Advocacy Initiatives
Explore the Greater Niagara Chamber’s latest advocacy efforts across municipal, provincial, and federal levels, advancing policy and governance that support a strong, competitive business environment. We are the voice of business in Niagara, committed to representing Niagara’s business community locally, provincially, and nationally. Get in touch to learn how we can support your business interests: Hugo Chesshire, Director of Policy and Government Relations (hugo@gncc.ca).
Agriculture, agri-food, and beverage alcohol
Niagara’s agricultural sector supports 24,000 jobs and contributes $1.71 billion to the local economy. We grow two-thirds of Ontario’s tender fruit, 90% of its grapes, and 80% of Canada’s grapes and wine. Supporting Niagara agriculture is crucial not just to our community, but for Canada’s food security.
Arts and culture
Cultural tourists punch above their weight, spending three times the average of other tourists. The Shaw Festival alone brings a quarter-billion dollars of economic activity to Niagara; together with other cultural attractions, the arts and cultural sector makes an outsize contribution to Niagara’s economy – one which the GNCC is determined to grow.
Energy
Niagara is a national leader in green energy. The Sir Adam Beck stations generate nearly two gigawatts of clean power, enough for around two million homes. Protecting and building on our energy legacy is key to our economic future.
Environment and sustainability
From droughts affecting crop yields to extreme weather damaging infrastructure, climate and environment affect all businesses. Our advocacy focuses not just on prevention, adaptation, and mitigation, but on helping businesses be part of the solution.
Finance and taxation
Taxes, fees, and public debt from all levels of government affect all businesses. We advocate for a reduced tax burden through smarter service delivery, sound fiscal management, and responsible public borrowing.
Housing
Over the last decade, house prices in Niagara have soared from a composite average price of around $230,000 to $630,000. This massive increase has far outstripped inflation, making it hard to attract and retain workers, as well as exerting an upward pressure on wages and inflation. Smart housing policy must take innovative approaches to build more, and more affordable, housing.
Infrastructure and transportation
Business depends not just on built infrastructure – roads, rail, water, power – but on digital infrastructure too. Much of Niagara’s infrastructure is aging and in urgent need of investment. Supporting growth requires smart investment in infrastructure from all levels of government.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the single largest contributor to Niagara’s economy, supporting 17,000 local jobs. Low utility costs and our strategic location have given Niagara an edge, which we must preserve in an age of economic uncertainty.
Red tape and governance
Ontario has around 350,000 regulatory requirements, and that’s in addition to federal and municipal rules. Most businesses encounter only a fraction, but reducing the regulatory burden and making regulations easier to comply with for businesses are a priority for business success.
Retail
Retail is one of Niagara’s largest employers, providing 28,700 local jobs. We’re supporting local retail through modernization, digital adoption, and promoting the benefits of shopping local to Niagara’s residents and visitors.
Small business
Small businesses are the backbone of Niagara’s economy, representing 98% of all establishments with employees, and more than half are micro-businesses with less than 5 staff. Supporting them is central to our mission and to Niagara’s economic success.
Tourism
Niagara welcomes 13 million visitors every year who spend $2.4 billion in the local economy and support 40,000 jobs. Our policies aim not only to support Niagara tourism, but to help it grow and prosper, and branch out into new, emerging tourism niches.
Trade and logistics
Nearly $100B in freight crosses the border here every year, and almost 80% of the St. Lawrence Seaway’s traffic passes through the Welland Canal. Building on these advantages, over 600 Niagara businesses export a total of over $800B a year. Even amid global uncertainty, we aim to grow these numbers.
Workforce & Education
With two post-secondary institutions and over a million workers within commuting distance, Niagara has a strong labour pool, but gaps remain in skilled trades and high-demand fields. We support a unified workforce strategy that aligns education, training, and economic needs.