The first Mayor’s Breakfast Series of 2025, hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal, set the stage for a year of strategic collaboration and bold decision-making. The event featured a compelling conversation at City Hall between Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The discussion brought Ottawa’s top business, community, and political leaders together to address pressing economic challenges and opportunities.

Michael Curran, President and Publisher of OBJ, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, at the Mayor's Breakfast on Wednesday, February 26.

A key issue discussed was the federal government's plan to reduce its downtown footprint by 50% in Ottawa. This move will significantly impact Ottawa’s economy, real estate, and small businesses. Sutcliffe acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained firm in his response.

“We’re facing big challenges, but bold solutions are the only way forward,” Sutcliffe stated.

The city is launching a new "Shop Local" campaign to support Ottawa businesses and ensure economic resilience despite federal workforce reductions.

Another major concern was the impact of new U.S. trade barriers on Canadian businesses. The recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have introduced a wave of uncertainty and instability, further exacerbated by the president’s remark referring to Canada as the '51st state.' The comment drew criticism, reinforcing fears that Canada’s role as a key trading partner is undervalued globally.

Tisch criticized these policies, emphasizing how the U.S. benefits from Canada's resources and how the new restrictions unfairly disadvantage Canadian industries.

“The U.S. benefits tremendously from Canada, but these restrictions make it harder for Canadian businesses to compete,” said Tisch.

Despite a 26% rise in business confidence, many Ottawa businesses are feeling the strain of the U.S. tariffs, with 66% of businesses already experiencing disruptions. Companies are facing tough choices from elevated prices and layoffs to restructuring supply chains as they struggle to stay afloat in the current unpredictable economic climate.

However, as Tisch noted, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for businesses to expand their markets and accelerate trade agreements.

“When things get rough, we have to get tough,” he added.

As the discussion shifted to local economic development, Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses, community leaders, and policymakers to drive growth.

“We must work together—as a city, as businesses, as community leaders—to protect and grow our economy, revitalize downtown, and build more homes,” he said.

Tisch echoed this sentiment, advocating for Ottawa to reposition itself in the global economy.

“Instead of thinking like a small country, we need to tell our story in a bold and compelling way,” Tisch urged.

Additionally, Tisch highlighted the need for proactive problem-solving, emphasizing that businesses and policymakers should “come with a solution along with the problem” to drive meaningful change.

In a lighter moment, Sutcliffe highlighted Canada’s men’s hockey team’s thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the United States in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship.

“This victory is a reminder of resilience, teamwork, and national pride—values that also apply to economic strategy and growth,” he said.

Closing on an inspiring note, he quoted Neil Young to highlight the importance of action over hesitation: “Instead of cursing the darkness, we can light a candle. That’s the strategy we need.”

Reinforcing the call for a forward-thinking approach, Tisch emphasized that progress demands continuous effort and decisive action.