In this edition:

• Government of Ontario abandons plan to dissolve Peel Region
• Brock’s Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering set to welcome first class of undergrads in 2024
• Taxpayers ‘relatively happy and satisfied’ with Niagara Region’s performance: survey
• “Total DSO model” could provide $5 to $12 billion in net benefits to electricity customers: OEA
• Niagara Parks Marina to become new waterfront destination through substantial redevelopment
• Marissa West named GM Senior Vice President and President, North America
• Focus on Climate

Government of Ontario abandons plan to dissolve Peel Region

In an announcement today, the Government of Ontario revealed that it planned to introduce legislation that would, if passed, mean the region of Peel will not be dissolved.

The government said that it had made this decision in response to feedback from its municipal partners and was taking steps to clarify and enhance collaborative efforts to build at least 1.5 million homes across the province by 2031, protect frontline services, and keep costs down for taxpayers.

“While we originally thought that the best way to achieve our goals of better services and lower taxes was through dissolution, we’ve since heard loud and clear from municipal leaders and stakeholders that full dissolution would lead to significant tax hikes and disruption to critical services the people of Peel Region depend on,” said Minister Paul Calandra.

While other regions, including Niagara, are also under review, no announcement regarding their future was made.

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Brock will welcome the first class of undergraduate students into its innovative Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering next fall, now that the program has received approval from the province.

The Integrated Engineering program takes key concepts from traditional engineering fields — such as mechanical, software and electrical — and brings them together into a single coherent program where students learn about each field as well as the connections between them.

The Ontario Energy Association today released a Distribution System Operator (DSO) Study which revealed that investing in a Total DSO model in Ontario will provide anywhere from $5 to $12 billion in net benefits to electricity customers, or an average of $48 to $111 per customer annually.

The study points to the need to begin investments in grid modernization immediately to unlock these benefits for customers. The full report can be found here.

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Niagara Parks will be entirely redeveloping its marina property along the south Niagara Parkway in the Town of Fort Erie over the next three years, with an investment of $19 million from its earned revenue. The goal of the redevelopment is to create a new recreational waterfront destination along the shores of the upper Niagara River with increased public access and amenities.

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Marissa West named GM Senior Vice President and President, North America

General Motors today announced several executive leadership changes effective January 2, 2024, including the appointment of Marissa West, current president and managing director of GM Canada, to senior vice president and president, North America.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

The 1.08 million ton Hibernia oil platform, located in the waters of the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, is believed to be the largest object ever towed.

Focus on Climate

Companies should adopt Eco-friendly practices, especially as the population grows even more environmentally conscious. In today’s corporate world, sustainable business strategies are no longer a matter of conscientious choice or a legal obligation. It is a matter of retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. According to recent studies, younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are already becoming one of the most important consumer groups, demand sustainable, ethical, and environmentally conscious practices.

Many corporations today do everything they can to minimize their carbon imprint and adopt more sustainable strategies for keeping their business green — or as green as it can get. But even though environmental protection has become such a massive requirement today, not every company does everything they can to become more eco-friendly.

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.

In this edition:

• Government of Canada announces details of new national dental plan
• Ontario aims to cut school construction time in half with new strategy
• Owners of former Y hope St. Catharines will re-consider partnership
• BlackBerry appoints John Giamatteo as CEO
• LCBO report reveals what Ontarians drank in 2023
• Metroland creditors accept insolvency proposal
• Korean EV manufacturer makes $35M investment in Ontario
• Focus on Retail

Government of Canada announces details of new national dental plan

Today, the Government of Canada announced the details of the upcoming roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a significant milestone for the health and well-being of people in Canada. Once fully implemented, the CDCP will help ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care for up to nine million uninsured Canadian residents with an annual family income of less than $90,000.

To meet anticipated demand and ensure a smooth onboarding process, the CDCP will be rolled out using a phased approach over the coming months, starting with seniors. Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 will be able to apply online starting June 2024. All remaining eligible Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 will be able to apply online starting in 2025.

Click here to read more.

The Ontario government is introducing new measures to build modern schools faster calculated to cut construction timelines by nearly 50 per cent to meet the unprecedented pace of growth across the province. In Ontario, the average school construction timeline is 4-7 years, which comes from an obsolete capital process that has not been meaningfully overhauled since 2010-11, the Government of Ontario said in a statement today.

