The OCC is Ontario’s largest, most inclusive, and credible business network.
A respected voice among government decision-makers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is Ontario’s non-partisan business advocate. The OCC undertakes the province’s most pressing policy issues on behalf of our members, and advocates for evidence-based solutions that will foster economic growth in the province. The OCC’s work is based on the belief that a strong business community is the foundation for a prosperous Ontario.
Together with our 60,000 members, the Ontario Chamber Network makes up Ontario’s largest, most inclusive, and credible business network. Learn how you can become a part of this powerful network.
Determining our agenda
The OCC conducts research and develops policy that aims to attract investment and business growth in the province. OCC members drive our policy work, shaping our advocacy through a policy resolution process. Each year Ontario’s Chamber Network gathers at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Convention to debate and define the resolutions that inform advocacy efforts for the coming year. See our current policy compendium tabled from our latest AGM.
The OCC also leverages the expertise of our board of directors and corporate membership through a policy committee and task force that helps to shape our policy priorities and processes.
Advocacy Wins
Creating More Opportunities for Internationally Trained Skilled Workers
In the OCC’s 2024 Provincial Budget Submission, we called on the government to take bold national leadership on interprovincial trade by signing mutual recognition agreements and/or unilaterally recognizing standards in other parts of the country, where appropriate, to promote trade and labour mobility.
In July 2024, the Government of Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Alberta. The provinces will work together to share expertise and information and explore an international credential recognition framework for skilled trades that will enhance this process and support mobility between both jurisdictions.
Harmonizing provincial and federal energy efficiency standards
In our pathways to decarbonization submission, the OCC highlighted the importance of incrementally evolving the energy efficiency of buildings and consumer electronics through codes and standards. We called on the Province to continue working with the federal government to establish a national, harmonized approach.
The Government of Ontario is proposing amendments to O.Reg. 509/18 (Energy and Water Efficiency – Appliances and Products) (“Efficiency Regulation”), made under the Electricity Act, 1998 to harmonize the standards for 42 products through rolling incorporation by reference to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) standards. This would allow for automatic updates to product scope, test standards and efficiency requirements of these products in the Efficiency Regulation if, and when changes/updates are made to the NRCan standards.
Scaling Evidence-Based Interventions Geared Towards Equity-deserving Groups
In its 2024 provincial budget submission, the OCC called on the Government of Ontario to scale evidence-based interventions geared towards equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, and women. This includes programs proven to increase their representation in the skilled trades, STEM, and other high-demand occupations and sectors.
In June 2024, the Province announced an investment of $3.5 million through the Skills Development Fund to provide free skills development training in technology-related fields for 800 workers and jobseekers in Toronto, with a focus on fostering Black entrepreneurship in tech. Participants will receive specialized upskilling with hands-on learning in high-demand sectors, including skilled trades and technical occupations. Participants will also receive advanced skills development in emerging technologies such as app development, coding and design principles, and virtual reality basics, as well as professional development training, mentorship and job placement support.
Addressing the Need for Student’s Financial Literacy
In a letter to Minister Lecce, we called for the need to expand financial literacy within the education curriculum as a means to ensure all students have the knowledge and skills needed to understand the financial structures that create economic growth.
In May 2024, Minister Lecce announced the introduction of Canada’s first financial literacy graduation requirement that will ensure students exit Ontario’s school system with both literacy and financial literacy skills.
Revitalizing Career Counselling
In a letter to Minister Lecce, we encouraged the Ontario Government to consider introducing career options to children at a younger age recognizing meaningful ways to introduce them, their parents, and educators to a wide range of career options.
In May 2024, Minister Lecce announced a revitalization of career and guidance counselling at schools to support local labour market needs and pathways to good careers.