Ontario’s Prosperity, Canada’s Progress: Ontario Chamber unveils federal election priorities

(TORONTO – March 25, 2025) — Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) launched Ontario’s Prosperity, Canada’s Progress, a four-point plan outlining key economic priorities for the 2025 federal election.

“Ontario is an electoral battleground for a reason: it’s the heart of Canada’s economy, and essential to our national prosperity,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “With the right federal policies, we can unlock trade, attract investment, grow sustainably and develop the workforce of the future. This is a hinge moment for Canada’s economy – and we challenge our leaders to make clear commitments to seize it.”

The OCC calls on all federal leaders, parties, and candidates to work with Canada’s provinces to champion policies that drive national growth under four key pillars: a competitive business and trade environment; qualified people, diverse talent; healthy and sustainable communities; and growth-enabling infrastructure.

Recommendations include:

• A competitive business and trade environment: Strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement; ensure a swift renegotiation of CUSMA; diversify export opportunities; introduce targeted support programs for businesses; and conduct a comprehensive federal tax and spending review.
• Qualified people, diverse talent: Align immigration and workforce strategies with labour market needs; enhance tri-council research funding to attract top global talent; reform Employment Insurance to ensure governance, programs, and policies remain sustainable, affordable, and relevant for current and future generations of employers and employees.
• Growth-enabling infrastructure: Establish a national energy corridor and align regulatory frameworks; attract private investment in low-carbon energy and climate adaptation projects; expand investment in trade-enabling infrastructure such as transportation hubs and rail and marine corridors; and enhance broadband access across Canada.
• Healthy and sustainable communities: Strengthen approval processes for innovative medicines and medical devices; prioritize investments across the life sciences ecosystem; and expedite efforts to address Health Human Resource shortages.

To read the recommendation in more detail, visit our website and click here.

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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:

Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255