In this edition:
- Ontario opens up alcohol sales at convenience, grocery and big box stores
- Niagara governance changes unlikely after Peel reversal, observers say
- Canadian home sellers joining buyers on the sidelines
- CEBA loan repayment not “full-blown crisis:” Canadian Chamber
- Computer and electronic manufacturing decline takes lead in manufacturing sales hit
- Tim Kenyon appointed Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Brock
- Lincoln to ask Province to help municipalities affected financially by Bill 23
- Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Ontario opens up alcohol sales at convenience, grocery and big box stores
Today, the Ontario government announced that beginning no later than January 1, 2026, consumers will be able to buy beer, wine, cider, coolers, seltzers, and other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages at all participating convenience, grocery and big box stores across the province. This new, more open marketplace will introduce up to 8,500 new stores where these products can be purchased.
“Today’s announcement by the Ontario government recognizes what we have long said: wine regions are catalysts for economic growth,” said Richard Linley, President of Ontario Craft Wineries.
“The decision to extend the VQA support program for five years is a game-changer,” commented Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario. “The elimination of the 6.1% Winery Retail Tax will invigorate Ontario wineries.”
Niagara governance changes unlikely after Peel reversal, observers say, as mayors of region’s largest cities press on for reform
Retired Brock University political science professor David Siegel says the provincial government is not likely to make any governance changes in Niagara, after announcing Wednesday it is abandoning plans to dissolve Peel Region.
Meanwhile, the mayor’s of Niagara’s two largest cities say reform must take place here.
Despite a hearing with the province’s Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy scheduled for Jan. 10 in St. Catharines, Siegel said he doubts the effort will lead to anything substantial.
Canadian home sellers joining buyers on the sidelines
Statistics released today by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show national home sales were little changed on a month-over-month basis in November 2023, edging down by 0.9% from October to November 2023. It was the smallest decline since July.
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CEBA loan repayment may not be the full-blown crisis it’s been presented as: Canadian Chamber
As part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL) Q4 2023 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC), an in-depth analysis of input from close to 16,000 business respondents, data has been revealed that tells a different story than the one many have been hearing — CEBA loan repayment may not be the full-blown crisis it’s been presented by many to be.
Roughly half of the business surveyed in the CSBC received a CEBA loan, with construction, accommodation and food services, and mining, oil, and gas showing the highest percentage of active borrowers. Of those, nearly a third have already paid in full, and two thirds of the remainder plan to do so within the terms of the most recent extension. This means that altogether, approximately 76% of CEBA loans are likely to be repaid, with variation across sectors.
“When 76% of all borrowers have met or plan to meet the repayment terms, it’s hard to say this program hasn’t served its intended purpose,” said Matthew Holmes, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Computer and electronic manufacturing decline takes lead in manufacturing sales hit
Canadian manufacturing sales declined 2.8% to $71.0 billion in October, Statistics Canada has revealed today, on lower sales in 12 of 21 subsectors, led by the petroleum and coal product (-10.3%), machinery (-6.6%) and computer and electronic product (-15.0%) subsectors. Partially offsetting the declines were higher production of aerospace products and parts (+6.9%). Year over year, total sales decreased 1.5% in October.
In Ontario, sales declined for the third consecutive month, down 4.1% to $31.5 billion in October, primarily driven by lower sales of machinery (-12.5%), motor vehicles (-3.6%) and motor vehicle parts (-6.1%).
Tim Kenyon appointed Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Brock
Brock University has announced that Dr. Tim Kenyon has been appointed to the role of Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic, starting Jan. 1. He will serve in the role until July 31, while the University undertakes a search for a permanent appointment.
Kenyon has held the role of Vice-President, Research since January 2018 and was recently re-appointed to a new five-year term.
Lincoln to ask Province to help municipalities affected financially by Bill 23
The town of Lincoln is hoping the province will look at how Bill 23 has affected municipalities’ ability to build housing.
At the council meeting on Dec. 13, Coun. Greg Reimer introduced a motion asking the province to support municipalities that are struggling to meet their growth targets because of the financial burden imposed by Bill 23.
His motion passed unanimously.
Did you know?
John D. Rockefeller’s father was a traveling snake-oil salesman and con artist.
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage
Canada’s greatest resource is its people. Their ideas and inspirations will guide the future success of Canadian businesses and Canada’s economy. In order to stay ahead of the curve, businesses must anticipate the needs and wants of Canada’s diverse population. Businesses have adapted by evolving their existing practices and policies, implementing new ideas, taking risks and embracing innovation. Canadian businesses must have the diverse people and voices at the table that embody and represent the Canadian people.
Ongoing research and data shows us just how much this is true. Studies have demonstrated that companies with more diverse leadership teams are more likely to outperform those with less diverse teams on profitability, increased revenue and improved workplace productivity. Organizations that embrace diversity can also build greater trust and engagement with their employees, which can in turn lead to increased success. A diverse and inclusive workforce is not only fair and just but it is also makes for good economics.
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.
