Skip to content
Facebook LinkedIn Youtube
OCC
  • Advocacy
    • Our Publications
    • Navigating U.S. Tariffs
    • 2026 Ontario Economic Report
    • Ontario’s Mining Future 2030
    • Economic Reconciliation Initiative
    • Housing Affordability Initiative
    • Policy Brief Series
  • Councils
  • Commerce Talks
  • Events
    • Advocacy Day
    • Annual General Meeting
    • Ontario Business Achievement Awards
    • Ontario Business Advisory Council
    • Ontario Economic Summit
    • 15th World Chambers Congress
    • Smart Growth Symposium
    • Webinars
  • Programs
    • Talent Opportunities Program
    • Skills Bridge
    • Export and Trade
  • Membership
    • Corporate Membership
    • Chamber Membership
    • Affinity Programs
  • News
    • Media Releases
    • Policy Updates
    • Blogs
  • About
    • Contact
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Career
    • Strategic Plan
A magnifying glass icon on a white background.
×
A man is riding a bike on a hill.
×
  • Advocacy
    • Our Publications
    • Navigating U.S. Tariffs
    • 2026 Ontario Economic Report
    • Ontario’s Mining Future 2030
    • Economic Reconciliation Initiative
    • Housing Affordability Initiative
    • Policy Brief Series
  • Councils
  • Commerce Talks
  • Events
    • Advocacy Day
    • Annual General Meeting
    • Ontario Business Achievement Awards
    • Ontario Business Advisory Council
    • Ontario Economic Summit
    • 15th World Chambers Congress
    • Smart Growth Symposium
    • Webinars
  • Programs
    • Talent Opportunities Program
    • Skills Bridge
    • Export and Trade
  • Membership
    • Corporate Membership
    • Chamber Membership
    • Affinity Programs
  • News
    • Media Releases
    • Policy Updates
    • Blogs
  • About
    • Contact
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Career
    • Strategic Plan
A man is riding a bike on a hill. A man is riding a bike on a hill.

2026 Ontario Economic Summit

Ontario Strong: Competing with Confidence

Partner With Us Become A Member Tariff Resources
>
Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Bluesky
The ontario economic summit logo. November 18-19, 2026

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Register Here Programming

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

We are at a pivotal moment for our province and our country. As businesses and governments navigate geopolitical volatility, economic fragmentation, rapid technological change, and intensifying global competition, Ontario has an opportunity not just to respond—but to lead.

Under the theme of Ontario Strong: Competing with Confidence, the 2026 Ontario Economic Summit (OES) will bring together influential leaders from business, government, academia, and communities to explore how Ontario can strengthen its competitive edge and build lasting prosperity.

Across two days of high-impact conversations, OES 2026 will examine the strategies, partnerships, and bold decisions needed to secure Ontario’s future. It will also provide a platform for leaders to connect and exchange ideas needed to shape a more resilient, innovative, and unified economy.

Join us in Toronto on November 18-19 as we convene the voices and vision needed to ensure Ontario remains strong, competitive, and ready for what comes next.

Ticket Pricing
OCC Member: $1,449 + HST
Non-Member: $1,749 + HST

Partnership Opportunities

Interested in learning more about partnership opportunities for this event? Please contact Ashley Tompkins, Senior Account Manager, OCC, at ashleytompkins@occ.ca.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Here is a preview of the conversations you can expect at OES 2026—with additional keynote speakers, panels, and special announcements still to come.

Welcome Remarks

Daniel Tisch – TEST2
Daniel Tisch

President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Panel Discussion

Building Ontario's Defence Industrial Base: From Investment to Impact

As global defence spending accelerates, Ontario has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a leader in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and national security. This session will explore how the province can attract investment, scale domestic production, and unlock opportunities across defence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Attendees will gain insight into the strategies shaping Canada’s defence future and what they mean for Ontario businesses.

Moderator
Stephen Lund-2
Stephen Lund

CEO, Toronto Global

Panel Discussion

Breaking Down Barriers, Driving Growth

A stronger Canadian economy depends on our ability to move people, products, services, and ideas more efficiently across the country. As governments pursue internal trade reforms, attention must turn to the digital and regulatory barriers that affect competition, investment, and business growth. This panel will explore how greater economic integration can improve productivity, expand market opportunities, and strengthen Canada’s long-term resilience.

