Niagara Health celebrates fifth birthday of St. Catharines Site

March 22, 2018 | Latest News, Members in the News

Walker Family Cancer Centre

The opening of Niagara Health’s St. Catharines Site on March 24, 2013, ushered in a new standard of hospital care in Niagara.

New and enhanced regional programs were introduced in St. Catharines and at our sites across the region. Thousands of cancer, heart, mental health and other patients now have access to vital healthcare services right here in Niagara.

“The state-of-the-art St. Catharines Site has been the catalyst for a number of significant enhancements to patient care,” says Niagara Health President Suzanne Johnston. “It is an exciting time at Niagara Health as we continue our work to build a world-class hospital system where the quality of patient care and the work environment are second to none.”

“We’re excited to be celebrating the fifth birthday of our St. Catharines Site and the many accomplishments since the opening,” says John MacDonald, Chair of the Niagara Health Board of Directors. “Many hands contributed to our extraordinary successes over the past five years to enhance healthcare for residents across Niagara. Our journey together continues to create a Healthier Niagara.”

Here’s a snapshot of care our teams have provided since the opening of the St. Catharines Site:

CANCER CARE
The Walker Family Cancer Centre brought radiation treatment and other oncology services to Niagara for the first time. Since 2013, more than 3,600 patients have received radiation treatment at the St. Catharines Site.

“Staying in Niagara (for radiation treatment) was really very helpful. I only had to drive 20 minutes. When I was coming five days a week, that made quite a difference as opposed to anticipating having to drive possibly a couple of hours,” says Sandy McBay, who received treatment for breast cancer.

CARDIAC CARE
The Cardiac Care program has significantly expanded its services and added new procedures in recent years due largely to the opening of the Heart Investigation Unit (HIU). The HIU brought new cardiac diagnostic procedures and interventional treatments not previously available in Niagara. Since 2013, more than 10,000 procedures have been performed at the HIU.

“Every week in my clinic, one of the first questions patients ask is, ‘Will I have to go to Hamilton to have this done?’ It’s incredible to be able to turn to them and tell them that this can now be done in St. Catharines,” says Cardiologist Dr. Adnan Hameed.

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS
The Mental Health and Addictions Program boasts the largest physical footprint in the hospital building and has introduced a number of new specialized programs, including services for patients requiring longer-term treatment in hospital and psychiatric emergency care.

“We’re really working hard within our multi-disciplinary team to provide a lot of different services for people with addictions and mental health concerns. The team here works really well together,” says Nurse Practitioner Shahnawaz Ali.

Learn more about how patient care has been enhanced over the past five years at www.niagarahealth.on.ca

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$107,900 OTF Grow Grant Has Given Students Career Planning Tools

March 13, 2018 | Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$107,900 OTF Grow Grant Has Given Students Career Planning Tools

March 13, 2018 (Niagara) – On Tuesday March 13, 2018, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed MPP Jim Bradley and Sue Erskine, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, to its office to celebrate the Job Route project. Thanks to a $107,900 OTF Grow grant awarded two years ago, Job Route has been educating Grade 10 students about future job opportunities in Niagara through a course of sector-specific videos.

“This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist young people in our area in gaining knowledge about job opportunities in Niagara will be of great benefit to them as they plan their future,” said Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines.

More than 4,000 students have had access to the Job Route program since receiving the grant. The video series introduced students to careers in seven different sectors: Skilled Trades/Apprenticeship, Advanced Manufacturing, Entrepreneurship, Biosciences, Clean and Green Technology, Digital Media, and Health. In addition, funds from the grant enabled the GNCC to coordinate guest speakers from these sectors to attend classrooms across Niagara to enrich the learning experience, allowing students first-hand interaction with professionals from their respective field.

“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be underestimated,” said Mishka Balsom, President/CEO of the GNCC. “This grant enabled us to work collaboratively with the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board on a shared goal that will impact Niagara’s economic prosperity long into the future. Our school boards demonstrated a significant commitment to their students by adopting Job Route as a tool into their classrooms, ensuring all students have access to the information they need to make informed career decisions. These are the business owners and employees of the future, so we are thankful to Ontario Trillium Foundation for the opportunity to support local youth through Job Route.”

