Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab

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History

As we mark a century of leadership, the Canadian Chamber remains dedicated to shaping the future of Canadian business.

Shaping Canada’s Economic Future

For 100 years, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in Canada’s economic growth and business success.

As we mark a century of leadership, the Canadian Chamber remains dedicated to shaping the future of Canadian business — helping companies of all sizes prepare, persevere and prosper in a rapidly changing global economy.

100 Years of Impact, Influence and Insight  

Our Origins (1925–1929)
Growing Influence (1930–1980s)
Breaking Barriers (1990s–2000s)
Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)
  1. 1925
  2. 1926
  3. 1927
  4. 1929
  5. 1930
  6. 1958
  7. 1972
  8. 1982
  9. 1990s
  10. 1996
  11. 1998
  12. 2020
  13. 2021-2022
  14. 2022
  15. 2023
  16. 2025

  1. Our Origins (1925–1929)

    1925

    At a national conference in Winnipeg, business leaders resolved to create a unified voice for Canadian commerce.

  2. Our Origins (1925–1929)

    1926

    First Annual Meeting held in Saint John, New Brunswick. The organization became the Canadian Board of Trade, with S.B. Gundy as first President.

  3. Our Origins (1925–1929)

    1927

    Permanent name chosen: Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Wendell McLeod Clarke was appointed first Secretary.

  4. Our Origins (1925–1929)

    1929

    Officially incorporated and launched the first international trade mission.

  5. Growing Influence (1930–1980s)

    1930

    Published The Commerce of the Nation, later renamed Canadian Business.

  6. Growing Influence (1930–1980s)

    1958

    Adopted bilingual name: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – La Chambre de commerce du Canada.

  7. Growing Influence (1930–1980s)

    1972

    Began issuing ATA Carnets to support Canadian exporters.

  8. Growing Influence (1930–1980s)

    1982

    Relocated national head office from Montreal to Ottawa.

  9. Breaking Barriers (1990s–2000s)

    1990s

    A leading voice in free trade debates, strongly supporting the Canada–U.S. FTA (1989) and NAFTA (1994).

  10. Breaking Barriers (1990s–2000s)

    1996

    Carole Lafrance became the first woman Chair.

  11. Breaking Barriers (1990s–2000s)

    1998

    Nancy Hughes Anthony became the first woman President and CEO.

  12. Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)

    2020

    Launched the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

  13. Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)

    2021-2022

    Partnered with local chambers to distribute nearly 10 million rapid test kits to small businesses.

  14. Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)

    2022

    Introduced the Chamber 2025 Strategic Plan, launching initiatives like the Business Data Lab.

  15. Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)

    2023

    Modernized governance, moving to a smaller, skills-based Board and creating new advisory bodies.

  16. Navigating a New Era (2010s–2020s)

    2025

    Hosted the international business community at the B7 and became a leading voice for Canadian business interests in global trade and tariff negotiations.

Our Continued Mission and Vision  

Our mission is to drive change, partner broadly and be the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success.
Our vision is to build a Canada of thriving business opportunity, a strong economy and a better life for all. 

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Founding Members

We honour the innovative spirit and vision of our founding members — many of whom continue to support us today. Their leadership laid the foundation for a stronger business community and a more prosperous Canada, helping businesses succeed while enabling families, communities and our country to flourish. 

Founding Chambers of Commerce

  • Bathurst
  • Belleville
  • Brantford
  • Cobourg
  • Cumberland
  • Drumheller
  • Edmonton
  • Fernie
  • Fort William
  • Galt
  • Halifax
  • Hamilton
  • Kamloops
  • Kitchener
  • Leamington
  • Medicine Hat
  • Moncton
  • Montreal
  • Morden
  • Nelson
  • Newcastle
  • New Westminster
  • North Sydney
  • North Vancouver
  • Okotoks
  • Olds
  • Peace River
  • Portage la Prairie
  • Prescott
  • Prince Edward Island Association Boards
  • Prince Rupert
  • Princeton
  • Quebec City
  • Red Deer
  • Regina
  • St. Stephen
  • Sarnia
  • Sackville
  • Selkirk
  • Smithers
  • Stewart
  • Toronto
  • Unity
  • Vancouver
  • Vegreville
  • Victoria
  • Welland
  • Winnipeg
  • Woodstock

Founding Corporations

  • Bank of Montreal
  • Banque Nationale du Canada
  • Bank of Nova Scotia
  • Bell Telephone Co.
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • Canadian National Railway
  • Canadian Pacific Railway
  • Canadian Westinghouse Co. Ltd.
  • Goodyear Canada Inc.
  • Great-West Life Assurance Co.
  • Henry Birks and Sons Ltd.
  • The Hudson Bay Company
  • Imperial Oil Ltd.
  • James Richardson & Sons Ltd.
  • Remington Typewriters Ltd.
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Southam Press Ltd.
  • Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada
  • The T. Eaton Company Ltd.
  • Toronto Bank
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