2025 Ontario Economic Summit Underscores Need for Leadership Across Borders

(TORONTO – NOVEMBER 21, 2025) – The future prosperity of Ontario depends on bold leadership, innovation and collaboration that transcends boundaries, according to leaders speaking at the 2025 Ontario Economic Summit. 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s annual flagship event, hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on November 18 and 19, came at a crucial moment, as Canada’s economy faces challenges that no single sector can tackle alone. 

“This is a time for business to lead. That’s why the theme of this summit is ‘Leadership Across Borders’,” Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC, said in his opening address. “Trade doesn’t happen between nations; it happens between businesses. Growth doesn’t come from government; it comes from entrepreneurs, employers, and innovators willing to take risks and invest in the future.”  

This year’s summit drew a record number of delegates from across the province and around the world, who heard from experts in business, government and academia on topics ranging from Canada’s critical minerals strategy and role as an energy superpower to trade diversification, national defence and more. 

During his keynote speech, Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke to the province’s unique advantages despite economic pressures. 

“Ontario is being challenged, but Ontario is up to the challenge, because we have the critical minerals, the energy, the workers and everything else we need right here to build the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7,” Premier Ford said. 

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy also delivered a keynote in which he shared the government’s plans to boost Ontario’s productivity by investing strategically in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure and technology. He promised attendees “a strong fiscal foundation, and a plan to protect against economic uncertainty by unleashing our economy and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs, and do business.” 

Despite unprecedented headwinds, Tisch encouraged attendees to seek out new opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable and more prosperous future for Canadian businesses, workers and communities. 

“Our challenges are formidable, but our assets are greater. And the reason I’m optimistic is that I’ve never seen such unity in our business community, such urgency from our political leaders and such determination from Canadians to learn from our past and control our own future,” Tisch said. 

The summit returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on November 18 and 19, 2026. 

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce    

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities. 

For more information, please contact:    

Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647-234-0255