And while the grant ends in August, Job Route videos will remain available for use by school board partners. They can also be viewed on the Job Route section of the GNCC website at www.gncc.ca.

An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities. www.otf.ca

For more information, please contact:

Mishka Balsom
President/CEO
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
905-684-2361 ext. 227
mishka@gncc.ca

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Student-driven fundraisers build on two decades of Niagara College’s community philanthropy

March 12, 2018 | Media Releases, Members in the News

Many hands are at work to make a difference as NC Event Management students organize a series of fundraisers to support those in need at the College and in the Niagara community.

The flagship event for this semester is Soups, Stews & Brews, a food and drink marketplace that is scheduled for March 23 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Market Square in St. Catharines. All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly towards Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold, the 2018 recipient of the college’s Many Hands project.

In addition, event management students have been planning two additional fundraisers taking place in April to help Niagara College Student Administrative Council’s (NCSAC) Nourishing Minds program, a food bank program for students who struggle with food insecurity:

Sip and Stretch – an evening session of yoga with complimentary beverages and appetizers.
Rockway Vineyards, St. Catharines
April 4, 6 – 9 p.m.

Spring to the Market – a hands-on marketplace featuring food, fashion and cosmetic vendors as well as DIY workshops.
Club Italia, Niagara Falls
April 8, 1 – 4 p.m.

Starting with no budget, the students build all aspects of their campaign from the ground up, from venue selection, sponsorship, fundraising, social media, marketing and execution.

“I am extremely proud of the students and their commitment to the Niagara community,” said Vivian Kinnaird, Dean of Business, Hospitality and Environment. “The Event Management students exemplify the learning in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, which enables students to have hands on experiences that equip them for their future careers. The work of the Many Hands project has affected many people and organizations in Niagara and the work of the students has a lasting effect on the community and amongst the students involved.”

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport has a longstanding record of community involvement, both through the event management program and Many Hands.

Launched in 1998, the Many Hands Project has made a lasting impact on the Niagara region through the creative efforts of NC students and faculty to bring the community together in support of non-profit organizations.

In the past five years alone, Many Hands has raised over $150,000 for local non-profit agencies and students have given 42,000 hours volunteer placement work to the community through the program.

For more information on these events, visit http://manyhandsevents.wixsite.com/mhpevents/2018-events.

Event Management is a one-year Graduate Certificate program at Niagara College that prepares graduates for a career in a fast-paced and multi-faceted industry. Students develop skills in planning and logistics, public relations, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and volunteer and risk management in a highly experiential learning environment.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold has been meeting the needs of the less advantaged in our community since 1919. The fundamental principles on which the agency was founded have not changed. Programs range from food and shelter security to emergency services and support that lead to the independence clients strive to achieve.

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Chamber This Week – March 9, 2018

March 9, 2018 | Non-Advocacy

International Women's Day

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Chamber This Week – February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018 | Non-Advocacy

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Local builders finalists for housing excellence awards

February 23, 2018 | Members in the News

Three builders from St. Catharines have been recognized as finalists for their work by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence.

Rinaldi Homes, Windrush Hill Construction and Silvergate Homes were announced as finalists in the detached homes and whole house renovation categories, joining a prestigious list of builders from across the country selected by industry judges. These include three developments by Rinaldi Homes, the “Oasis on 54th,” “Carrier Residence,” and “The Cozmo”, as well as Windrush Hill’s “Natural Wonder” and Silvergate Homes’ “Amuse By the Lake” developments.

“It is always great to see local businesses recognized at a national level for industry-leading work. Congratulations to Rinaldi Homes, Windrush Hill Construction and Silvergate Homes – all local businesses who are investing, innovating and growing in St. Catharines,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik

With over 700 entries submitted to this year’s awards by members across Canada, judges selected the group of finalists based on their work on new home construction, renovations, community development and marketing. The nominees include companies of all sizes.

“It comes as no surprise to us that the excellent work of these builders has garnered national recognition, setting the bar in high quality workmanship for residential development in St. Catharines and Niagara,” says Brian York, director of economic development and government relations.

The CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence will be taking place this year at the organization’s national conference on March 23 in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information on the awards and the finalists visit https://www.chba.ca/housingawards.

 

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Contact:

Mayor Walter Sendzik
905-688-5601 ext. 1540 (office)
mayor@stcatharines.ca

 

 

 Brian York
Director of Economic Development and Government Relations
905-688-5600 ext. 1720
byork@stcatharines.ca 

 

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Niagara may be feeling effects of minimum wage hike: Chamber

February 15, 2018 | In The News

Niagara may already be feeling the effects just one month since Ontario increased the minimum wage, says an organization representing businesses in the region.

The provincial government hiked the minimum wage to $14 an hour Jan. 1, with a further $1 increase to come next January.

The statistics are now out for the first full month since the increase, and officials with Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce said the numbers are “sobering.”

In a news release, the chamber said analysts across the country, including the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis and the province’s independent Financial Accountability Office, warned job losses would be a predictable result of the province’s legislation.

As many as 185,000 Ontario jobs could be at risk by 2020, the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found.

The chamber said economists were expecting the economy to add 10,000 jobs, but instead, 88,000 jobs were lost after the first full month since the bill’s implementation — the most in nine years.

The chamber, which has 1,600 members representing 50,000 employees, said 51,000 service sector jobs alone were lost in Ontario, all part-time.

Between December and January, the St. Catharines-Niagara census metropolitan area lost a net total of 700 jobs, said the chamber.

Youth were harder-hit, with 2,000 jobs held by 15- to 24-year-olds disappearing, as were women, who lost 900 jobs compared to a small gain for male workers.

While Niagara’s goods-producing sector added 500 net jobs, with construction (and, to a lesser extent, manufacturing) counter-balancing losses in agricultural employment, the local service sector lost 1,200 jobs.

Although Niagara’s part-time employment increased overall, with an extra 500 jobs being created, the region reversed the national trend, losing 1,200 full-time jobs.

Compared to January 2017, the region has lost a net total of 1,600 jobs, year over year, and 7,700 jobs among 15- to 24-year-olds — meaning for every four young Niagarans who held a job in January 2017, one is now unemployed.

The chamber, which is the third largest in Ontario, said losses have been felt most acutely in the service sector, which has shed 3,000 jobs since January 2017.

“These figures should draw attention to the fact that workplace legislation changes in Ontario have a real impact, not just on many Ontario employers, but on their workers as well,” said Mishka Balsom, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer.

“Our businesses are members of our community, and their health is tightly linked to the prosperity of our community. We ignore that linkage at our peril.”

The chamber said it cautioned that many businesses squeezed by minimum-wage increases would survive only by laying off workers.

Chamber officials said this could be what is taking place, with employers having started last year in anticipation of the crunch to come in January. Minimum-wage jobs are predominantly found in the service sector and held by young people, and these are where the jobs have been lost, stated the release.

Niagara continues to shift from full-time to part-time work.

This could be explained by shift cuts pushing some workers below the 30-hour-week threshold used by Statistics Canada to define full-time work.

It could also be that employers, under increasing wage pressure, increasingly find themselves unable to offer full-time positions.

Chamber officials said as the year continues, it will continue to analyze what sort of an effect labour law changes are having in Niagara.

Glen Walker, chairman of Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, said he questions whether there has been a “proper connection” between government programs to help small businesses as they go through this transition.

“How many are connecting and how many are utilizing the programs that the provincial government supposedly has in place?” he said.

Walker said it’s also important to think about what the philosophy is of businesses “at this point in time.”

“Are they really just saying we have to maintain this profit margin that we’ve got, or keep our margins where they are, as a result we’re going to send our employees out the door? For us, obviously social conscience is key — you’ve got employees, a group of people, you’re working with and supporting.

“Yes, you’re trying to make profit and make money, but at the same time what obligation do you have back to your employees who didn’t decide they wanted this increase, but at the same time are living in poverty.”

Niagara Poverty Reduction Network works to wipe out poverty through education, collaboration and advocacy to address poverty’s root causes.

