Political pundits would describe the most recent provincial election as uneventful even a bit boring. The data from Elections Ontario showed a very low voter turnout. Why? Well, in my opinion people and businesses are trying to get back on track following a surreal time of lockdowns and uncertainty. Ontarians…
Last week, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2021 Annual General Meeting and Conference virtually. The Oakville Chamber of Commerce's policy resolution, Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to Spur Economic Recovery, passed with 100% support from the Ontario Chamber Network. We look forward to working with the province on this resolution and…
It has been over a year since the pandemic began and here we are entering another Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home order. There is no easy on and off switch for business. We recognize the restrictions brought in today are to help save lives and curtail the spread of the…
The Government of Ontario releases 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. Read the budget media release. Below are highlights, pulled from the government's release, that are important to our business community. Supporting Jobs: Providing a second round of Ontario Small Business Support Grant payments of $10,000 to…
We’re approaching the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario and many of our businesses are still struggling, with some unable to access government funding and support programs. Through the Ontario Chamber Network’s prebudget submission, we are calling on the Ontario government to focus on the revival of…
On February 2nd, the Ontario Chamber Network addressed a letter to Premier Doug Ford, calling for a coordinated approach to reopening Ontario's economy. Each region’s experience differs significantly across the province when it comes to transmission rates, tracking and tracing capacity, and other variables. The Ontario Chamber Network have…
On November 5th the Ontario Government released its first budget since the pandemic was declared. It was a response to the current crisis and demonstrates the beginning of a long-term plan for economic growth. The business community welcomes many priorities outlined in Ontario’s 2020 Budget “Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect,…
Today, the Ontario Government released the 2020 Budget, Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover. Read the 2020 Budget. Below are highlights, pulled from the government's release, that are important to our business community. Providing $300 million in relief for eligible businesses in regions where the Province determines modified…
Today the Ontario Chamber Network released their pre-budget submission for the Provincial Government, with a focus on four pillars to create a more competitive business environment. On behalf of our 1,100 members, we support the Network’s ask for the government to prioritize strong fiscal policy, reducing regulations and red tape,…
The COVID-19 crisis is having a disproportionate economic impact on women. A recent report launched by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) outlines the direct and immediate economic impacts of the pandemic on women in Ontario with, women’s labour participation rate falling to its lowest in 30 years. Since…
