MPP Laurie Scott Hosted Virtual Roundtable

Submitted by the office of Laurie Scott, MPP

It’s a sign of the times.

Two months ago local Chambers of Commerce and other small businesses would have met in a local coffee shop, restaurant, boutique or other store to share ideas and concerns on what the province could do to help local business. Instead, the world has had to get creative. And that’s what local MPP Laurie Scott did last Thursday. She got creative by organizing a Virtual Roundtable on Small Business with Ontario’s Associate Minister for Small Business & Red Tape Reduction inviting members of local Chambers of Commerce to ask questions, express their ideas and concerns as Ontario continues to be gripped with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“It’s tough out there due to COVID, but I appreciated the opportunity to hear from local Chamber members,” said Minister Sarkaria, who normally would have driven to Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes & Brock to meet with Chamber members. Instead, he joined the Virtual Roundtable from his home in Brampton. (Minister Sarkaria, is the MPP for Brampton South). “I wanted to be able to hear the concerns, know what Chambers and small businesses are saying and share with them what Ontario is doing to help them during this unprecedented time.”

Marylee Boston, Manager of Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce was one of five Chambers of Commerce along with the City of Kawartha Lakes from the area participating in the virtual roundtable. "The round table with MPP Scott and MPP Sarkaria was a valuable opportunity to express the concerns and challenges facing our community. I came away feeling that we had been heard, understood and our input would play a small part in guiding future conversations at all levels of government," said Marylee.

“Both Minister Sarkaria and I wanted to let Marylee and others know, that their government is in their corner, supporting them every step of the way,” expressed MPP Scott. “The virtual round table was a very good opportunity to hear from Marylee, and other Chambers about what is needed and how we can take their concerns back to the government. We thank her and everyone else for that, it’s important.”