Tillsonburg business leaders brought local concerns straight to provincial decision-makers during the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual Advocacy Day in Toronto. On June 2, 2026, CEO Rocio Salinas and President Lindsay Tribble from the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce joined more than 100 chamber representatives from across the province at Queen’s Park to push for policies that help local enterprises grow.
The group spent the day talking about the economy, labour market challenges, and business growth directly with MPPs and government officials. Being part of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce network gives Tillsonburg’s business community a seat at the table alongside 60,000 other members, making it the largest business advocacy voice in the province. For a smaller community like Tillsonburg, that connection means local issues such as regulatory relief and supply chain bottlenecks get heard at the highest level.
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, first elected in 1995 and now the longest-serving MPP in the county’s history, recognized the Tillsonburg chamber during Question Period and later attended the evening reception. As chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Hardeman is in a strong position to carry Tillsonburg’s priorities into budget talks. His presence underlined the value of having a local representative with deep experience at Queen’s Park.
The visit also highlighted Tillsonburg’s creative community. While touring the legislature, Salinas and Tribble saw the painting “Autumn Leaves” by local artist Stella Jurgen, a chamber member from 17 Designs, hanging in the Legislative Dining Room. It was a reminder that local businesses include more than storefronts and factories—they also include artists whose work represents the community on a provincial stage.
The advocacy push comes after the Ontario Chamber successfully lobbied for small business tax relief in Budget 2026, with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy acknowledging the network’s influence. For Tillsonburg, having representatives in the room when those conversations happen means the community’s voice is part of shaping policies that affect main street and beyond.
