Navigating Historic Uncertainty: The Canadian Chamber’s 2025 Year in Review
A Special Message from Our CEO and President
From tariffs to a federal election to a budget 18 months in the making, 2025 has truly tested the resolve, resilience and adaptability of businesses and leaders across Canada. And yet, as the Canadian Chamber celebrates our 100th anniversary, it makes us incredibly proud to see how our community met those challenges head on.
I am encouraged by what I see when I reflect on my first full year as President and CEO. Businesses did not wait around for government to lead. Instead, they forged their own paths, exercised their own agency, and pushed ahead in pursuit of growth and excellence, even when the conditions weren’t in their favour.
No matter how difficult this year has been, we can look back on it, and our accomplishments, with pride. Thanks to your trust, participation and collaboration, we had the privilege of representing the needs of Canadian business not only at home but also on the world stage.
Thank you for being an essential part of Canada’s most activated business network. I’m energized when I think of the road ahead and I look forward to seeing what we’ll accomplish next year.
Candace Laing
President and CEO
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Thank you for joining us for another year of Policy Matters, our monthly blog series. While we covered a broad range of topics in 2025, from the B7 to federal procurement to Canada’s skills gap, there were a few standout topics this year.
Take a walk down memory lane with us to revisit these topics and see how things have changed since publication.
Q4 2025 Business Insights Quarterly: Canada Risks Falling Behind on AI Adoption
The latest Business Insights Quarterly, released today by BDL, shows business momentum is slowing and competitiveness risks are growing, even as businesses work to keep up.
The report takes a closer look at trade, AI adoption, and small- and medium-sized businesses — three issues increasingly shaping business confidence, workforce decisions, and investment across Canada.
Inflation Holds Steady, but Food Prices Continue to Rise
November CPI came in at 2.2%, matching October, with rising grocery prices pushing up costs even as shelter, travel, and gasoline helped keep overall inflation in check.
Encouragingly, core inflation eased meaningfully, a welcome sign that broader price pressures are easing. For the Bank of Canada, this reinforces a wait-and-see approach, while keeping a close eye on food inflation and the breadth of price pressures as the economy gradually improves.
Last Wednesday, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rates at 2.25% and took a cautious approach as it gauged the economy’s momentum.
Our Principal Economist, Andrew DiCapua, joined BNN Bloomberg to unpack the decision, share his key takeaways from the Governor’s remarks, and explain what this could mean for Canada’s economy in 2026.
Canada’s Top Diplomatic Post in Washington Set for Transition
Prime Minister Carney is expected to announce the appointment of Canadian financier Mark Wiseman as Canada’s next ambassador to the United States. Kirsten Hillman, one of Canada’s longest-serving ambassadors to Washington, and the first woman to hold the post, will depart in the new year. The change comes as Canada prepares for a challenging period in the bilateral relationship, including the 2026 review of the United States–Canada – Mexico Agreement (USMCA) and ongoing tensions over U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, softwood lumber, and other goods.
Mr. Wiseman, a longtime figure in global finance with senior roles at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, BlackRock, and Boston Consulting Group, is seen by the government as bringing deep business credibility and strong U.S. connections at a time when engagement with President Trump’s administration will be critical. Opposition parties have raised concerns about Mr. Wiseman’s lack of diplomatic experience and past public comments on immigration and supply management, both sensitive issues in Canada–U.S. trade discussions. The government has underscored that these views do not reflect federal policy and has reiterated that supply management is not on the negotiating table.
EVENT
Join Us in Mexico City This February!
Coinciding with key portions of the Government of Canada’s 2026 Trade Mission to Mexico, this mission will bring a delegation of Canadian business leaders to Mexico City at a pivotal moment for North America's economic future.
Delegates will engage directly in discussions ahead of the 2026 USMCA Review, advance Canadian business priorities in Mexico, and will gain direct insights from policymakers, industry associations and market experts across Mexico’s key economic sectors.
Our Appearance Before the Senate Committee on Budget 2025 Implementation
On December 9, 2025, our Senior Director of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Bryan Detchou, and Senior Director of Manufacturing and Value Chains, Alex Greco, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance to provide the business community’s perspective on Budget 2025.
What We Heard: Industry, Digital and Technology B7 Ministerial Side Event
On December 8, senior business leaders, government representatives and international partners from across the G7 came together in Montreal for the Industry, Digital and Technology B7 Ministerial Side Event, hosted in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The event, our last as B7 President, built on the momentum of the B7 Summit and official Communiqué while also mirroring the key topics that were being discussed at the G7 Ministerial nearby.
TSX Market Opening Celebrates Canadian Chamber’s 100th Anniversary
We’re excited to celebrate a milestone moment: The Canadian Chamber’s 100th anniversary!
On December 11, our President and CEO, Candace Laing, had the honour of launching the Toronto Stock Exchange — a powerful recognition of the Chamber’s leadership and the strength of Canada’s business community.
We were proud to mark this moment with our members, partners, and the entire business network.
On December 1 and 2 in Ottawa, our 2025 Hill Day brought together business leaders, local chambers and associations from across the country for two days of focused engagement with parliamentarians and senior officials.
With a full roster of distinguished speakers, insightful panels, and targeted advocacy meetings, this year’s Hill Day underscored a central theme: Canada’s competitiveness is at a critical turning point.
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