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Posts in category "Advocacy"


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

    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 […]

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  • Greater KW Chamber Advocates for Members at the 2026 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting

    Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (GKWCC) President & CEO, Ian McLean, attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention in Victoria, British Columbia, on October 28-29, 2026, alongside colleagues from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, including President & CEO Greg Durocher. The annual event brought together more than 400 delegates representing approximately 117 Chambers […]

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  • Key Highlights of the Ontario Fall Economic Statement

    The Ontario Government released their 2026 Fall Economic Statement (FES) yesterday entitled A Plan to Protect Ontario. This marks the second FES in a row and fourth straight fiscal document, including the 2025 and 2026 provincial budgets, to use this title. Tariffs and the Canada-US relationship also repeated as the Ford government’s primary focal point, […]

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  • BDC Small Business Awards 2026 Nominees

    The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Third Annual Small Business Awards presented by BDC – a new event in Waterloo Region dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of small businesses in our community. Scheduled to take place October 27th to wrap up BDC Small Business Month, this […]

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  • Tomoko King – Scotiabank September Fearless Female

    On the first Tuesday of every month, we’ll announce a new Fearless Female, including a video interview of them sharing their business story. Want to be featured as a Fearless Female? Contact Memberships at memberships@greaterkwchamber.com for more details. The Fearless Female Program would not be possible without our Title Sponsor, Scotiabank. To learn a little […]

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  • Navigating Uncertainty: Canada-US Trade War

    Like all Canadians, the Chamber is disappointed and concerned with where we find Canada-US trade relations. Your Chamber’s is consulting widely with our colleagues at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) on where we go from here. Many businesses are and will be affected by these tariffs on both […]

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  • Closure of 570 News Radio

    Like many across Waterloo Region, we were disappointed to learn of the closure of 570 News Radio. We believe this is a significant loss for our region and, particularly for our local business community, which has long relied on the station for trusted local news, business information, and community connections. As business organizations, we understand […]

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  • $1.84 million provided to 97 local organizations through WRCF’s grant streams focused on social infrastructure

    Today, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) announced $1.84 million in grants to 97 local organizations to support activities that strengthen our region’s social infrastructure. Funding was provided through three grant streams: Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants, and included support from WRCF Fundholders and donors, along with partnerships with both Trinity United Church […]

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  • Letter to Minister of Municipal Affairs – Regional Chair skills

    The Ontario government has passed legislation that will see the province appoint heads of councils in 8 municipalities after the upcoming municipal election this fall. These appointees will have strong Chair powers to deliver on the provincial mandate letters they receive from the government. The government has indicated they are open to hearing from individuals […]

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  • Fearless Female (June): Amy Denstedt

    On the first Tuesday of every month, we’ll announce a new Fearless Female, including a video interview of them sharing their business story. Want to be featured as a Fearless Female? Contact Memberships for more details. The Fearless Female Program would not be possible without our Title Sponsor, Scotiabank. To learn a little more about […]

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