Advocacy
Strathroy-Caradoc State of Business Report
The Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lunch in March 2026 brought together over 70 local business owners and community leaders for a meaningful and impactful conversation.
This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect directly with MPP Steve Pinsonneault, Warden Susan Clarke, and Mayor Colin Grantham. Together, we were able to bridge the gap between the business community and government, fostering open dialogue to support sustainable economic growth across Strathroy-Caradoc and the surrounding region.
During the luncheon, the Chamber presented key findings from the Business Voice survey through a comprehensive State of Business report. This was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where discussion centered on the report’s recommendations as well as insights and questions raised by survey respondents. Our government partners demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing collaboration and continued support for businesses in Strathroy and District.
2026 Ontario Economic Report
The Ontario Economic Report (OER) is the landmark research platform of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province. The OER is a data-driven, evidence-based document rooted in the OCC’s annual survey of its members, the Business Confidence Survey (BCS).
The 2026 OER is the OCC’s 10th annual report and provides regional and sector-specific insights on business confidence, economic growth, policy priorities and key issues such as U.S. tariff threats, supply chains, workforce well-being, economic reconciliation and climate change.
Read the press release here or view the PDF version of the report here.
2026 Ontario Budget Submission
This year’s provincial budget comes at a crucial time for both Ontario and Canada.
With shifting global trade patterns, tested alliances, and rising protectionism — especially south of the border — businesses are facing real challenges.
Amidst growing uncertainty and disruption, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Ontario Budget Submission calls on the provincial government to take definitive steps to:
- Promote a competitive business and trade environment
- Develop skilled and diverse talent to address labour shortages
- Invest in healthy, sustainable communities for long-term resilience
- Build infrastructure for energy, connectivity, security, and trade
Collectively, these actions will help drive growth and bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.
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.
See what your provincial network is working on for you!
https://occ.ca/policy-advocacy/