TORONTO — Ontario’s Government for the People wants to hear directly from industry leaders on how the province can cut red tape, create jobs and promote economic growth within the aggregate industry.

John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, announced he will host the Ontario Government’s Summit on Aggregate Reform on March 29, 2019, to gather feedback from major industry stakeholders. Yakabuski will be joined by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is committed to creating the conditions that will help unleash the resource sector’s potential,” said Minister Yakabuski, who made the announcement at the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s Conference, and Annual General Meeting in Toronto. “We want to work with industry leaders on how we can tear down barriers to create an environment for growth and a sustainable resource sector.”

Ontario’s aggregate industry contributes almost $1.4 billion to Ontario’s economy and supports almost 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“Aggregates are the raw materials that help build our schools, hospitals and bridges, and the foundation of industries that strengthen our economy and create high-quality, well-paying jobs,” said Minister Clark. “We simply couldn’t build a better province for Ontarians without a strong resource sector.”