Policy & Advocacy Council

The Hamilton Chamber’s advocacy efforts are reflective of the priorities of our membership and wider business community, further developed through the professional expertise of volunteers on our Policy and Advocacy Council and its task forces – and then implemented by Chamber staff.

PAC Council Members

• Aaron Scheewe (Chair)
  • Capital Hill Group
• Henry Wegiel
  • ArcelorMittal Dofasco / Chamber Board Chair
• Stefanie Bonazza
  • Alectra Utilities
• Alyson Rowe
  • St. Joseph’s Health System
• Nick Switalski
  • McMaster University
• Amanda Stringer
  • West End Home Builders Association
• Kevin Whyte
  • Habitat for Humanity Hamilton-Halton
• Thomas Perry
  • Hamilton Health Sciences
• Khadija Hamidu
  • YWCA Hamilton
• Jason Pope
  • Mohawk College
• Michelle Diplock
  • Nethery Planning
• Stéphane Hamade
  • Cornerstone Association of REALTORS ®
• David Silvestro
  • Hamilton Health Sciences

Representing Hamilton Businesses: Municipally, Provincially and Federally Advocacy isn’t always visible. Unlike a sold-out event or networking reception, much of the Chamber’s work happens behind the scenes; in council chambers, government offices, boardrooms, and policy discussions where decisions are made that shape Hamilton’s economy.

During the first half of 2026, we strengthened relationships across all three levels of government, represented Hamilton businesses in critical policy conversations, and worked alongside industry and community partners to help create the conditions businesses need to invest, grow, and succeed. With the municipal election set for this fall, our advocacy efforts are more important than ever, to ensure Hamilton’s business community’s voice is heard. Here is a look at some of the Chamber’s advocacy highlights from the first half of 2026.

Advocating for a Stronger, Safer Downtown Hamilton’s downtown is the economic heart of our city, and its long-term success remains one of the Chamber’s top advocacy priorities. During the first half of 2026, we appeared before Hamilton City Council, supported the adoption of the City’s new 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy, and continued advocating for sustained investment in public safety, cleanliness, housing, infrastructure, and the overall downtown experience. The Chamber welcomed Council’s approval of the strategy, which closely aligns with the recommendations from our 2024 Transforming Downtown Business Leadership Roundtable.

We were encouraged to see a shared focus on economic development, public safety, housing, placemaking, and social supports, alongside a commitment to cross-departmental collaboration and measurable implementation. As the strategy moves from planning to action, the Chamber will continue working with City Hall and community partners to ensure these commitments translate into meaningful improvements for businesses, residents, and visitors.We also continued advocating for practical solutions to address public disorder and reinforce that restoring confidence in Hamilton’s downtown requires coordinated action across all levels of government. A strong downtown strengthens the entire city’s economy.

Taking Hamilton’s Voice Beyond Our Borders Hamilton’s economy depends on trade. That’s why we represented our members in Mexico City as part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s CUSMA trade mission while also strengthening relationships with partners throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region. These conversations focused on strengthening North American supply chains, expanding market opportunities, supporting advanced manufacturing, and ensuring Hamilton businesses remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain global economy. By bringing Hamilton’s voice directly to these discussions, we helped ensure our region’s strengths and priorities remained part of the conversation.

Hamilton Chamber President & CEO Greg Dunnett spent three days in Mexico City meeting with business and government leaders to strengthen Canada–Mexico trade relationships, advance cross-border collaboration, and advocate for policies that support North American competitiveness amid evolving tariff and trade challenges.

Championing Housing & Economic Competitiveness Housing affordability and supply are critical to Hamilton’s long-term economic success. Creating a city where businesses can attract and retain talent starts with ensuring people can afford to live here. The Chamber will continue advocating for practical solutions that expand housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen Hamilton’s long-term economic future. Throughout the first half of 2026, the Chamber advocated for policies that increase housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen Hamilton’s ability to attract and retain talent. We welcomed the City of Hamilton’s applications to the Federal-Provincial Development Charges Reduction Program, which could eliminate residential development charges for eligible housing projects while reimbursing the City for lost revenue. If approved, the funding would help lower the cost of building new homes and accelerate much-needed housing development. Working alongside industry partners, the Chamber supported development charge relief, advocated for investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, and encouraged governments to reduce barriers to new housing, particularly the “missing middle,” while maintaining the infrastructure needed to support growth.

The Importance of Embracing Long-Term Economic Growth In a recent Hamilton Spectator opinion piece, Hamilton Chamber President & CEO Greg Dunnett argues that Hamilton’s long-term prosperity depends on the choices we make today. While major projects deserve careful scrutiny, he emphasizes that the city must be prepared to embrace investment, strengthen its competitiveness, and position itself as a credible partner for future economic opportunities. Growth, he argues, is essential to expanding the tax base, attracting employers, and building a stronger future for Hamilton. Read Greg’s full opinion piece. 

Building Relationships That Matter Effective advocacy begins long before legislation is introduced. During the first half of 2026, Chamber representatives met with municipal, provincial, and federal leaders on issues including:Economic competitivenessTariffs and international tradeSmall business supportsWorkforce developmentInfrastructure investmentArtificial intelligenceManufacturingHousingDowntown revitalizationWe also participated in Ontario Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day, met with ministers and senior government officials, and continued strengthening relationships that help ensure Hamilton businesses have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made. The Chamber also represented Hamilton’s business community on a number of influential committees, councils, and working groups, including: 

Chamber leaders from across Ontario came together at Queen’s Park for Advocacy Day, meeting with provincial decision-makers to advance policies that strengthen businesses, grow our economy, and support communities across the province.

The Hamilton Chamber met with our counterparts in Niagara and Buffalo to strengthen cross-border partnerships and discuss a coordinated response to tariffs, trade, and the shared economic opportunities that connect our regions.

Bringing Business and Government Together: Advocacy isn’t only about speaking to government. It’s also about creating opportunities for government to hear directly from business. Throughout the year, the Chamber hosted roundtables, town halls, ministerial visits, and industry discussions that connected local employers with decision-makers from all levels of government. These conversations provided businesses with direct access to policymakers while giving governments valuable insight into the real challenges facing Hamilton employers. Good policy starts with good conversations.

It was a pleasure to welcome Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri to the Hamilton Chamber as part of her downtown Hamilton small business tour and an important conversation about supporting local businesses and strengthening our city’s economy.

Thank you to Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri and MPP Monica Ciriello (Hamilton Mountain) for joining Hamilton’s business community for an engaging town hall discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses across our city.

Chamber Advocacy Helps Extend Blue Box Recycling for Small Businesses  Following Chamber advocacy during the City’s budget process, Hamilton extended Blue Box recycling for non-eligible properties through the end of 2026. In July, the Public Works Committee also recommended extending the service until March 2029, with final approval now before City Council.The Chamber continues advocating for long-term solutions that protect small businesses from higher recycling costs, including a provincial opt-in program through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce network.

Continue Following Our Advocacy! Stay informed on the latest policy updates, advocacy initiatives, and government relations work impacting Hamilton businesses by visiting the Hamilton Chamber website or subscribing to our newsletter.