OEMC 2025 registration is now open, and we’re pleased to offer the same great rate as last year – no increases! Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot at the early bird rate.
Connect with CAOs, wardens, mayors, business development professionals, clerks, CEOs, community outreach leaders, councillors, EDOs, planners, and more.
Join engaging sessions on economic development, municipal & community development, and workforce development, tackling today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS - CLOSED
Thank you to everyone who submitted a topic for this year’s OEMC concurrent sessions.
Once again, we have had an overwhelming response from a diverse group of expert presenters. In the coming weeks, the selection committee will be reviewing the submissions, and our conference planner will be notifying all who submitted proposals with the results.
Stay tuned!
SPONSOR AND EXHIBIT AT OEMC
Support OEMC and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with
Ontario East Members and OEMC attendees.
OEMC presents an incredible opportunity for extended networking with attendees! The meal room is directly across from the exhibit hall with all the food stations and buffets located right in the exhibit hall. This setup enhances the ease of mingling and maximizes your opportunities for meaningful connections!
Meet with CAOs, Wardens, Mayors, Business Development Professionals, Clerks, CEOs, Community Outreach Professionals, Councillors, EDOs, Planners, and more.
Please contact Megan Howes at oemc@ontarioeast.ca if you are interested in purchasing a sponsorship and/or exhibit booth.
Limited space available - don't miss this opportunity to support and participate in this eastern Ontario event that has key decision makers in attendance!
The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is less than 10 minutes from Parliament and national museums, and only minutes from the highway, train station and airport access.
One connected location! The accommodations are connected directly to the meeting space. You can walk directly from the conference floor to your room!
OEMC is pleased to provide a special group rate for OEMC delegates at the Courtyard Ottawa East by Marriott for $209-$239.00 per night — the same great rate as last year!
Special room rates are only available until August 16, 2025 (subject toroom availability). Limited rooms available – please book as soon as possible to secure your room!
If you have any news that you would like us to share, please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.
Ontario East Regional Marketing Committee Accepting
New Members
If your community is not part of the Regional Marketing Committee (RMC) yet, we encourage you to consider joining us for what will be an active year!
The RMC secures funding to commission research and studies, consults with members to determine key employment sector targets compatible with eastern Ontario’s competitive advantages and implements a variety of investment attraction activities and programs, working closely with provincial and federal partners.
Participation in the RMC allows Active Ontario East members to leverage their economic development budget and expand programming by at least 10 times the modest membership fee while supporting important regional economic development opportunities.
Contact us today to arrange a meeting to learn more, the new program starts April 1, 2025.
Update from Minister Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
The United States has launched an unjustified trade war against Canada. Minister Valdez wants to keep you and your network updated on our government's ongoing efforts to support Canadian businesses and stand up for Canadians. Below, you'll find key initiatives and developments from the past month that may be of interest to you and your networks.
Canada’s Next Prime Minister – Mark Carney
Mark Carney, world-renowned economist and former Governor of the Bank of Canada, has been elected leader of the Liberal Party with 86% of the vote. Carney's extensive experience positions him as the best leader to strengthen Canada's economy and defend Canada against American tariffs.
Supporting Businesses Impacted by Unjustified American Tariffs
In response to the recent unjustified tariffs imposed by the United States, our government has introduced a comprehensive support package of $6.5 billion to assist Canadian businesses impacted by these tariffs. The support includes:
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Providing $500 million in favorably priced loans to businesses impacted by tariffs. These loans are designed to reduce borrowing costs and offer flexible repayment terms. • Export Development Canada (EDC): Launching a $5 billion Trade Impact Program to help exporters access new markets and manage challenges arising from the tariffs, such as losses from non-payment and currency fluctuations. • Farm Credit Canada (FCC): Allocating $1 billion in new financing to support the agriculture and food industry, addressing cash flow challenges and helping businesses adjust to the new operating environment.
These measures aim to protect jobs, keep businesses operational, and stabilize Canada's economy during this period of economic uncertainty.
Breaking Down Interprovincial Trade Barriers
Our government has been working with provincial and territorial partners to make significant strides in reducing interprovincial trade barriers. Eliminating barriers to internal trade will reduce business costs, increase productivity, and potentially add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy. • Alcohol Trade: Almost all provinces have agreed to break down interprovincial trade barriers on alcohol, facilitating easier access to a variety of products across Canada. • Professional Certification Recognition: Efforts are underway to ensure that certified professionals are recognized nationwide, regardless of where they obtained their credentials. This initiative aims to enhance labor mobility and address skill shortages across provinces and territories. • Federal Reduction of Trade Exceptions: The Government of Canada has announced the removal of 20 additional federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), reducing the total from 39 to 19.
Contact Us We welcome your feedback, questions, or suggestions. Please reach out to the team member representing your region:
We remain committed to supporting Canadian businesses, enhancing our infrastructure, and fostering strong international partnerships. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
CanExport SME Funding Now Open
Funding that helps your company grow into global markets
CanExport SMEs is accepting applications for projects taking place in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. To qualify, project expenses must be incurred between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide.
Who can apply To be eligible, you must:
be established in Canada
be for-profit
be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative
have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)
