Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Active Policy Positions

Creating a backstop for the implementation of mandated workplace vaccination policies

This policy, approved in April 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Network calls for provisions to be included in the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure businesses that choose to implement a mandated vaccination policy are protected from discriminatory lawsuits.

Policy Position: Submitted by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: Nothing further as this was a recommednation for a temporary policy during the pandemic.

Press Release

Equitable Tax Distribution Policy to Assist Canadian Municipalities

This policy, approved in October 2022 by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Network calling for the Government of Canada to work with its provincial and municipal counterparts to review funding mechanisms to ensure municipalities can fund their needs, including providing the physical and social infrastructure needed to create a vibrant economic path that can help businesses to flourish.

Policy Position: Submitted by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: We continue to monitor government action

Press Release

Encouraging More Women to Pursue a Career in Skilled Trades

This policy, initially approved in 2020 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Network, was reapproved as a ‘sunsetting’ resolution in April 2023 and calls for the Province to continue to market a career in skilled trades aimed at girls and women. It also recommends that students graduating from high school with an interest in skilled trades can apply to the college of their choice, regardless of if they have found employment in this sector.

Policy Position: Submitted by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Co-sponsored by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Ongoing Work on the Issue: New government initatives have addressed some of the concerns

Press Release

Opening Job Market for Employers and Employees in Ontario

Approved by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Network in April 2023 calls on the Province to develop partnerships within local municipalities and community organizations to ensure language training is available for new immigrants. We also recommended that those collecting ODSP who wish to work full time can do so without risk of losing their provincially funded benefits (i.e., prescribed medications) if their employer does not provide those services. Finally, we have asked the Province to investigate a form of remuneration (i.e., tax credit) for employers regarding provincially regulated training, such as WHMIS.

Policy Position: Submitted by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Co-sponsored by the Greater Kitcchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: We continue to monitor goverments actions

Press Release

Provide Adequate Child-Care Spaces to Ensure Parents – Particularly Women - Can Enter the Workforce

Approved by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Network in October 2023, this policy resolution calls for the Government of Canada to work with provincial and territorial governments to explore all avenues, including increasing compensation to ECE workers in effort to attract more workers to this sector, in hopes of reducing wait lists magnified by Canada’s national childcare plan. It also advocates a continued role for entrepreneurs and businesses to provide childcare through public debate and Canadian Chamber advocacy with federal policymakers.

Policy Position: Submitted by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: Federal government has taken steps to increase daycare spaces

Press Release

Deploying Economic Principles to Policing

Approved by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Network in April 2024, this policy recommends the Province, in consultation with municipalities, police boards, and businesses communities, to use economic analysis principles when it comes to current and potential crime diversion programs that could reduce crime and in turn make it safer for businesses to operate. As well, its recommends that underperforming programs that don’t adequately serve communities of all types be identified and that funding be prioritized accordingly, and that the efficacy of these programs be evaluated in the context of other wrap-around services available in each community. Also, it calls for the implementation of a system to measure the long-term impacts of these program investments and insists municipalities continue to use Special Constables in urban areas instead of fully sworn officers to reduce tax burdens.

Policy Position: Submitted by Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant and Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Co-sponsored by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce & Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: With the provincial election now concluded, we will be meeting with the re-elected MPP's to continue advancing our efforts on this important issue

Press Release

Calling for a comprehensive, independent review to simplify Canada’s tax code

Approved by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Network in October 2024, this policy calls for a reform of Canada’s tax system by establishing an independent, comprehensive review of the tax system ensuring its terms of reference focus on simplification and modernization, identifying potential changes to encourage more economic prosperity for Canadians.

Policy Position (pdf): Submitted by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Co-Sponsored by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commeerce

Ongoing Work on the Issue: Pending the outcome of the Federal Election, we will continue to advocate with the new government

Press Release