Daily Update: November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Four Niagara restaurants among OpenTable’s 100 best in Canada
  • Alectra earns global recognition at 2024 WE3 Digital Energy and Water Awards
  • Ontario proposes new red tape reduction legislation
  • Investment in building construction picks up with Ontario in the lead
  • B.C. port union challenges federal labour minister’s back-to-work order
  • New report warns that skilled immigrants are leaving Canada
  • Focus on Human Resources

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

A chef adds a garnish to a dish in a restaurant

Photo credit: weyo / Adobe Stock

Four Niagara restaurants among OpenTable’s 100 best in Canada

Four Niagara restaurants have again made OpenTable’s top 100 eating establishments in the country for 2024.

Treadwell Cuisine in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant in Vineland, The Good Earth Food and Wine Co. in Beamsville and Rizzo’s in Fort Erie are among the 53 Ontario restaurants on the company’s list this year.

Click here to read more.

The Alectra Utilities logo

Image credit: Alectra Utilities

Alectra earns global recognition at 2024 WE3 Digital Energy and Water Awards

Alectra Utilities is celebrating a remarkable achievement after receiving recognition in five categories at the 2024 WE3 Digital Energy and Water Awards, highlighting the company’s innovation and leadership in Ontario’s utility sector.

Click here to read more.

The Ontario Legislative Assembly Building at Queen's Park

Photo credit: Maurizio De Mattei / Adobe Stock

Ontario proposes new red tape reduction legislation

The Government of Ontario is proposing a new raft of streamlining measures in its proposed Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024.

The bill is the next step in the Ontario government’s efforts to modernize legislation, regulations, and policies that have become outdated, burdensome, or inefficient. It also builds on the measures Ontario has taken to date, which the government says have saved people and businesses 1.5 million hours and more than $1 billion since 2018.

Click here to read more.

A crane works to construct a high-rise block

Photo credit: reme80 / Adobe Stock

Investment in building construction picks up with Ontario in the lead

Investment in building construction rose 2.1% to $21.6 billion in September, following a 0.2% increase in August. The residential sector increased 2.9% to $15.2 billion in September, while the non-residential sector edged up 0.3% to $6.4 billion.

Increases were recorded in seven provinces and three territories, led by Ontario (+$232.1 million).

Click here to read more.

A container ship docked at the Port of Vancouver with a row of orange cranes behind it and the city skyline in the background

Photo credit: Rob Atkins / Adobe Stock

B.C. port union challenges federal labour minister’s back-to-work order

The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is formally challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.

In a legal document dated Nov. 19, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 says it’s questioning whether the order issued by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon last week violates the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike.

Click here to read more.

Silhouettes of a family on a wall painted with a Canadian flag

Photo credit: Jonathan Stutz / Adobe Stock

New report warns that skilled immigrants are leaving Canada

One in five immigrants who land in Canada will leave within the next 25 years, particularly economic immigrants who play a large part in the country’s labour market, a newly released report suggests.

About a third of those who leave will do so within the first five years.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

 

 

Focus on Human Resources

New study reveals stereotype about the trades may be changing among Canadians

A recent Leger survey commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety on the perceptions of Canadians towards the skilled trades offers some enlightening findings.Conducted this fall, the Measuring Up The Trades study reveals 40 per cent of Canadians have considered a career in skilled trades, yet only 13 per cent currently work in the field.

Approximately 52 per cent think more highly of the trades now than they did a few years ago, while 80 per cent believe there are more options for employment than before.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Asahi Kasei breaks ground on electric vehicle battery separator plant in Port Colborne
  • OPG names Nicolle Butcher as new President and CEO
  • Nearly one-third of Niagara residents considering leaving over cost-of-living, poll shows
  • Welland taxes poised to climb 3.54 per cent
  • Niagara Falls pushes for more tools to break up encampments
  • FAO blames slumping household spending and residential investment for slow growth
  • Ontario partners with Starlink to offer broadband for underserved homes and businesses
  • Focus on Finance & Economy

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

A group of dignitaries break ground at the site of Asahi Kesai's new plant in Port Colborne

Photo credit: Mishka Balsom / Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Asahi Kasei breaks ground on electric vehicle battery separator plant in Port Colborne

Construction has officially begun on Asahi Kasei’s $1.7 billion manufacturing facility in Port Colborne to produce lithium-ion battery separators, a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The new plant, the first of its kind in Canada, is a significant part of Ontario’s growing end-to-end EV and battery supply chain, accelerating the production of Ontario-made EVs and creating better jobs with bigger paycheques in the Niagara Region.

