February 26, 2026
Reflections from our Past Board Chair
As we embrace the new leadership on the B Local Ontario Board, I would like to reflect on the last 3+ years as you Chair. We have come a long way since the fall of 2022, when B Local Ontario was not faring very well after COVID. Before that, it was an active community with regular events, BLD conferences, a regular newsletter, and more.
Getting started again
It was an email from Barbara Freuler on behalf of Jim Phillips at Copernicus Educational Products that got things rolling again in 2022. Barbara asked if we could send out an email to our list, requesting companies sign a petition asking the Ontario Government to repeal Bill 23, a bill that would remove 7,400 acres from some of the most diverse and fertile land in Ontario. The call had over 120 companies sign the petition, and alongside other significant opposition, eventually the provincial government backed down from its Greenbelt development plans.
The petition also served as a catalyst in getting B Local Ontario up and running again. On February 22, 2024, a group of 12 B Corp leaders came together and started thinking about what our organization could be going forward. We formed committees to start getting some things done -- related to events, marketing and, of course, advocacy.
Events
Our first event was March 23 at High Park Brewery, followed by a B Connected event in Waterloo at Borealis Grille on April 19. We also had events in Ottawa and Peterborough.
We also felt that in order to be effective, it was important to incorporate as a not-for-profit organization. Many discussions were held about both the membership and the makeup of of the Board (restricting it to people who are working for a B Corp). Eventually, we were incorporated with the help of Cayley Rodd of Barriston Law, who guided us through the process. I want to offer high praise and thanks to our first Board -- David Caron (ECW Press), Malina Kaija (The Turn Lab), Marcus Hutchings (Urban Spa), Shayla Meyer (Junxion), Taylor Stanley (Riverside Natural Foods) and myself (Northern Village). Our incorporation was completed on May 30, 2023.
Since inauguration, we have matured as an organization. It is good to be part of a growing community of B Locals, trying to be a force for good throughout Canada and the US. Our board and committees have been running for a few years now and we are starting to hit our stride.
The Events Committee has moved from informal events at High Park Brewery, to expanded events with different partners. For example Wellness Meets Impact brings together changemakers from the wellness, natural products, and impact-driven business communities in conjunction with the CHFA NOW conference in Toronto. Also, partnered with the Canadian Purpose Economy Project (CPEP) to hear from incredible leaders shaping the future of purpose-led businesses with Purpose in Action: A Gathering of Changemakers. The committee has also put on educational events on mental heath, new standards and navigating tax season.
Advocacy
The Advocacy Committee has also evolved. After our Greenbelt Campaign, we've held a several info sessions and started a new campaign. We urged the Government of Canada to create strong cap and trade regulation for the oil and gas industry, addressing the housing crisis with the Alliance for a Livable Ontario and reported on an event on Bill C-59 Protecting Canadians from misleading environmental claims.
Our recent efforts have been in support of our campaign for Fair Compensation for the Use of Municipal Land to encourage Enbridge, as the primary gas supplier in Ontario, to be a responsible corporate citizen by paying for its use of public land for gas infrastructure like it does in other provinces including Alberta. We feel that Enbridge should pay municipalities like it does in other provinces including Albera. B Local Ontario has teamed up with Environmental Defence, Climate Action Partnership (formerly Clean Air Partnership) and eMerge Guelph to try and get the word out about this important issue. Guelph and Waterloo Region governments are the first municipalities to challenge the status quo. I look forward to continuing to work on this issue.
For more information and keep up to date on our Advocacy initiatives, see our advocacy blog articles.
Marketing
The Marketing Committee has been consistent throughout the years, producing email newsletters, maintaining the website and posting on LinkedIn. In the last year we have:
- Sent out 11 newsletters
- To a follower base of 624 people (17% increase from 2025)
- With an engaged open rate of 51% (9% increase from 2025)
The newsletters now include a Spotlight feature that highlights a B Local Ontario Member, listing new B Corps that become members, and highlights activities that would be interesting to the B Corp community in Ontario.
We are always open to new marketing ideas. For instance, over the holiday season, we partnered with B Corp companies to provide a holiday gift box to our members.
Going forward
Passing on the baton, we are so fortunate to have such an amazing team running the organization; from the Board, to the Committee Chairs, and with a special thanks Taylor Stanley who has served as Vice Chair for this time and has now stepped up in the Board Chair role. I want to also thank Vanessa Pereira, who started as Advocacy Campaign Coordinator, whose role has expanded to being a liaison between BLO and all B Corps in Ontario. And, of course, all our volunteers who make this all possible. Your energy is infectious.
Last but not least, we could still use some help. Our Events, Marketing and Advocacy committees could use an additional person (or two). Out Advocacy committee is also looking to partner with other organizations to be more effective in changing policy. If any of this sounds like something you would like to do or support through membership or sponsorship, please reach out, and we can start a conversation.
It has been my privilege to lead our incredible organization and am confident that more great things are ahead!
Arni Mikelsons
Past Chair, B Local Ontario Board
