In this episode, hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson discuss productivity, advanced technology adoption, skills development, and red tape with Toronto Region Board of Trade CEO Giles Gherson. Giles highlights the need for better planning, streamlined regulations, initiatives to support small and medium-sized manufacturers (including a new manufacturing technology hub), and how the TRBOT is bringing leaders together to drive competitiveness and prosperity in Ontario's manufacturing sector.

• 00:26 Upcoming Trillium Events in 2025
• 01:27 Interview with Giles Gherson
• 03:11 Reflections and Key Takeaway of the TRBOT Advanced Manufacturing Conference
• 07:29 Manufacturing and Advanced Technology Adoption
• 09:27 The Importance of Competitiveness
• 10:22 How Journalism Has Influenced Giles Gherson's Work
• 14:12 The Role of Narrative in Economic Policy
• 19:26 Toronto's Labour Advantage and Challenges
• 21:33 Red Tape Reduction (continued at 30:57 and 38:22)
• 22:49 Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Council Purpose, Findings, and What’s Next
• 35:34 Comparing Board of Trade vs. Business Council vs Partnership Councils (continued at 40:24)
• 36:39 Building a Manufacturing Technology Hub in Ontario
• 43:54 Ontario Manufacturing’s Subscale Firm Problem

Highlighted Report

• 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Council final report ontario.ca/page/2024-advanced-manufacturing-council-final-report

Highlighted Events

• December 10, 2024 - TRBOT’s Race for Space bot.com/Events/Race-for-Space-Navigating-Torontos-Industrial-Lands-Crisis
• February 4-6, 2025 - Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference edco.on.ca/conference
• March 31-April 4, 2025 - Hanover Messe hannovermesse.de/en

Find out more about Toronto Region Board of Trade

• TRBOT Website: bot.com

Find Out More about Trillium

• Trillium website: trilliummfg.ca
• Trillium GIS: trilliumgis.ca
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfg
• X/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfg
• Instagram: instagram.com/trilliummfg
• Facebook: facebook.com/trilliummfg
• Old ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past

About the Making it in Ontario Podcast

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future.

This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.