Even before the announcement of the pending US tariffs, Ontario’s business landscape was at a pivotal moment. With global economic shifts, the return of labour shortages, and infrastructure needs shaping the future, businesses across the province require bold leadership and forward-thinking policies. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in collaboration with local chambers like your Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, has outlined a four-point plan that addresses the most pressing business issues in the 2025 Ontario election. This framework aims to strengthen economic resilience, remove barriers to success, and position Ontario as a leader in business innovation and investment.
As a local voice advocating for Oshawa’s business community, we recognize that prosperity isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about creating thriving, sustainable communities where businesses and residents alike can flourish. Personally, it’s my belief in the remarkably high factors of liveability that Oshawa offers that makes it so compelling to do this work. This is why we are proud to align with the OCC’s Ontario Competes initiative, ensuring that local businesses remain part of a strong, national network working to shape policies that support long-term success.
1. Strengthening Ontario’s Business and Trade Environment
A robust and predictable business environment is the foundation of a strong economy. However, Ontario businesses face regulatory burdens, interprovincial trade barriers, and rising protectionism that hinder their growth. To address these challenges, the OCC’s plan includes:
- Dismantling interprovincial trade barriers to ensure the free movement of goods and services across Canada.
- Engaging with federal leaders to protect Ontario’s key industries—such as manufacturing, agriculture, and automotive—from global trade disputes.
- Streamlining provincial tax frameworks to reduce complexity and increase access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses.
For Oshawa’s business community, these measures are critical. Despite the turmoil of the past near-decade now, Oshawa still has a legacy of leading in manufacturing – a sector that’s once again expanding as I write this post. Whether you’re a thriving local manufacturer looking to expand beyond Ontario’s borders or a small business owner navigating regulatory hurdles, these policy changes will help create a more competitive and growth-friendly environment.
2. Investing in Talent and Workforce Development
Ontario’s workforce is the backbone of its economic success. However, ongoing labour shortages and evolving industry demands require immediate attention. The OCC’s plan focuses on:
- Expanding post-secondary funding to accommodate growing demand and ensure high-quality education for future talent.
- Aligning workforce development programs with industry needs to support critical sectors, including technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
- Investing in skills training to help workers transition into high-demand roles and ensure businesses can access a qualified workforce.
For Oshawa, home to key institutions like Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University and a growing population of Queen’s students, this is a game-changer. By fostering stronger partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, we can better prepare our workforce for the future, ensuring long-term community prosperity. Why send our new grads elsewhere to seek employment when we have such an incredible array of meaningful work opportunities right in our community? Our unique ecosystem of education and industries will just require continued investment and focused effort to connect all the right dots.
3. Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities
A thriving economy depends on strong, sustainable communities. The OCC recognizes the need for government collaboration to address challenges such as mental health, housing, and municipal funding structures. Key recommendations include:
- A whole-of-government approach to tackling mental health and substance use issues that impact the workforce and local businesses.
- Modernizing the provincial-municipal fiscal relationship to equip municipalities with resources for homelessness, transit, and community safety initiatives.
- Improving health data systems to enhance access to care and ensure Ontarians receive the support they need.
As we advocate for business growth in Oshawa, we know that economic success is intertwined with community well-being. When businesses, governments, and community organizations work together, we create a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable region. Let’s remember that we have some leading and highly-evolved healthcare infrastructure operating in Oshawa and make sure that whomever we elect is going to give it the continued attention it needs to support our community’s growth and wellbeing.
4. Investing in Growth-Enabling Infrastructure
Ontario’s ability to attract and retain business investment depends on modern infrastructure. The OCC’s recommendations highlight the need for:
- Upgrading transportation corridors to improve goods movement and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
- Expanding digital infrastructure to support business connectivity and technological advancement.
- Addressing the housing crisis by leveraging partnerships and innovative construction strategies.
For Oshawa, this means continued investment in transit, technology, and affordable housing solutions that allow businesses and workers to thrive. Infrastructure development isn’t just about roads and buildings—it’s about laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and resilient economy. Let’s not wait until we have the gridlock and infrastructure gaps that plague some of the Province’s bigger cities.
A Call to Action for Business Owners
As we approach the 2025 Ontario election, advocacy efforts like Ontario Competes play a vital role in ensuring that policymakers understand the challenges facing businesses. By engaging with government leaders, chambers of commerce help shape policies that create opportunities for growth and innovation.
At the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, we remain committed to supporting our members and advocating for the policies that will drive economic success in our region. As part of a vast national network, you are not alone—together, we are working to build an Ontario (and a Canada!) where businesses thrive and communities prosper.
Want to stay involved? Join the conversation by sharing your insights and priorities with us at one of our events or by commenting on our social media channels. Right now, you can also weigh in on how we focus our advocacy efforts by clicking right here to take our 2025 Advocacy survey. Your voice matters, and by working together, we can ensure a brighter future for businesses across Ontario.
