TORONTO - The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to make an economic stimulus package the cornerstone of its 2008 budget.
The group's president and CEO, Len Crispino, says businesses are feeling beaten by the "economic storm'' that Ontario has been experiencing.
He says they are in urgent need of short-term relief, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
In a survey of its members, 16 per cent of respondents anticipate a stronger economy in 2008, while 47 per cent expect it will be weaker.
In a meeting with Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, the chamber of commerce asked the province to eliminate the small business surtax and reduce corporate taxes.
They would also like to see Canadian content levels established for publicly tendered transportation infrastructure projects.
