Blog
Op-Ed: Capitalizing on the Capital: Ottawa Has Defence Hub Potential
This op-ed was originally published by Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, in the June 24, 2025 edition of The Hill Times. Canada has a critical window of opportunity: for the first time in decades, there is clear political and public…
Ottawa Businesses Under Pressure: Local Entrepreneurs Absorb Rising Costs to Prioritize Customers and Community Growth
New data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab Q2 2025 Insights shows that local businesses in Ottawa are under growing financial pressure: 52% are concerned about inflation 89% are worried about rising input and supply costs Yet only 23% plan to raise prices over the next three months Local entrepreneurs are prioritizing…
Announcement: A Warm Welcome to our New Board of Directors for 2025/2026
Last night, the Ottawa Board of Trade proudly hosted our 168th Annual General Meeting and reception at the NCC River House. We came together to celebrate our members, reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together over the past year, and share what’s next for OBOT. A new Board of Directors for 2025/2026 was also elected…
Statement on the Redevelopment of 110 O’Connor
The Ottawa Board of Trade welcomes the redevelopment of 110 O’Connor as a critical step in the transformation of downtown Ottawa. This project aligns with our Downtown Ottawa Action Plan, which calls for increasing residential density and building a people-centered urban core. Transforming former office buildings into housing-including affordable housing and mixed-use developments like business,…
Statement on the Throne Speech by King Charles III
The Ottawa Board of Trade is honoured to mark the historic visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City, for the ceremonial opening of Parliament. We commend the government’s priorities, which reflect the aspirations and urgent needs of businesses and communities across the country. Congratulations and thank you for advancing a new industrial…
Statement In Response to the Ontario Budget 2025
The Ottawa Board of Trade congratulates the Government of Ontario on the release of its 2025 Budget-an important step in protecting Ontario’s economic future. As the voice of business in Ontario’s second-largest city and a critical economic engine for the province, we are encouraged to see a strong commitment to investments that enhance competitiveness, resilience,…
Announcement: New Director, Business & Community Partnerships
The Ottawa Board of Trade is pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Higdon as our new Director, Business & Community Partnerships. Kara brings over 15 years of experience in partnerships, external affairs, and stakeholder relations to her new role. Most recently, as Director, Bayview Yards Growth and Success at Invest Ottawa, she led partnership…
Statement on the Appointment of the New Cabinet
The Ottawa Board of Trade extends our congratulations to the newly appointed Cabinet. We offer our support as a collaborative partner in building a stronger economy as you take on your new responsibilities. Cabinet Ministers often spend more than 70 per cent of their time in Ottawa – enjoying our local small businesses, dining at…
Celebrating Ottawa’s Rising Young Leaders: 2025 Forty Under 40 Recipients
(OTTAWA) – Wednesday, May 1, 2025 – The Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) and the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) are proud to unveil the 2025 Forty Under 40 award recipients. Now in its 28th year, this prestigious program continues to recognize Ottawa’s top young business leaders for their innovation, leadership, and impact on the community.…
Statement from Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, on the Election of the Federal Government
On behalf of the Ottawa Board of Trade, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s newly elected Members of Parliament. This election marks a significant moment in our nation’s history-a moment of opportunity, and transformation which demands urgent action. As the voice of business and a key advocate for the National Capital…