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
Federal incentives for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles
Our 2022 federal budget submission called on governments to develop a strategy for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) that integrates electric, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and hybrid technologies for a variety of vehicle types, including heavy-duty utility trucks to support commercial fleet electrification.
In July 2022, the Government of Canada announced new incentives for medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs. This $550 million program will help businesses make the necessary transition to zero-emission vehicles, providing purchase incentives worth roughly 50% of the price difference between an electric vehicle and a traditional vehicle.
Government of Canada Supporting Investments in Sustainable Buildings
Our report, The Climate Catalyst, highlights investments in sustainable buildings as a strategy for economic stimulus and decarbonization. We recommend that governments accelerate retrofits by offering long-term financing and guarantees for building owners while also expanding energy efficiency programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
In March 2022, the federal government announced numerous multi-million-dollar tranches of funding to support retrofits and the greening of existing buildings as part of its 2030 Emissions Plan. These include $150 million to support the Canada Green Buildings Strategy, $458.5 million in additional investment in the Canada Greener Homes Loan program, and $194 million to expand the Industrial Energy Management System to support ISO 50001 certification and energy efficiency-focused retrofits for key small-to-moderate projects.
Federal Support for Zero-emission Vehicles
In our report, The Climate Catalyst, we make several recommendations to the government on decarbonizing Canada’s transportation, including advancing transportation technology projects and fast-tracking investments in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging infrastructure.
In our report, The Climate Catalyst, we make several recommendations to the government on decarbonizing Canada’s transportation, including advancing transportation technology projects and fast-tracking investments in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging infrastructure.
Federal Government Investments in Cleantech
In our report, The Climate Catalyst, we call for government investments in clean technology with promising applications while also de-risking financing with targeted loan guarantees and tax incentives.
In March 2022, the federal government unveiled its 2030 Emissions Plan. As part of the approach, new funding has been made available to trial pre-commercial cleantech and de-risk large-scale pilot projects. Additional tax incentives, such as Investment Tax Credits, have been introduced to help mobilize private capital to accelerate investment in cleantech. The government will also triple funding for the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, which supports the development and purchase among farmers of more energy-efficient equipment.