Welcome to the heart of the Greater Stouffville Chamber’s vibrant business community — our exciting events page! Here, you’ll discover a calendar packed with diverse opportunities designed to inspire, connect, and empower our members. From monthly member-hosted networking nights to insightful economic and government affairs breakfasts, our events are crafted to cater to every interest and need.
Join us for gala dinners that celebrate our community’s achievements, engage in Special Interest Group events that foster collaboration among like-minded professionals, and attend educational workshops to sharpen your skills and knowledge. With something for everyone, our events provide the perfect platform to grow your network, learn from industry leaders, and elevate your business.
Many of our events are free for members, and members always enjoy discounted rates, making it even more rewarding to be part of the Greater Stouffville Chamber community. Be sure to register early, as our events sell out quickly. Dive in and explore the opportunities that await you — your next great connection or breakthrough idea could be just an event away!
Wednesday Dec 1, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
While Canada’s pre-pandemic federal debt hovered at around 40% of GDP, it has surged due to pandemic spending, exceeding 60% by early 2021. This debt will have long-term consequences for our economic agility and our nation’s next generation.
Finding alternatives to raising taxes is not easy, but it will limit the financial distress faced by households and businesses as we enter a period of economic recovery. Government of all levels must look for bold and creative solutions to our nation’s debt by, for instance, addressing lost tax revenues from illegal markets.
Illegal markets are a substantial source of lost tax revenue for Ontario and its municipalities. Contraband tobacco alone results in $750 million per year in lost revenue for the province. Meanwhile, Ontario’s illegal cannabis market still accounts for over half of household spending on cannabis three years after legalization. One third of smokers buy their cigarettes from the black market, and an EY report conducted during COVID highlights the potential revenues lost to both the provincial and federal governments; legal tobacco sales 24% higher in June 2020 vs June 2019, while smoking incidents rates continues to decline. This represents both an economic loss and a public health concern. Untaxed economic activity is also prevalent in the lottery and gaming sector and in industries where cash transactions are common such as automotive repairs and construction.
Join us for an exciting panel conversation on why governments must seize the opportunity now to tackle Canada’s underground economy to support economic recovery and growth!
Moderator:
• Eddy R. A. Burello, FCPA, FCA, Business Advisor and Partner with MNP in Toronto.
Panelists:
• Patrick Gill, Senior Director, Tax & Financial Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Anne P. Kothawala, President & CEO, Convenience Industry Council of Canada
• Victoria Mancinelli, Director Public Relations, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, LiUNA
• Nathan Mison, Chief Executive Officer at DIPLOMAT Consulting
ZOOM:
Zoom details to be provided in advance of the event.
For the best possible virtual experience, we ask that you download the latest 'Zoom Client for Meetings' ahead of the event. You can find it at https://zoom.us/download
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please contact Deanna Lahey, Senior Manager, Event Services, at deannalahey@occ.ca.
Unlock unparalleled opportunities by sponsoring events with the Greater Stouffville Chamber of Commerce. Join fellow business leaders, community partners, and local influencers to forge valuable connections and collaborations that will enrich both our community and your business. As a sponsor, your business will gain exceptional visibility and showcase its commitment to supporting our vibrant local business community, all while being in front of influential business and political leaders in the region.
Our diverse lineup of events includes the Annual Spring Dinner featuring the Mayor’s State of the Town Address, the fall Greater Stouffville Business Hall of Fame Dinner, the winter Economic Outlook Breakfast, monthly member-hosted networking nights, and other exciting events throughout the year. We offer a variety of sponsorship levels to position your brand and engage in meaningful ways to achieve your goals. Additionally, we are eager to collaborate with sponsors to create tailored event opportunities and offer bundling deals for sponsoring multiple events.
Our dynamic Chamber sold out all its events in 2024, making sponsorship a fantastic way to elevate your business presence in Greater Stouffville. Don’t miss this chance to connect with key community figures. Contact us at christian@stouffvillechamber.ca to explore sponsorship opportunities.
The Greater Stouffville Chamber is pleased to offer Special Interest Groups (SIGs) as part of our initiative to enhance member engagement and connectivity. These SIGs are communities within our Chamber that focus on advancing specific areas of interest, fostering collaboration among members with shared goals.
Currently, we have launched two SIGs:
Each SIG is led by a Chamber member and is designed to drive change and produce solutions through communication, meetings, and organized events. These groups provide unique opportunities to network with peers, share resources, and develop strategies to address challenges specific to their focus area.
Participation in a SIG is exclusive to Chamber members, making it an excellent opportunity for professional growth and community building. If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of our SIGs, please contact us at taya@stouffvillechamber.ca for more information and to secure your spot.