Daily Update: July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022 | Daily Update

In this edition:

Payroll employment losses in construction lead first national decline since 2021

The number of employees receiving pay or benefits from their employer—measured by the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH) as payroll employment—decreased by 26,100 (-0.1%) in May, the first decline since May 2021. Ontario (-30,000; -0.4%) and Manitoba (-2,500; -0.4%) recorded the largest payroll employment losses, while British Columbia (+7,000; +0.3%) was the lone province to record an increase.

Payroll employment in the goods-producing sector decreased by 20,600 (-0.7%) in May, led by losses in construction (-17,500; -1.5%). Ontario (-12,000; -3.0%) accounted for more than two-thirds of the monthly payroll employment decrease in construction in May, likely due, in part, to strikes which resulted in numerous delays in construction projects across the province.

Click here to read more.

Ontario Speech from the Throne to be delivered August 9

Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed today that the legislature convenes August 8, 2022, at which point a speaker will be elected. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will then deliver the Speech from the Throne on August 9, 2022.

Federal/provincial funding for agri-food employers now open

The second round of the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative, which opens today and closes on September 8, 2022, provides funding for innovative pilot projects that are tailor-made to address employee needs at a local level.

Eligible food processing businesses with 50 or more employees can apply for up to $80,000 in funding, or up to $200,000 for collaborations between two or more businesses, to cover up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs. Selected projects will aim to help the sector attract, support and retain the workers it needs to continue producing the safe and high-quality food made in Ontario, strengthen the local supply chain and promote greater food security.

Click here to read more and apply.

$2M donation made towards new south Niagara hospital

Domenic DiLalla of Centennial Construction and Contracting has made a $2M donation towards building a new hospital in south Niagara.

DiLalla’s personal experience and family history of heart disease inspired the donation after he underwent quadruple bypass surgery earlier this year.

The Cardio-Respiratory Diagnostics Unit will be named The DiLalla Family Cardio-Respiratory Diagnostics Unit.

Click here to read more.

Financial Accountability Office of Ontario releases 2021-22 annual report

Established by the Financial Accountability Officer Act, 2013, the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) provides independent analysis on the state of the Province’s finances, trends in the provincial economy and related matters important to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The FAO released 21 reports in 2021-22 on a broad range of topics in line with the mandate of the organization.

Click here to read the report.

Canada issues first CFP for net-zero homes and communities program

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the first call for proposals for the Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities program. This program offers funding for projects that explore and implement innovative technologies and practices that seek to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our communities and neighbourhoods.

This program is open to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations that are developing projects that target one of three streams:

  1. Addressing barriers to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies;
  2. Capacity building in support of net-zero-energy–ready building codes;
  3. Facilitating home energy labeling and disclosure to encourage deep energy retrofits.

The Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities program will help Canadians make their homes more energy-efficient now and for the future. The program will invest up to $14.6 million over the next four years. Applications for this first call for proposals will be accepted until August 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

More information can be found on the program’s website.

Canada welcomes U.S. bill to expand North American EV tax credits

Canada on Thursday welcomed a deal reached by Democratic U.S. senators to back a bill that includes an expansion of tax credits for electric vehicles produced in North America that does not discriminate against those manufactured in Canada.

A previous version of the bill presented by Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration included tax credits that would have favored American-based manufacturers, sparking furious Canadian lobbying in Washington to get it changed.

Click here to read more.

Provincial COVID-19 vaccination booking for young children now open

With Health Canada’s recent approval of COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years old, the provincial booking system opened this morning (July 28) for appointments for this age group. Starting today (July 28), appointments can be booked either online through the provincial booking system at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling the provincial booking line at 1-833-943-3900.

Click here to read more.

Focus on Real Estate

‘Historic’ housing correction is underway in Ontario, RBC says

CTV News

A “historic” housing correction is now underway in Canada and costlier markets in Ontario and British Columbia are likely to be the “epicentre” of the downturn, a new report from RBC suggests.

Greater Toronto Area housing prices soared during the pandemic and were up nearly 36 per cent year-over-year as recently as February.

Click here to read more.

Housing investors are heading for the exits as rates rise

BNN Bloomberg

At the tail end of a historic bull run in Canada’s housing market last year, investors came to comprise a fifth of the country’s homebuyers. Now, they are some of the first scrambling to unload properties in what some are already saying could be the most severe housing market downturn in the country’s recent history.

In early July, Toronto-based mortgage broker Ron Butler’s client called him with exactly that dilemma: The financials on the suburban condo he purchased as an investment property just four months earlier no longer made sense. Rents could no longer cover interest payments on the mortgage after a six-fold jump in the central bank rate.

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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Daily Update: July 21, 2022

July 21, 2022 | Daily Update

Vineland announces TreeCulture Research Park, COVID shots open for children aged 6+ months, ground broken on Prudhommes site, and more.

In this edition:

Vineland announces TreeCulture Research Park

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is launching the TreeCulture Research Park, the first of its kind in Canada.