Click here to read more.

Incoming OPG CEO Nicolle Butcher. A headshot of a white woman with long brown hair wearing dark business dress.

Incoming OPG CEO Nicolle Butcher. | Photo credit: Ontario Power Generation

OPG names Nicolle Butcher as new President and CEO

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced today President and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Hartwick’s decision to retire at the end of 2024 after nearly nine years with the company. In line with OPG’s leadership succession plan, the Board of Directors has appointed Nicolle Butcher as President and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Click here to read more.

A sack with a dollar sign printed on it sits next to a red arrow pointing upwards in the middle of a group of wooden model houses

Photo credit: Andrii Yalanskyi / Adobe Stock

Nearly one-third of Niagara residents considering leaving over cost-of-living, poll shows

The Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) today released findings from a recent Nanos Research poll highlighting the growing concerns among Niagara Region residents over cost of living and housing affordability.

The findings underscore a significant sentiment: Niagara is becoming increasingly unaffordable for residents, with nearly one third (33%) of residents agreeing that they are considering leaving Niagara Region for somewhere more affordable.

Click here to read more.

Civic Square in downtown Welland

Photo credit: City of Welland

Welland taxes poised to climb 3.54 per cent

Welland residents could be hit with a 3.54 per cent city tax increase next year.

For a house assessed at $230,000, that’s $65.33 more on the annual tax bill if Mayor Frank Campion’s preliminary operating budget for 2025 is approved as it was presented during a special council meeting on Monday.

Click here to read more.

A black-and-white photograph of a homeless encampment in Calgary, Alberta

Photo credit: Jameel A/Wirestock / Adobe Stock

Niagara Falls pushes for more tools to break up encampments; force drug, mental health treatment

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has won the support of his city council in calling on the provincial government for more tools to deal with homeless encampments.

Council on Tuesday approved a motion put forth by Diodati that asks Premier Doug Ford to use the Constitution’s notwithstanding clause to give authorities and police more power to break up encampments.

Click here to read more.

A screen with various economic and financial data

Photo credit: Kittiphat / Adobe Stock

FAO blames slumping household spending and residential investment for slow provincial economic growth

In the second quarter of 2024, Ontario’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by a slow 0.3%, the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) reported today, with gains in business investment and government expenditures partially offset by declines in household spending, residential investment and exports.

The latest economic indicators suggest mixed results for Ontario’s economy in the third quarter of 2024, with gains in employment and retail and wholesale trade, but weakness in housing starts, manufacturing sales and exports.

Click here to read more.

A satellite orbits the earth, covered in a mesh of glowing lights and lines symbolizing global communications

Photo credit: nana / Adobe Stock

Ontario partners with Starlink to offer broadband for underserved homes and businesses

The Ontario government is partnering with Starlink to launch the new Ontario Satellite Internet (ONSAT) program, which will offer high-speed satellite internet access to 15,000 eligible unserved and underserved homes and businesses, including in rural, remote and northern communities, beginning in June 2025.

This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history, the Government of Ontario stated in a press release.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

Destination Toronto has said $282 million is expected to get injected into Toronto’s economy as a result of Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows.

Focus on Finance & Economy

Will Canada Post deliver? A look inside the labour dispute, the stakes and what comes next

Canada Post workers might soon be putting down their mailbags and grabbing picket signs. The employees of the Crown corporation, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have been in contract talks since November 2023 — but a deal still appears to be out of reach. This week, CUPW issued a 72-hour strike notice, putting Canadians on edge just as the holiday mailing rush kicks in, and leaving them wondering: will my packages arrive on time?

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Niagara Community Foundation named one of Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders
  • Developer proposes two apartment towers at the edge of Tourist District in Niagara Falls
  • Need to ‘catch up’ on capital investment drives Port Colborne tax hike
  • Grand re-opening of Jordan Village marks major community transformation
  • Identified top candidate doesn’t pan out in search for new Niagara-on-the-Lake CAO
  • Algoma posts Q3 financial results, CEO calls stability “encouraging”
  • Thorold McDonald’s to open this month
  • Welland city employees vote to decertify union
  • Bank of Canada neutral rate could be 2.75%, survey finds
  • Focus on Climate

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

The Niagara Community Foundation logo

Image credit: Niagara Community Foundation

Niagara Community Foundation named one of Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders

Announced on October 31, 2024, the Niagara Community Foundation is honoured to be named in the inaugural list of Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders. The annual ranking assessed the country’s 500 largest grantmakers based on seven categories, including foundations’ demonstrated action on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), transparency and funding practices.

