Ontario Chamber of Commerce establishes Trade & Competitiveness Council ahead of CUSMA review

(TORONTO, ON — June 24, 2026) — With the mandatory review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) set to begin on July 1, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) today announced the launch of its Trade & Competitiveness Council (TCC), an ongoing platform to strengthen the voice of Ontario business on trade and economic competitiveness issues. 

The new council succeeds the OCC’s Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition, formed in January 2025 in response to escalating Canada–U.S. trade tensions. Its launch reflects member and government feedback, and growing evidence that international trade uncertainty is not a short-term phenomenon, but rather a long-term reality. 

“This is a defining moment for Ontario’s economy,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “As Canada’s economic heartland, we must strengthen our position in North America while expanding our global reach. The OCC’s Trade & Competitiveness Council will give business a clear, coordinated voice to influence our collective destiny.”

Co-chaired by James Scongack, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President of Bruce Power, and Chris Conway, President & CEO of Food & Beverage Ontario, the council brings together leaders from trading industries across the province. It will inform OCC advocacy on trade diversification and the conditions that enable business growth, including productivity, cost competitiveness, investment attraction, and supply-chain resilience. 

In 2026-27, the council will focus on five priority areas: 

• Protecting and expanding domestic and international market access for Ontario businesses 

• Advancing growth-oriented tax and regulatory competitiveness 

• Leveraging procurement and AI to scale Ontario firms 

• Strengthening North American energy and critical mineral supply chains 

• Supporting business continuity and succession planning in Ontario businesses 

These priorities build on ongoing OCC advocacy, including its response to Section 232 tariffs and efforts to expand trade beyond traditional markets. 

As the CUSMA review progresses, the council will monitor developments, provide timely input, and assess outcomes through the lens of Ontario’s long-term competitiveness.  

“CUSMA matters, but Ontario’s competitiveness starts at home,” Tisch added. “The stronger our competitiveness, the stronger our position at the world’s negotiating tables.” 

The Trade & Competitiveness Council webpage, including its member organizations, is available at: https://occ.ca/events/trade-and-competitiveness-policy-council/  

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About the Trade & Competitiveness Council 

The Trade & Competitiveness Council (TCC) is one of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Councils. It convenes business leaders, industry associations, and stakeholders from across Ontario to inform OCC advocacy on trade and the core drivers of economic competitiveness. Building on the Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition, the TCC focuses on strengthening Ontario’s global competitiveness by advancing policies that support investment, productivity, and sustainable growth. 

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 
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647 234 0255