Pictured Above: Mayor Brown, Justin Lam (Executive Vice-President of Canon’s Business Operations Group) of Canon Canada based in Brampton, and Councillor Santos presenting the Business Excellence Award.
I was pleased to join business leaders and community partners at the Brampton Board of Trade’s annual State of the City address from Mayor Patrick Brown. The message was clear and confident: Brampton’s momentum is real and driven by focused leadership, sustained advocacy, and a business community that continues to invest in our city.
“As Vice Chair of Economic Development, I was pleased to join Mayor Brown and business leaders at the Brampton Board of Trade’s Annul State of the City address. Brampton’s growth is real and driven by strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and a business community that continues to invest locally. I want to congratulate Canon Canada for receiving the Mayor’s Recognition of Business Excellence. This award reflects their ongoing commitment to Brampton as a key business hub. Record investments in transit, health care, housing, and neighbourhood revitalization are building a Brampton that is competitive, innovative, and provides opportunity and a high quality of life for all residents.”
— Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
Brampton has experienced record growth in population, business activity, and investment over the past several years. Our economy continues to diversify across advanced manufacturing, food processing, life sciences, aerospace, and technology—matched by historic investments in transit, health care, housing, and community infrastructure to ensure growth remains responsible and sustainable.
Mayor Brown highlighted key milestones shaping Brampton’s future, including the opening of the new medical school, progress toward the city’s second hospital, full funding for the LRT tunnel extension, and neighbourhood revitalization projects across the city. These investments are essential to supporting residents, attracting employers, and keeping Brampton competitive within the GTA and globally.
This global confidence is reflected in the continued commitment of long-standing partners such as Canon Canada, recently recognized with the Mayor’s Recognition of Business Excellence. Justin Lam, Executive Vice-President of Canon’s Business Operations Group, accepted the award on behalf of Canon at the State of the City event, highlighting the company’s ongoing dedication to Brampton as a key business hub. I had the opportunity to visit Canon’s headquarters in January 2024 and personally met with Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, who will assume the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of Canon Inc. on March 27, 2026. Kevin previously served as President & CEO of Canon Canada and played a key role in locating Canon’s Canadian headquarters in Brampton. (Read more about Kevin Ogawa and Canon’s leadership here.)
As Council, we remain focused on affordability and long-term financial sustainability. Brampton continues to maintain a strong AAA credit rating, invest record levels into infrastructure and reserves, and deliver among the lowest tax increases in the region—decisions that protect residents and give businesses confidence to grow.
Brampton’s progress is built on collaboration between Council, other orders of government, and employers like Canon who choose to invest here. Together, we are building a city that supports opportunity, innovation, and a high quality of life for everyone who calls Brampton home.
Gallery