Click here to read more.

An artist's impression of a proposed development in Niagara Falls

Image credit: City of Niagara Falls

Developer proposes two apartment towers at the edge of Tourist District in Niagara Falls

A developer is proposing to build two large apartment towers on a parcel of property at the edge of the Tourist District in Niagara Falls that is presently used for outdoor storage and parking.

The 1.28-hectare site, north of Marineland Parkway and on the southwest side of Portage Road, is a short distance from Marineland to the south and close to transit and natural amenities.

Click here to read more.

An aerial view of Port Colborne

Photo credit: Takawira / Adobe Stock

Need to ‘catch up’ on capital investment drives Port Colborne tax hike

The tax bill on the average home in Port Colborne is set to go up nearly $300 in 2025, as the city continues to play catch up on capital investment.

Following a more than five-hour budget meeting last month, councillors approved the 2025 capital and operating budgets, which will see the combined municipal, regional and education tax bill go up 6.45 per cent. The amount is based on the city portion of the bill going up six per cent, and the regional portion — which still needs be to approved — going up 8.27 per cent.

Click here to read more.

Local dignitaries cut the ribbon opening Jordan Village

Photo credit: Town of Lincoln

Grand re-opening of Jordan Village marks major community transformation

The Town of Lincoln proudly marked a new chapter for Jordan Village with the grand re-opening celebration of its recently completed Jordan Village Improvement Project on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This transformative initiative revitalizes the historic and cultural heart of Jordan Village, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Click here to read more.

An exterior photograph of Niagara-on-the-Lake town hall

Photo credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Identified top candidate doesn’t pan out in search for new Niagara-on-the-Lake CAO

Efforts to find a new chief administrator for the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake have hit a snag, leaving the possibility of being unable to fill the role permanently by the end of the year.

Click here to read more.

A photograph of the bow of the Algoma Guardian taken as it navigates the Welland Canal

Photo credit: Algoma Central Corporation

Algoma posts Q3 financial results, CEO calls stability “encouraging”

Algoma Central Corporation today reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Algoma reported third quarter revenues of $204,644, compared to revenues of $205,888 in 2023.

“Following a challenging second quarter, it’s encouraging to see stability in demand this quarter, along with promising signs of continued improvement as we approach year-end,” said Gregg Ruhl, President and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation.

Click here to read more.

A McDonald's restaurant in Manassas, Virginia, USA

Photo credit: Refrina / Adobe Stock

Thorold McDonald’s to open this month

The new McDonald’s restaurant on the corner of Sullivan Avenue and Pine Street is gearing up for its official opening this month.

The news that McDonald’s was coming to town was first announced back in February 2023, when city council approved the necessary zoning changes for the development.

Click here to read more.

A person places their ballot into a box

Photo credit: bizoo_n / Adobe Stock

Welland city employees vote to decertify union

Following a vote conducted through the Ministry of Labour, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has confirmed that a majority of the employees within the Infrastructure Services and Community Services groups have voted to terminate the representation rights of UNIFOR.

As a result, the affected employees will no longer be represented by UNIFOR, and the collective agreement that had been in place will cease to apply. Those staff members remain key contributors to the City’s workforce, ensuring the continued delivery of services without disruption, the City said in a statement.

Click here to read more.

A pair of scissors cutting into a three-dimensional percentage sign

Image credit: AddMeshCube / Adobe Stock

Bank of Canada neutral rate could be 2.75%, survey finds

The financial market believes the Bank of Canada will cut its policy rate to 2.75 per cent by June 2025, before holding it there for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, according to a survey released by the central bank on Monday.

The quarterly survey was conducted Sept. 18-27 and is based on responses from 30 financial market participants. Since then, the central bank has made a 50-basis point cut to its overnight rate, bringing it down to 3.75 per cent.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

Canadian oil exports to the United States have risen to a record high of 4.3 million barrels per day.

Focus on Climate

Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap

Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

The regulations, still only in draft format and about two years behind schedule, could further strain relations between Ottawa and the Alberta government which recently launched a $7-million advertising campaign to “scrap the cap.”

