I know I m preaching to the converted when I say that the construction and development industry is a cornerstone of Ontario s economy. As we all know, Ontario s economy is rolling along at a brisk pace. The strength of the economy is resulting in record job numbers. Ontario created 198,000 jobs in 1999. Personal disposable income is up.
Consumer spending is up.
All these factors are fuelling construction activity in both the residential and non-residential sectors. Housing starts in the province rose 25 per cent in 1999, reaching a decade high of 67,235 units. Toronto new home sales increased by a third. The value of residential building permits issued increased by close to 23 per cent last year. Our goal is to maintain this growth and put measures in place that will sustain it over the long term.