Who We Are

As the most diverse and representational business group in the province, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) works closely with governments, labour, academia, other business associations and various other groups to create a stronger and more vibrant economy in Ontario.

We represent 60,000 businesses across the province through our network of local chambers of commerce and boards of trade.  Our members employ about two million people and produce about 17% of Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is a solutions-based organization.  Through informed research, patient but consistent advocacy and by engaging our members and the network of chambers and boards of trade throughout Ontario, the OCC has become the “go-to” business organization for research, access and opinion.

What We Do For You

Ontario businesses are saving money today because the Ontario Chamber of Commerce presents real solutions to real problems with real credibility.

Easing Red Tape

There is new predictability in regulatory changes for business in Ontario.

New regulations affecting business will only come into effect twice a year – on January 1 and July 1. These Twice Annual Effective Dates will help businesses plan ahead more effectively and encourage greater compliance through broader awareness. The OCC lobbied for this change which is modeled on the United Kingdom’s regulatory practices.

Tax reform measures like the single sales tax will also significantly reduce the red tape faced by businesses by eliminating the complex PST. (Also, elimination of the capital tax and small business “clawback” eliminates paperwork and red tape.)

Transportation and Borders

Ontario businesses also benefit from the OCC’s lobbying for efficient borders and long term planning for transportation, infrastructure and goods movement.

The federal environmental assessment has received approval for the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), a significant step forward in the pursuit of this important transportation link for which the OCC has lobbied for many years. Key facts:

• DRIC will link Highway 401 to I-75 in Detroit and will include a six-lane feeder
• Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011 with completion in the mid to late half of the decade, later than originally planned; though the OCC is not pleased with the delay, we’re hopeful it will be completed as expeditiously as possible
• DRIC will significantly ease congestion at this crossing and create hundreds of jobs
• Windsor-Detroit remains North America’s most important land transportation gateway

The OCC has published three reports on border and transportation issues between Canada and the U.S., most recently, Easing the Chokepoints, and has led several targeted missions to Ottawa, Queen’s Park and Washington to advocate for more efficient cross-border programs to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Comprehensive Tax Reform

In 2004, the OCC began lobbying for a long term tax strategy with three pillars. All three have now been achieved.

Corporate Tax Consolidation

• The cost of filing corporate taxes has been cut in half since Ontario businesses now only file one corporate tax return instead of two

Elimination of Capital Tax

• To date, for every $25 million in capital, businesses are saving $22,500 annually
• By July 2010 these savings will grow to $45,000 annually 
• Financial institutions will see savings of $90,000 to $135,000 annually 

Single Sales Tax

• For every $1 million in operating expenses, the average business will save $4,800, annually
• Collectively, businesses in Ontario will save approximately $500 million in administration costs
• For every $1 million investment in machinery and equipment, the average non-manufacturing business will save $46,000 and the average manufacturing business will save $23,000

Ontario’s move to a single sales tax appears to be spurring efforts across Canada for tax harmonization as we’ve seen in recent weeks

Other OCC Efforts Pay Off

OCC advocates successfully for gradual increase to minimum wage (as opposed to single dramatic increase) beginning in 2007.

As a result of OCC efforts, for every 10 fulltime equivalent jobs at minimum wage, businesses have saved $78,000.

Ontario’s Business Education Tax Rate (BET) reduced to 1.52% by 2014 after effective lobbying by OCC:

• 54 % of Ontario Municipalities have Commercial BET rates greater than 1.52%
• In these communities, for every $100,000 in assessed property values, businesses will save $338 annually
• 71 % of Ontario Municipalities have Industrial BET rates greater than 1.52%
• In these communities, for every $100,000 in assessed property values, businesses will save $759 annually

OCC efforts to eliminate the Small Business Clawback and to lower corporate income tax rates have also resulted in savings for our members:

• For every $100,000 of taxable income under $500,000, small businesses will save $1,000 annually
• With the elimination of the small business claw back and the reduction in the general corporate income tax, businesses will also save an additional  $8,250 annually for every $100,000  in taxable income between $500,000 and $1.5M
• For every $100,000 in net income, large businesses will save $2,000 next year.
• This saving will gradually rise to $4,000, annually in 2013.
• For every $100,000 in net income, manufacturers will save $2,000 annually next year

OCC efforts also continue to bear fruit in the areas of energy, and investments in our workforce.

We need your continued support in order to turn our influence into real impact, for the benefit of Ontario businesses.