TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford and Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, joined executives from Amazon Canada to officially open the company's new office in Toronto.

"The opening of Amazon's new Toronto office sends a clear signal to the world that Ontario is Open for Business," said Ford. "Our government is committed to improving the conditions for businesses so they can thrive here. By cutting red tape, we're telling international companies like Amazon that doing business with Ontario is the right move."

Amazon's new office will create up to 600 high-tech engineering jobs in Toronto, where workers will design innovative technology solutions that will be exported all over the world. In addition to the new Toronto office, Amazon is making new investments across the province with two new recently announced fulfillment centres under construction for 2019 in Ottawa and Caledon.

"We are pleased Amazon chose Toronto for its new office," said Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Our government is creating an environment where businesses like Amazon can thrive, grow and create good jobs — and where the people of Ontario can build their careers and support their families. We are getting government out of the way of the job creators, and cutting red tape so businesses can grow and invest in Ontario."

Ontario's Government for the People is making it easier to do business here by ending the cap-and-trade carbon tax, cutting red tape and lowering hydro bills. These actions will make Ontario more attractive for top international employers to invest, grow and create jobs here.

"We told the people of Ontario we would create and protect good, local jobs all over the province," said Ford. "We are committed to making sure we have the right conditions for businesses to come here and do what they do best right here in Ontario."

Quick Facts

• Amazon has created approximately 5,000 full-time jobs across Ontario, including two tech hubs in Toronto and six fulfillment centres in Brampton, Milton, Mississauga, Caledon and Ottawa.
• The government recently passed the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, which is making it easier for Ontario employers to hire and will ensure workers have easier access to jobs and career growth.
• The government is committed to cutting red tape affecting businesses by 25 per cent as part of its multi-year Ontario Open for Business Action Plan.