(Toronto – November 4, 2025) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released a statement today regarding the Federal Budget for 2025 presented by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne:
“Budget 2025 is more about transition than transformation, yet it signifies a key moment – emphasizing investment over consumption and addressing environmental needs along with infrastructure essential for businesses to grow and diversify, which ultimately benefits workers and communities,” stated Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Now is the time to move from ambition to action, and we will continue pressing the government to accelerate private-sector investment in high-potential areas that will boost productivity and economic success.”
This Budget addresses many of the OCC’s crucial priorities for Ontario’s business landscape, allocating considerable resources to bolster Canada’s industrial foundation. For instance:
Enhancing productivity and innovation with initiatives like the Productivity Super-Deduction, improved Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR& ED) Tax Incentives, along with $925.6 million dedicated to public AI infrastructure. Funding aimed at life sciences and emerging technologies through the Strategic Innovation Fund as well as the Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative can turn Canadian innovations into market successes. Speeding up housing and infrastructure projects with $13 billion earmarked for Build Canada Homes, alongside an increased $80 billion limit for multi-unit housing under Canada Mortgage Bonds. The $51-billion Build Communities Strong Fund together with a new Major Projects Office are encouraging developments in nation-building projects like Darlington SMR. Additionally, a new $5-billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund will enhance supply chains while broadening access to global markets. Facilitating interprovincial trade along with attracting skilled talent via the proposed One Canadian Economy Act, backed by a $97-million Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund targeting workforce shortages in health care and construction sectors. An investment of $1.7 billion aims to recruit over a thousand qualified international researchers to Canada while extending funding for the Student Work Placement Program ensures we strengthen our local talent pipeline.
While Budget 2025 includes historic investments, achieving success relies on sustained attention and careful execution. The OCC encourages federal authorities to keep these priorities in focus:
Updating the federal tax system through an all-encompassing review that looks at corporate income taxes can uncover chances for simplification alongside incentives that genuinely encourage business investment, productivity growth especially within small- to medium-sized enterprises. Emphasizing reduced administrative burdens for small businesses while enhancing predictability will ensure that every dollar spent supports economic efficiency. Advancing digital infrastructure by implementing a “dig once” strategy is vital. Collaborative investments between public entities and private sectors are essential for improving broadband redundancy while closing connectivity gaps in rural areas. Bolstering life sciences by simplifying national review processes related to innovative medicines along with medical devices is critical. Although there are promising new financial mechanisms available now, ongoing efforts are necessary so Canadians can gain timely access. Promoting comprehensive EI Reform using a tripartite approach is important too. While temporary measures offer some flexibility currently needed reforms must ensure this system remains sustainable, affordable while fully meeting today’s workforce needs.
“The Budget represents an essential change in Canada’s direction, and the scale of its investment reflects the urgency of this moment. It’s time for relentless focus, coordinated action, and a commitment to turning policy into prosperity for Ontario’s businesses and communities,” added Tisch.
Read the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Federal Budget Submission here.
-30-
About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) serves as an indispensable ally for businesses across Canada as its largest provincial chamber influencing policy decisions significantly throughout its diverse membership base consisting of approximately 60,000 members strong networking community dedicated towards sustainable progress benefiting Ontarians’ livelihoods.
For more information please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ. ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255
Source link
Senior Manager Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ. ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255
Source link
