Press Release: 2025 Ontario Budget
READ THE 2025 ONTARIO BUDGET RAPID POLICY UPDATE On May 15, 2025, the Government of Ontario released its 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The following is a summary of highlights from the perspective of Ontario’s business community, organized according to the OCC’s four economic imperatives to drive inclusive, sustainable growth. Protecting job-creators and jobs –…
2025 Ontario Budget Submission
Ontario Budget Must Boost Growth, Productivity and Global Competitiveness Ahead of Budget 2025, Ontario Chamber reveals its recommendations to Minister of Finance FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2025 (Toronto – May 14, 2025) – As Ontario prepares to table its 2025 Budget, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released its Ontario Budget Submission,…
A Win for the Region: New Agreement Unlocks Future Growth
Image Source: City of Barrie MEDIA STATEMENT For Immediate Release [Barrie, ON – May 9, 2025] The Barrie Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s announcement from the City of Barrie and the Township of Springwater regarding their proposed boundary adjustment and servicing agreement. This display of collaborative leadership and long-range planning benefits not just the two…
Call for Board Nominations
The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce has been representing business since 1926, and enters its 99th year with a mission of championing economic growth and quality of life by advocating for business priorities, promoting collaboration, and helping members grow. Governance of the Chamber, direction of its affairs, and control of its property is vested in its…
PRESS RELEASE: Barrie Chamber of Commerce Launches International Twin City Exchange with Harrogate, UK
Twin city partnership opens doors for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow internationally Barrie Chamber Harrogate BID Downtown BIA Harrogate Chamber Interested in learning more or getting involved? Complete our quick Expression of Interest form by May 30 – no commitment, just curiosity encouraged. Sign Up Now FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2025 [Barrie,…
Federal Election 2025: The Barrie Chamber’s Business Priorities
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Barrie Businesses Are Running on Empty: It’s Time for Real Support As the voice of business in our city, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating for what matters most to our local entrepreneurs. With a federal election on the horizon, we’re calling on candidates to take real, actionable…
Which American Cities Are the Most Export-Dependent on Canada?
The Business Data Lab explores the U.S. cities that would be most impacted by decreased demand from Canada. A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab reveals just how important Canadian trade is to many U.S. cities. Using 2023 data, the report ranks 41 metro areas by how dependent they are…
Tariffs-101
What Barrie Businesses Need To Know Tariffs are often headline news, yet many businesses still find the concept unclear or disconnected from their day-to-day operations. In reality, tariffs play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics, pricing, competitiveness and supply chains. Especially in a trade-dependent region like ours, where Canada and the United States maintain…
2025 Federal Election
Join us for an opportunity to meet your federal candidates ahead of the upcoming election. Hosted by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce and BDAR (Barrie & District Association of Realtors). As a non-partisan organization, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce works closely with all elected officials to support local businesses and broader economic development. This event provides…
eNewsletter: New Year Business Highlights 2025
March 13, 2025 Celebrating Our Members! The start of 2025 has been an exciting whirlwind, from hosting the Mayor’s Luncheon and two Business After 5 (BA5) events to the Women in Business Awards Gala, all while navigating the ever-evolving business and economic landscape with a provincial election and tariff threats from south of the border.…
Barrie Chamber of Commerce Response to U.S. Tariffs: March 4, 2025
MARCH 12, 2025: Ontario Suspends Energy Surcharge, U.S. Halts Tariff Increase. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suspended the 25% surcharge on energy exports to the U.S. in exchange for a meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. In response, President Trump has halted his plan to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, keeping the…
2025 Provincial Election: Candidate Questions
Barrie-Innisfil Registration MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 5PM – 8PM Traditions at Sheba Shrine, 142 John Street, Barrie Confirmed Candidate Attendance at the time of posting in alphabetical order (subject to change): Andrew Harrigan, NDP Andrea Khanjin, PC Sam Mangiapane, New Blue Party All confirmed candidates were invited to participate and provided with an equal opportunity…
Ontario Chamber Announces Co-Chairs of Business and Trade Leadership Coalition
Chris Conway and James Scongack join OCC CEO, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other leaders during visit to Washington, DC (Toronto, ON and Washington, DC – February 12, 2025) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) today announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders as co-chairs of its Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC): James Scongack, Chief…
Barrie Chamber of Commerce Survey: Impact of Proposed Tariffs
[BARRIE – January 3, 2025] There is a 30-day delay in proposed U.S. tariffs, providing a brief window for negotiations, but uncertainty remains. If imposed, these tariffs, along with likely Canadian retaliatory measures, could: Disrupt businesses Raise costs Slow U.S. orders Your feedback is essential to shaping our advocacy efforts and ensuring Barrie businesses receive…
Barrie Chamber: Statement on Canada’s Economic Strength and U.S. Trade Tariffs
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the recent 30-day delay in the implementation of the proposed 25% U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. While this delay provides a short window for further negotiations, uncertainty remains. If these tariffs take effect, they will pose significant challenges for businesses, workers, and families in Barrie and across the country.…
Proposed International Student Rule Changes Could Lead to $1.7 Billion Economic Impact
Georgian College president and CEO Kevin Weaver – Barrie Chamber of Commerce Photo, Barrie Business Awards 2025 Georgian College has raised an urgent concern about proposed federal changes to international student regulations, which could lead to a staggering $1.7 billion economic impact on Barrie. International students contribute significantly to our local economy, supporting industries like…
Toronto Star: Opinion | It’s the $1 trillion economy, stupid: How Canadian business can stickhandle the looming Trump tariff reality
Canada and the United States have a compelling interest in maintaining free trade, as both nations stand to gain from renewing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) when it comes up for review in 2026. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press file photo Toronto Star – Business: Contributor Daniel Tisch is president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of…
Canadian Chamber Statement Regarding Justin Trudeau’s Resignation Announcement
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the room and made the right call by stepping down today. Canadian Chamber of Commerce – January 6, 2025 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the room and made the right call by announcing his resignation today. His resignation marks a turning point as Canada tackles unprecedented…