The 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce was conducted in Mississauga from October 8-9, 2025. Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, government officials and business leaders from across the province assembled to discuss current and emerging issues impacting small and large enterprises.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 100th anniversary this year and the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce received a commemorative medal at the banquet as recognition for being one of the founding local chambers.
This year, a total of 46 resolutions were debated by AGM delegates and The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce tabled and passed one resolution on a priority issue for our Healthcare sector. We also endorsed the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce on their resolution.
The resolution Streamlining Administration for Canadian Doctors noted that family physicians and specialists across Canada are increasingly concerned with rising administrative responsibilities and the departures of practitioners from the profession. We ask that the Federal government should assist provincial governments on reducing administrative responsibilities for all physicians – family doctors and specialists. Reduced administration will translate into expanded patients care.
Since 1998, The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has managed the recruitment of local family physicians. We recognize the vital importance of practitioners and primary healthcare services for our members, attracting employers, investment and employee retention.
The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber also supported a resolution brought forward by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce on Equitable Tax Distribution Policy to Assist Canadian Municipalities, which noted that Municipalities across Canada shoulder most infrastructure costs while also grappling with challenges like housing affordability, homelessness, transit, and public safety. Despite these pressures, they often lack adequate financial resources and legislative authority to implement effective local solutions. We believe that a comprehensive review between federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments is needed to create a fairer funding framework that empowers municipalities. This collaboration would help address community needs, strengthen business confidence, and support long-term economic prosperity.
Our resolution was adopted by the CCC and we firmly believe that better access to family practitioners and specialists is not only a significant national healthcare issue, but also an economic development challenge impacting the business sector of our Region.
The 2025 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM directly impact members of the Greater KW Chamber by ensuring our region’s priorities are heard at the national level. By successfully advancing a resolution to reduce administrative burdens for physicians, we’re championing stronger access to healthcare – a critical factor in workforce attraction, retention, and overall business growth. Our support for equitable municipal funding also reinforces our commitment to sustainable infrastructure and thriving communities. Together, these efforts reflect the Chamber’s continued advocacy to create a more competitive, connected, and prosperous environment for businesses across Waterloo Region.
