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…
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,…
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…
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: 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…
Don’t Let Emails Bounce: Keep Your Business Connected
In today’s digital age, missed emails can mean missed opportunities. Many businesses are unaware of their own email settings. Spam filters and inbox management are often the cause of important messages being blocked from being delivered. Here’s why emails might not make it to your inbox, how to fix it, and ways to keep your…
Canadian Chamber 2024 Fall Economic Statement – Our Policy Experts’ Insights
Policy experts from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have reviewed the FES in detail, and their perspective on its implications for Canadian business can be found below. On December 16 2024, the Government of Canada released its 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES). Statement from President and CEO Canada’s business community remains extremely worried by the…