Advocacy
Be heard where it matters, when it matters most.
Got An Issue? We’ve Got Solutions.
If you’ve ever had the frustrating experience of being ignored by government, you already understand how valuable it can be to have the connections, the clout and the know-how to get your message heard.
We’ve got the connections. Your Chamber maintains direct relationships with our elected officials and administration in all three levels of government here in Thunder Bay, keeping lines of communication open between business and decision-makers to make sure they’re willing to listen when it’s time to talk.
We’ve got the clout. Not only do we represent the interests of a large community of stakeholder businesses, we work closely with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to ensure our Members’ voices are heard at the Provincial level. We’re also members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which gives us access to Federal decision-makers outside of our own ridings.
We’ve got the know-how. For over a century we’ve served as the policy watchdog for Thunder Bay’s business community, bringing our Members notice of issues that affect our business environment and gathering feedback to develop our “Chamber position” on issues that affect our Member businesses and the economy that drives our community.
And now, you do too. As a Chamber Member, we invite you to bring us your concerns about issues at the City, Provincial and Federal level. It’s our job to understand government policy, but you know your business best. Contact us today and start a conversation – we’re here to help.

Municipal Issues
- the City of Opportunity platform
- planning and permits
- procurement
- taxes
- civic pride

Provincial Issues
- energy policies
- Hydro
- employment law & apprenticeships
- health & safety
- provincial taxes

Federal Issues
- aviation and transportation policies that affect our airport and our port
- import and export taxes that affect our resource industries
- First Nation policies
- Canada Post
- federal taxes
“We had been struggling with a weight restriction issue with the city’s government for over four years with no satisfaction. Then we reached out to the Chamber for support and, suddenly, we had traction.”
Do you need support on an issue? As a Chamber Member, you’ve got access to connections at all three levels of government. Learn more about our advocacy work on behalf of our Members here or contact us to discuss your concern.
Latest Advocacy News
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The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce' advocacy work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Cornerstone Members:
Simplified process for claiming home office expenses for Canadians working from home due to COVID-19
Employees who worked from home more than 50% of the time over a period of a least four consecutive weeks in 2020 due to COVID-19 will now be eligible to claim the home office expenses deduction for 2020. The use of a shorter qualifying period will ensure that more...
ICYMI: Additional $20,000 Now Available Through Canada Emergency Business Account
Starting on Friday, December 4, 2020, eligible businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are able to access a second Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan of up to $20,000 – on top of the initial $40,000 that was available to...
Supply Ontario location joint letter of support – with CEDC
The Thunder Bay Chamber and our Chamber colleagues in Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay and Sault Ste Marie, are raising concerns around the Provincial Government’s recent announcement of a major initiative to consolidate and centralize procurement spending within the Ontario Public Service.
Masks Available to Members
Thanks to a generous donation by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, a limited number of face masks will be made available to Chamber Member businesses free of charge. Please register for the type and number of masks appropriate for your business' size and...
Fall Economic Statement Outlines Support for Business
Key highlights of the 2020 Federal Fall Economic Statement include: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Given the ferocity of the second wave and its expected economic impact, the government is proposing to increase the maximum subsidy rate to 75 per cent for the period...
Helpful Supports for Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy Applicants
The Government of Canada is taking targeted action to support Canadians and Canadian businesses, non-profits and charities that continue to face uncertainty and economic challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy supports businesses, charities...
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce' advocacy work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Cornerstone Members: