Your Board of Trade is dedicated to being a strong advocate for businesses in Dufferin County. We champion initiatives that enhance the business environment, address pertinent issues, and work with all levels of government in a non-partisan manner, fostering constructive dialogue for the betterment of our community.
Canadian Tariff Resources, News
& Updates
2024 Annual Business Survey
Much of our advocacy works is shaped by the results learned through our Annual Business Survey. This is the sixth year for our survey and where possible we have provided comparison data from previous years’ surveys. Comparisons are also made between our local data and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) 20024 Business Confidence Survey report.
Click to read our 2024 Business Survey Report: 2024DufferinBusinessSurveyReport
Ontario Economic Report
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Ontario Economic Report (OER) reveals that business confidence has doubled over the past year, rising from 13% to 26%, yet remains historically fragile. Nearly half (48%) of businesses still lack confidence in the economy, citing high costs, inflation, and housing affordability as key concerns. The threat of U.S. tariffs poses a significant risk, with confidence dropping to 15% when tariffs are in play. Businesses are calling for solutions such as tax simplification, affordable housing, and workforce development to address labour shortages. Despite these challenges, nearly half (49%) of business leaders remain optimistic about their own growth, driven by strong consumer demand and innovation. The report highlights key policy priorities, including economic resilience, workforce well-being, and supply chain stability.
Click to read the The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual Ontario Economic Report: 2025-Ontario-Economic-Report
Local Advocacy
Recent Advocacy Work
October 2022 – Municipal Elections
March 2, 2021 – Letter to MPP Sylvia Jones and Dr. Nicola Mercer WDG Public Health
Business Issues Surveys:
The Dufferin Board of Trade conducts an annual survey of the local business community. The data collected is used to identify the issues impacting business in our region, and help our organization shape our strategic priorities. This survey helps us to focus on supporting businesses in the areas they need it most.
2024DufferinBusinessSurveyReport
2023DufferinBusinessSurveyReport
Provincial Advocacy
The Dufferin Board of Trade is a proud member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The OCC is Ontario’s largest, most inclusive, and credible business network.
A respected voice among government decision-makers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is Ontario’s non-partisan business advocate. The OCC undertakes the province’s most pressing policy issues on behalf of our members, and advocates for evidence-based solutions that will foster economic growth in the province. The OCC’s work is based on the belief that a strong business community is the foundation for a prosperous Ontario.
Provincial Advocacy Work
2021 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
Making Ontario Open for Business Act – View Info-Graphic
Election Platform of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Network of Ontario
Federal Advocacy
The Dufferin Board of Trade is a proud member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
At the Canadian Chamber, advocacy is at the core of what we do. As the unified voice of Canadian business, we represent our members’ interests on the issues that matter most to the business community.
Federal Advocacy Work
Canadian Business Resilience Network
Budget 2019 – View Infographic
Tax Changes for Private Corporations
10 Ways to Build a Canada that Wins
10 Ways to Build a Canada that Wins provides business, decision-makers and government with a series of clear priorities and objectives that, if addressed, will give Canada a competitive edge, improve productivity and grow the economy.
Policy Advocacy Committee (PAC)
DBOT’s PAC was formed to identify local business issues, develop the policy agenda of the Dufferin Board of Trade (DBOT) for approval by the Board of Directors, and propose recommendations to advance the policy agenda.
