Province of Ontario

04/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2026 06:42

Province Welcomes Ontario Chamber of Commerce to Ontario Corps

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TORONTO-The government continues to expand Ontario Corps by partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to serve as a communications conduit between the province and the business community during emergencies. Through Ontario Corps, the province is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by creating a province-wide network of skilled professionals, highly trained volunteers and partners that can be mobilized quickly to help communities hit hard by emergencies.

"Ontario Chamber of Commerce has a vast network that represents over 60,000 members that are locally owned, Ontario businesses," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "Becoming an Ontario Corps partner means we can collaborate to ensure urgent, timely communications reach businesses most impacted so we can act quickly and respond effectively during emergencies."

As part of Ontario Corps, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce can be called on to push critical information directly to business owners in affected regions. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has a network of 60,000 members and 143 local chambers and local services boards across the province who can be called on to bolster the province's response before, during and after large-scale emergencies.

Ontario Corps can be mobilized quickly to help communities hit hard by emergencies, deploying resources like debris removal tools and machinery, supplies, flood barriers and drones at a moment's notice.

People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers will be provided with training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.

Quick Facts

  • This is one of a growing number of partnership agreements to protect Ontario by increasing emergency capabilities across the province. Ontario Chamber of Commerce joins the Ontario Road Builders' Association, Labatt Breweries of Canada and Ontario Mine Rescue as the newest Ontario Corps partners.

  • Ontario Corps was successfully deployed on several occasions in 2025, including during the spring ice storm and the summer wildland fire response.

  • The announcement was made during National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 19-25, 2026, to recognize, celebrate and promote volunteerism.

  • A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. This facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology needed to protect Ontario as the 24/7, year-round emergency command centre. With a modern home, Ontario Corps will have the tools they need to carry out critical operations and keep people safe.

Quotes

"The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Ontario Corps and partner with the province to strengthen emergency preparedness across Ontario. With a province-wide network of local chambers and businesses, we can help ensure timely, trusted information reaches workers, businesses, and communities when it matters most."

- Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"As an area that was heavily impacted by the 2025 ice storm, we value these much-needed enhancements to Ontario's emergency preparedness and management. We are pleased to extend our support for this project through the signing of this MOU."

- Carmine Benincasa
President, Brock Board of Trade

"The North Durham Chamber of Commerce will always support efficient emergency communications protocols to ensure a rapid, coordinated response. This MOU marks a vital step in fortifying our North Durham businesses against the next weather strike."

- Misty Santos
Executive Director, North Durham Chamber of Commerce

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Province of Ontario published this content on April 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 20, 2026 at 12:42 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]