Walker said there seems to be a lot of discussion around the impact on businesses, which “obviously is driving our economy,” but not enough about how an increase in the minimum wage could be helping workers.

“How many people on the other side of the coin have received an increase and are benefitting from this and are improving their life as a result of this? We don’t hear much about that. I think it’s important to think about that balance. There’s only a small percentage of people earning high incomes, but there’s a significant number of people who really are struggling and not doing well, and this is certainly going a ways to at least help them with that.”

rspiteri@postmedia.com
twitter.com/rayspiteri

Original article:
www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2018/02/10/niagara-may-be-feeling-effects-of-minimum-wage-hike-chamber

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US tax reform and the impact on cross-border individuals 

February 15, 2018 | Members in the News

Doing business in Canada 

Opportunities and other considerations 

Southern Ontario is more than just beautiful beaches, Niagara Region wineries, the Shaw Festival and the city of Toronto. It is also the gateway – via four Niagara River bridges – for Western New Yorkers to access all of Canada, a country with nearly 35 million people! 

Over 5 million Canadians live within a 2 hour drive of the Peace Bridge (in the Niagara region, in Hamilton, in Kitchener, in Toronto and in the many communities surrounding these municipalities). That’s right – about 5X the population of Erie and Niagara Counties are nearby – right on Western NY’s door step. What could expanding your business into Canada do for its growth rate and profitability? 

Here are some of the many advantages of pursuing business opportunities in Canada: 

  • Highly developed and advanced economy 
  • Highly educated, multicultural, population; the size (approximately) of California 
  • Strong language, legal and cultural similarities to the U.S. (and some differences); along with millions of cross-border familial connections (going in both directions) 
  • Low barriers to entry vs. most other countries 
  • Low corporate tax rates for businesses (when appropriately structured) 

Here are some other items to consider when pursuing business opportunities in Canada: 

  • Immigration/visa aspects of expanding a business and/or moving employees into Canada.
    Hint: have a good immigration consultant, or legal firm, assist you in doing this right. 
  • Learning the tax aspects of: 
    • Making sales in Canada (i.e. collecting and remitting HST or GST/PST, as applicable; and filing associated returns) 
    • Having Employees Working in Canada (i.e. Various Payroll Taxes on Employers; Source Deductions from Employee Pay; and various filings for non-residents rendering services in Canada) 
    • Forms of Doing Business (i.e. Corporation/Partnership/Branch/Unincorporated Business) and the planning for a tax efficient structure; and related tax filings, and tax installments requirements 
    • Specialized International/Cross-Border tax implications (i.e. transfer pricing, tax costs and benefits, filings and withholdings) and Treaty benefits considerations.
      Hint: have a good accounting firm – that is well versed in crossborder tax issues, as well as domestic Canadian tax matters – assist you in doing this right. 
  • Learning about the specific rules and regulations associated with your business’ market niche (i.e. learning about licensing, labour laws, safety or environmental standards, etc.). 

There is, of course, much more that you could learn about doing business in Canada. 

Would you like to know more? If so, the website of the Chamber of Commerce (or Board of Trade) in the Canadian community you would like to expand in is a good place to start looking for more information and resources. 

 

Questions or comments?
Please contact:

Brian Krauss, MBA, CPA (NY)
Senior Manager, Southern Ontario Leader, US Personal Tax
Brian.Krauss@ca.gt.com

Lorena Boda, CPA, CA, CPA (IL), MTax
Manager, US Personal Tax
Lorena.Boda@ca.gt.com

Brian Krauss is a Sr. Manager, and Lorena Boda is a Manager, with Grant Thornton LLP (Canada). As part of a team of cross-border specialists, these two CPAs serve US Taxpayers throughout Southern Ontario.

Grant Thornton has offices all across Canada, including one near you in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Beamsville, Hamilton, Mississauga, Kitchener, Markham, Barrie, Toronto and several other Southern Ontario locations.

About Grant Thornton in Canada
Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton in Canada has approximately 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member firms operate in close to 100 countries worldwide.

Audit | Tax | Advisory
© 2018 Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd

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Chamber This Week – February 9, 2018

February 9, 2018 | Non-Advocacy

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