Ontario Chamber of Commerce Announces Launch of New Business Diversity Economic Expo

(Toronto, September 28, 2020 – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) announced it is using its convening power to contribute to the efforts to address the equity gap in business with the Business Diversity Economic Expo as part of its virtual 2020 Ontario Economic Series. Happening on October 22, October 28 and November 17, 2020, the business to business virtual trade show and networking event will put a spotlight on businesses which are Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, People of Colour-owned, Women-owned, LGBTQ2+-owned, and businesses owned by People with Disabilities. The OCC will also be inviting procurement officers and supply chain leaders from large private sector, public sector and academic institutions to attend and meet with business owners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses of all sizes across the province, but the effects have been even more overwhelming for businesses which are Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, People of Colour-owned, Women-owned, LGBTQ2+-owned, and businesses owned by People with Disabilities.

The OCC has long recognized the issue of equity in hiring practices, but equally important is ensuring that purchasing decisions do not overlook businesses owned by under-represented groups, as wealth creation is the key to long-term equality.

“Being Mayor of the most multicultural and diverse city in the world, the City of Toronto is proud to partner with the Ontario Chamber for its virtual trade show event focused on diversifying supply chains and celebrating inclusivity. Our diversity is our strength and I look forward to getting to know more of the truly amazing businesses right in our backyard over the course of the Business Diversity Economic Expo,” said Mayor of Toronto, John Tory.

The business case for supplier diversity in Canada is clear and has many benefits including more robust supply chains and increased economic development. Additionally, in a marketplace as diverse as Canada’s, customers expect an organization’s workforce and practices, including procurement, to reflect this diversity.

“Inclusivity, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas from around the world will be central to achieving greater prosperity here in Ontario,” says Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “As it has been for nearly 20 years, the 2020 Ontario Economic Series will be the forum for visionary leaders in the public, private, education and not-for-profit sectors to shape Ontario’s future growth and role in the global economy. We look forward to using this platform to highlight Ontario’s business diversity and provide opportunities for under-represented groups to showcase their businesses in front of new audiences.”

Dates:

• Thursday, October 22, 2020 – 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ET

Tickets for the Business Diversity Economic Expo and 2020 Ontario Economic Series are on sale now at occ.ca/oes.

The OCC would like to recognize its partners Bruce Power, the City of Toronto, Power Corporation of Canada, Meridian, Waste Connections of Canada, and Global Public Affairs for making the 2020 Ontario Economic Series and the Business Diversity Economic Expo possible.

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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 at cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca or 647-936-6734