National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

(Toronto – September 29, 2021) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the following statement:

“Tomorrow is about amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, paying respect to those Indigenous children who never came home, and reflecting on the enduring implications of Canada’s residential “school” system.

“While we do not wish to take away from the voices who represent the communities directly impacted; as a business organization, we would like to highlight the role the business community can play within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations on Business and Reconciliation. This includes committing to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, obtaining free and informed consent before proceeding with economic development projects, and ensuring Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs and training opportunities in the corporate sector.

“We must do better and that starts with educating ourselves on the history of Indigenous peoples to improve intercultural understanding and competence.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Ceara Copps – Edwards
Manager, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca | Mobile: 647-936-6734