Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Ontario Chamber of Commerce For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisa

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has actively called for the expeditious review and renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agr...
08/22/2025

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has actively called for the expeditious review and renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement. Our message is clear: stability is paramount for shared prosperity. Businesses do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence. While Canada cannot accept tariffs without a proportional response, any countermeasures must be carefully calibrated to avoid unintended consequences.

As such, the OCC welcomes the federal government’s decision to remove all retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) by September 1, as a step forward.

This move prioritizes economic stability, supports Ontario businesses, and reinforces the principles of rules-based trade.
We also welcome the launch of consultations next month to inform Canada’s position in the upcoming CUSMA negotiations. Engaging Ontario businesses is key to shaping an agreement that supports our nation's economic competitiveness.

ICYMI: The latest chapter in the OCC and CCIB's "A Way Forward" report series is here, focusing on procurement. This v...
08/21/2025

ICYMI:

The latest chapter in the OCC and CCIB's "A Way Forward" report series is here, focusing on procurement. This vital report provides practical steps for businesses to advance economic reconciliation by ensuring equitable access to supply chains for Indigenous businesses, creating broader opportunities and shared success.

A huge thank you to the Indigenous Advisory Committee and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business's research team for their guidance, and to our dedicated partners, Hydro One, BMO, Bruce Power, CN, Meridian Credit Union, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), BDC, and Ontario Power Generation, whose support makes this crucial work possible.

Read the latest chapter: https://occ.ca/publications/a-way-forward-part-3-procurement/

Ontario’s economy is evolving—and so are the skills your workforce needs to stay competitive. Presented by the Ontario C...
08/20/2025

Ontario’s economy is evolving—and so are the skills your workforce needs to stay competitive.

Presented by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Diversity Institute - Toronto Metropolitan University, and Magnet, join us at the Skills Bridge Summit on September 23, in Toronto.

Under the theme “Building the Skills-Driven Economy” the Summit will focus on:

💡 The evolving talent landscape
💡 Emerging economic megatrends impacting SMEs
💡 The role of AI and new technologies in the workforce
💡 Practical strategies for upskilling and talent development

Register now: https://reg.eventmobi.com/skills-bridge-summit

08/20/2025

What does meaningful engagement really look like?

In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, this one-hour webinar will walk through engagement strategies that help businesses develop and respond to diverse community needs.

With insights grounded in equity-based placemaking, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, and social justice education, learn how inclusion can drive business innovation and sustainability from within. 🤝

🔗 Learn more and register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1545325924439

🔔 Last chance to register!Join us tomorrow for Developing an Equitable Engagement Strategy, a Skills Bridge webinar in p...
08/20/2025

🔔 Last chance to register!
Join us tomorrow for Developing an Equitable Engagement Strategy, a Skills Bridge webinar in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division.
Learn how inclusive engagement practices rooted in lived experience, 2SLGGTQ+ inclusion, and social justice education can lead to better service outcomes, stronger relationships, and more resilient organizations.

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1545325924439

What happens when sectors collaborate to shape a sustainable future for Ontario?Bringing together leaders from business,...
08/20/2025

What happens when sectors collaborate to shape a sustainable future for Ontario?

Bringing together leaders from business, government, and academia, this year’s Smart Growth Symposium will explore the transformative power of innovation and collaboration, including:

🌱 The rise of digital-first cities and the role digital infrastructure plays in reducing emissions and enabling smarter planning.

🌱 How Ontario-made innovation is making a real-world impact by accelerating commercialization.

🌱 Smart mobility and the future of moving and connecting people and goods sustainably.

🌱 The tech revolution that has transformed how we grow, manage, and sustain our food systems in Ontario’s agrifood sector.

Ticket sales end on Thursday, August 28. Secure your spot today and let’s grow smart, together! https://reg.eventmobi.com/2025-smart-growth-symposium

In today’s digital landscape, the risks to cybersecurity are ever-present and constantly evolving. The Cybersecurity & t...
08/19/2025

In today’s digital landscape, the risks to cybersecurity are ever-present and constantly evolving. The Cybersecurity & the Law: Risk Management in the Digital Economy program is your shield against these risks. Learn how to navigate the legal complexities of cybersecurity, manage risks, and provide expert guidance in crisis situations.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce members save 15%! Use the promo code OCC15 at checkout.

September 12 - October 10 2025 | 5 weeks | Hybrid
Learn more: https://cybersecurecatalyst.ca/cybersecurity-and-the-law/.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) AI Hub sent a letter to the Hon. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligen...
08/19/2025

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) AI Hub sent a letter to the Hon. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, outlining key recommendations to accelerate AI adoption among businesses, safeguard Canada’s AI sovereignty, commercialize domestic innovation, and promote responsible governance.

With input from leading tech firms, accelerators, and academic institutions, the OCC’s call to action emphasizes the need for strategic investments and policy tools to ensure long-term competitiveness, resilience, and trust in Canada’s AI ecosystem.

📄 Read the full letter: https://shorturl.at/IswmZ

📦 The OCC and CCIB have released a new report focused on procurement. It highlights the need to break down systemic barr...
08/18/2025

📦 The OCC and CCIB have released a new report focused on procurement. It highlights the need to break down systemic barriers and create equitable access to supply chains for Indigenous businesses.

For non-Indigenous businesses, improving Indigenous access to procurement means access to a wider range of qualified bidders and services, helping them fulfill Indigenous participation requirements and make meaningful progress toward their reconciliation goals.

📘 Read the latest chapter here: https://occ.ca/publications/a-way-forward-part-3-procurement/

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes the launch of the Protect Ontario Financing Program, a major step forward in su...
08/15/2025

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes the launch of the Protect Ontario Financing Program, a major step forward in supporting industries impacted by U.S. tariffs.

This first phase of the $5 billion Protecting Ontario Account, announced in the 2025 provincial budget, will deliver up to $1 billion in liquidity support to Ontario-based businesses in the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors. These loans will help protect jobs, stabilize operations, and strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience.

The OCC has been actively advocating for targeted support for tariff-impacted sectors, and this program is a strong signal of Ontario’s commitment to the business community.

🔗 Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006305/province-launching-protect-ontario-financing-program-to-support-sectors-impacted-by-us-tariffs

📦 Indigenous businesses continue to face barriers accessing public and private supply chains. The Ontario Chamber of Co...
08/15/2025

📦 Indigenous businesses continue to face barriers accessing public and private supply chains.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) have released Part III: Procurement, the latest chapter of A Way Forward, a landmark report series outlining practical steps toward economic reconciliation.

Key recommendations include:

✅ Enforce Indigenous participation requirements with clear accountability and impact measures
✅ Invest in cultural competency training and mentorship across organizations
✅ Build trust through early engagement aligned with Indigenous governance and community goals
✅ Support Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially those on-reserve or community-owned, through expanding onboarding and mentorship supports.

These recommendations are informed by Indigenous knowledge and shaped in partnership with the OCC & CCIB’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and Research Team.

📘 Learn how your organization can build equitable partnerships and support Indigenous-led prosperity: https://occ.ca/publications/a-way-forward-part-3-procurement/

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Toronto, ON
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