Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley delivers 2025 State of the Region address

March 26, 2025

Regional Chair Jim Bradley called on Niagara to embrace its resiliency and strength in the face of U.S. tariffs and shore up its economy through his seventh State of the Region address on March 26, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

Chair Bradley spoke on international trade, economic prosperity, housing, homelessness and more in his speech to a sold-out audience of over 400 community leaders that included special guests from New York State and Belgium.

Amid the global uncertainty caused by the international trade situation, Bradley highlighted the strong ties and positive relationships Niagara has traditionally enjoyed with its U.S. neighbours, and encouraged the community to rise above the pessimism that has threatened to drive a wedge between the world’s closest trading partners.

Bradley urged Niagara to “uphold that Canadian stereotype of politeness by ensuring our everyday interactions with our U.S. neighbours are marked by civility, good will, and mutual respect.” He called on politicians and business leaders to take advantage on the many economic opportunities Niagara has traditionally benefitted from thanks to its identity as a border community, while still advocating strongly for the economic supports needed to help Niagara businesses survive the markets’ current uncertainty.

The 30-minute address also highlighted Niagara’s economic growth and prosperity over the last year, showing that Niagara is well-positioned to weather the economic storms ahead. He pointed to Asahi Kasei’s recent decision to construct a brand new $1.6 billion lithium ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne as proof that Niagara is becoming a hotspot for world-class clean and advanced manufacturing businesses.

Bradley’s speech also highlighted the recent successes the Region has had with partners across Niagara in addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. He spoke of the positive conversations that are driving new approaches to bringing more family doctors to Niagara, and shared how Regional Council and staff are continuing to advocate for Niagara’s priorities with upper levels of government.

Bradley finished his address by calling on our community to approach the coming year with hope, positivity, and optimism, reminding leaders that Niagara has what it takes to endure the challenges before it. “The coming months may not be easy, but we have the collective power to make Niagara thrive, if we truly treasure our opportunities and embrace our identity as one of the most free, prosperous, resilient and pioneering regions in Canada.”

The full text of Chair Bradley’s speech can be found on the Niagara Region site. 

Media contact

Andrew Korchok
Office of the Regional Chair
Niagara Region
905-329-1642
andrew.korchok@niagararegion.ca