PROVINCE WELCOMES ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO ONTARIO CORPS
Province building network of partners and volunteers to help protect communities
during emergencies and natural disasters
April 20, 2026
Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and ResponseTORONTO—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 Corpsto 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
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Ontario Corps
