generally speaking, as Ontarians, we take nothing for granted, we never put our tools down, we keep our sleeves rolled up, keep our heads up, and keep working hard.”

Minimum wage dominated the discussion, with brief mentions of support for businesses, and the ongoing NAFTA renegotiations.