Policy Updates & News 278 results

Truth and Reconciliation: A Call to Action for Business

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the lasting impacts on Indigenous families and communities.

For Canada’s business community, reconciliation also comes with a specific responsibility. Call to Action 92 calls on businesses to build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, expand access to employment and economic opportunities, and educate employees on Indigenous history, rights, Treaties and the legacy of residential schools.

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Recapping the Mayoral Debate + 2026 Municipal Election Priorities

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

Mayoral Candidates Take the Stage for Business-Focused Debate

On September 22, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, alongside our partners, the West End Home Builders’ Association, Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® and Hamilton Halton Construction Association, hosted the 2026 Mayoral Debate at Carmen’s Event Centre. Moderated by Steve Paikin, the debate brought together mayoral candidates Andrea Horwath, Keanin Loomis and Rob Cooper for a discussion on the issues shaping Hamilton’s future. From

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Historic Housing Investment in Hamilton Builds onYears of Chamber Advocacy

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

A major investment announced yesterday could unlock tens of thousands of new homes in Hamilton, marking an important milestone for housing affordability, economic growth and the city’s ability to attract and retain talent.

The Federal Government and Province of Ontario announced that Hamilton will receive $572 million through the Development Charges Reduction Program, supporting critical housing-enabling infrastructure while allowing the City to eliminate residential development charges from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029.

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What Role Will Hamilton Play in Canada’s New Economy?

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

Dear Members, Please see below for an opinion piece from Hamilton Chamber President & CEO Greg Dunnett, published in today’s Hamilton Spectator, on the importance of embracing long-term economic growth and making the choices needed to support Hamilton’s future competitiveness.

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Perhaps the time has come for Hamilton to retire the title of the Ambitious City.

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JUST ANNOUNCED: Hon. Evan Solomon to keynote Bay Area Economic Summit on June 4

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

The Next Economy: AI and the Infrastructure of Innovation

New Speaker Announced: The Honourable Evan Solomon

Thursday, June 4 from 7:30-11:45 a.m. at Pearle Hotel & Spa in Burlington

What does the future of business look like in our region? Join us at the Bay Area Economic Summit presented by RBC as Hamilton and Burlington’s business and civic leaders come together to explore the next phase of growth.

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Hamilton Chamber recognized by Ontario Chamber of Commerce; President & CEO Greg Dunnett receives provincial leadership award

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

OTTAWA, ON | April 27, 2026 – The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce it has
been recognized with two Honourable Mentions and one individual award at the Ontario Chamber of
Commerce 2026 Annual General Meeting, held last week in Ottawa.

The recognition highlights the Chamber’s leadership in advocacy and community impact, while also
celebrating the exceptional contributions of its President & CEO, Greg Dunnett.

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Recipients and Winners Announced for 2026 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the recipients of the 42nd annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC Royal Bank, at a sold-out gala held at Carmen’s Event Centre on Wednesday, April 1. This year’s event marked the largest OBAAs to date, welcoming a sold out crowd of more than 650 attendees in celebration of local business excellence. 

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Recipients and Finalists Announced Ahead of 2026 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 42nd annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC Royal Bank. The winners of each category will be unveiled at the Chamber’s yearly awards gala at Carmen’s Event Centre on Wednesday, April 1. Secure a table or purchase your ticket before the event sells out.

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HAMILTON CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2025 HAMILTON GIVES AWARD WINNERS, RAISES CLOSE TO $30,000 FOR CHARITY

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

Six local organizations and business leaders recognized for giving back to the community

Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Hamilton Gives Awards, presented in partnership with United Way Halton & Hamilton and the McKeil Family Foundation. The winners of each category were unveiled this evening at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

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Advocacy Win: Temporary 20% Development Charges Reduction

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

After many months of advocacy in support of the West End Home Builders Association, we are pleased with today’s decision by City Council to support of the staff recommendations for a two-year 20% across the board development charges temporary reduction commencing on September 1, 2025 and concluding on August 31, 2027. 

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Video By
Christoph Benfey

Photography By
Reg Beaudry

Website By
Dunham