With an anticipated launch in September 2022, the first phase of construction will initially offer an Open Air Laboratory containing 36 compartments that will expand to a robust 80-compartment facility. The laboratory will feature Canada’s only individually instrumented tree compartments, with integrated sensor technology to recreate conditions faced by trees in urban settings, while recording trees’ responses to stress and monitoring weather, soil function and canopy health.

Click here to read more.

COVID vaccinations open for children aged 6+ months

As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will be able to book appointments for the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).

Starting July 28, appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their own booking system, participating primary care providers and paediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.

Parents and caregivers with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse.

Click here to read more.

Ground broken on Prudhommes site in Lincoln

An important and highly anticipated milestone was reached today in Lincoln, as members of Town Council and staff joined partner FBH Group to break ground on the first phase of Prudhommes Development Site. This phase and groundbreaking event also kick off the commercial elements of the project which will further propel Lincoln’s thriving local economy.

“This is the first development to get underway in a project that has been years in the making,” added the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Kirkopoulos. “The site has a long history in the community, and both residents and visitors alike who travel along the QEW through Lincoln will start to see significant changes in the next several weeks. Jobs and commercial opportunities are a key part of this development and an integral element in creating a complete community.”

Click here to read more.

Welland Expression of Interest for sale of vacant land

Welland City Council has approved to proceed with the request for Expression of Interest for the sale of surplus vacant land on the southwest corner of Division and Cross streets for the development of a mixed-use building.

The 0.261-acre site is zoned Downtown Mixed-Use Centre (DMC). Interested parties may submit an offer and concept plan to the City of Welland for the revitalization of the downtown core.

There are incentives available under the Downtown and Health and Wellness Cluster Community Improvement Program (“CIP”), purchase of the land will provide financial incentive programs to nurture revitalization, reinforce diversity in the downtown area, and encourage strength in the health and wellness cluster.

Click here to read more (PDF link).

Ontario extends sick leave program until March 2023

Ontario will be extending its temporary paid sick leave program by about eight months as the province continues to battle the spread of COVID-19.

The program, which offers up to three paid sick days per employee, will remain in place until March 31, 2023. It was originally set to expire at the end of July.

In a news release issued Thursday, the government said eligible workers will continue to receive up to $200 a day if they need to get tested, vaccinated, self-isolate, or care for a family member who is ill from COVID-19.

The Doug Ford government first amended the Employment Standards Act in April 2021 to allow for three paid sick days in an attempt to curb COVID-19 transmission in essential workplaces. The program was meant to be in place for about six months, but it has been extended multiple times.

Click here to read more.

Unions call for action on health staff shortages in light of Ontario ER closures

Unions representing some 70,000 hospital workers in Ontario renewed their calls Thursday for the province to address staffing shortages contributing to recent emergency room closures, suggesting measures such as raising wages and putting in financial incentives to boost hiring.

The Ontario Council of Hospital Unions and SEIU Healthcare have sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford outlining a number of actions they say the province should take to reduce labour shortages in health care.

Those include repealing Bill 124, provincial legislation introduced in 2019 that limits wage increases in public-sector contracts to one per cent a year.

Click here to read more.

Increase to the Old Age Security pension for seniors aged 75 years and older begins next week

Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, announced that the Old Age Security (OAS) pension has permanently increased by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over. This means that full pensioners will get more than $800 extra over the first year.

This will be the first permanent increase to the OAS pension since 1973, other than adjustments due to inflation. Eligible seniors will not have to take any action to receive this increase—their payments will be automatically increased.

Click here to read more.

Reading Recommendations

Forget the 8.1%: Here’s why inflation has already peaked — maybe

CBC News

New data from Statistics Canada this week showed that the cost of living continues to go up at the eye-watering pace of 8.1 per cent in the year up to June.

Anyone who’s filled a gas tank or a shopping cart recently knows how the price of just about everything is going up fast right now, but a peek beneath the headlines suggests there are some reasons for cautious optimism that we may already be over the inflationary hump.

Click here to read more.

The future of COVID in Canada: Doctors weigh in on vaccines, masking

CTV News

With much of Canada in the midst of a summer wave of COVID-19, public health officials and physicians have mixed views on how provinces and territories respond from this point on.

Although COVID-19 testing is not as widespread as it used to be, other metrics such as wastewater testing show cases are on the rise. The more infectious BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants now make up a majority of the samples collected and genome sequenced, data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows.

Over the past few weeks, physicians have been asked whether certain public health restrictions, such as mask mandates, need to be put in place in order to control the latest, or seventh, wave of COVID-19.

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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Daily Update: July 14, 2022

July 14, 2022 | Daily Update

Mandatory random airport testing to resume July 19, College brewery wins silver with Ukrainian solidarity brews, and more.

In this edition:

Niagara Public Health releases clinic hours for booster shots

Those who are eligible for a fourth dose can receive it at a Public Health clinic, participating pharmacy, or participating primary care provider. Appointments are needed at a Public Health clinic for fourth doses. Walk-ins are still available for first to third doses. Upcoming clinics include:

  • July 14-16, 19-23 – Niagara Falls, Canada One Outlet Mall (beside Urban Kids)
  • July 14-16, 19-23 – St. Catharines, Pen Centre (By Stars Menswear, Tim Hortons and Booster Juice)

Please see the clinic schedule for a full list of dates, times and locations.

Niagara Region Public Health recommends waiting six months after your last dose to get the best immunity possible. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 recently should wait 90 days after their infection. However, anyone can get a fourth dose as early as 12 weeks after their third dose.

Click here to read more.

Manufacturing sales fall for first time in 8 months

Following seven consecutive monthly increases, manufacturing sales fell 2.0% to $71.6 billion in May, on lower sales in 11 of 21 industries. The decline was primarily driven by the motor vehicle (-31.9%), primary metal (-4.1%), and miscellaneous manufacturing (-10.8%) industries. Meanwhile, sales of petroleum and coal products (+5.4%) and machinery (+3.3%) increased the most.

Sales in the motor vehicle industry decreased 31.9% to $3.3 billion in May, following three consecutive monthly gains. The declines were attributable to retooling at auto assembly plants and semiconductor part shortages.

The miscellaneous manufacturing (-10.8%), plastic and rubber product (-3.9%) and non-metallic mineral product (-6.4%) industries also contributed to the monthly decline.

Click here to read more.

Strikes cause drop in construction investment

Investment in building construction edged down 0.2% to $20.6 billion in May, as many of Ontario’s unionized construction workers were on strike during the month. These strikes caused significant delays in numerous residential and non-residential construction projects throughout the province. Excluding Ontario, investment increased 1.1% at the national level.

At a sector level, non-residential investment fell 0.9% in May, while the residential sector edged up 0.1%.

Click here to read more.

Niagara College Teaching Brewery wins silver with Ukrainian-style solidarity brews

The 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship announced its winners on July 11, which included three silver medals for the NC Teaching Brewery. In addition to a medal for its popular multi-award-winning Beer 101 Bitter (Bitter category), silvers were awarded for Ukrainian Golden Ale (Ukrainian Golden Ale category), and Resist – Anti Imperial Stout (Resist Anti Imperial Stout category), which were first brewed at the Teaching Brewery earlier this year.

Click here to read more.

Health Canada approves Moderna for children aged six months and older

Today, Health Canada authorized the use of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 5 years of age. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada for use in this age group and marks a milestone in Canada’s response to COVID-19.  As a result of this authorization, approximately 1.7 million children are now eligible for vaccination against COVID-19.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities and ourselves against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Click here to read more.

Mandatory random airport testing to resume July 19

The Government of Canada had paused mandatory random testing for those entering Canada by air on June 11, 2022, as part of a broader strategy to transition testing for air travellers outside of the airports.

Mandatory random testing will resume as of July 19, 2022, for travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated, arriving in Canada by air to the four major Canadian airports, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to Canada, travellers must have been vaccinated with a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel at least 14 calendar days before entering Canada.

All testing for air travellers, for both those who qualify as fully vaccinated and partially or unvaccinated people, will be completed outside of airports, either via an in-person appointment at select testing provider locations and pharmacies, or a virtual appointment for a self-swab test.

Click here to read more.

Government of Canada clarifies excise exemptions on cider and mead

Today, the Government of Canada announced clarifications relating to an amendment to Bill C-19. This amendment maintains the excise duty exemption for wine produced in Canada from apples or honey (i.e., cider and mead) and composed wholly of Canadian agricultural or plant product.

However, as this amendment was adopted without consequential amendments to other portions of Bill C-19, it would result in two unintended inconsistencies if left unaddressed:

  • It would make it illegal for any person to possess exempt cider and mead;
  • It would remove the labelling requirements for exempt cider and mead, which may result in downstream administration and enforcement issues.

To correct these inconsistencies, the government intends to introduce legislative proposals at a future date to clarify that restrictions on possession would not apply to exempt cider and mead and that certain regulatory labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages in respect of exempt cider and mead would be preserved.

Click here to read more.

Reading Recommendations

Bank of Canada would have hiked earlier had it known what it now knows

Reuters

The Bank of Canada likely would have raised interest rates sooner if it had known a year ago all the things it now knows, Governor Tiff Macklem said in a newspaper interview published on Thursday, the day after a shock 100-basis-point rate increase.

Click here to read more.

TSX today: Stocks tank as recession fears grip investors

BNN Bloomberg

Canada’s benchmark stock index fell by triple digits mid-day Thursday as investors grew increasingly concerned about a looming recession and reacted to negative earnings news from two big American financial services companies.

