1. Support a Competitive Business and Trade Environment

Ontario businesses continue to face economic uncertainty, shifting global trade dynamics, and competitive pressures. Small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up the backbone of the Sarnia–Lambton economy, require targeted support to remain resilient and invest in future growth.

We recommend that the 2026 Budget:

• Advance comprehensive tax reform to reduce the overall tax burden on a broader range of Ontario businesses, improving their ability to scale, innovate, and invest in productive assets.
• Build on the expansion of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, enabling more manufacturers—particularly SMEs—to modernize operations, adopt advanced technologies, and expand domestic production.
• Accelerate efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, improving labour mobility and strengthening supply chain efficiency across provincial borders.
• Enhance programs that support SME resilience, including tools to manage trade uncertainty, export development, and digital transformation.

2.Strengthen Talent Pipelines and Workforce Readiness

In Sarnia–Lambton and across Ontario, employerscontinue to face shortages in skilled labour. Addressing these gaps isessential to supporting industrial growth, energy transition projects, andemerging sectors.

We recommend that the 2026 Budget:

• Provide sustainable, predictable funding for post-secondary institutions, ensuring colleges and universities can deliver high-quality programs aligned with current and future labour market needs.
• Enhance the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to better reflect regional and sector-specific labour shortages, particularly in skilled trades, health care, developmental services, manufacturing, energy, and emerging clean-tech fields.
• Support initiatives that attract and retain young people, including co-op placements, work-integrated learning, and pathways to high-demand careers.

3. Investin Healthy and Sustainable Communities

A strong economy depends on strong communities.Improvements to health-system capacity and care pathways are essential forworker productivity, resident well-being, and long-term growth.

We recommend that the 2026 Budget:

• Expand investments in health-system capacity, including primary care, mental health supports, and recruitment and retention of healthcare     professionals.
• Improve access to care in underserved regions, ensuring equitable service delivery across the province.
• Advance the development of an integrated provincial health data system, enabling better coordination, reduced administrative burden, and improved     health outcomes for residents.

4. AdvanceGrowth-Enabling Infrastructure

Infrastructure remains a foundational driver ofeconomic development, housing supply, and quality of life. The Sarnia–Lambtonregion—along with municipalities across Ontario—requires continued investmentto support current needs and future growth.

We recommend that the 2026 Budget:

• Prioritize investments in housing-enabling infrastructure, including stormwater, wastewater, and other critical municipal     systems to unlock new development and meet housing targets.
• Diversify supply chains to reduce vulnerability to disruptions and enhance economic security.
• Continue expanding broadband and digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas, to support modern     business operations, education, and community connectivity.

Conclusion

The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce urges the Government of Ontario to focus on competitiveness, skills, community resilience, and infrastructure as pillars of the 2026 Budget. By addressing these priorities, Ontario can position itself for sustainable economic prosperity, support regional development, and ensure that communities like Sarnia–Lambton can continue to thrive.

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