For the Liberals, the regulations fulfil a 2021 election promise to force the energy sector to pull its weight in the fight against climate change.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: October 28, 2024

October 28, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Ontario vision of Niagara as northern Las Vegas may not include Marineland
  • Poilievre promises to abolish federal sales tax on new homes under $1 million
  • Koning named new Commissioner of Community Services for Niagara Region
  • Niagara College concludes largest-ever Fall Convocation ceremonies
  • Canadian food banks report 2 million monthly visits, report says
  • Focus on Markets

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

Two children watch Beluga whales at Marineland's Friendship Cove

Photo credit: Marineland

Ontario vision of Niagara as northern Las Vegas may not include Marineland

A major amusement park is part of Ontario’s grand vision to turn the Niagara region into Las Vegas north, but Marineland may not fit the bill, the provincial tourism minister says.

Stan Cho says his ministry has not spoken to the sprawling attraction, which is currently for sale and sits on 1,000 acres a short distance from Horseshoe Falls.

Click here to read more.

A wooden model of a house with a percent sign above it

Photo credit: vadim yerofeyev / Adobe Stock

Poilievre promises to abolish federal sales tax on new homes under $1 million

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if his party forms government, it will scrap the federal sales tax on new homes sold for less than $1 million and push provinces do to the same.

The move met with industry approval, with the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) saying it was “pleased” at the announcement, and the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) anticipating that it would “make a big difference… especially for first-time buyers.”

Click here to read more.

Niagara Region Commissioner of Community Services Henri Koning

Photo credit: Regional Municipality of Niagara

Koning named new Commissioner of Community Services for Niagara Region

Regional Council has approved Henri Koning as Niagara Region’s new permanent Commissioner of Community Services, effective immediately.

As Commissioner of Community Services, Koning will oversee the Community Services department, which includes Children’s Services, Homelessness and Community Engagement, Housing Services, Seniors Services, and Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities.

Click here to read more.

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy addresses the Fall Class of 2024

Photo credit: Niagara College

Niagara College concludes largest-ever Fall Convocation ceremonies

Niagara College wrapped up its Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies today, celebrating nearly 2,000 graduates – the largest Fall Convocation in the College’s history.

Four ceremonies were held over two days at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at NC’s Welland Campus.

Click here to read more.

An overhead shot of volunteers handing out food in a food bank

Photo credit: Dragana Gordic / Adobe Stock

Canadian food banks report 2 million monthly visits

Poverty in Canada is spiralling out of control, a new report from Food Banks Canada says.

The 2024 HungerCount Report was released Oct. 28, with Food Banks Canada reporting there were more than two million monthly visits recorded in March.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

An investigation has found that a data breach led the Canada Revenue Agency to pay out over $6 million in bogus tax refunds.

Focus on Human Resources

Why a group of Canadian doctors says workplace sick notes need to go

Many Canadians need a sick note for their employer or school if they are off due to medical reasons, a policy a group of doctors is trying to change.

Calling out workplaces and others who require these notes even for brief absences – some as short as a single day – the Canadian Medical Association is urging the requirement be dropped, at least when it comes to short-term minor illnesses.

With a shortage of family doctors in Canada, sick notes are an added burden to the burned-out physicians, the group representing Canada’s physicians said in a statement released Monday. The CMA said eliminating them for minor health issues could prevent as many as 12.5 million “unnecessary” health-care visits in a year.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Tensions mount as clock ticks down on Air Canada contract talks
  • St. Catharines to focus spending on encampment cleanup over outreach
  • Niagara Region councillors sharply divided on housing incentive programs
  • United Way Niagara launches $5.25 million campaign
  • Niagara Angel Network partners with Venture Niagara
  • City of Welland’s 2025 budget process begins
  • Ontario could see lowest gas prices in nearly 2 years when winter blend kicks in
  • Former Celebrity Cruises CEO named Hornblower chair
  • Canadian household financial assets reach record high
  • Building permits surge despite decline in single-family home construction
  • Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

Photo credit: SockaGPhoto / Adobe Stock

Tensions mount as clock ticks down on Air Canada contract talks

Tensions are mounting as a potential pilot strike or lockout at Canada’s largest airline is only days away with no signs of a breakthrough in talks.

Numerous business groups including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are set to hold an event in Ottawa today to urge the government to intervene after calling for binding arbitration in an open letter.

The potential labour disruption could cost the economy $1.4 billion, according to a new report from Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: luzulee / Adobe Stock

St. Catharines to focus spending on encampment cleanup over outreach

St. Catharines may lose three homelessness outreach workers if Niagara Region doesn’t pick up the bill for them, after city councillors voted to reallocate its funding to cleaning up encampments.