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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Lunch & Learn: The Roadmap to Simple Safety Solutions

June 25, 2022 | Event Recordings, Lunch and Learn

Get help offsetting your costs on health & safety!
Presented by YMCA of Niagara

Learn how joining the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program can help offset costs of implementing new health and safety topics in your workplace — and how to calculate your potential double rebate for 2022.

The WSIB is offering increased financial rebates to smaller businesses (1–99 employees) through the Health and Safety Excellence program to help support post-pandemic recovery. We are excited to provide this informational session focused on the health and safety needs of small-medium businesses in Ontario.

In this webinar, we will look at:

  • How to access rebates through the Health and Safety Excellence Program
  • The free resources available to small business by WSPS
  • Information on health and safety basics such as employee rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Health and safety Q&A with our panel of experts

Presented by:

  • Ian Morris, Health and Safety Excellence Consultant, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
  • Florence Petrakis, Health and Safety Excellence Consultant, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
  • Bill Chen, Account Representative, Small Business, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
  • Stella Nicastro-Greenough, Account Representative, Small Business, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Webinar Resources:

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Daily Update: June 24, 2022

June 24, 2022 | Daily Update

In this edition:

Niagara business leaders honoured
Premier Ford announces new cabinet
Regional Council adopts new Official Plan
Niagara Economic Development releases 10-Year Strategy
Number of working Canadians increases by 126,000
Niagara College to suspend mandatory mask policy
Vision Greens raises $7M to boost domestic lettuce supply

Niagara business leaders honoured at Business Achievement Awards

Last night, the GNCC held the 18th annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC. Over three hundred gathered to recognize and honour the achievements of businesses, non-profits, and professionals who have made a difference in Niagara’s business community.

CAA Niagara receives Business of the Year 2022

CAA Niagara, Business of the Year 2022

The winners in 2022 are:

Young Professional Award (sponsored by Bell): Arienne Good

 

Outstanding New Business (sponsored by Niagara College): Captains Cabin Café

Excellence in Business: up to 25 Employees: Hero Dog Treats

Excellence in Business: 26 Employees or More (sponsored by MNP): PBI – Printing by Innovation Inc.

Excellence in Business: Not-for-Profit (sponsored by Fedcap Canada): Community Crew

Technology and Innovation Award (sponsored by Innovate Niagara): Dine Niagara

Excellence in Manufacturing (sponsored by Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies): General Motors St. Catharines

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality: Niagara West Tourism Association

Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming and Rural Achievement (sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy): Sunrise Greenhouses

Environmental Leadership Award (sponsored by Walker): Bench Brewing Company Inc.

Business of the Year (sponsored by RBC): CAA Niagara

Bestowed Awards

Community Leadership (sponsored by Niagara Region Economic Development): Caroline Mann. This award recognizes an individual or individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact in the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union): Bill Schenck, Schenck Farms & Greenhouses. This award celebrates a Niagara entrepreneur whose work has been impactful or exceptionally significant in the region.

Innovative Leader Award (sponsored by CAA Niagara): Keith Simmonds, Great Wolf Lodge. This award celebrates prominent business leaders who show exemplary dedication to their community through volunteer efforts.

Builder of the Year: Merit Contractors Niagara. This award is presented to a company that has had an historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community.

 

Premier Ford announces new cabinet

The new Executive Council includes the following:

  • Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
  • Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
  • Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care, Minister of Legislative Affairs and Government House Leader
  • Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
  • Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Doug Downey, Attorney General
  • Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities
  • Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, with an additional mandate for small business
  • Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
  • Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
  • Parm Gill, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
  • Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General
  • Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education
  • Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
  • Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
  • Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Francophone Affairs
  • David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • George Pirie, Minister of Mines, with a mandate to develop the Ring of Fire
  • Kaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
  • Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs
  • Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board, with an expanded mandate for emergency management and procurement, including Supply Ontario
  • Todd Smith, Minister of Energy
  • Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, with an additional mandate for government real estate
  • Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
  • Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation
  • Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing
  • Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
  • Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

Click here to read more.

Regional Council adopts new Official Plan, submitting to Province for approval

Niagara Regional Council adopted the Niagara Official Plan at the June 23 Council meeting. The new plan sets a vision for our communities and guides development and growth to 2051. Once approved by the Province, the new plan will replace the existing official plan.

Niagara is expected to grow by 202,000 people and 85,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Growth management policies aim to direct and prioritize growth to areas where transit and other infrastructure currently exists or is planned, including urban growth centres, regional growth centres, major transit station areas, and other strategic growth areas.

Click here to read more.

Niagara Economic Development releases Niagara’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy

Last night, Niagara Region ratified its new 10-Year Economic Development Strategy. The Strategy aims to establish a strong and sustainable regional economy over the next 10 years and has been identified as one of Regional Council’s priority projects.

Currently, Niagara is experiencing exceptional growth in terms of investment, development and forecasting dramatic population increases. The 10-Year Economic Development Strategy outlines strategic directions, goals and actions that will guide Regional Economic Development staff as they collaborate with partners on its implementation. Decisions made now will shape the future of Niagara’s economy.

