Are you a Chamber member and you have a press release or news story about your business that you should like us to share? Email Kim Phair
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 London Chamber of Commerce, and outlined key recommendations for the Canadian Chamber, including:
-
Making homelessness, mental health, and addiction supports a core advocacy focus at the federal level.
-
Encouraging governments to break down silos between justice, healthcare, and social services to provide better wraparound support for vulnerable populations.
-
Supporting increased funding for workforce development and reintegration programs to help individuals exiting the justice system access employment and housing.
-
Advocating for updates to the Criminal Code to ensure appropriate bail thresholds while improving access to diversion programs.
-
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.
