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Summit Optimistic for Region's Growth

Niagara economic researcher says there are jobs available, especially in the industrial and tourism sectors

A Niagara economic researcher remains very optimistic about the region's growth.

Blake Landry was at the recent Niagara Economic Summit, and points to dozens of companies in the industrial sector setting up shop in Niagara.

He adds the jobs are there, despite what people might think.  "There's really somewhat of a jobs skill mismatch, often, where people are just not aware of where the growth is coming... so, sometimes people have their own perspective."

He says historically Niagara lagged behind Ontario in growth, but that's not the case now.

Not only are there jobs in the industrial sector, but also tourism, as Niagara's unemployment rate is lower than Ontario.

He's also looking beyond the region.  "So our international trade position has almost doubled over the last 4 years, from about $4.5-billion in exports to well over $8-billion in exports in 2022... about 90% of that is manufactured goods."

He says the Summit focused, in part, on the environment, artificial intelligence and population growth.
 

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