BlackBerry Limited announced the appointment of John J. Giamatteo as its new Chief Executive Officer and as a member of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Richard (Dick) Lynch, who has served as interim Chief Executive Officer since November 4, 2023, will continue as Board Chair. The Company also announced that it will separate the IoT and Cybersecurity businesses, and that they will operate as fully standalone divisions. BlackBerry will no longer pursue a subsidiary IPO of the IoT business.

Click here to read more.

This year marked a shift in customer purchasing behaviour as Ontarians made more mindful choices that saw their dollar go further, the LCBO reported in a media release today. While many customers sought more value-based purchases, brand-loyal customers stuck to their favourites.

The tequila frenzy from last year continued in 2023, but at a slower rate (+16%) than the previous year – overall there has been 44% growth in the last two years. Catching customers’ interest were brands with celebrity backing, innovative finishes (e.g. wine-barrel aging), eye-catching packaging, and 100% agave.

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Metroland creditors accept insolvency proposal

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The Ontario government is welcoming a $35 million investment by Bobaek America Inc., a Korean electric vehicle (EV) parts manufacturer, to build a new manufacturing facility in Windsor, specializing in battery insulation panels and cell sheets for EVs. Bobaek’s investment marks the company’s first entry into the North American EV supply chain and will create 144 new jobs in the region.

Click here to read more.

Did you know?

80% of live stream viewers will watch a stream from a brand rather than read its blog.

Focus on Retail

Grocers live in a world of high inflation, rising costs and already-thin margins, so it’s especially painful when profits just walk out the door. Whether from sticky fingers at the self-checkout or sophisticated organized crime rings, theft and loss has become a big problem for retailers. According to Statistics Canada, rates of shoplifting jumped 31% in 2022 compared to 2021. The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) says some of its members are reporting a 300% increase in thefts since 2020, pegging the losses at $5 billion a year. In the United States, the National Retail Federation found that shrink – primarily driven by theft and organized retail crime – represented US$112.1 billion in losses in 2022, up from US$93.9 billion the previous year.

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.

In this edition:

• Niagara College named No. 1 research college in Canada in latest top-50 research colleges report
• ServiceOntario to open new centres in Staples stores
• Free info sessions on Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy available
• Canada revises cost-of-living requirements for international students
• Over 140,000 new workers needed for Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry by 2030
• Ontario Chamber releases new policy brief on low-carbon fleets
• Canadian Chamber says Oil and Gas Emissions Cap does not adequately consider industry
• Non-residential building construction leads October construction gains
• Robert Half says more than half of Cdn. companies plan to hire more in the first half of 2024
• Niagara winery owners, winemaker purchase sparkling wine facility
• Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Niagara College named No. 1 research college in Canada in latest top-50 research colleges report

For the second time in less than five years, Niagara College (NC) has hit the No. 1 spot for colleges in Canada for research funding, according to a special report released today. Moving up one spot from last year’s standings, Niagara College is now the No. 1 research college across Canada. This is the ninth year in a row NC has been in the top 10.

In its special report Canada’s Innovation Leaders, Research Infosource Inc. announced the rankings based on total research funding numbers for 2022. The publication includes a national study “Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges”.

Click here to read more.

The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient for families and businesses to access vital government services such as driver’s licences and health cards. Beginning in early 2024, ServiceOntario is opening new centres in select Staples Canada stores with additional locations expected to open throughout the year.

“ServiceOntario is a critical link in helping people access important government services,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery. “We are working to make it easier to live and work in Ontario, with in-person access as a fundamental component of excellent service delivery. That is why we are partnering with Staples Canada, an experienced retailer with a strong presence in Ontario, to help provide services where people already live, work and shop.”

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada. Moving forward, this threshold will be adjusted each year when Statistics Canada updates the low-income cut-off (LICO). LICO represents the minimum income necessary to ensure that an individual does not have to spend a greater than average portion of income on necessities.

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Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario. While there is a growing shift toward electric and hybrid passenger vehicles, businesses face unique challenges when it comes to transitioning their medium- and heavy-duty fleets. In an era where environmental sustainability intersects increasingly with business viability, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released its policy brief, “Transitioning to Low-Carbon Fleets in Ontario,” today. It addresses a timely issue facing Ontario businesses, exploring the technologies, policies, and investments required to enable low-carbon commercial fleets across the province.

Click here to read more.

Over 140,000 new workers needed for Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry by 2030

Food Processing Skills Canada released latest workforce forecasts and labour market information for the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Last year, the value of Canadian food and beverage exports was estimated at $54.3B accounting for seven per cent of Canada’s total exports.

