The OCC says Budget 2025 signals a crucial shift toward prosperity through policy execution, with Ontario-focused analysis emphasizing four economic imperatives: business competitiveness and trade, qualified people and diverse talent, healthy and sustainable communities, and growth-enabling infrastructure.

The budget boosts domestic talent pipelines with substantial investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, foreign credential recognition, workforce alliances, digital job-matching tools, and programs like the Youth Climate Corps and expanded Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, aiming for about 55,000 work-integrated learning opportunities.

Comprehensive EI reform is urged, advocating a tripartite governance approach to modernize the system for today’s workforce needs and employers.

A Climate and Net-Zero focus features a Climate Competitiveness Strategy, extended CCUS investment tax credits, a sustainable investment taxonomy and bond framework, alongside carbon pricing trajectory updates and reforms to anti-greenwashing provisions.

The OCC views the budget as transitional rather than transformational but highlights important investments that could boost productivity and private investment in Ontario, while inviting ongoing collaboration to unlock private-sector investment in high-potential sectors.

Key measures include the Productivity Super-Deduction, enhanced SR&ED incentives, and $925.6 million for sovereign AI infrastructure to strengthen innovation and life sciences via the Strategic Innovation Fund and Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative.

In health and human resources, the budget funds life sciences, faster medicine and health-tech approvals, foreign credential recognition funding, and a Personal Support Workers Tax Credit, with OCC pushing for expanded scope-of-practice for interdisciplinary teams and faster regulatory pathways for medicines and devices.

Digital infrastructure and connectivity are prioritized, including expanding broadband resilience and addressing rural and remote gaps through a coordinated public-private approach.

Arts, culture, and creative industries receive broad funding across multiple programs, with emphasis on IP protections and compliance given the sector’s GDP contribution.

OCC calls for sector-specific immigration strategies and stronger alignment with workforce needs, plus Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot expansions, noting potential negative effects of reduced targets on tourism, agriculture, and retail.

Growth-enabling infrastructure includes the Major Projects Office and a Build Canada Homes program, with substantial housing funding and expanded funding for Indigenous infrastructure and health infrastructure, along with a Build Communities Strong Fund and a Trade Diversification Corridors Fund to boost supply chains.

EI proposals include temporary Work-Sharing flexibilities and enhanced income supports, with OCC advocating for tripartite governance and ongoing improvements to the Premium Reduction Program.