Kingston's business community gather for breakfast with political leaders

The Chamber of Commerce held their State of the City event on Tuesday.

It was an opportunity for the business community in Kingston to hear from the representatives of the three levels of government.

Members of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce were at the Quality Inn Hotel and Conference Centre Tuesday morning for the annual State of the City event.

The breakfast was attended by Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen, Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu, and Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson.

Paterson says it is great to have everyone in the same room.

Gerretsen says there were a lot of people at the event and it was great to hear what they had to say.

Hsu says it a very productive day for him as he was able to get in touch with those who have been reaching out to him.

Once everyone got their fill of coffee, eggs and bacon, it was down to the business at hand. Paterson, Hsu, and Gerretsen answered questions from the audience ranging from housing to health care to transportation.

Gerretsen says the one question that stuck out for him was about the political climate in the US and how that is impacting businesses.

Another question was about the proposed new hospital in Kingston near Gardiners Rd and the 401.

Paterson says while health care is not under federal jurisdiction, it was great to hear Gerretsen throwing his support for the project.

For Hsu, housing is one area that always important to him.

Story by Ken Hashizume