In 2022, this industry employed approximately 300,000 people and by 2030 that number is expected to grow to 325,000 — an increase of 9 per cent. However, it is important to note the context for this with Canada’s aging population. It isn’t that only 25,000 new workers are needed in the next seven years, it is that over 65,000 members of the current workforce will retire over that same period. This is in addition to the current 50,000 vacancies that the industry is experiencing.

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In a statement issued today, Bryan N. Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the Government’s decision to pursue an Oil and Gas Emissions Cap without adequately considering industry concerns.

“The proposed emissions cap will make Canada uncompetitive in the fight for the global capital that actually encourages investment in net-zero technologies,” Detchou said, “some of which do not yet exist at scale in the market. We shouldn’t be the jurisdiction with the least attractive fiscal policies for decarbonization.”

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Non-residential building construction leads October construction gains

The total value of building permits in Canada increased 2.3% from September to $11.2 billion in October, led by gains in the non-residential sector, Statistics Canada reported today. The total value of non-residential sector permits increased 5.3% to $4.1 billion in October, with gains being concentrated in Ontario (+16.0% to $2.0 billion). This was attributable to a significant increase in construction intentions in the institutional component (+29.2% to $1.4 billion). In October, the largest permit issued was for the construction of a new hospital wing in Toronto.

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Robert Half says more than half of Cdn. companies plan to hire more in the first half of 2024

The job market will remain resilient heading into 2024, research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. According to the company’s State of Hiring Survey, 54 per cent of hiring managers plan to add new permanent positions in the first six months of the year while another 40 per cent anticipate hiring for vacated positions.

Among managers who plan to expand hiring, more than six in 10 (61 per cent) cite company growth as the primary factor influencing their hiring decisions for the first half of 2024, followed by a lack of requisite skills among current employees (50 per cent). Capitalizing on top talent laid off from other companies and employee turnover were tied, with 48 per cent of hiring managers citing these as factors in their hiring plans. In addition, more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of those who had to postpone projects in 2023 said they plan to move forward with projects that were previously put on hold.

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The largest independent facility for making sparkling wine in Ontario has been jointly purchased by two of the Niagara’s key winery owners and a veteran winemaker.

Hidden Bench owner Harald Thiel, Cave Spring co-founder Len Pennachetti, and winemaker Philip Dowell acquired Millesime effective Dec. 1. The company has been renamed to the Niagara Sparkling Wine Service.

Commenting on the recent transaction, Pennachetti and Thiel said that this acquisition demonstrates their commitment to the future of traditional method sparkling wine production in Ontario. “By securing the continuity of Millesime and providing Ontario craft winemakers with a scalable traditional method, sparkling wine processing facility we believe that we can assure and propel the growth of premium sparkling wine production in our industry.”

Did you know?

The longest of Algoma’s dry-bulk ships is longer than two football fields and can carry 31,000 metric tonnes of cargo.

Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Inspired by the results of the famous orchestra study — where symphony orchestras began hiring more women by having people audition from behind a screen that concealed their gender — some major organizations are now using a “blind hiring” strategy to help achieve goals related to diversity. The typical blind hiring process involves stripping information from job application materials before review that could signal applicants’ memberships in specific groups and cue discrimination. Though not yet widespread, this de-biasing strategy is gaining traction: A recent survey of over 800 U.S.-based HR practitioners indicated that about 20% worked for organizations that used blind hiring and about 60% were familiar with it.

What many practitioners may be unaware of, however, is the large span of new research on blind hiring that has been published since that orchestra study in 2000. Over the past two decades, the efficacy of blind hiring as a strategy to boost hiring outcomes for members of historically disadvantaged groups has been tested in the “field” — that is, in real hiring decisions in real organizations — in various settings across Europe, Canada, and the U.S. By understanding the results of these recent studies, decision-makers in organizations can now determine, at a very granular level, whether a blind hiring strategy is likely to help or hinder their organizations’ efforts to diversify pools of new hires.

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.

In this edition:

• Bank of Canada maintains interest rates and continues quantitative tightening
• Lack of Ministerial long-term plan is slowing tourism sector growth: Acting AG
• Free parking in downtown St. Catharines returns December 11
• Welland approves budget with 3.15% tax increase
• Canadian trade surplus widens to $3 billion
• Niagara College beer festival to feature unique student-crafted brews
• St. Catharines Club building put up for sale
• Grimsby to consider licensing short-term rental accommodations
• Oil and gas emissions cap coming Thursday, targets 2026 start date: CP source
• Smart Prosperity Institute publishes reports on building zero-emissions vehicle sector
• Focus on Climate

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. At the same time, the Bank announced that it is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

In a media release, the Bank noted that inflationary pressures were easing due to several factors. Growth in the euro area has weakened and, combined with lower energy prices, this has reduced inflationary pressures. Oil prices are about $10-per-barrel lower than was assumed in the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). While U.S. economic growth has been stronger than expected, led by robust consumer spending, the Bank said it was likely to weaken in the months ahead as past policy rate increases work their way through the economy.