Fireside Chat
Trevor Tombe
Trevor Tombe

Professor of Economics, University of Calgary

Del Rollo
Del Rollo

Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Arterra Wines Canada

Moderator
Vass Bednar
Vass Bednar

Managing Director of the Canadian Shield Institute

(Closed to Media)

Cabinet Minister Roundtables

Participating delegates will exchange policy ideas with senior government representatives.

Networking Reception at Roy Thomson Hall

This year’s summit will boast several opportunities for connection and dialogue with industry professionals, thought leaders, and decision-makers.

Welcome Remarks

Marilyn Horrick
Marilyn Horrick

Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion, & Partner Relations, Desjardins and Board Chair, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Panel Discussion

Powering Ontario's Economic Future: Energy, Competitiveness, and Growth in a Changing World

As Ontario enters a new era of economic growth, access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy has become one of the most critical factors shaping business competitiveness. From attracting investment and scaling advanced manufacturing to supporting AI, data centres, critical minerals, and the clean energy transition, the province’s energy choices – and its ability to build the infrastructure needed to deliver them – will have profound implications for economic prosperity.  

Panelists will examine global energy trends, the evolving investment landscape, the role of emerging technologies, and how Ontario can balance affordability, reliability, and sustainability while meeting growing demand. The discussion will also consider what is needed to expand energy and transmission infrastructure efficiently and ensure communities and businesses across the province can participate in Ontario’s growth. 

Panel Discussion

Unlocking Capital, Projects, and Prosperity: Canada's Natural Resource Opportunity

As Canada seeks to double our non-US exports by 2035, our natural resources sector presents tremendous opportunity to achieve this goal and create prosperity for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This discussion will examine the federal governments efforts strengthen our energy and mining sectors and discuss what else is required to advance major projects, strengthen domestic supply chains, and ensure Canada emerges as a global leader in resource development and industrial investment.

Fireside Chat

Navigating Uncertainty: Building Competitiveness in a Fragmented Global Economy

As economic uncertainty persists, organizations must find new ways to enhance productivity, attract investment, and remain competitive. This fireside chat will explore the trends shaping Canada’s economic outlook and the strategies leaders can adopt to drive growth and resilience in an increasingly fragmented global marketplace.

Keynote Address

Prosperity in the 21st Century: Navigating Business and Policy in a World of Geopolitical Shifts

Jim Balsillie will share his perspective on the evolving role of economic statecraft and what it means for business leaders, policymakers, and Canada’s long-term economic success.

Speaker
Jim Basillie-2
Jim Balsillie

Chair, Council of Canadian Innovators

Fireside Chat

Economic Statecraft and Canada's Competitive Future

Building on the keynote address, this conversation will explore how Canada can navigate an increasingly complex global economy, foster innovation at scale, and position itself for long-term growth and resilience. Join Jim Balsillie and our moderator for an in-depth discussion on the policies, partnerships, and strategies that will shape Canada’s economic future. 

Speaker
Jim Basillie-2
Jim Balsillie

Chair, Canadian Council of Innovators

Panel Discussion

Ontario Strong and Intelligent: AI Sovereign Capability and Growth

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, economies, and societies. This session will explore how Ontario can build a globally competitive AI ecosystem while ensuring secure, responsible, and scalable adoption across sectors. From talent and infrastructure to innovation and commercialization, discover how AI can become a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic growth.

Speakers
Marc E Ouimette
Marc E. Ouimette

Affiliated Researcher, Cambridge Bennett Institute & Founder, Cardinal Policy

Dimitri Polygenis
Dimitris Polygenis

President, McKesson Canada

Bill Syrros
Bill Syrros

Partner, National AI Leader, BDO Digital

Keynote Address

In Service to Canada: How U of T is Meeting This Moment

Speaker
Melanie Woodin
Melanie Woodin

President, University of Toronto

Keynote Address

Capitalizing on the Life Sciences: Positioning Canada Globally for Economic Prosperity Locally

Ontario’s life sciences strengths can serve as national assets that fuel economic growth, protect sovereignty, and improve our health. Explore findings from Roche and the OCC’s recent policy primer on accelerating access to healthcare innovation, strengthening Canada’s place as a global leader in clinical trials, and the crucial role of advancing connected data systems.

