Ontario Chamber and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Working to Advance Economic Reconciliation in Ontario

(TORONTO– February 16, 2023) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced a new partnership to help Ontario businesses advance reconciliation, build mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and support stronger Indigenous economic outcomes.

“At the OCC, we recognize the critical role non-Indigenous organizations must play in advancing reconciliation, including through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC. “We are thrilled to be partnering with CCAB on this important initiative. They will provide critical guidance, support, and data to strengthen the impact of this work.”

According to the OCC’s 2023 Ontario Economic Report, advancing economic reconciliation is a growing priority for Ontario business. However, many require guidance on where to start or how to do so meaningfully, with different businesses at different stages of their reconciliation journey.

“The OCC is setting an example for other organizations by putting Indigenous reconciliation at the forefront,” said CCAB President and CEO and OCC Board Director Tabatha Bull, “We are proud to partner with the OCC and look forward to supporting this initiative.”

Through this work, the OCC will develop a practical resource to contextualize the role of businesses in advancing reconciliation, promote existing resources, and showcase best practices in Indigenous partnership building across Ontario. This work will be supported by an Indigenous Advisory Committee and engagement with Indigenous communities, as well as CCAB and OCC members. The OCC recognizes that reconciliation is an ongoing process of learning and action and looks forward to continuing to build on this initiative in the future.

Thank you to our partners: Hydro One, Bruce Power, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and CN.

To learn more or get involved, contact Sara Beyer, Senior Policy Analyst, OCC and Andy Avgerinos, Project Manager, Research, CCAB.

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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, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

About the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
CCAB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. As a national, non-partisan association, its mission is to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness.  CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information visit www.ccab.com.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255

Alannah Jabokwoam,
Senior Associate, Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
ajabokwoam@ccab.com  | Phone: (416) 961-8663 ext. 227

Resources:

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
• National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada
• Business Reconciliation in Canada Guidebook
• Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program