Ontario Chamber of Commerce

09/01/2026

Speaker Spotlight

With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of AI, public policy, and industrial strategy, Marc E. Ouimette advises businesses and governments on the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of innovation.

As an affiliate researcher at the University of Cambridge's Bennett School of Public Policy, his work focuses on AI sovereignty and industrial policy, helping inform how countries can compete in an AI-driven economy.

Join us at to hear his insights on the policies, infrastructure, and investments needed to strengthen Canada's innovation ecosystem and future competitiveness.

Early Bird Pricing

OCC Members: $1,249 + HST (Regular $1,449 + HST)

Non-Members: $1,549 + HST (Regular $1,749 + HST)

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

08/31/2026

With new 50 per cent tariffs affecting a broad range of exports, Ontario businesses are facing a rapidly changing trade environment.

The OCC is working with our members, chamber network, and government partners to help businesses navigate this uncertainty with timely information, practical tools, and clear advocacy.

We have updated our Tariff Resources page with:

✅ Federal and provincial support programs
✅ Tariff support and trade diversification information
✅ Duty-free exemption resources
✅ OCC advocacy updates
✅ Recent news and additional business resources

We will continue to track developments, share member insights, and advocate for measures that support Ontario businesses and workers.

Access the resources here: https://occ.ca/navigating-tariffs/

08/31/2026

Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce welcome new commitments to reduce internal trade barriers and strengthen our country’s economic competitiveness announced by ministers in Iqaluit, Nunavut, including:

➡️ A 30-day labour mobility service standard
➡️ Accelerated work on mutual recognition legislation
➡️ Continued efforts to reduce barriers in services, food, and alcohol

“As barriers to trade rise in the United States, Canada’s internal trade barriers must fall. These commitments are a sign that government is listening to businesses. The faster we build one Canadian market, the stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canada will be,” said Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

At a time of uncertainty in Canada-U.S. trade relations, building one Canadian market has never been more important. The focus must now shift from commitments to implementation, with clear timelines, accountability, and measurable results for businesses, workers, and communities across the country.

Read the full statement here:

Business leaders credit 30-day labour mobility standard and accelerated mutual-recognition timeline as Canada strengthens economic resilience at home

08/31/2026

Lifting others up is part of civility.

A thoughtful recommendation is a simple but powerful way to show gratitude, support a peer’s success, and strengthen relationships. ‌

Recognition doesn’t have to happen inside the workplace either. Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is a meaningful way to recognize and celebrate a colleague's contributions.

A recommendation can help support the recipient’s professional growth and strengthen their confidence!

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

08/28/2026

Receive up to $5,000 in wage subsidies when hiring post-secondary students. ​‌

Available to employers across Canada supporting a wide range of industries, the Talent Opportunities Program has helped over 5,000 businesses invest in student talent while managing hiring costs.​‌

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

08/28/2026

Celebrating small wins together helps teams stay connected, motivated, and engaged. ‌

Whether it’s completing a project milestone, solving a challenge, or achieving a shared goal, recognizing success no matter how small, can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and fosters connection.

It also helps people feel appreciated and encouraged to continue doing their best work. ‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

08/27/2026

Respect doesn’t end when opinions differ. ‌

Treating others with courtesy and professionalism, even when you disagree, allows people to share ideas openly, ask questions, and engage in productive discussions without fear of being dismissed or personally attacked. ‌

When we approach disagreement with respect, we create a workplace culture built on trust, inclusion, and constructive dialogue. ‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

08/26/2026

Speaker Spotlight

Named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, Jim Balsillie has spent decades at the intersection of business, innovation, and public policy.

From scaling BlackBerry into a global tech leader to founding organizations focused on innovation, digital governance, and international affairs, he brings a unique perspective on the economic, technological, and policies shaping our Canada's future.

Join us at as he shares his perspective on the road ahead and the role innovation can play in driving long-term prosperity.‌

Early Bird Pricing

OCC Members: $1,249 + HST (Regular $1,449 + HST)
Non-Members: $1,549 + HST (Regular $1,749 + HST)

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

08/26/2026

By replying to emails thoughtfully and in a timely manner, we help create a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, and trust.

Timely responses show colleagues, clients, and partners that their questions, requests, contributions and time are valued. Even when a full answer isn’t immediately available, acknowledging an email helps manage expectations and keeps work moving forward. ‌

Prompt communications can also reduce uncertainty while preventing unnecessary follow-ups, ensuring people have the information they need to make decisions and complete their work.

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

08/25/2026

Today, Daniel Tisch, ICD.D, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement on the federal government’s new measures to support businesses and workers affected by U.S. trade actions:

“Ontario businesses are under extraordinary pressure, and today’s federal relief announcement recognizes the real impacts that illegal U.S. tariffs are having on businesses, workers, and communities across Canada.

“Expanded support through regional development agencies, new BDC financing, enhanced workforce retention measures, and additional assistance for both large employers and SMEs will provide welcome relief during a period of continued disruption.

“What matters now is ex*****on. These programs need to be accessible, responsive, and delivered quickly so businesses can focus on protecting jobs, serving customers, and planning for the future.

“Businesses recognize the need for a strategic response to U.S. trade actions, but any countermeasures must be carefully calibrated and developed in consultation with industry. Canada cannot afford measures that do long-term harm to our own companies, workers, or supply chains.

“Beyond immediate measures, Canada must use this moment to fix the fundamentals: pursue pro-growth tax reform, reduce red tape, continue modernizing Employment Insurance, remove internal trade barriers, and strengthen the conditions for investment, productivity, and growth.

“That is how we build long-term prosperity: by creating an economy where businesses can invest, innovate, and compete with confidence.”

Read here: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/ontario-chamber-welcomes-tariff-support-calls-for-a-competitive-canada-and-targeted-countermeasures/