Speakers
Laura Pagnotta

Vice-President, External Affairs, Roche

Panel Discussion

Life Sciences: Health Innovation: Improving Outcomes, Driving Growth

As nations rethink competitiveness, productivity, and healthcare sustainability, Ontario faces a critical question: are we investing enough in health innovation to improve patient outcomes while strengthening long-term economic prosperity?

Explore how strategic investments in innovation can drive economic growth, attract talent and capital, accelerate commercialization, and position Canada as a global leader in life sciences, and support a healthier, more productive workforce.

Panel Discussion

Point/Counterpoint: A Conversation on Canada's Future

Two influential voices. Two distinct perspectives. One critical issue shaping Canada’s future. This dynamic exchange will tackle one of the most important economic or public policy questions facing the country today, offering thoughtful debate, fresh insights, and practical tips for leaders navigating change and uncertainty.

Speakers
Jason Kenney
Hon. Jason Kenney

18th Premier of Alberta and former Federal Minister

Smiling middle-aged man with short brown hair, wearing a dark suit jacket and white shirt, against a plain gray background.
Hon. Dalton McGuinty

Former Premier of Ontario (2003-2013)

Closing Remarks

Daniel Tisch – TEST2
Daniel Tisch

President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Title Partner

Agnico eagle logo.

Premier Partner

A man is riding a bike on a hill. A man is riding a bike on a hill. The university of toronto logo.

Supporting Partner

Logo: Bruce Power A man is riding a bike on a hill. The toronto pearson logo on a black background.

Associate Partners

A man is riding a bike on a hill. A man is riding a bike on a hill. The cn logo on a black background. A man is riding a bike on a hill. GSK's logo A man is riding a bike on a hill. A man is riding a bike on a hill.

Reception Partner

Chambers plan employee benefits logo. A man is riding a bike on a hill. A teal color with a white background.

Media Partner

Strategy corp logo on a white background.

Rideshare Partner

A black and white photo of a man and a woman.

CONTACT US FOR 2026 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Follow Us

Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Bluesky

Site Nav

  • Advocacy
  • Events
  • Programs
  • Membership
  • News
  • About
  • Contact

Ontario Chamber Newsletter

Never miss an update in our monthly newsletter.

Subscribe
PREMIER MEMBERS
A purple and green logo on a black background. Atkins reals logo on a white background. A green logo on a black background. A teal color with a white background. A blue bell logo on a white background. Rbc bank of canada logo. A blue and white logo with a black background. Chambers of commerce group insurance plan logo. The cn logo on a black background. Canadian fuels association logo. Mccarthy tetrault logo on an orange background. The meridian logo on a black background. A black and white photo of a man and a woman. A blue and red logo with the word mcdonald's. Logo: Bruce Power The logo for the ontario medical association. The power corporation of canada logo. The lily logo on a black background. A colorful logo with the word mcdonald's on it. A black and yellow logo with a yellow arrow. A blue and orange logo with the number 5 on it. The canadian maple leaf logo on a black background. A logo with an orange and black background. Imperial Oil logo GSK's logo The university of cleveland college of business and economics logo. The logo for luna feel the power. A red and black logo on a black background. Tln media group logo. The logo for the board of canadian registered safety professionals. A blue and white logo with a blue background. Magna logo on a black background. Pfizer logo Canada life logo on a black background. Northbridge insurance logo on a black background. Tc energy logo on a white background. Destination northern ontario logo. A thin red line on a black background. The cadillac fairview logo. Meta logo. The logo for deloitte on a white background. The logo for port montreal. The federation of rental housing providers of ontario logo. The logo for bennett jones. Kpmg logo on a white background. Agnico eagle logo. The logo for colleges colleges ontario. Leger 360 Flynn Group of Companies

Ontario Chamber of Commerce © 2026 | Privacy Policy | Service Standard | Career Opportunities
The OCC is an accredited chamber of commerce