Chief administrative officer David Oakes said the city has seen “a real proliferation of the number of encampments, the number of individuals dealing with mental health and addictions in the community” in the past few years.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: zephyr_p / Adobe Stock

Niagara Region councillors sharply divided on housing incentive programs

Niagara Region councillors have voted to extend a series of financial incentives for developers that St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe says is a necessity to help deal with the housing crisis.

Some councillors, however, warn the decision to continue incentive programs will land heavily on taxpayers when the Region finishes preparation of its 2025 budget.

Click here to read more.

Left: United Way Niagara campaign chair Brad Steeves Right: United Way Niagara CEO Frances Hallworth | Photo credit: United Way Niagara

United Way Niagara launches $5.25 million campaign to support dozens of local agencies

United Way Niagara is counting on the support of donors to raise $5.25 million to enable its partner agencies to deliver hundreds of support programs next year to about a third of all Niagarans.

United Way launched its 2024 campaign Tuesday with its third annual fire truck pull at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines.

Click here to read more.

Image credit: Niagara Angel Network / Venture Niagara

Niagara Angel Network partners with Venture Niagara

The Niagara Angel Network (NAN) has announced that Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation will be providing management services for the organization. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening the support for entrepreneurs and investors within the Niagara region.
Click here to read more.

Photo credit: lovelyday12 / Adobe Stock

City of Welland’s 2025 budget process begins; focus on collaboration and community engagement

The City of Welland has officially launched its 2025 budget process, incorporating new strategies to enhance collaboration and transparency. Developing this year’s budget development emphasizes public engagement, Council and staff coordination, and efficient planning in line with provincial legislation.
Click here to read more.

Image credit: Fxquadro / Adobe Stock

Ontario could see lowest gas prices in nearly 2 years when winter blend kicks in

Ontario drivers, who are already enjoying relatively low gasoline prices, are likely in for even better prices next week.

Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, said the winter gas blend switchover happens Sept. 15. He anticipates a corresponding price drop of four to five cents per litre at the pump between Sunday and Wednesday — probably on Wednesday.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Hornblower Group

Former Celebrity Cruises CEO named Hornblower chair

Hornblower Group, an provider of ferry services and day tours on land and water, has appointed former Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as chairwoman of the board.

Lutoff-Perlo will be tasked with guiding Hornblower’s strategic direction. Her appointment comes two months after Hornblower emerged from bankruptcy and a financial restructuring that put the company under new ownership with private equity firm Strategic Value Partners.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Tinnakorn / Adobe Stock

Canadian household financial assets reach record high despite financial and real estate market softening

Despite slowing financial markets and a softening housing market, the value of household total assets surpassed $20 trillion for the first time in the second quarter, Statistics Canada reported today.

Overall, households’ financial assets increased 0.9% (+$94.0 billion) in the second quarter to reach a record high ($10,116.3 billion) for the third consecutive quarter, despite weaker domestic equity markets.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Francesco Scatena / Adobe Stock

Building permits surge despite decline in single-family home construction

Month over month, the total value of building permits in Canada surged 22.1% to $12.4 billion in July, rebounding from two consecutive monthly declines. Both the residential and non-residential sectors expanded in July.

The total monthly value of residential permits increased 16.7% to $7.6 billion in July. The gains were driven by the multi-unit component (+29.3%; +$1.1 billion), while single-family construction intentions saw a modest decline (-1.9%; -$50.3 million).

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

HOPA Ports moved more than eleven million tonnes of cargo through its facilities in 2023.

Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Anti-Racism & Organizational Change: A Guide for Employers

Today, Canadian workplaces are not the same as they were in March 2020. Recent incidents have had an impact on Canadian society with shocking reminders of Canada’s ongoing history of racism. Whether it was the discovery of burial grounds on Residential School sites or continued anti-Black and anti-Asian expressions of racism, including violent attacks – these incidents have triggered a resurgence of demands for society and its institutions to develop, adopt and act on anti-racism initiatives that are comprehensive and sustainable, ensuring employers in all sectors take leadership to address the past and recent history of racism in Canada.

