The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has established the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC) to tackle the challenges posed by rising international protectionism and the threat of U.S. tariffs. Representing leaders from Ontario’s most trade-dependent sectors, the OBTLC is committed to championing innovative, business-driven solutions, advocating for forward-thinking government policies, and reinforcing Ontario’s role as a global trade leader.
At its core, the OBTLC is action-oriented. The Coalition focuses on equipping Ontario businesses with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to adapt to an evolving trade landscape. Through sector-specific guidance, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, and proactive advocacy efforts, the OBTLC aims to mitigate risks and foster resilience in Ontario’s economy.
As a unified voice for Ontario’s business community, the OBTLC seeks to build consensus, protect against economic threats, and ensure that Ontario businesses remain competitive. Read the release.
OBTLC members include:
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- Alex Ciappara, Vice-President, Head Economist, Canadian Bankers Association
- Andre Leite, Vice-President Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
- Andrew Hurd, Senior Vice-President, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (Ontario)
- Cathy Lennon, General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
- Chris Conway, Chief Executive Officer, Food and Beverage Ontario
- Dennis Darby, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
- Giles Gherson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Region Board of Trade
- Graham Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, London Chamber of Commerce
- Greg Dunnett, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
- Ian Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Forest Industries Association
- James Scongack, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, Bruce Power
- Jason Field, President and Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Ontario
- Jeff Guthrie, Executive Director, Canadian Credit Union Association
- JP (Jean-Pierre) Giroux, President / Président, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
- Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition
- Lauren Tedesco, Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
- Lisa Baiton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
- Misti M. Rice, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Magna International
- Natasha Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Aerospace Council
- Nick Colosimo, Director, Government Relations (Ontario), Canadian Bankers’ Association
- Patrick Lortie, General Manager, Canadian National Railway
- Priya Tandon, President, Ontario Mining Association
- Saga Williams, Senior Advisor, External Relations, Curve Lake First Nation
- Sandro Perruzza, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Society of Professional Engineers
- Stephen Laskowski, President, Ontario Trucking Association
- Sueling Ching, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Board of Trade
- Vince Brescia, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Association
- Lily Chen, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Ontario Medical Association
- Warrington Ellacott, Chair, Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters
- Karen Mazurkewich, Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Communications, Greater Toronto Airports Authority
For more information on the Coalition, please get in touch with Ali Nasser Virji.