Click here to read more.

Number of working Canadians increases by 126,000

The number of employees receiving pay or benefits from their employer—measured by the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH)—increased by 126,000 (+0.7%) in April. Gains were spread across all provinces except for Quebec, which reported little change. Ontario (+49,900; +0.7%), Alberta (+37,200; +1.9%) and British Columbia (+16,600; +0.7%) reported the largest payroll employment increases in April.

Average weekly earnings were $1,170 in April, essentially unchanged from March. On a year-over-year basis, average weekly earnings increased 4.0% in April, slightly lower than the year-over-year increase observed in March (+4.2%). Average weekly hours worked were little changed in April compared with the previous month, sitting at 1.8% above its pre-COVID level.

Click here to read more.

Niagara College to suspend mandatory mask policy on July 4

Niagara College will suspend the mandatory mask policy for its campuses as of July 4. Recognizing that key COVID indicators continue to fluctuate, masking will still be encouraged at Niagara College campuses but will no longer be mandatory except in specific academic areas where enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements are already in place. These requirements will be communicated at the program level. Niagara College campuses will continue to be a mask-friendly environment where all members of the college community are supportive and respectful of individual choices with regards to masking.

Click here to read more.

Vision Greens raises $7M to boost domestic lettuce supply

Ontario-based vertical farm startup Vision Greens announced that it has raised $7 million.

Vision Green’s says it has received investments from business groups, including members of the Canadian grocery segment who desire to help change Canada’s food supply system.

“Vision Greens has an edge in this emerging space because it has the technology and the methodology to scale quickly and provide millions of Canadians with an affordable, and sustainable way to eat,” said Grant Froese, Vision Greens board member, grocery industry veteran and former COO, Loblaw Companies Limited in a statement.

Vision Green’s attests that its Foodland Ontario certified produce is grown, harvested and packaged at its Welland, Ont. farm and travels less than 200 km or or 92 per cent less food kilometres than imported lettuce to get from farm to table. The company grows its produce 365-days a year.

Click here to read more.

Reading Recommendations

This is who’s in and who’s out of Doug Ford’s cabinet

CTV News

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has unveiled his cabinet for the 43rd Parliament of Ontario.

Ford has made some big changes to his front and back benches, including appointing a new Minister of Health, keeping the current education minister in place, and adding a newly-elected MPP to the Tourism, Culture and Sport file.

This is who’s in and who’s out of the 30-person Progressive Conservative cabinet.

Click here to read more.

​41% of Canadians don’t trust BoC will tame inflation, poll suggests

BNN Bloomberg

Confidence among Canadians that their country’s central bank can get inflation under control is shaky at best, a new Angus Reid Institute (ARI) poll suggests.

The results showed 41 per cent of respondents said they don’t trust the Bank of Canada to fulfill its mandate of returning inflation to two per cent. Only 46 per cent said they were confident in the central bank.

The mistrust widens when the results are examined along political party lines.

ARI found 59 per cent of Conservative Party of Canada voters and 86 per cent of People’s Party of Canada voters said they don’t have confidence in the central bank.

Meanwhile, 69 per cent of Liberal supporters and 47 per cent who voted NDP in the last federal election said they have faith in the bank.

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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GNCC Announces Recipients of 18th Annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards

June 24, 2022 | Media Releases

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the 18th Annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC.

The recipients in 2022 are:

Young Professional Award (sponsored by Bell)
Arienne Good

Outstanding New Business (sponsored by Niagara College)
Captains Cabin Café Inc.

Excellence in Business: up to 25 Employees
Hero Dog Treats

Excellence in Business: 26 Employees or More (sponsored by MNP)
PBI – Printing by Innovation Inc.

Excellence in Business: Not-for-Profit (sponsored by Fedcap Canada)
Community Crew

Technology and Innovation Award (sponsored by Innovate Niagara)
Dine Niagara

Excellence in Manufacturing (sponsored by Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies)
General Motors St. Catharines

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality
Niagara West Tourism Association

Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming and Rural Achievement (sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy)
Sunrise Greenhouses

Environmental Leadership Award (sponsored by Walker)
Bench Brewing Company Inc.

Business of the Year (sponsored by RBC)
CAA Niagara

 

Bestowed Awards:

Community Leadership (sponsored by Niagara Region Economic Development):Caroline Mann. This award recognizes an individual or individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact in the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union): Bill Schenck, Schenck Farms & Greenhouses. This award celebrates a Niagara entrepreneur whose work has been impactful or exceptionally significant in the region.

Innovative Leader Award (sponsored by CAA Niagara): Keith Simmonds, Great Wolf Lodge. This award celebrates prominent business leaders who show exemplary dedication to their community through volunteer efforts.

Builder of the Year: Merit Contractors Niagara. This award is presented to a company that has had an historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in Niagara, the largest business organization in the region and the second-largest Chamber of Commerce in Ontario, with 1,500 members representing 50,000 employees. More information on the GNCC is available at gncc.ca.

