advocacy
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The informed voice of business, steering our members toward growth, prosperity and innovation.
Advocating for you
A unified voice for businesses of all sizes
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC) has always been an advocacy group that represents its business members. The Chamber actively works to advance existing business and attract new economic opportunities. Chamber priorities are driven by you – our members and the community at large.
The GOCC acts as a unified voice for businesses of all sizes and interests. Active locally, provincially and federally, the Chamber is not government funded, making it the only truly independent business advocacy organization in the Greater Oshawa area. This absence of government funding allows the Chamber to advocate solely on the behalf of members and is not subject to influence or opinion.
We also take advantage of the highly-respected advocacy efforts of the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to monitor pending and current legislation, regulation and policy, act on behalf of business to ensure the development and promotion of activities that ensure Oshawa and Durham’s business community continued growth and prosperity.
How It Works
Issues are identified by Chamber members and member firms, further research is done by committees, other volunteers and Chamber staff, approved by the Board, and then presented to the municipal, regional, provincial, or federal government.
The issues must meet the following criteria:
1. Be of significance to the Chamber’s membership;
2. Be timely;
3. Be specific and actionable; *
4. Have a direct relationship to the Chamber’s mission, values, goals and priorities;
5. Be clear and understandable.
* can be impacted by the actions and initiatives of the Chamber and its partners.
If you are a member and there is an issue or concern that’s impacting your business, let us know! Email us at admin@oshawachamber.com or call (905) 728-1683.
Government Relations Committee
working for you
Through a well-honed committee structure, the Chamber develops economic, political, and social policies that affect the economic environment and quality of life in the Greater Oshawa area. The committee interacts with multiple levels of government; collaborates with local institutions; participates in regional events and discussions; and acts as your voice on issues that affect you and your business.
The committee is called the Government Relations Committee (GR). It is made up of representatives from our City, the Region, all major educational institutions, a variety of financial institutions, and of course – our members! The committee meets every second Thursday of the month to discuss ongoing issues, develop new ideas, make recommendations to the Board of Directors, and prepare positions that will best support and promote our members and their voices. The committee continues to be a strong “Voice of Business” on behalf of all members and ensures there is a climate for growth of existing businesses as well as new business.