Free rapid COVID-19 testing kits are now available to businesses

Visit gncc.ca/workplace-self-screening-kits/ to learn more and reserve kits for your organization.

Ontario Chamber network releases Capital is Key: Financing Entrepreneurship in Ontario After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a cash flow crisis for many entrepreneurs and small business owners across Ontario who represent 98 percent of all Canadian businesses and contribute close to half the GDP generated by the private sector. Recognizing the critical role of entrepreneurship in Canada’s economic recovery, the Ontario Chamber’s latest report – Capital is Key: Financing Entrepreneurship in Ontario After COVID-19 – offers practical solutions to support small businesses as they fuel Ontario’s economic advantage.

The OCC’s latest policy brief identifies 14 policy recommendations to improve financing of entrepreneurship, from loan guarantees to tax incentives, capital market reforms, procurement policies, and more. Click here to read the report.

Applications for Francophone Community Grants Program to open tomorrow

Today, the Ontario government announced the application period for the 2021-2022 edition of the Francophone Community Grants Program in support of community organizations, social enterprises and businesses that contribute significantly to the vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community. Applications must be submitted through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal. Applications are open from May 27 to July 15, 2021 and projects must be implemented between Sept 24, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Not-for profit organizations and businesses that serve or target Francophone communities in the province are eligible.

Port Colborne approves 2020-2023 strategic plan

In a unanimous vote at last night’s meeting, Council approved Port Colborne’s 2020-2023 strategic plan to help inform decision-making, set priorities, and allocate resources to ensure the City’s future success.

Developed to support the City’s Vision and Mission Statement, the document encompasses goals as well as several projects and initiatives to support two strategic pillars, community and corporate. The finalized plan was a collaborative effort by City staff and Council with key themes and strategic directions being supported by community survey results.

Niagara Medical Officer of Health delivers COVID-19 update

Niagara College helps students with disabilities transition to post-secondary life

Making the transition from high school to college can be tough for everyone, especially students with disabilities. That’s why Niagara College’s Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services is offering a unique, five-day virtual online transitional program for students with disabilities who are entering postsecondary education at Niagara College in the fall.

The virtual course will run from August 30 to September 3, 2021 from 2 – 5 p.m. daily and is free of charge. Students interested in taking part in Niagara College’s Thrive@NC transitional program can register by calling 905-735-2211 ext. 7778 or by visiting the Health Wellness & Accessibility webpage. Registration is now open until August 13, 2021.

Public Health Canada lacked systems and practices to manage emergency equipment, Auditor General reports

A report from Auditor General Karen Hogan tabled today in the House of Commons concludes that Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Health Canada, and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) helped address the needs of provincial and territorial governments for personal protective equipment and medical devices during the pandemic. These equipment and devices include N95 masks, medical gowns, testing swabs and ventilators.

The audit found that at the onset of the pandemic, PHAC lacked some of the systems and practices it needed to properly manage and operate the country’s stockpile of emergency equipment. The Agency had known for over a decade that these issues existed. As a result, it was not as prepared as it could have been to respond to the increased demand for personal protective equipment and medical devices that came from the provinces and territories. However, as the pandemic progressed, the Agency improved how it assessed needs and allocated equipment to help meet demand.

The 2021 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada, Report 10—Securing Personal Protective Equipment and Medical Devices is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.

Reading Recommendations

Remote work habits are likely to outlast the pandemic in Canada

Bloomberg News

The COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant and long-lasting impact on Canadians’ willingness to return to the office, according to new estimates from the nation’s statistics agency.

Up to one quarter of hours worked could be remote after the health crisis ends, Statistics Canada said Wednesday in new calculations based on survey data. That’s up from about 5 per cent pre-pandemic, the agency said. The figure for university-educated workers is 44 per cent, versus 9 per cent for those with no post-secondary education.

The new estimates point to a sustained shift in potential working arrangements that could have far-reaching implications for everything from housing markets to traffic congestion and climate change, Statistics Canada said.