The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce has officially opened registration for one of the region’s most influential business gatherings: the 22nd Annual TD Economic Update Breakfast 2026. Scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at the Harmony Events Centre, the event will feature Derek Burleton, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist at TD Bank Group. As the Durham Region navigates a complex recovery from recent trade frictions and high interest rates, Burleton’s 2026 outlook is expected to provide a critical roadmap for local manufacturers, retailers, and developers.
Navigating ‘Trade Uncertainty’ in Durham
A central pillar of the 22nd Annual TD Economic Update Breakfast 2026 will be a deep dive into the “Tariffs and Trade Uncertainty” currently gripping the Canadian auto sector.
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The Global Context: Following the recent Canada-U.S. Auto Tariff War 2026 report, which saw U.S. vehicle import shares drop significantly, Burleton will provide an expert perspective on how local businesses can hedge against further cross-border volatility.
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Oshawa’s Resilience: In previous briefings, Burleton has characterized Oshawa as “particularly resilient.” This year’s update will assess whether that resilience holds firm against 2026’s “near-record high gas prices” and shifting labor trends.
Key Discussion Topics for 2026
The 22nd Annual TD Economic Update Breakfast 2026 will move beyond national headlines to offer granular data on the Durham Region’s unique economic profile:
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Inflation and Interest Rates: With the market showing signs of stabilization after the 2025 spikes, attendees will hear projections on when local businesses might see a sustained easing of borrowing costs.
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Employment and Labour Trends: The breakfast coincides with the high-stakes Unifor Auto Negotiations, making Burleton’s analysis of regional employment growth particularly timely for those in the manufacturing supply chain.
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Oshawa’s Growth Trajectory: The discussion will explore how major infrastructure projects—including the Darlington SMR and Metrolinx expansions—are acting as anchors for the local economy.
Event Details and Networking
The 22nd Annual TD Economic Update Breakfast 2026 serves as a primary networking hub for the Durham Region’s C-suite and professional community.
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Schedule: Registration and networking begin at 7:00 a.m., with the keynote presentation starting at 8:00 a.m.
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Ticketing: Tickets are priced at $65 + HST and are currently available through the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce website.
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Interactive Q&A: A live session following the presentation will allow business owners to ask direct questions about local real estate trends and commercial growth strategies.
The Role of Regional Partnerships
This year’s event is supported by the City of Oshawa’s Business and Economic Development Services, underscoring a unified effort to support the city’s 2026 growth targets. For professionals in Whitby, Ajax, and Pickering, the update offers essential “ammunition” for making effective fiscal decisions as the region enters a critical period of industrial and residential transformation.
