Ontario Chamber of Commerce

10/14/2026

Ontario businesses are navigating continued trade disruption, but pressure is not paralysis; and while certainty may not be on the table, action is.

In the latest episode of ON Focus, OCC President & CEO Daniel Tisch explores how businesses are adapting and what government can do to create the conditions for them to succeed today and sustain that success tomorrow.

Watch below or learn more about how Ontario businesses are responding here: https://occ.ca/our-publications/ontario-strong-paradox-2026-trade-and-tariff-survey-report/

Access trade and tariff resources here: https://occ.ca/navigating-tariffs/

10/14/2026

Looking to grow your team without growing your hiring costs?

The Talent Opportunity Programs helps make hiring post-secondary students more affordable with up to $5,000 in wage subsidies per student.​‌

Available to employers across Canada and servicing a broad range of industries. TOP provides step-by-step application support to help businesses access the funding they need.

Learn more and apply for the Fall 2026 term (September 1 to December 31) here: https://occ.ca/talent-opportunities-program/

10/09/2026

Ontario businesses are responding to trade uncertainty with resilience, but they cannot do it alone.

In our new trade and tariff survey report, businesses are calling for targeted measures to improve competitiveness, address affordability, provide greater market intelligence and investment support, and create more stable trade rules.

Governments must act to help businesses diversify into new markets and strengthen trade corridors, while maintaining vital North American relations.

Read the report here: https://occ.ca/our-publications/ontario-strong-paradox-2026-trade-and-tariff-survey-report

10/08/2026

Thank you to all the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's members and partners who make our work as the indispensable partner of business possible.

Learn more about how your organization can support the growth of Ontario’s economy: https://occ.ca/membership/

10/07/2026

Ontario's next economic challenge isn't resilience, it's investment.

While businesses have weathered years of inflation, trade disruption, and economic uncertainty, only one in four Ontario businesses plans to increase investment this year.

At a time when jurisdictions around the world are competing aggressively for capital, talent, and innovation, we cannot afford to stand still.

The OCC is calling for a comprehensive review of Ontario's tax system, alongside practical near-term reforms that can help businesses invest, grow, commercialize new ideas, and compete globally.

A more modern, competitive, and investment-focused tax framework will be essential to driving productivity and long-term prosperity across our province.

Read our letter and join the conversation on strengthening Ontario’s investment climate.

Download a copy of the letter here: :

Ontario Chamber of Commerce © 2026 | Privacy Policy | Service Standard | Career Opportunities The OCC is an accredited chamber of commerce

10/07/2026

Last night, OCC's Vice President of Policy, Vincent Caron, joined Radio-Canada's Le Téléjournal Ontario to discuss what Ontario businesses want to see following the election in Quebec.​‌

The message from Ontario's business community is simple: cooperation matters. Ontario and Quebec account for nearly 60% of Canada's economy, and when our provincial and federal governments work together, businesses, workers and communities across the country benefit.​

At a time when companies are looking to diversify markets and strengthen supply chains, reducing interprovincial trade barriers represents a significant opportunity for economic growth.

Watch the interview below (French only).

10/07/2026

While confidence in Ontario’s economic outlook has improved since the start of the year, costs remain a major concern for many businesses.

The economic pressures affecting their customers, workforce, and ability to invest for the future remain a significant challenge.

The message is clear: strengthening our province’s competitiveness requires action to address affordability, improve housing supply, reduce business costs, and provide greater economic certainty.

Read our new trade and tariff survey report here: https://occ.ca/our-publications/ontario-strong-paradox-2026-trade-and-tariff-survey-report

10/06/2026

We are at a pivotal moment for our province and our country. As businesses and governments navigate geopolitical volatility, economic fragmentation, rapid technological change, and intensifying global competition, Ontario has an opportunity not just to respond—but to lead.

Under the theme of Ontario Strong: Competing with Confidence, the 2026 Ontario Economic Summit (OES) will bring together influential leaders from business, government, academia, and communities to explore how Ontario can strengthen its competitive edge and build lasting prosperity.

Join us in Toronto on November 18-19 as we convene the voices and vision needed to ensure Ontario remains strong, competitive, and ready for what comes next.

Register today and be a part of the conversation shaping Canada's economic future.

Register here https://occ.ca/events/2026oes/

10/05/2026

Canada's tax system must be an enabler for businesses to invest, scale, and compete.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Trade & Competitiveness Policy Council is calling on the federal government to launch a comprehensive, expert-led review of Canada's tax system to ensure it remains competitive, simple, and aligned with the needs of a modern economy.

In the face of global uncertainty, tariff pressures, and growing competition for investment, Canada must create the conditions for stronger private-sector investment, productivity growth, and innovation.

Our recommendations pair long-term tax modernization with practical "no-regrets" actions that can support business growth today.

Read our letter and join the conversation on strengthening Canada's investment climate.

Download a copy of the letter here: https://occ.ca/our-publications/re-reviewing-and-reforming-canadas-tax-system/

10/05/2026

Ontario businesses aren’t standing still in the face of trade disruption. They're adapting.

With U.S. trade policies and broader economic uncertainty expected to persist, businesses are taking difficult, but practical steps to reduce risk and build resilience.

But, while businesses are doing their part, a more stable and predictable trade environment is still needed to support long-term confidence and investment.

Read our new trade and tariff survey report to learn more: https://occ.ca/our-publications/ontario-strong-paradox-2026-trade-and-tariff-survey-report