2023 Ontario Business Achievement Awards

The Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) are the most distinguished industry celebration in the province recognizing business success. Last year’s 40th-anniversary special featured community leaders and organizations working toward an inclusive economy. The 2022 OBAAs were broadcast on TLN Television on November 12, with an encore presentation on November 19 to a national audience of over 200,000.

For the fourth year, the 2023 Ontario Business Achievement Awards continued as a television broadcast and took the form of six back-to-back episodes highlighting those who are supporting Ontario’s economy. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is delighted to partner with organizations each year to deliver the broadcast of the Ontario Business Achievement Awards.

This year’s episodes were broadcast on TLN Television on October 14, with an encore presentation on October 15. The six episodes were as follows:

• The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a leader who demonstrates outstanding leadership throughout their career and has made a significant and positive impact on the province and beyond. This year’s award recipient was Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO of OMERS. Read the release.
• The Emerging Technology CEO of the Year Award is given to a CEO who has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 12 months, bringing their organization to a new level of growth and success within their industry. This year’s award recipient was Raquel Urtasun, Founder and CEO of Waabi. Read the release. 
• The Association CEO of the Year Award is given to a CEO who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the last 12 months bringing their industry association to a new level of growth and success in advocating for its members. The inaugural recipient of this award was Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association Read the release.
• Over the past three years, we have seen exponential growth in the number of businesses across Ontario that have begun or fully transitioned to online marketplaces and hybrid work models. The Cybersecurity episode explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for businesses as they navigate this new space in an era of increased cybercrime, highlighting practical tips and information to protect sensitive information.
• With a rapidly aging population, Ontario will face growing challenges as a result of labour shortages in key industries and the closure of several independently owned businesses. The Aging Population episode addressed how Ontario’s aging population will impact economic growth, the value of seasoned employees, and the steps businesses can take to support and leverage our aging population.
• As the mining finance capital of the world and a major source of mineral production, supply and innovation, Ontario can play a critical role in supporting countries around the world in the green transition. The Critical Minerals and Mining episode highlighted the current and future landscape of mining in Ontario, examined the crucial role of Indigenous communities in resource extraction projects, and showcased entrepreneurship across the industry. The episode also discussed the linkages between the province’s mining and manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries powered by Ontario’s first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy.