CCI Response to the 2026 Ontario Budget

Today, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivered the 2026 provincial budget.

In response to today's budget, CCI Senior Director Policy and Advocacy, Skaidra Puodziunas delivered the following statement:

“Ontario’s innovators are pleased to see policies to make it easier to do business in Ontario by easing the tax burden on Ontario’s innovators, streamline regulations, and by commitments to release strategies on AI, data centres and digital assets. But business climates aren’t just tax rates and regulations - economic strategies and policy frameworks that govern the modern economy are critical. 

"For too long, Ontario has relied on low value-add economic strategies that have constrained its ability to build and retain sovereign capacity. In a more volatile and competitive global environment, these structural limitations continue to leave the province exposed to external shocks and missed opportunities.

“Innovative, high-growth Canadian companies are ready to help lead the next chapter of economic transformation. These firms are developing globally competitive products and services, creating high-quality jobs, attracting investment, and generating long-term wealth that remains rooted in the province. But unlocking this potential requires clear, forward-looking strategies focused on scaling domestic innovation, creating valuable intangible assets and strengthening Ontario’s position in high-value sectors.

“In this year’s budget, we had hoped to see a strengthened Buy Ontario policy anchored in real economic value-add and built-in-Canada innovation.

“With strong assets, world-class talent, and a growing ecosystem of innovative firms, Ontario is well-positioned to lead, but only with the right policy direction. Ontario’s innovators stand ready to partner in building a more competitive, resilient, and self-reliant economy."

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Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org