2026 Federal Budget: What Canada’s Business Chambers Are Saying

• November 6^th, 2026
• Advocacy, Community

The 2026 Federal Budget includes a number of measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s economy, encouraging business investment and improving the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Following its release, both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce shared their perspectives on what the budget means for businesses, where they see positive progress and where further action is needed.

While both organizations welcome the focus on investment and productivity, they emphasize that successful implementation will be critical to translating government commitments into meaningful results for businesses.

Here is a look at the key takeaways from each Chamber’s response.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) welcomed the Federal Budget’s focus on unlocking investment, accelerating major projects and strengthening Canada’s economic resilience amid continued global uncertainty.

Some of the key measures welcomed by the Ontario Chamber include:

• Lowering business costs through tax simplification and immediate deductions for eligible investments.
• Supporting business growth and innovation through enhanced commercialization funding, tax incentives and capital gains exemptions.
• Advancing major projects and energy infrastructure through streamlined approvals and national energy strategies.
• Building stronger communities through housing investments and supports to address homelessness.
• Promoting industrial energy efficiency through investments in energy-saving technologies.

These measures reflect key priorities outlined in the OCC’s 2026 federal budget submission, but they identify four key areas that need further action: improving progress and accountability on major projects and internal trade, supporting small business growth through tax and regulatory reforms, developing a skilled workforce that meets employer needs, and helping businesses expand into international markets and diversify their supply chains.

Read the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s full Federal Budget reaction:

Ontario Chamber Welcomes Federal Budget’s Focus on Investment, Says Execution Will Determine the Results

 

Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Federal Budget’s focus on encouraging business investment, strengthening productivity and improving Canada’s competitiveness, while emphasizing the importance of creating the conditions for businesses to invest, innovate, grow and compete internationally.

Some of the key measures welcomed by the Canadian Chamber include:

• Encouraging business investment through the Productivity Mega Deduction, which is intended to lower the cost of eligible investments in machinery, equipment, technology and other productivity-enhancing assets.
• Supporting research and innovation through expanded Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives to help businesses invest in research, development and the commercialization of new technologies.
• Helping businesses scale and grow through measures such as improvements to the small business rollover and the Canada Growth Incentive, aimed at supporting investment and encouraging businesses to retain and reinvest capital in Canada.
• Strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness by simplifying the tax system and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens, particularly for small businesses.
• Supporting investment and economic growth through initiatives designed to strengthen Canada’s productive capacity and create opportunities for businesses across the country.

However, the Chamber raised concerns about the federal government’s fiscal outlook, highlighting the projected $62.3-billion deficit and rising borrowing costs. It emphasizes that maintaining fiscal discipline and delivering meaningful economic growth will be essential to the budget’s long-term success.

Read the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s full Federal Budget reaction:

Our Reaction to Budget 2026 – Canadian Chamber of Commerce

For a more detailed breakdown of the budget measures, the Canadian Chamber has also prepared a full analysis for its national Chamber network:

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Budget Analysis

 

Looking Ahead

Both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance of encouraging business investment, improving productivity and strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness.

The Federal Budget includes measures that could create opportunities for businesses, particularly in areas such as innovation, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and technology. However, both organizations emphasize that turning these commitments into meaningful results will be critical.

For businesses in Waterloo Region, continued investment in innovation, access to talent and capital, reduced barriers to growth and opportunities to reach new markets will remain important priorities.

The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor federal policies and initiatives that affect our local business community and advocate for the conditions businesses need to invest, innovate, compete and grow.