Chamber Leaders Across Ontario Urge Action on Homelessness and Mental Health

Mar 20, 2025

By Pam Robertson

March 20, 2025

Chambers from across Ontario are calling on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to make homelessness, mental health, and addiction supports a top advocacy priority.

In a letter sent to the Canadian Chamber, chamber leaders emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the social challenges that are increasingly impacting businesses in communities both large and small.

The letter was signed by 14 chambers of commerce, including the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce, and outlined key recommendations for the Canadian Chamber, including:

1. Making homelessness, mental health, and addiction supports a core advocacy focus at the federal level.
2. Encouraging governments to break down silos between justice, healthcare, and social services to provide better wraparound support for vulnerable populations.
3. Supporting increased funding for workforce development and reintegration programs to help individuals exiting the justice system access employment and housing.
4. Advocating for updates to the Criminal Code to ensure appropriate bail thresholds while improving access to diversion programs.
5. Convening a national roundtable on business and community safety to develop collaborative solutions.

“Economic recovery and business success are inextricably linked to social well-being and public safety,” the letter states. “With leadership from the Canadian Chamber, we believe we can work together to create safer, more vibrant business environments that benefit all Canadians.”

The letter builds on previous efforts by the London Chamber of Commerce, which successfully submitted a policy paper on bail reform, mental health, and addiction supports in 2023. That policy was adopted into the Canadian Chamber’s policy compendium and remains a key reference point in this renewed push for action.

The coalition hopes this latest effort will prompt the Canadian Chamber to intensify its advocacy efforts and push for meaningful policy changes that address these critical social and economic issues.

To read the full letter, click here.

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BROCKVILLE CHAMBER ANNOUNCES LIFETIME VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Mar 10, 2025

By Pam Robertson

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Mary Mansworth as recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. With a legacy of selfless service spanning nearly five decades, Mary’s dedication to community building, social advocacy, and volunteerism has left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Mary’s journey of community service began in 1976 when she and her husband, Colman, moved to Brockville from London, Ontario. Since then, she has been a pillar of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, dedicating decades of volunteer service. She further extended her impact at the national level, serving on the YMCA Canada National Board from 1999 to 2002. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was awarded the YMCA Fellowship Honor in 2017.

Beyond her YMCA contributions, Mary has taken on numerous leadership roles. She has served as chair of the Brockville Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation, president of the Brockville and Area YMCA board, board member of the Brockville Community Foundation, and Commodore of the Brockville Yacht Club. Her deep commitment to education was recognized when she received an Honorary Diploma from St. Lawrence College in 2017, and she continues to serve as a board member of the St. Lawrence College Foundation.

Mary’s passion for humanitarian efforts is evident through her work with the Brockville Refugee Committee, helping resettle Vietnamese refugees in 1978 and Syrian refugees in 2016. Additionally, she has played a crucial role in the Wall Street Village Affordable Seniors’ Housing Project, which is developing an 85-unit affordable housing complex for seniors in Brockville.

Her tireless dedication extends to supporting mental health initiatives as a board member of the Child and Youth Mental Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville. She co-chairs the annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, raising significant funds for Loaves and Fishes, a non-profit restaurant dedicated to feeding those in need. Mary is also the co-founder of the Brockville 100 Women Who Care initiative, which supports local charities.

Mary’s commitment to youth development is reflected in her involvement with the Charleston Lake Association’s youth programs, where she fosters community engagement and leadership among young people.

For nearly 50 years, Mary Mansworth has been a driving force in strengthening the Brockville community. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication make her a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. The community extends its deepest gratitude for her lifelong service and celebrates her legacy of kindness, leadership, and positive change.

The Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award is sponsored by the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence Rideau.  Recipients are chosen by an independent committee of judges following review and assessment of multiple criteria including volunteer history, years of service, community impact, mentorship, and personal generosity.

Mrs. Mansworth will be celebrated during a special ceremony following the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting at the Brockville Country Club on Thursday, March 27th. 

It was announced earlier that Mr. Shelley Bacon is this year’s Lifetime Business Achievement Award winner.  Mr. Bacon will also be celebrated following the Chamber’s AGM.

Those interested in attending can RSVP at the Chamber of Commerce website www.brockvillechamber.com or call 613-342-6553 by March 20th.

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The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce represents more than 300 members and has been the community’s business advocate since 1906. Our mission is to support and enhance businesses to build a strong economic community through proactive leadership in advocacy and relevant programming.

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The Cost of Canada-U.S. Trade Disruption on Full Display with New Trade Tracker

Feb 04, 2025

By Pam Robertson

Canada and the United States stand at crossroads in their trade and economic partnership, with tariffs emerging as the most pressing challenge for businesses on both sides of the border. To clearly map out the vital importance of these relationships and the risks they face, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker—a new tool designed to illustrate the ties between our two economies.

With a new U.S. administration touting a ‘great, beautiful golden age for business’, the rise of protectionist rhetoric threatens to derail that vision. The Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker delivers real-time data and actionable insights, equipping businesses and policymakers to defend and strengthen North America’s most important trade partnership.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Tariffs and trade barriers jeopardize jobs, industries, and families across both sides of the border. The Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker gives us the tools to push back with facts, showing just how much we all stand to lose when imposing taxes on prosperity.

• Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The Stakes in Numbers

Every day, $3.6 billion in goods and services crosses the Canada-U.S. border, fueling a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship. This partnership supports:

• 1.4 million American jobs tied to Canadian exports.
• 2.3 million Canadian jobs tied to U.S. exports.
• 50% of bilateral goods trade between related companies, underscoring the depth of integration between our economies.

With Canada as the #1 export market for 34 U.S. states, cross-border trade sustains millions of jobs, businesses, and communities across North America.

The Stakes for People

A 25% tariff could shrink Canada’s GDP by 2.6%, costing Canadian households an average of $1,900 annually. For the U.S., this would mean a 1.6% GDP drop, with families losing $1,300 per year. Beyond the economic impact, tariffs would disrupt industries like automotive, agriculture, and energy, making everything from groceries to cars more expensive.

 Trade isn’t just about dollars—it’s about people,” Laing added. “While governments might disagree, the ties between our businesses, workers, and communities are too important to be collateral damage in political disputes. The tracker helps us focus on what’s at stake and what needs to be built on.

The Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker delivers real-time insights into trade flows, industry trends, and data-backed analysis, helping businesses and policymakers navigate the uncertainty posed by tariffs and other barriers with clarity and confidence—so we can safeguard North America’s most successful trade relationship for the benefit of all.

CANADA-U.S. TRADE TRACKER

‘PARTNERS IN PROSPERITY’ REPORT

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