Who would have thought that in just a few short years Ontario would go from the economic engine of Canada, driving the nation’s financial prosperity, to the caboose, getting pulled along by the other provinces?

Ontario is coming in dead last among Canadian provinces on many economic fronts, such as job creation and economic growth. Last month, the rest of Canada created 6,000 full-time jobs while Ontario lost more than 45,000.

In Niagara and Hamilton, we have seen the effects of the McGuinty government’s outdated economic policies firsthand from 1,300 layoffs at National Steel Car and 360 at Slater Steel in Hamilton to nearly 3,000 job losses in the Niagara auto parts manufacturing sector since 2002, including 600 at Dana Corp.

As a Niagara and Hamilton MPP, I have spoken to those affected by job losses from Stelco to CanGro and heard their stories of disappointment and frustration. As PC Finance Critic, I have heard similar stories from laid off workers from around the province. I too am frustrated.

Ontario PC Party Leader John Tory and the Ontario PC Caucus have urged the Premier to hold an economic summit within the next few weeks. This summit should include leaders from the business, labour, and academic communities, as well as the federal and municipal governments.

Now is the time to put our heads together and develop a plan to revive Ontario. We need to preserve jobs during these tough times. We need a more competitive economy that will sustain the province into the future. We need leadership.

The first step in this plan would be a new economic statement from the government, providing Ontarians with an accurate, up-to-date picture of the province’s finances. The financial statements released months ago in the 2008 budget are based on outdated numbers. You can never make the right decision based on the wrong facts.

Beneath the economic mismanagement, Ontario is a province with much to offer. It is this potential that makes an economic summit vital. I know that with strong leadership we can restore Ontario’s rightful place as Canada’s economic engine.

The Ontario PC Party is willing and anxious to be a part of a positive, collaborative process that moves Ontario forward, starting with the economic summit. I think that is what Ontarians expect and deserve from their government.