In this edition:
- Chuck McShane to be honoured at Niagara College convocation
- Questions surround minor variance in Port Colborne
- Ontario to reduce upfront capital costs of new electricity lines
- AMO calls provincial bike lane legislation a “significant overreach”
- Number of Canadian businesses impacted by cybercrime continues downward trend
- Governments of Canada and Ontario invest $4.4M in fruit growing industry
- Competition Bureau seeks input into property controls in the grocery industry
- Importers facing problems due to online portal meant for tax collection
- Focus on Technology
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Chuck McShane receives an award from Ontario Home Builders. | Photo credit: Ontario Home Builders Association
Niagara Homebuilders Assn. CEO Chuck McShane to be honoured at Niagara College convocation
The fall convocation ceremonies at Niagara College will kick off on October 24 with special honours for Chuck McShane, CEO of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association. The Niagara-on-the-Lake resident will be presented with an Honorary Diploma in Skilled Trades during the morning ceremony (10 a.m.), in recognition of his industry leadership, his dedication to promoting the skilled trades, and his support for student learning at the College.
Image credit: City of Port Colborne
Questions surround minor variance in Port Colborne
A developer’s plan to change the nature of a Port Colborne subdivision previously approved by city council, by lowering its number of single-family homes and adding many more townhouses, has raised some eyebrows — including those of committee of adjustment members who have twice adjourned the matter.
The application for the Northland Estates subdivision, southeast of the intersection of Barrick and West Side roads, was first filed in July 2022 and approved in September 2023.
Photo credit: 3asy60lf / Adobe Stock
Ontario to reduce upfront capital costs of new electricity lines
The government intends to introduce legislation that will, if passed, support the construction of new homes and businesses by making it easier and more affordable to make those “last mile” connections. The legislation would amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to enable regulation making authority to protect existing ratepayers while reducing upfront capital costs of new lines that would otherwise increase the costs to new homes and businesses.
Photo credit: Markus Mainka / Adobe Stock
Association of Municipalities of Ontario calls provincial bike lane legislation a “significant overreach”
Photo credit: issaronow / Adobe Stock
Number of Canadian businesses impacted by cybercrime continues downward trend
In 2023, about 1 in 6 (16%) Canadian businesses were impacted by cyber security incidents, Statistics Canada reported today. The proportion of businesses impacted by cyber security incidents has been declining since 2019, with 21% of businesses being impacted that year and 18% in 2021.
In contrast to the trend observed for Canadian businesses, the Canadian Internet Use Survey found that the proportion of Canadians experiencing cyber security incidents has been rising since 2018. Over two-thirds (70%) of Canadians experienced a cyber security incident in 2022, up from 2020 (58%) and 2018 (52%).
Photo credit: standret / Adobe Stock
Governments of Canada and Ontario invest $4.4M in fruit growing industry
The governments of Canada and Ontario are helping 128 apple, tender fruit, and table grape producers grow more popular and hardy varieties of produce. The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, with funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is supporting these projects through a $4.4 million investment.
Photo credit: monticellllo / Adobe Stock
Competition Bureau seeks input into property controls in the grocery industry
The Bureau is examining whether property controls imposed by grocery retailers are harming competition. Property controls may shield grocery stores from competition by preventing businesses from opening a retail food store or by limiting the products competitors can sell.
The Bureau encourages market participants in the food retail and real estate sectors to confidentially share their experiences by emailing ControlesdePropriete-PropertyControls@cb-bc.gc.ca. For more information on how to submit information, please visit the Call-out for information about property controls in the Canadian grocery industry web page.
Photo credit: frender / Adobe Stock
Importers facing problems due to online portal meant for tax collection
A new online portal for collecting taxes on goods shipped into Canada is creating headaches ahead of its rollout this week, importers say, with potential ripple effects for consumers.
The federal government’s digital platform for paying duties is set to come online on Oct. 21 in an effort to streamline the old, paper-based process that customs officials relied on for decades.
Did you know?
Focus on Technology
Generative AI can boost innovation – but only when humans are in control
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