In Canada, economic growth stalled through the middle quarters of 2023. Real GDP contracted at a rate of 1.1% in the third quarter, following growth of 1.4% in the second quarter. Higher interest rates are clearly restraining spending: consumption growth in the last two quarters was close to zero, and business investment has been volatile but essentially flat over the past year.

The Bank’s Governing Council warned that it is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation and remains prepared to raise the policy rate further if needed.

Ontario’s economic growth from the tourism industry is being limited because the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport does not have an effective long-term strategic plan for supporting and growing tourism in the province, Acting Auditor General Nick Stavropoulos said today.

If some advertising costs now spent to market to Ontarians were reallocated to advertise in the United States, Ontario could potentially see an increase in U.S. visitors and tourism spending, which would provide a greater economic benefit to Ontario overall, the agency suggested.

The AG’s audit found the Ministry did not always approve support in a timely way for events such as arts, food and music festivals across the province. This resulted in event cancellations, impacting communities and businesses that benefit from visitors and their spending to bolster the local economy.

Click here to read more.

As of next week, if you are heading to downtown St. Catharines or Port Dalhousie for holiday activities, you will be able to enjoy the gift of free parking on weekday afternoons.

The annual parking promotion, offered by the City of St. Catharines and the St. Catharines Downtown Association, begins on Monday, Dec. 11. The program was launched to bring people downtown during the holiday season.

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The City of Welland’s 2024 budget is set after Councillors provided and voted on their final amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget, settling on a municipal tax levy increase of 3.15 per cent after assessment growth of 3.08 per cent.

This rate amounts to an approximate $56 annual increase for an average home assessed at $230,000, the City said in a statement. Residents will also see an approximate increase of $34 on their water and wastewater bills for the low residential user.

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Canadian trade surplus widens to $3 billion

In October, Canada’s merchandise imports fell 2.8%, while exports edged up 0.1%, Statistics Canada reported today. As a result, Canada’s merchandise trade surplus with the world widened from $1.1 billion in September to $3.0 billion in October.

The increase came despite declines in 6 of the 11 product sections. Excluding energy products, exports rose 0.5%. In real (or volume) terms, total exports edged down 0.1%.

Click here to read more.

Niagara College beer festival to feature unique student-crafted brews

Silver bells are ringing for Niagara College Brewmaster students as they prepare to cap off their studies by hosting Project Brew in early December.

This will mark the 25^th edition for Project Brew at NC– a silver celebration for the student-led festival which has become a rite of passage for final-term students from NC’s trailblazing Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. While Project Brew gives the public a taste of unique craft beers from the next generation of beer professionals, student organizers have an opportunity to showcase their brews, and gain planning and event management skills during their last term of study.

Click here to read more.

St. Catharines Club building put up for sale

Did you know?

iPhones represent 62% of the Canadian market, but only 29% of the world.

Focus on Climate

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.

In this edition:

• Federal government reaches deal with Google on Online News Act
• GM scales back electric vehicle and self-driving car plans as new labour deals will cost it $10 billion
• Permanent patio program in Niagara-on-the-Lake still to be reviewed
• Hearings on the two-tiered municipal structure to take place in Niagara on January 10, 2024
• Canada announces first major investment tax credit project
• Bank of Canada publishes report on a potential digital Canadian dollar
• Focus on Climate

Permanent patio program in Niagara-on-the-Lake still to be reviewed 

Despite widespread support of the seasonal patio program in town, councillors want a few questions answered before they have staff prepare a permanent program.

At the Tuesday (Nov. 21) council meeting, councillors discussed a report that included two recommendations. The first was to support the seasonal patio program for the urban area in principle, and the second was to direct staff to develop a permanent program for the town’s urban areas.

Councillors approved the first recommendation, turned down the second, and then added a third to direct staff to come back with a report that responded to some concerns brought up during the discussion.

Click here for more details.

Did you know?

The world’s fastest public passenger train is the Shanghai Maglev, connecting Shanghai’s Pudong airport with the Longyang Road station in the city center at 460 km/h. At that speed, a trip between Niagara Falls and Union Station in Toronto would take seventeen minutes.

Focus on Climate

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.