The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is bending the ear of provincial officials to advocate for local businesses.
The local association joined chamber colleagues from across the province at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park on June 2.
The event brought local chamber leaders together with government representatives, policy experts, and decision-makers for direct dialogue on the issues shaping Ontario’s economy.
Chamber officials said their advocacy focused on the need to invest and expand modern water, wastewater, transportation and energy infrastructure; enable predictable electricity pricing; create stronger workforce pathways; and table policies that help exporters diversify markets and compete globally.
“Southwestern Ontario is one of the places where Ontario’s economic future is being built,” said Todd Bennett, Chair-Elect of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “Our message at Queen’s Park was practical and solutions-focused: build the infrastructure, support predictable and reliable energy, strengthen the workforce and give agriculture, agribusiness and manufacturing the tools to compete, grow and create jobs.”
Agriculture, agribusiness and manufacturing were also top of mind for southwestern Ontario chambers. They expressed that those industries must be positioned to lead as Ontario responds to export-market uncertainty, labour force challenges, and energy pressures.