In this edition:
GO Transit workers vote in favour of strike if no deal is reached
The union representing 2,200 GO Transit bus operators, station attendants, plant and fleet maintenance workers, transit safety officers, and office professionals says its members have voted 93 per cent in favour of going on strike if necessary.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 said its members have been working under an expired contract since June 1. No strike deadline has been issued.
Anne Marie Aikins, Metrolinx’s chief spokesperson, said negotiations with the union continue “and we continue to be hopeful for a full resolution.”
Aikins said a strike is “not imminent” and that Metrolinx will keep customers updated “when and if there is an update to share.”
The transit agency is also warning customers that it will need to cancel some GO and UP Express trains this week due to staffing shortages.
Ontario Chamber releases Blueprint to Bolster Ontario’s Prosperity
To put its members’ concerns’ front and centre as the Ontario Legislature returns today, the OCC today released its Blueprint to Bolster Ontario’s Prosperity, which provides a letter to each provincial cabinet minister outlining key policy priorities.
Some key highlights in OCC’s Blueprint to Bolster Ontario’s Prosperity include:
- Addressing Ontario’s labour market challenges by boosting immigration, removing barriers to labour mobility and introducing workforce development strategies for key sectors
- Bolstering our health care system by developing a health human resources strategy, delivering on digital health, and addressing backlogs
- Continuing to prioritize lowering the administrative burden on business
- Planning for Ontario’s long-term energy needs
- Propelling housing affordability through increased supply and regulatory reforms
- Advancing regional transportation connectivity and fare integration as well as broadband infrastructure projects
- Modernizing public procurement to support small businesses and equity-seeking entrepreneurs
- Seizing Ontario’s opportunity to lead in the global green economy by minimizing uncertainty, supporting cleantech, mobilizing clean energy solutions, and strengthening climate adaptation.
Masks to remain optional in Ontario classrooms next year
Facemasks will remain optional in Ontario schools when students return to the classroom this fall, the Ministry of Education says.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said he was following “the expert advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.”
The province lifted Ontario’s mask mandate in schools on March 21, allowing students to decide whether they wanted to wear a mask indoors. The move came as part of a broader easing of measures, particularly mask requirements, during the spring.
Canada Summer Games continue
Tomorrow’s Games include basketball, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, baseball, softball, soccer, box lacrosse and rugby sevens. Click here for a list of events, times, and locations.
Focus on Small Business
How to Master Bookkeeping for Your Business Without an Accounting Degree
Entrepreneur
Bookkeeping is the foundation for all small business insight. If you’re running a small business, you’ve got to make it habitual. All too often, bookkeeping is put aside by small business owners to tackle the most pressing matter of the moment. If it’s not that, it’s procrastination or number phobia (the fear of getting it wrong).
Trust me, don’t put it aside. Far too many small business owners often allow a backlog of transactions and expenses to build up before organizing them, which can hurt your business in at least two significant ways.
How Main Street Can Prepare For A Recession, Why Female Entrepreneurs Welcome The End Of The Girlboss Era And More For Small Business Owners
Forbes
Now is the time to prepare for a potential recession and safeguard your business. Small business owners and entrepreneurs need to be ready to adjust their strategy and if necessary, their business model as well, writes Forbes contributor Bernhard Schroeder. To ensure your company’s health and growth, pay attention to managing your cash flow. Review your business strategy, business model and revenue projections. In addition, control your costs and make small pivots that will be beneficial to your organization, such as shifting people and resources to areas that will earn or protect revenue.
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.
