Chamber Blog

2023 Federal Fall Economic Update – Strengthening Infrastructure

The Federal Government released it’s “2023 – Fall Economic Update”. We provide our take aways and valuable snippets from the report here. Comparably, this update does not make large financial investments, and the government also projects a larger deficit of $38.4 billion for 2024-2025 (projected to be $35 billion in March), which they expect will Read More

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The Greenbelt U-turn and the continuing impact of Bill 23 (Ontario) “The More Homes Built Faster Act”.

In an astonishing U-turn following the widespread and collective protests of environmental activists, local communities and business; the Ontario Government reversed the removal of 7,400 acres from the two-million-acre protected swath of land known as the Greenbelt. This decision was announced on September 21, 2023. The reversal was also brought about by a $8.28-billion scandal Read More

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What Makes a Leader?

This year, the Business Summit – Everything Counts! was celebrated by the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our local partners Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. With the Business Summit, this year we also launched our free Business EXPO, that spot lighted amazing local Read More

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2023 Ontario Pre-Budget Update – Strengthening Infrastructure

The Province of Ontario released it’s “pre-budget” – “Ontario’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook in Brief”. In strengthening Ontario’s infrastructure and systems, the pre-budget details key Government commitments for the coming years. In its big commitment to infrastructure, the government is: Introducing the new arms-length, board-governed agency “Ontario Infrastructure Bank” (OIB), which will work to attract public-sector Read More

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2023 TD Economic Update – Reflections on our Economic Times

On October 17th WCC hosted its sixth annual TD Economic Update and again, Mr. Derek Burleton, Deputy Chief Economist at TD Bank, provided an informative presentation of the global and Canadian economies. Here are my (an economics laymen) takeaways from his presentation. General Trends The general consensus is that growth is expected to continue into Read More

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A Way Home: Supporting Durham Residents Without Shelter

The Region of Durham, along with other levels of government, is looking for new opportunities to support vulnerable residents seeking shelter and housing in the Region. The Region purchased the former Sunnycrest Nursing Home, now referred to as 1635 Dundas, as part of a system of supports to assist those experiencing or at risk of Read More

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Connecting Students, Welcoming New Residents, and Showcasing Durham

The Impact of Post-Secondary Orientation Activities in September September marks the beginning of a new chapter for countless students across the Durham Region. It’s a time of transition, adventure, and new beginnings. This is a week of firsts for students – the first time leaving home, being away from family and friends – and this Read More

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CEBA Loan Update and Impact

On August 14th the Federal government announced policy changes that may likely impact and support your business. Most notably, having heard from countless business communities across Canada, including our Chamber, the government is extending the term loan repayment and grant qualification deadline under the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program. Businesses that repay their loan Read More

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Economic Development in Durham Region

Recently, on behalf of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce I attended a roundtable on Durham Region’s economic development with federal leaders Honourable Minister Filomena Tassi and our own MP Ryan Turnbull. Minister Tassi highlighted that fundamentals like affordable housing, transit, and healthcare are needed to prepare the groundwork for economic growth and healthy vibrant communities. Read More

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