Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Ontario is navigating a confluence of pressures that continue to create uncertainty for businesses and communities and will define our economic trajectory for years to come.

The OCC’s new Advancing Community Prosperity Through Partnership report builds on findings from our inaugural CEO forum co-hosted with Level5 Strategy to highlight how the private sector can help drive solutions via four priority areas:

1️⃣ Collaboration through collective leadership: Businesses, government, and community leaders must work together to drive stronger socio-economic outcomes

2️⃣ Restoring competitive agility and productivity: Competitiveness depends on local talent and conditions that enable investment, innovation and growth

3️⃣ Investing in local greatness: Prosperity requires strong local businesses, talent, and supply chains that drive resilience and growth

4️⃣ Connectivity as a gateway to growth: Reliable transportation, digital, and energy infrastructure are vital to attracting investment, boosting competition and enabling growth

Read the full report here: https://occ.ca/advancing-community-prosperity-through-partnership-a-strategic-roadmap-from-the-inaugural-ceo-forum/

As Canada faces unprecedented challenges – an aging population, trade uncertainty, and technological disruption – securing the talent needed to build Canada’s digital future is more important than ever.

On July 22, join us for a Skills Bridge webinar with the Diversity Institute's Dr. Wendy Cukier on Building Canada’s Digital Future: AI, Immigration, and the Talent Advantage.

This session will examine the contributions of immigrants to our economy with a focus on employer needs, entrepreneurship, and the implications for policy and practice.

Secure your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-canadas-digital-future-ai-immigration-and-the-talent-advantage-tickets-1993141334385

Early bird tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Ontario Economic Summit, happening November 18-19 in Toronto!

As internal trade barriers fall, competition rises, defence spending grows, and AI reshapes competitiveness, the next 12 months will define Ontario’s future—and OES 2026 is where some of our most important decisions will take shape.

Register today to lock in early bird pricing to join senior leaders from business, government, and academia and be part of the conversation about what comes next.

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/

Today’s announcement confirms what businesses have been preparing for. While CUSMA remains in place until 2036, subject to annual reviews, uncertainty continues to weigh on investment and competitiveness across North America.

For months, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has been working with governments, business leaders, and partners across the continent to support a renewed commitment to stable, rules-based trade and to identify solutions to ongoing trade friction.

As OCC's President & CEO, Daniel Tisch, ICD.D, noted: “Annual uncertainty is a tax on North American competitiveness. When the rules aren’t clear, businesses and investors on both sides of the border pull back.”

We welcome Canada’s commitment to continue engaging its North American partners from a position of strength and urge negotiators to stay focused on securing the long-term certainty businesses need to invest, grow, and compete.

Read our statement: https://ow.ly/lZmi50Zjq26

Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls for continued negotiations on CUSMA renewal | OCC (TORONTO, ON — July 1, 2026) — The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) today emphasized the need for continued negotiations following the deferment of any decision to renew the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce wishes everyone a safe and wonderful Canada Day! 🍁

🏢 Please note that the OCC's offices will be closed today. See you tomorrow.

Is your organization hiring or currently employing a post-secondary student during their work placement term this summer?

The OCC can help with wage subsidies of up to 50% of wages to a maximum of $5,000 per eligible student through the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP).

Learn more or apply for the Summer 2026 Term (May 1 to August 31, 2026) here: https://occ.ca/talent-opportunities-program/

Nominations for the 2026 Ontario Business Achievement Awards have been extended to July 31, 2026.

From innovation and inclusion to sustainability and global growth, the OBAAs celebrate the businesses shaping Ontario’s economic future.

Learn more and nominate a business today https://occ.ca/obaa-nominations

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s announcement to modernize the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), a move that is expected to connect skilled newcomers with in-demand jobs and address critical labour shortages across the province. The redesigned program introduces clearer pathways for applicants and employers, strengthens supports for rural and northern communities, and provides Ontario with greater flexibility to respond to evolving workforce needs.

"Targeted, skilled immigration is essential for Ontario businesses to find the talent they need to grow. The Ontario Chamber welcomes stronger employer engagement, better support for remote communities, and clearer pathways for skilled newcomers to help build our businesses. We commend the government and urge them to work closely with employers on implementation," said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

As implementation moves forward, it will be critical that businesses have a meaningful seat at the table to help shape how the program evolves in practice. Ongoing employer engagement will help ensure the program remains responsive to labour market needs, continues to attract skilled talent from across Canada and around the world, recognizes skills and experience alongside formal credentials, and advances credential recognition so Ontario can fully benefit from the talent newcomers bring to our economy.

Read the full release: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007677/ontario-modernizing-immigration-program-to-fill-in-demand-jobs

CC: David Piccini

Ontario Modernizing Immigration Program to Fill In-Demand Jobs | Ontario Newsroom Ontario Modernizing Immigration Program to Fill In-Demand Jobs | Ontario Newsroom