Contact:
Mishka Balsom, CEO, GNCC
Mishka@gncc.ca or 905-684-2361

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Daily Update: June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022 | Daily Update

Winners of 2022 Niagara Business Achievement Awards to be announced tonight, interest relief for agriculture producers, and more.

In this edition:

Winners of 2022 Niagara Business Achievement Awards to be announced tonight
Niagara History Museum to host Countering Hate at Home
Government of Canada announces interest relief for agriculture producers
Minister Gould directs Service Canada to “do more” to speed up passport processing
Number of Employment Insurance claimants drops below 500,000
Rankin family donates $2 million to South Niagara site of Niagara Health

Winners of 2022 Niagara Business Achievement Awards to be announced tonight

The GNCC is hosting the 18th annual Niagara Business Achievement awards, presented by RBC, recognizing the success of our local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits.

The finalists in 2022 are:

Young Professional Award (sponsored by Bell)

  • Arienne Good
  • Daniela Escobar
  • Jarod Bleijerveld
  • Josh Knoester
  • Kailene Jackson
  • Ryan Walker
  • Stephanie Unsworth

Outstanding New Business (sponsored by Niagara College)

  • Captains Cabin Café Inc.
  • Ears Canada
  • InspireClean Inc.
  • McKnight Operational Consulting
  • Niagara Orthopaedic Institute Fonthill
  • Oggi Spa

Excellence in Business: up to 25 Employees

  • Baker Tilly Niagara LLP
  • Giant Shoe Creative Agency
  • Hero Dog Treats
  • Lofttan
  • Movement Unlimited Inc.

Excellence in Business: 26 Employees or More (sponsored by MNP)

  • Days Inn & Suites
  • Niagara Regional Broadband Network Limited
  • PBI – Printing by Innovation Inc.

Excellence in Business: Not-for-Profit (sponsored by Fedcap Canada)

  • Community Crew
  • Niagara SPCA and Humane Society
  • St. John Ambulance
  • The Norm Foster Theatre Festival
  • Welland Public Library

Technology and Innovation Award (sponsored by Innovate Niagara)

  • Dine Niagara
  • Intuitive Shipping Inc.
  • McKnight Inclusive Design

Excellence in Manufacturing (sponsored by Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies)

  • FSD Robotics
  • General Motors St. Catharines

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality

  • Inn on the Twenty
  • Niagara West Tourism Association
  • Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel

Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming and Rural Achievement (sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy)

  • Always June Organic Farm
  • Sunrise Greenhouses

Environmental Leadership Award (sponsored by Walker)

  • Bench Brewing Company Inc.
  • Goodwill Niagara
  • Spirit in Niagara Small Batch Distillers

Business of the Year (sponsored by RBC)

  • CAA Niagara
  • Kraun Electric
  • Merani Hotel Group
  • Shaw Festival

Bestowed Awards:

Community Leadership (sponsored by Niagara Region Economic Development): Caroline Mann. This award recognizes an individual or individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact in the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union): Bill Schenck, Schenck Farms & Greenhouses. This award celebrates a Niagara entrepreneur whose work has been impactful or exceptionally significant in the region.

Innovative Leader Award (sponsored by CAA Niagara): Keith Simmonds, Great Wolf Lodge. This award celebrates prominent business leaders who show exemplary dedication to their community through volunteer efforts.

Builder of the Year: Merit Contractors Niagara. This award is presented to a company that has had an historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community.

Niagara Falls History Museum to host Countering Hate at Home

While the surge of right-wing extremism in Canada predates the onset of COVID, the pandemic has provided additional fodder to feed the conspiracy theories and disinformation that inspire the far-right. “Countering Hate at Home,” a discussion with Dr. Barbara Perry, explores the emerging patterns that characterize the contemporary movement, while providing some thoughts about how local communities can – and have – faced down hate at home.

In light of recent events very close to home, the Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee is hosting this event to provide a better understanding of the rise of extremism and the impact it has on our community.

The event is free to attend, and will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 27 at the Niagara Falls History Museum’s Sherman Zavitz Theatre.

To learn more about this free event, and to register, visit ActiveNet.

Government of Canada announces interest relief for agriculture producers

Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program will increase from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As a result, participating producers will save on average $5,500 in interest costs over the next two years. This change will represent total savings of up to $61 million over two years for approximately 11,000 producers.

The amendment to the Agricultural Marketing Programs Regulations is not retroactive, meaning the new limit will be applied to existing advances under the 2022 Advance Payments Program as of June 20, 2022, when the regulatory amendments came into force. Farmers experiencing financial challenges are also encouraged to apply for assistance available under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s Business Risk Management (BRM) programs.

Click here to read more.

