The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Our advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to the issues that matter to our members, such as economic development, healthcare, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.
Our Government Relations Committee (GRC) consists of volunteers from industries that represent the diversity of our members along with representation from Ajax, Pickering and Durham Region Economic Development offices. The group meets monthly to develop policies, prepare media releases and responses to important announcements and budgets, issue position recommendations on important issues, and advocate for change at all levels of government.
The goal is to ensure that key plans and budgets at the municipal, provincial, and federal members reflect the priorities of APBOT and its membership. This committee establishes task forces, subcommittees and working groups on particular policy matters that require special study or focus.
This committee also surveys the membership and the local business community on a regular basis to develop a priority list of issues, which then become key priorities of APBOT. These determine the board’s focus, and provide direction in selecting event topics, such as the Mayors' and Regional Chair's addresses and other various speakers events, themes for APBOT bulletin, topics for future member information sessions, and even as the inspiration for content on our website.
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has been recognized for our advocacy work in the region, and we take our role seriously as the voice of our business community.