Ontario strengthens business communication during crises through Ontario Corps
New agreement aims to improve rapid response and information flow during emergencies
The Ontario government is expanding its emergency preparedness network by partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, positioning the organization as a key communications link between the province and the business community during crises.
The announcement, made April 20 by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, marks the latest step in building out Ontario Corps, a provincewide initiative designed to mobilize skilled professionals, volunteers and institutional partners in response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Through the agreement, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce will leverage its extensive network—representing more than 60,000 businesses and 143 local chambers and service boards—to deliver critical, real-time information to businesses affected 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.”
Business network to play central role in emergency response
The partnership reflects a growing recognition that businesses are both vulnerable to and essential during crisis situations. By integrating the Ontario Chamber of Commerce into Ontario Corps, the province aims to streamline how information flows before, during and after large-scale emergencies.
As part of the initiative, the chamber can be called upon to disseminate critical updates directly to business owners in affected regions, helping ensure coordinated responses and minimizing disruption to local economies.
Ontario Corps itself is structured to deploy rapidly, offering resources such as debris removal equipment, flood mitigation tools, drones and other emergency supplies. The program is also designed to match trained volunteers with partner organizations based on skills, availability and local needs.
The province continues to encourage residents from all professional backgrounds to volunteer, emphasizing that training will be provided to support effective deployment during emergencies.
Growing roster of partners strengthens provincial capacity
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce joins a growing list of organizations supporting Ontario Corps, including the Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Labatt Breweries of Canada and Ontario Mine Rescue. The expanding partnership network is intended to enhance the province’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently across diverse emergency scenarios.
The program has already been tested in real-world conditions. In 2025, Ontario Corps was deployed during a spring ice storm and later during summer wildland fire responses, providing logistical and operational support to affected communities.
The latest announcement coincides with National Volunteer Week, underscoring the province’s emphasis on volunteerism as a cornerstone of emergency preparedness.
Leaders highlight importance of coordinated communication
Business and community leaders welcomed the agreement, pointing to the importance of reliable communication networks during times of crisis.
“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
New headquarters to anchor long-term strategy
Looking ahead, the province is investing in infrastructure to support Ontario Corps’ long-term operations. A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is planned as a centralized command centre operating 24/7 year-round.
The facility will be equipped with advanced technology to coordinate emergency responses across the province, further strengthening Ontario’s ability to manage increasingly complex and frequent disaster events.
With the addition of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, officials say Ontario Corps is continuing to evolve into a comprehensive, collaborative system—one that integrates government, business and community resources to improve resilience and protect communities across the province.