Minister Gould directs Service Canada to “do more” to speed up passport processing

“I am deeply concerned about the delivery of passport services to Canadians,” said the Honourable Karina Gould, Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development in prepared remarks issued today, “and the difficult and stressful situation too many Canadians are facing in getting passports in time for their travel plans. Improving this service is a top priority for the Government of Canada. I share the frustration of Canadians and want to reiterate that these lineups, waits and uncertainty are unacceptable. That is why I have directed officials in my department and at Service Canada to work to find and implement solutions to these problems.

“Service Canada has added staff, streamlined procedures and increased processing capacity to help deal with this unprecedented situation. However, significant challenges remain. I have directed that Service Canada continue to do more, and it is now implementing measures to make waits at specialized passport sites more predictable and manageable.”

Click here to read more.

Number of Employment Insurance claimants drops below 500,000

In April, 20,000 (-3.8%) fewer Canadians received regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 496,000. There were 1.2 million (-70.2%) fewer regular EI beneficiaries in April than in May 2021, when the number reached its COVID-19 pandemic peak.

According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage points to 5.2% in April after reaching a record low of 5.3% in March.

Click here to read more.

Rankin family donates $2 million to South Niagara site of Niagara Health

The Niagara Health Foundation is celebrating a $2 million donation to the new South Niagara Site of Niagara Health.

The donation from Tom Rankin and the Rankin family is part of the $21 million dollars that has been raised by the foundation for the new hospital.

Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health says, “Once again, the Rankin family has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Niagara community. Following its recent support of Niagara Health’s third MRI machine, it is fitting that this significant donation is directed to South Niagara Site’s MRI suite that will be a part of the comprehensive diagnostic services available at the site. We are incredibly grateful to Tom Rankin and his family for their continued generosity and philanthropic leadership.”

Back in February of 2021, Tom Rankin spearheaded the Niagara Health Foundation’s $2.8 million campaign to bring a third MRI machine to Niagara.

Click here to read more.

Reading Recommendations

Should Canada join other countries and take a gas tax holiday?

CBC News

If U.S. President Joe Biden is successful in his bid to pause gas taxes in the U.S., Canada will be the only G7 country not to bring in a tax cut or subsidy to help deal with prices at the pump.

Biden on Wednesday called on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months. Meanwhile, the U.K., Italy, and Germany (lower taxes), France (a consumer rebate) and Japan (a subsidy to wholesalers) have all taken similar action.

As inflation — headlined by gasoline price hikes — hits highs not seen since Billie Jean was topping the Billboard charts and Return of the Jedi was in theatres, will Canada follow suit? Should it?

Click here to read more.

‘It’s just about survival at this point’: High gas prices affecting Canadians’ summer travel plans

CTV News

A majority of Canadians who intend to travel this summer say high gas prices are affecting those planned getaways, according to a pair of recent surveys.

A survey from CAA South Central Ontario says the rising price of fuel is forcing many to adjust their road trips.

Seventy-six per cent of respondents said they have a road trip planned within the province of Ontario, 26 per cent are planning to drive out-of-province and 23 per cent are driving to the U.S.

Of those planning a road trip, 64 per cent said gas prices would likely affect their plans, either limiting the number of trips they take overall, driving shorter distances or adjusting their budgets.

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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GNCC Announces Finalists and Bestowed Award Recipients for 18th Annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards

June 16, 2022 | Media Releases

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s finalists for the 18th Annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC.

The finalists in 2022 are:

Young Professional Award (sponsored by Bell)

  • Arienne Good
  • Daniela Escobar
  • Jarod Bleijerveld
  • Josh Knoester
  • Kailene Jackson
  • Ryan Walker
  • Stephanie Unsworth

Outstanding New Business (sponsored by Niagara College)

  • Captains Cabin Café Inc.
  • Ears Canada
  • InspireClean Inc.
  • McKnight Operational Consulting
  • Niagara Orthopaedic Institute Fonthill
  • Oggi Spa

Excellence in Business: up to 25 Employees

  • Baker Tilly Niagara LLP
  • Giant Shoe Creative Agency
  • Hero Dog Treats
  • Lofttan
  • Movement Unlimited Inc.

Excellence in Business: 26 Employees or More (sponsored by MNP)

  • Days Inn & Suites
  • Niagara Regional Broadband Network Limited
  • PBI – Printing by Innovation Inc.

Excellence in Business: Not-for-Profit (sponsored by Fedcap Canada)

  • Community Crew
  • Niagara SPCA and Humane Society
  • St. John Ambulance
  • The Norm Foster Theatre Festival
  • Welland Public Library

Technology and Innovation Award (sponsored by Innovate Niagara)

  • Dine Niagara
  • Intuitive Shipping Inc.
  • McKnight Inclusive Design

Excellence in Manufacturing (sponsored by Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies)

  • FSD Robotics
  • General Motors St. Catharines

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality

  • Inn on the Twenty
  • Niagara West Tourism Association
  • Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel

Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming and Rural Achievement (sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy)

  • Always June Organic Farm
  • Sunrise Greenhouses

Environmental Leadership Award (sponsored by Walker)

  • Bench Brewing Company Inc.
  • Goodwill Niagara
  • Spirit in Niagara Small Batch Distillers

Business of the Year (sponsored by RBC)

  • CAA Niagara
  • Kraun Electric
  • Merani Hotel Group
  • Shaw Festival

Bestowed Awards:

Community Leadership (sponsored by Niagara Region Economic Development): Caroline Mann. This award recognizes an individual or individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact in the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union): Bill Schenck, Schenck Farms & Greenhouses. This award celebrates a Niagara entrepreneur whose work has been impactful or exceptionally significant in the region.

