KPMG's comprehensive 2008 Competitive Alternatives study of international business costs confirmed once again that Ontario business costs are among the most competitive of the G7 countries.

Even with the Canadian and U.S. dollars at par, business costs are still marginally lower in Canada than the United States, according to the same study.

• Low effective corporate income tax rate for manufacturing operations.

• Top-ranked tax credits for R&D, can reduce $100 in R&D spending to $41

• Labour costs, including benefits, are globally competitive. Ontario's public health care system keeps the costs to employee health benefits relatively low, especially compared to costs in the United States.

• World-leading companies from virtually every sector - automotive, life sciences, financial services - are investing in Ontario because we offer the cost-benefit they need.

• More than $750 million in business tax cuts announced in 2008 will further strengthen the competitive advantage of Ontario businesses in global markets