Vital updates:

• Last night, Niagara Regional Council voted to extend the Region’s mask bylaw until April 1, 2021. The bylaw is unchanged beside the expiration date, and businesses may simply leave the signage already in place and continue with their current rules and guidelines. Council may opt to rescind the bylaw earlier if conditions change.
• The Canada-U.S. border closure, originally set to expire on Monday, has been extended until October 21. The decision was bilateral and agreed upon by both national governments. Essential travel and the flow of goods will continue as before, but recreational travel remains forbidden.
• The Ontario government is committing nearly $1 million in cost-share funding to help rural communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs. The intake is directed at not-for-profit organizations with a mandate towards regional economic development and eligible projects would be eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding. Minister Hardeman also announced more than $3 million in funding cost-shared with applicants to be invested in 65 projects through a previous RED intake. Applications will be accepted from September 21 – October 9, 2020, and all costs must be incurred on or before March 31, 2021. Projects must benefit rural Ontario, have tangible outcomes, and reach beyond one county, region, or district. This funding will support economic development efforts such as:
  • Capital improvements to enhance an uptown arts and cultural hub to increase tourism;
  • Implementing new and accessible streetscaping to develop a more inviting downtown;
  • Waterfront development to expand and revitalize local trails.
• Today is the world’s first International Equal Pay Day, which represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. The gender pay gap between men and women is now 23% globally, and the International Equal Pay Day aims to raise awareness of the continued existence of that gap. The Government of Canada is proud that the country is an active member of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), and supported the adoption of the resolution proclaiming September 18^th as International Equal Pay Day.

Reading recommendations:

• Covid-19: How to travel safely on the bus, train and subway, Richard Fisher, BBC Future
• The covid-19 pandemic is forcing a rethink in macroeconomics, The Economist
• The pandemic is a great time to start a business. Here are 3 things to do now, Brandon Metcalf, Fast Company