Innovative Leader Award (sponsored by CAA Niagara): Keith Simmonds, Great Wolf Lodge. This award celebrates prominent business leaders who show exemplary dedication to their community through volunteer efforts.

Builder of the Year: Merit Contractors Niagara. This award is presented to a company that has had an historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in Niagara, the largest business organization in the region and the second-largest Chamber of Commerce in Ontario, with 1,500 members representing 50,000 employees. More information on the GNCC is available at gncc.ca.

Contact:

Mishka Balsom, CEO
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Mishka@gncc.ca or 905-684-2361

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Daily Update: May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022 | Daily Update

In this edition:

The Prime Minister announces a change in the leadership of the Public Service

New program in Niagara launching today involving 80 local doctors and nurses

Scotiabank hikes dividend as profit beats expectations

Realized net income for Canadian farmers rose 46.4% to $13.5 billion in 2021

Statistics Canada reports that the realized net income for Canadian farmers rose 46.4% to $13.5 billion in 2021, as strong growth in receipts offset higher expenses. This increase followed a 79.7% gain in 2020 and a 5.1% rise in 2019. Excluding cannabis, realized net income in 2021 was up 46.2% to $13.7 billion.

Realized net income is the difference between a farmer’s cash receipts and operating expenses, minus depreciation, plus income in kind.

Click here for more details.

 

The Prime Minister announces a change in the leadership of the Public Service

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Janice Charette as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, effective May 28, 2022. Ms. Charette has been serving as Interim Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet since March 9, 2021, and prior to this as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Click here for more details.

 

New program in Niagara launching today involving 80 local doctors and nurses

A new program in Niagara, involving 80 family doctors and nurses, is trying to improve health care and cut down on unnecessary ER trips.

SCOPE Niagara, which stands for Seamless Care Optimizing the Patient Experience, is launching today. It connects family physicians and nurse practitioners to a dedicated team of specialists from Niagara Health and from Home and Community Care.

The primary care providers will connect with SCOPE Niagara’s nurse navigator, who will direct them to the most appropriate providers or services based on their patient’s health concerns.

Click here for more details.

 

Scotiabank hikes dividend as profit beats expectations

The Bank of Nova Scotia is raising its dividend after net income surged to $2.76 billion in the second quarter, driven in part by loan growth in its Canadian and international segments.

The net income figure amounted to a 12 per cent gain over the $2.47 billion reported in the same quarter last year and on an adjusted basis worked out to $2.18 per share for the three months ending April 30 was up from $1.90 last year. Bloomberg analysts had been expecting a profit of $1.97 a share.

Scotiabank also increased its quarterly dividend by three cents per share to $1.03 to be paid on July 27.

Click here for more details.

 

Bullish view on Canada’s TSX tempered as analysts fret about growth

Canada’s main stock index is expected to advance less than previously thought this year as economic growth slows and central banks raise interest rates, a Reuters poll found.

The median prediction of 26 portfolio managers and strategists was for the S&P/TSX Composite index to rise 4.4% to 21,183 by the end of 2022, compared with a forecast of 22,175 in the previous poll in February.

It was then expected to move up to 22,000 by the end of 2023 but fall short of the record closing high of 22,087.22 that it reached on March 29.

Click here for more details.

 

Reading Recommendations

Language law Bill 96 adopted, promising sweeping changes for Quebec

Selena Ross, Joe Lofaro, CTV News

Bill 96, the provincial government’s legislation aimed at protecting the French language in Quebec, has been adopted in the National Assembly. MNAs voted 78-29 in favour of passing the law Tuesday afternoon, with opposition members from the Liberal Party and Parti Québécois voting against it.

Click here to read more.

 

Five things you need to know about Ottawa’s decision to ban Huawei from 5G networks

Barbara Shecter, Financial Post

Last week, Ottawa announced it is banning China’s telecommunications equipment giant Huawei Technologies from 5G wireless development in Canada over security concerns, putting an end to a years-long debate that has roiled the telecom sector. Here are five things you need to know about the decision, from its impact on 5G to Huawei’s future in Canada.

Click here to read more.

 

GNCC election platform

GNCC asks that the next Government of Ontario addresses the increasing scarcity of affordable housing and the overall housing supply shortfall. In an effort to build stronger communities, GNCC’s provincial election platform outlines policies and strategies to address this issue.

Click here to read the full platform.

 

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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