• The GNCC has welcomed yesterday’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement, noting the many new and extended supports for small businesses, including longer and more generous applications of the Emergency Wage Subsidy and commercial rent relief alongside targeted support for sectors in particular difficulty. We believe that supporting businesses now, even with deficit spending, is preferable to allowing them to fail and then potentially waiting decades for their industries to recover and rebuild. With promising vaccines on the horizon, our focus must now be on how to get as many Canadian people, businesses, charities, and non-profits to the finish line. We suggested that more funds be earmarked to save jobs in struggling large enterprises, and that outstanding policies such as a deficit reduction plan and a childcare strategy be delivered in an early budget. Read our full media release here.
• Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering that takes place each year after Black Friday, uniting people around the world in support of each other and their communities. With so many people in need this year, please consider donating or volunteering if you are able. Local participating charities and non-profits can be found here.
• The Prime Minister stated today that Canada will not agree to lifting a ban on non-essential travel with the United States until the coronavirus outbreak is significantly under control around the world. Trudeau’s comments were a clear indication that the border restrictions will last well into 2021. The ban does not affect trade.
• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, welcomed the Government’s Fall Economic Statement, remarking that it provided needed supports for businesses and Canadians to build a foundation for growth. While the emergency supports announced today will help many Canadians and businesses through a challenging winter, he noted, the government’s plans to manage the pandemic and restore economic growth remain unclear.
• Any City of Niagara Falls parking ticket issued November 2nd to December 2nd can be paid with a new, unwrapped gift via Project Share & the Salvation Army. The greatest need for gifts is for children between aged between 12 and 15. Payments and donations can be made at City Hall or the MacBain Community Centre on December 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. For more information, contact Parking Services at 905-356-7521 ext. 4700.
• Port Colborne has established a cross-functional team of City staff to coordinate and accelerate the review of development proposals and investment inquiries to align with business expectations and support their timelines for decision-making. The Development Team meeting will be comprised of key staff from Corporate Services, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Economic Development and Tourism Services, Engineering and Operations, Office of the CAO, and Planning and Development.
• Canada’s economy notched record growth in the third quarter, with real GDP expected to climb 0.2% in October, Statistics Canada said on Tuesday, though analysts cautioned the rebound would stagnate in coming months amid renewed COVID-19 restrictions. Canada’s Q3 annualized growth soared 40.5%, rebounding from a historic plunge in the second quarter, while September real GDP rose by 0.8%. Both the quarterly and monthly numbers missed analyst expectations.
• If your company is driving social or environmental change, you could be eligible for funding from the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good. The fund is focused on caring for the planet, supporting responsible agriculture, transforming healthcare, and enabling inclusive communities. Click here to contact TELUS and apply for funds.

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Promising early data from COVID-19 vaccine trials may have provided the first sign of an end to the coronavirus pandemic, but much is still unclear. No vaccine has been approved for use in Canada. Each shot would come with its own logistical barriers. Plus, Canada must wait for shipments from vaccine-producing countries who will inoculate their own citizens first. While Health Canada could be just weeks away from approving Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine candidates for use in Canada, whether or not one of them spells the beginning of the end and a return to normal remains to be seen.