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Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Daily Update: August 3, 2022

Carla Stout hired as first Niagara Transit GM, Ontario invests $5m in automotive manufacturing workers, new PenFinancial CEO announced

In this edition:


Carla Stout hired as first Niagara Transit GM

The Niagara Transit Commission has approved the hiring of the organization’s first General Manager. Carla Stout will become the General Manager of the Niagara Transit Commission effective Aug. 29, 2022.

Stout served most recently as the General Manager of Niagara Falls Transit. She is also the past Manager of Operations for Niagara Falls Transit, and Manager of Transit Services and Administrative Supervisor for the Town of Fort Erie.

The Niagara Transit Commission will assume operational responsibility for transit services on Jan. 1, 2023 and will be responsible for Niagara’s specialized, conventional and on-demand transit service.

Click here to read more.


Ontario invests $5m in training new automotive manufacturing workers

The Ontario government is investing $5 million to provide free training to 500 people from underrepresented groups to prepare them for well-paying jobs in the province’s automotive manufacturing sector. The project aims to provide participants with the necessary skills for rewarding careers in machine operation, assembly, quality control, and logistics.

Led by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA), training includes three-month paid job placements through APMA’s network of more than 300 small and medium-sized businesses. After completing the program, each participant will receive a job offer from a local employer.

The project is underway and runs until March 31, 2023. Individuals and employers interested in the program can apply through APMA’s website.

Click here to read more.


Expiration of pandemic benefits leads to rise in Canadian income inequality

The latest release of estimates from the Distributions of Household Economic Accounts reveals that, despite broad-based increases in wages and salaries, income inequality increased in the first quarter of 2022 relative to the same quarter a year earlier. This increase was partly attributable to the expiry of pandemic-related government benefits, which had a larger impact on households in lower-income quintiles and younger age groups.

Meanwhile, average net saving decreased for households in each distribution category, as inflationary pressures weighed on consumption.

Click here to read the statement.


Theresa Bird named new PenFinancial CEO

PenFinancial Credit Union is pleased to announce Theresa Bird as the credit union’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 12, 2022.

Joining PenFinancial as Chief Retail Officer in January 2021, then becoming its Chief Operating Officer, Bird comes to the role with nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services sector – experience that has shaped her belief that financial service to members and the community can and should be a rewarding and valuable experience, for staff and members alike.

Bird will succeed outgoing CEO Ken Janzen, who will officially retire September 30.

Click here to read more.


Focus on Climate

Catherine Stewart appointed Canadian Ambassador for Climate Change

Government of Canada

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, announced that Catherine Stewart has been appointed Canada’s new Ambassador for Climate Change.

Ms. Stewart, who previously served as Canada’s chief negotiator on climate change, will advise both the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on how Canada can best continue advancing its climate change priorities on the world stage.

Click here to read more.


Proposed U.S. climate deal should convince Ottawa to step up its game, experts say

CBC News

The massive climate and tax deal announced this week by Democrats in the U.S. Senate should inspire Ottawa to adopt a bolder approach to fighting climate change, some experts say.

The $369 billion deal, unveiled on Wednesday, came as something of a surprise after prior versions of President Joe Biden’s proposal failed to gain the approval of holdout Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

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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