DURHAM -- The current economic crisis threatens the survival of thousands of Canadian businesses and the well-being of millions of families in Durham Region and the Greater Oshawa area, according to the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber is calling for a concerted effort by the federal and Ontario governments to mitigate the effects of the economic recession and to help Canadians compete in a much more difficult global economy.

"The issues that must be focused on are: restoring consumer confidence, enhancements to skills training and education, improving our competitive advantage in health care and infrastructure renewal," said Dave Hare, chamber president. "Canada and Ontario cannot wait for political leadership. The present economic circumstances require immediate action by all levels of government."

The chamber is calling on the Ontario government to table its budget no later than Feb. 28.

"With the Canadian economy in recession and the manufacturing sector under siege, it is imperative that both the federal and provincial governments put in place economic stimulus and work together on this economic crisis," chamber CEO Bob Malcolmson said.

In its submission to the federal and provincial governments the chamber made a series of budget recommendations ranging from a reduction of GST and PST on certain durable goods for a period of three to six months, to increased funding and fast-tracking the Durham College Skills Training Centre expansion, expediting completion of UOIT's Automotive Centre of Excellence and additional funding to improve accessibility to health care and improved technology such as MRI equipment.