The increasing numbers of Indigenous, Black and other racialized people in Canada makes it more important now than ever before for employers to consider the well-being of employees from all backgrounds. This is both a pressing moral and legal issue and, while engaging in anti-racism work is important in any time, it is critical now that we are seeing a gradual transition to post-pandemic workplace environments that are changing.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: September 9, 2024

September 9, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Niagara College’s brand gets a refresh
  • NOTL needs provincial and federal help to upgrade stormwater infrastructure: Councillor
  • Canada further challenges U.S. softwood lumber duties
  • Governments investing in innovation to strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector
  • Five things to know about a potential work stoppage at Air Canada
  • Niagara Falls Cuban restaurant mixes world’s largest mojito
  • Niagara Community Foundation’s Founding Executive Director Liz Palmieri passes away
  • Focus on Retail

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

Photo credit: Niagara College

Niagara College’s brand gets a refresh

Building on the excitement of the kick-off to the Fall 2024 Term, Niagara College has unveiled its revitalized brand to new and returning students, employees, and the Niagara community, reflecting the College’s evolution, trail blazing spirit and innovative mindset.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Максим Борщов / Adobe Stock

NOTL needs provincial and federal help to upgrade stormwater infrastructure: Councillor

Infrastructure in Niagara-on-the-Lake meant to prevent storm and wastewater damage isn’t cutting it — that’s the opinion of residents whose properties suffered from flooding this summer, as well as one NOTL councillor who says higher levels of government should do more to foot the bill for necessary improvements.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Dmytro / Adobe Stock

Canada further challenges U.S. softwood lumber duties

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced today that Canada has begun two legal challenges under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to increase softwood lumber duties: one contesting U.S. anti-dumping duties and the other contesting U.S. countervailing duties.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: photoschmidt / Adobe Stock

Governments investing in innovation to strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors and agri-businesses that will enhance their competitiveness and growth. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) between Ontario and Canada, this additional intake will support investments in the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Lukas Wunderlich / Adobe Stock

Five things to know about a potential work stoppage at Air Canada

Air Canada is preparing for a potential shutdown of most operations next week as contract talks with its pilots’ union near an impasse.

Here are five things Canadians should know about the situation, and how it could affect travel plans.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Jordan Ammendolia / Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Niagara Falls Cuban restaurant mixes world’s largest mojito

Niagara falls restaurant Havana Niagara set a world record on Saturday for the world’s largest mojito, at 4,500 litres. The establishment made a record last year for the largest glass of mojito in Canada.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Niagara Community Foundation

Niagara Community Foundation’s Founding Executive Director Liz Palmieri passes away

Niagara Community Foundation has announced that their founding Executive Director, Liz Palmieri, has died. It is because of her vision, NCF said in a statement, that they have been able to turn the intent of so many donors into tangible impacts for the past 24 years.

Those wishing to honour Liz’s legacy, in lieu of flowers and gifts, are asked to donate to the Palmieri Family Fund or to the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

The first Welland Canal opened in 1829 owing largely to the efforts of a St. Catharines businessman named William Merritt.

Focus on Retail

What equipment are c-stores investing in to support beverage alcohol sales?

“Operators across Ontario have expressed a rapid expansion of demand for the infrastructure required to sell beer and wine in convenience stores,” says Rafay Murtaza, technical sales manager, controlled environments at Norbec. He says some stores having ordered “walk-in coolers and insulated metal panels on an emergency basis to quickly add these new products to their stores.”

But just because some c-stores are set to sell alcohol, doesn’t mean they’re looking to develop restaurant-like foodservice, at least not yet.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: July 29 2024

July 29, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Employees at Rankin Construction ratify new deal
  • Work underway at $1.56B Port Colborne EV battery factory
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake loses appeal of land tribunal ruling approving King St. condo project
  • Provincial Skills Development Fund stream opens, $260M available
  • Border traffic ‘pretty well back to normal’ at Peace Bridge since pandemic
  • Councillor hoping St. Catharines will move ahead with safer streets
  • Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

Photo credit: Rankin Construction

Employees at Rankin Construction ratify new deal

Workers at Rankin Construction have ratified a new three-year contract. The 150 employees are represented by the Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 6.

The union says the new deal ensures a total package increase of between 17 and 19 percent. Those increases include wage increases and improvements in benefits and tool allowance.

Rankin Construction works on many major projects in the region including roads, bridges, sewer and watermain, marine, and more.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: ChrisVanLennepPhoto / Adobe Stock

Work underway at $1.56B Port Colborne EV battery factory

Excavators, bulldozers and articulated haulers dot 81 hectares of land in north Port Colborne, as they prepare the future site of Asahi Kasei Corp.’s $1.56-billion, 185,800-square-metre lithium-ion separator battery plant.

Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele said he is elated to see work underway on the largest investment, announced in May, made in the city.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.

Niagara-on-the-Lake loses appeal of land tribunal ruling approving King St. condo project

The Ontario Land Tribunal has dismissed the town’s appeal of a tribunal decision that allowed construction of a three-storey, 17-unit apartment building on King Street.

The project proposed by developer Butler’s Gardens Development Inc. and its owner, Josh Bice, was initially sent to the land tribunal in January after town council decided not to approve it.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Africa Studio / Adobe Stock

Provincial Skills Development Fund stream opens, $260M available

The Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream opens today, with up to an additional $260 million available, the biggest funding round since the Fund launched in 2021. Building on the success of the previous four rounds, the fifth round will help tackle Ontario’s labour shortage by connecting jobseekers with employers, allowing them to begin rewarding careers in in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, construction and technology.

Beginning today, employers, employment service and training providers, labour unions, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders, service system managers and other community organizations eligible for funding should submit their proposals through Transfer Payment Ontario.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Allison / Adobe Stock

Border traffic ‘pretty well back to normal’ at Peace Bridge since pandemic

Border traffic is creeping closer to pre-pandemic levels at Niagara’s international crossings.

Ron Rienas, general manager of Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA), said car traffic during the first six months of the year was 95 per cent back to 2019 figures at the Peace Bridge.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Robin McPherson

Councillor hoping St. Catharines will move ahead with safer streets

A St. Catharines City Councillor wants to see the city do a better job making roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Councillor Robin McPherson says an updated Transportation Master Plan can do just that.

McPherson says the trouble is that some councillors are not keen on the cost of possible improvements. Click here to listen to McPherson discuss the issue on Niagara in the Morning.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

The first Welland Canal crossed the Welland River on a wooden aqueduct where downtown Welland is today, and the area was then known simply as “Aqueduct.”

Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Go Woke, Go Broke…Not Necessarily

The media has featured some ‘go woke, go broke’ memes. This phenomenon refers to the weakness in the stocks of some companies that have introduced products or programs that are out of line with the tastes or beliefs of major sections of the population over the last year.

The graph below is the equally-weighted price index of seven stocks of companies that are considered ‘woke.’ Note that the index fell by a much greater percentage than the S&P in the 2023 correction. The index has, however, recovered at twice the rate of the S&P from the October low. Apparently, the ‘woke scare’ wore off quickly. Emotion subsided and rational fundamental analysis came to the rescue. Investors likely realized that the fundamental operations of these companies remained intact and took advantage of the low prices to add to portfolios. Investors may want to keep this in mind for the next stock that takes a ‘woke’ dive.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: July 25 2024

July 25, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • Town of Grimsby launches grant program for local community
  • St. Catharines changes fee schedule, deleting two and adding thirteen
  • Ranks of paid employees increase for fifth month running
  • Ontario exploring additional pharmacist services
  • George Weston, Loblaw settle class-action lawsuits over bread price-fixing scheme
  • Focus on Finance & Economy

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

Photo credit: Dragana Gordic / Adobe Stock

Town of Grimsby launches grant program for local community

The Town of Grimsby is currently taking applications for the Grimsby Community Development Grant Program (GCDG) and the Community Project Grant Program (CPGP).

These grant programs are designed to help facilitate any projects that individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations create to enhance the quality of life in the community.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: City of St. Catharines

St. Catharines changes fee schedule, deleting two and adding thirteen

New user fees and incremental increases to other rates and fees in 2024 to 2026 will help the City of St. Catharines cover the costs for certain programs and services that directly benefit users. The fees are critical for the City, which has a mixed approach to funding its services – relying on rates and fees and the tax levy, and other sources such as grants and reserves.

There are 13 new fees, 10 have been updated and two have been removed. Some increases will be phased in over three years to support the transition. The update to the 2024 to 2026 schedule of rates and fees was approved by City Council on Monday, July 22.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: snowing12 / Adobe Stock

Ranks of paid employees increase for fifth month running

The number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer—measured as “payroll employment” in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—increased by 41,000 (+0.2%) in May. This was the fifth consecutive monthly increase, with a cumulative gain of 148,900 (+0.8%) from January to May.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Me studio / Adobe Stock

Ontario exploring additional pharmacist services

The Ontario government is looking at additional innovative and creative ways to make pharmacies a one-stop-shop for people to conveniently connect to care, close to home by further expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care. Starting today, the government is consulting with its partners on further expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care by treating additional common ailments, administering more vaccines, and performing more point-of-care testing.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: JHVEPhoto / Adobe Stock

George Weston, Loblaw settle class-action lawsuits over bread price-fixing scheme

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and parent company George Weston Ltd. will pay $500 million to settle the class-action lawsuits against them for their role in a decade-old bread price-fixing scheme.

