Ontario Chamber of Commerce

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Ontario Chamber of Commerce

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

08/07/2025

🧠 Equity is not a checkbox; it’s a strategy.
On August 21, 2025, join us for Developing an Equitable Engagement Strategy, a Skills Bridge webinar in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division (CMHA).

Featuring CMHA’s Ben Bongolan, learn why meaningful engagement is critical to building trust, improving service outcomes, and fostering inclusive environments that reflect the lived realities of the communities we serve.

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

08/07/2025

🚨ICYMI🚨

As outlined in our 2025 Ontario Budget Submission, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has consistently called for the province to take bold national leadership on interprovincial trade by signing mutual recognition agreements and/or unilaterally recognizing standards in other parts of the country, where appropriate, to promote trade and labour mobility. Read more here: https://shorturl.at/XBHl8

On June 5, Ontario passed the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, becoming the first province to remove all CFTA exceptions, boosting labour mobility, reducing consumer costs by up to 14.5%, and attracting new investment. Read the release: https://shorturl.at/L8IUy

08/07/2025

As the economic uncertainty shakes employee confidence, transparent rewards communications is key to building trust and strengthening retention.

Here are six practical ways:
1️⃣ Acknowledge the unknown
2️⃣ Be Transparent, early and often
3️⃣ Offer context
4️⃣ Listen. Don’t just talk.
5️⃣ Be ready for incentive conversations.
6️⃣ Support beyond the paycheque.

Learn more in OCC’s recent blog by Laulima Consulting Inc., https://occ.ca/effective-total-rewards-communication-can-build-trust-in-tough-times/

08/06/2025

🌎🌐 Embracing smart agriculture is essential to building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable agrifood system in Ontario.

At this year’s Smart Growth Symposium, hear from Deputy Minister, John Kelly, Greg Ogiba, Ian Potter, and moderator Shatha Qaqish-Clavering as they explore how AI-driven forecasting, precision sensors, and automation are transforming the agrifood sector.

🔗 Learn more and register today at https://occ.ca/events/sgs2025/

08/06/2025

🚨ICYMI🚨

Canada and the U.S. failed to reach a trade resolution by August 1.

Tariffs are rising. Uncertainty is growing.

The Ontario and Michigan Chambers of Commerce are urging swift action to protect jobs, investment, and our shared economic future. Our economies are deeply connected, and this instability threatens businesses, workers, and communities on both sides of the border.

“Business do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence."

📄 Read the full statement: https://shorturl.at/Vrc0I

08/06/2025

Skills Bridge is a national training platform made to address skills gaps in Canadian businesses. Until August 2025, you and up to 10 employees can access curated courses at no cost.

From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, and equity, diversity and inclusion to human resources, the Skills Bridge program offers 20 different learning pathways to upskill and reskill your talent to your business needs.

Learn more about the program and its course offerings at: https://occ.ca/skillsbridge

08/06/2025

Ontario has ambitious economic goals—strengthening productivity, competitiveness, and resilience—but with a leaking talent pipeline, our workforce is under pressure and our progress is on the line.

Industries such as the skilled trades, healthcare, and construction are facing persistent labour shortages, and SMEs are particularly vulnerable. From wage expectations to AI, housing affordability and supply to immigration shifts, businesses are navigating a complex talent landscape.

How do we future-proof Ontario's workforce? Read the recent article by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Council to dive deeper: https://ow.ly/eGxE50WAEXc

08/05/2025

🌱 Smart growth starts with smart collaboration.

From digital infrastructure and clean energy to smart mobility and agri-food innovation, this years 2025 Smart Growth Symposium brings together the thinkers and doers shaping Ontario’s future.

Hear directly from Shelly Anwyll, our Vice-President of Business Development and Member Experience, on why the 2025 Smart Growth Symposium is more than just a conference, it’s a catalyst for change.

🔍 Discover how:

✅Digital infrastructure is powering cleaner energy
✅Smart mobility is transforming supply chains
✅Ontario’s agri-food sector is revolutionizing sustainability

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Ontario’s future.

🔗 Learn more & register here: https://reg.eventmobi.com/2025-smart-growth-symposium

08/05/2025

🚛🍏 What if you could test changes on your farm or processing facility before making them?

The Seeding Digital Skills program, delivered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, helps agriculture and food/beverage processing businesses do just that, with free training in cutting-edge digital twin technology.

Get access to:
✅ 3D real-time virtual simulations of your farm/facility
✅ 12-month license to industry-standard digital twin technology
✅ Employer stipends of up to $2,000 and more!

Spots are limited. Learn more and register at https://occ.ca/programs/seeding-digital-skills/

08/02/2025

Collaboration is the foundation of an innovative and sustainable economy.

We gratefully acknowledge our contributing partners, Uber and Waste Connections of Canada, whose support is instrumental in bringing the 2025 Smart Growth Symposium to life and facilitating impactful connections.

Learn more: https://occ.ca/events/sgs2025/

08/01/2025

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce have issued a joint statement following the failure of Canada and the U.S. to reach a trade resolution by the August 1 deadline and the subsequent escalation of tariffs on Canadian goods.

Both chambers express deep concern over the impact on integrated supply chains and the economic fallout across key sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture. This goes beyond a trade dispute; it threatens the clarity and confidence businesses rely on to compete globally.

We are calling on both governments to remain at the negotiating table and move swiftly toward a renewed, stable CUSMA agreement that protects jobs, investment, and our shared economic future.

Read the full statement: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/ontario-and-michigan-chambers-call-for-end-to-trade-uncertainty-as-u-s-canada-deadline-passes/

07/31/2025

Get an inside look at what’s in store for the 2025 Smart Growth Symposium from our very own Policy Analyst, Neeky Dalir!

From agribusiness to smart mobility, Neeky breaks down why this year’s returning Table Talk Series is a can’t-miss experience for anyone shaping Ontario’s future economy.

Join leaders from industry and academia as we explore bold ideas to build a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive Ontario.

Featured themes include:
⚡ Ontario’s Energy Grid
💎 Critical Minerals and Supply Chains
🌐 Digital Infrastructure & Industrialization
🏙 Future-Ready Workforce
🌎 Building Green
🌱 Agrifood & Sustainability
💰 Smart & Sustainable Finance
🚚 Smart Mobility

View the full agenda and register now: https://reg.eventmobi.com/2025-smart-growth-symposium

Address

180 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
M5G1Z8

Telephone

416.482.5222

Website

http://www.occ.ca/

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