Dear Ontario Chamber Network Colleagues,

The U.S. presidential inauguration confirms that the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring uncertainty and challenges for Ontario businesses. While tariffs remain a threat, not yet a reality, President Trump has directed federal agencies to review current trade policies and evaluate U.S. trade relationships - explicitly singling out Canada along with Mexico and China.

With continued risk for businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the border, we must be aggressive – both in preventing short-term disruptions to our trading relationship, and in advocating for our interests in the renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement.

The role of chambers of commerce and boards of trade has never been more vital. Together, we provide the insights, resources, and advocacy needed to navigate this complex environment.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is active on many fronts:

• Ontario government strategy: We are working closely with the Premier, his office and Ontario’s representatives in the U.S. to deepen American understanding of the enormous value of cross-border trade and the dire consequences of trade barriers to businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the border. We are also collaborating on the government’s strategy to defend Ontario, strengthen its economic competitiveness and demonstrate the benefits of a stronger North American economic alliance.
   

• U.S. state chambers: Building relationships and alignment: Before the U.S. election, we brought together the CEOs of the eight U.S. state chambers that border Ontario for a joint briefing on Canada-U.S. trade. Since then, these relationships have been valuable in gaining intelligence and forming a cross-border front against new trade barriers. While this will obviously not eliminate the tariff threat, it can help mitigate its scale, scope, impact and duration. In the longer-term, this can strengthen U.S. business support for a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement in 2026.
   

• Ontario business engagement and alignment: In the days ahead, the Ontario Chamber will launch a new Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition, comprised of the leaders of industries most affected by U.S. trade barriers, and most strategic in securing Ontario’s future trade advantage. Part “war room” and part think tank, this group will help strengthen the weight of our recommendations to government, and our counsel to our members. On the weekend, I spoke directly with the Premier about this, and he is eager to receive the group’s recommendations. We will also be engaging with the broader chamber network and our membership, to ensure we have an organized, united front ahead of anticipated economic impacts. 
   

• Media relations and public advocacy: We have been active in influential media – including coverage in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Bloomberg, National Post and U.S. border-state media - in advocating a public policy agenda that advances sustainable growth. For example, we’ve called on leaders to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers; lower the cost of doing business; accelerate development of strategic industries such as mining; invest in infrastructure, talent and community health; and help businesses diversify their trade relationships. These and other ideas will drive our pre-budget submissions and Ontario Economic Report recommendations.
   

• SME programs: The Ontario Chamber has been a leader in developing and delivering programs to make small businesses more competitive – helping them with a range of challenges such as hiring talent or adopting technology. We are working hard to expand these offerings, including supporting them in developing new business and trade relationships. This is a longer-term effort, and we hope to have more to share later in the year.
   

You are our key partners in this strategy – and we are eager to learn from you and get your counsel on what else we can do to support our members.
 

It’s at times like these when the value of Ontario business standing together is greatest: both to learn from one another, and to strengthen our collective voice. That’s why your engagement in the Chamber is so vital.
 

While these are difficult days, I am fundamentally optimistic about our future. Ontario has assets the world needs - and the talent to turn these assets into an enduring competitive advantage. These currents of political and economic change are a wake-up call to government – and a call to action for business. Together, we will answer it.

Sincerely,         

Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D
President and CEO  

Ontario Chamber of Commerce