Ontario Budget Must Boost Growth, Productivity and Global Competitiveness

(Toronto, ON – May 14, 2025) – As Ontario prepares to table its 2025 Budget, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released its Ontario Budget Submission, compiling its recommendations to the Minister of Finance to secure the province’s long-term economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness.

“With mounting trade uncertainty and rising global competition, this moment calls us all to reject complacency and embrace competitiveness,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “Ontario’s 2025 Budget must take action to help scale up our businesses, attract and retain top talent, and invest in our infrastructure and communities.”

Developed in consultation with businesses, industry associations and local chambers in every region of Ontario, the OCC’s 2025 Budget Submission lays out clear, actionable recommendations across four pillars: a competitive business and trade environment; qualified people and diverse talent; growth-enabling infrastructure; and healthy, sustainable communities.

Key priorities include:

• Helping businesses grow and scale by simplifying the tax system, simplifying regulatory compliance, improving SME access to and competitiveness in government procurement, and making capital more accessible for businesses investing in technology and productivity.
• Making Ontario more competitive for top talent by increasing base operating funding for postsecondary institutions, fully funding enrolment expansion to retain young talent, and making Ontario a global magnet for research and innovation through stronger government-industry-academic partnerships.
• Investing in infrastructure by enhancing transportation corridors to facilitate the movement of goods and people, fast-tracking electricity system planning with digital tools, accelerating clean energy projects, enabling regulatory conditions for an “all of the above” energy strategy, and expanding affordable housing through innovative construction, gentle densification and targeted partnerships.
• Growing Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem and supporting healthy communities by accelerating the commercialization of homegrown innovation, attracting investment, modernizing health data systems, improving public access to new treatments, and expanding team-based and virtual care models.

“This Budget is a generational opportunity to unlock Ontario’s economic potential,” added Tisch. “The Ontario Chamber and its 60,000 members are ready to partner with government to turn smart policy into meaningful progress.”

Read the full submission

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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:

Lucas Di Rocco
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
lucasdirocco@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 694-7964