It’s the largest anti-trust settlement in Canadian history.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

Canada has the world’s longest coastline at 243,042 kilometres.

Focus on Finance & Economy

Understanding Canada’s innovation paradox

Labour productivity gains are integral to long-run improvements in living standards. However, productivity growth has been trending lower, suggesting innovation and advanced technology use have not translated into sustained improvements. This has resulted in what’s called an innovation paradox: Despite substantial investments in innovation and technology, the payoffs have been modest.

Click here to read more.

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.

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Daily Update: July 10 2024

July 10, 2024 | Daily Update

In this edition:

  • LCBO ordered to do better on VQA market share at their stores
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake unveils latest section of Upper Canada Heritage Trail
  • Town of Pelham announces new Director of Community Planning and Development
  • Ontario Premier says he will not budge on beverage alcohol
  • Candace Laing to head Canadian Chamber of Commerce
  • Canada to stop processing study permits for colleges, universities that fail to track international students
  • Speed limit rising on more provincial highways, including parts of Highways 401 and 403, starting July 12
  • Focus on Sustainability

Did you know you can get the GNCC’s Daily Update emailed to you? Click here to sign up.

LCBO ordered to do better on VQA market share at their stores

In a rather startling letter to the LCBO, the provincial government has clearly expressed that it wants the Ontario booze monopoly to fix the historically low market share for VQA wines on their shelves.

Ontario finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy sent a detailed letter to Carmine Nigro, chair of the LCBO, listing several bullet points that point the way to increased market share for Ontario wines — and he wants it done this summer.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Upper Canada Heritage Trail

Niagara-on-the-Lake unveils latest section of Upper Canada Heritage Trail

The proposed 10-kilometre-long Upper Canada Heritage Trail continues to roll along with the latest section from Line 1 to Line 2 now open up for users.

Heritage trail committee chair Rick Meloen said the trail is expected be completed to Line 3 by the fall.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Pam Duesling

Town of Pelham announces new Director of Community Planning and Development

The Town of Pelham is pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Duesling PhD, MAES, BES, MCIP, RPP, Ec.D., CMMIII, to the position of Director of Community Planning and Development, effective July 29, 2024.

Ms. Duesling brings over 25 years of extensive experience in municipal development, land use planning and policy planning.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Eurasia Group

Ontario Premier says he will not budge on beverage alcohol

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will not budge from his plan to have ready-to-drink cocktails sold at convenience and grocery stores across the province.

Workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario went on strike last week and their union says wages are not the issue, rather they oppose Ford’s alcohol expansion plan.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Candace Laing to head Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Candace Laing will become the new President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s largest business network, on September 1.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, where her family maintains a longstanding farming operation, Ms. Laing brings her experience as a senior executive with more than two decades of experience with both the private and public sectors.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Satiricalman

Canada to stop processing study permits for colleges, universities that fail to track international students

The federal government plans to suspend processing of study permits from post-secondary students if the schools fail to keep track of international students’ enrolment.

The proposed regulations would compel colleges and universities to report to the federal Immigration Department whether a student is attending school and complying with all study permit requirements.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: mikecleggphoto

Speed limit rising on more provincial highways, including parts of Highways 401 and 403, starting July 12

The speed limit is increasing on several more sections of provincial highways starting July 12.

Speed limits will be permanently raised to 110 kilometres per hour from 100 km/h on 10 additional highways in northern and southern Ontario.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

It takes twelve litres of water to grow a single California almond.

Focus on Sustainability

Corporate greenwashers beware. The price for failing to back up your environmental claims is about to go way up

Whether by act or by omission, greenwashing will not be tolerated in Canada.

A new era in environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and regulation is upon us.

With the federal Competition Act (Bill C-59) passing into law, Canadian organizations will now be required to back up their environmental and social claims about products or services with “adequate and proper tests.” Similarly, they must substantiate any claim they make about their business protecting or restoring the environment or mitigating the environmental and ecological causes or effects of climate change (i.e., net-zero or carbon-neutral claims) with an “internationally recognized methodology.”

Click here to read more.

KPMG will host a webinar about Bill C-59 on July 18th. Click here for more information.

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.

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