Ontario Chamber of Commerce

As governments respond to economic and trade uncertainty, business leaders deserve a voice in the conversation.

The OCC Trade & Tariffs Survey 2026 will inform advocacy and policy recommendations on trade, competitiveness, investment, workforce challenges, and economic growth.

Your input will help ensure policymakers understand the real impacts businesses are experiencing across Ontario.

➡️ 5-10 minutes to complete

➡️ Responses are confidential

➡️ Results will help shape recommendations to government

Add your voice today: https://leger.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/542/cw11497_10016974_1_1?list=4&Chamber=138

Know other business leaders who should participate? Please share the survey with your network.

Ontario’s business community has an important opportunity to strengthen respect, professionalism, and civility across organizations and customer-facing environments.

From boardrooms to front line service counters, we can all work together to create healthier interactions, support respectful communication, and build workplace cultures where people feel valued and safe.

Respect is everyone’s business.

Learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Take our civility pledge here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/8kFLEgGBf1

Building the workforce of the future means developing the necessary skills and capabilities for AI adoption.

Join us online on August 12 as the Diversity Institute’s Dr. Wendy Cukier shares:

➡️ Practical approaches to AI implementation

➡️ Strategies for upskilling employees

➡️ Where to access supports and resources to strengthen competitiveness and growth

Hosted by the OCC’s Skills Bridge program in partnership with the Diversity Institute - Toronto Metropolitan University.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-an-ai-ready-workforce-practical-strategies-for-smes-tickets-1993839958990

Nominations for the 2026 Ontario Business Achievement are closing soon!

Help recognize the businesses shaping Ontario’s future through innovation, growth and impact.

Nominations are being accepted in the following award categories:

🏆 Beyond Borders Business Award
🏆 Accessible Employment Award
🏆 Creative Industries Award
🏆 Diversity and Inclusion Award
🏆 Excellence in Innovation Award
🏆 Sustainability Award

Nomination fee: $250 + HST per nomination

Nominations close June 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Don’t wait. Submit your nomination here https://occ.ca/obaa-nominations

Looking to gain a better understanding of what disability looks like in Canada, or learn the value of disability-inclusive hiring?

Join us on August 27 for a Skills Bridge webinar with the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) on Building Stronger Workplaces Through Disability Inclusion.

This session builds on real-world examples to explore how disability-inclusive hiring practices can strengthen workplace culture, improve employee engagement, and support business success.

Secure your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-stronger-workplaces-through-disability-inclusion-tickets-1995492259064

Whether you’re in business, tech, advertising, healthcare or another non-trades sector, the Talent Opportunities makes it easier for you to offset the cost of employing post-secondary co-op students.

Through TOP, employers can get access to wage subsidies of up to 50% of up to $5,000 per student employed as part of a work-integrated learning program.

Learn more and apply for the Summer (May 1 to Aug 31) or Fall (Sept 1 to Dec 31) terms today: https://occ.ca/talent-opportunities-program/

Note: TOP is open to both OCC member and non-member organizations located anywhere in Canada.

🚨 Last call to register!

Amid ongoing trade and global market disruptions, Canadian businesses need tools and insights to adapt and stay competitive.

Join us online on July 29 to hear about key resources available from key government agencies and support organizations.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/resources-for-canadian-firms-to-scale-and-expand-at-home-and-abroad-tickets-1993484021371

Hosted in partnership with Global Affairs Canada–Trade Commissioner Service (GAC-TCS), Export Development Canada (EDC), and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev).

The OCC welcomes the completion of the Etobicoke Greenway transmission line and the advancement of the Toronto Third Line. These critical investments will help meet growing electricity demand across the GTA while powering Ontario's long-term economic growth.

As OCC President and CEO Daniel Tisch noted:
"Reliable and affordable electricity is a key part of the foundation of a competitive economy. Investing in transmission infrastructure is critical to meet growing demand, support housing and business

The OCC has consistently advocated for the energy infrastructure needed to provide businesses with the certainty required to invest, grow, and create jobs.

Read the government announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007807/ontario-government-delivers-new-gta-transmission-line-on-time-and-under-budget

CC: Hon. Stephen Lecce, Toronto Region Board of Trade

Ontario Government Delivers New GTA Transmission Line On Time and Under Budget | Ontario Newsroom Ontario Government Delivers New GTA Transmission Line On Time and Under Budget | Ontario Newsroom

Canada’s economy depends on getting workers, customers, and goods where they need to go—reliably, affordably, and efficiently.

A fragmented regulatory environment, however, continues to raise costs and create delays.

Unlocking growth will require a national transportation strategy, greater transparency, and improved alignment between all levels of government.

Read our new report, Towards a Single Canadian Market: Findings from the One Canada Summit, to learn more: https://occ.ca/our-publications/towards-a-single-canadian-market-findings-from-the-one-canada-summit

The OCC welcomes today’s announcement that construction is underway to twin Highway 3 in St. Thomas.

As OCC President and CEO Daniel Tisch noted: “The Ontario Chamber has long championed investments that connect people, goods, and opportunity. The expansion of Highway 3 will strengthen a vital economic corridor, improve workforce mobility, and support growth across Southwestern Ontario and beyond.”

This is an important step in building the infrastructure needed to support Ontario’s competitiveness and continued growth.

Read the government announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007808/ontario-twinning-highway-3-in-st-thomas

CC: St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria