Stimulate Change

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) Advocacy Committee is a consultative, strategic and, at times, implementation resource for the WCC Board of Directors on legislative and policy issues that relate to the Whitby business community. The committee supports the Chamber by developing researched positions and any other necessary responses for the WCC Board of Directors’ review and consideration.

The goals of the committee include:

  • Anticipate, influence and respond to legislative and policy issues that affect Whitby businesses.
  • Champion and lead advocacy issues in partnership and collaboration with all Chamber stakeholders for the benefit of all members.
  • Promote the role of the Chamber to key external audiences, including government, business and the media, as the voice of authority on local business related issues.

Committee Members:

  • Kim Copetti, Copetti & Co., Interim Chair
  • Carrie-Anne Atkins, Ontario Power Generation
  • Tony Doyle, Durham College, Vice-Chair
  • Audrey Andrews, Region of Durham
  • Paul Dempsey, Royal Bank of Canada
  • Wendy Giroux, Durham Region Association of REALTORS®
  • Neil Joshi, Royal Bank of Canada
  • Liam Nichols, Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area
  • Mary Norton, Almar HRM
  • Ernest Ogunleye, EON Performance Solutions
  • Dan White, Tax Audit Solutions
  • Natalie Prychitko, Whitby Chamber CEO, Ex-Officio
  • Matthew Mackenzie, Whitby Chamber President, Ex-Officio

Advocacy Committee Focus Areas:

The Advocacy Committee refines its focus areas based on member feedback, current issues and opportunities in the market.

Current focus areas include:

  • Taxation
  • Immigration and diversity
  • Energy
  • Fair Workplace Legislation
  • Municipal and regional economic development
  • Transportation
  • Red Tape: reducing the administrative burden on business