Daily Update: August 27th, 2021

August 27, 2021 | Daily Update

Regional Council will create a COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff, and asked the Province and Feds for a proof-of-vaccination program.

Niagara Regional Council approves staff vaccination policy, calls on Province and Feds to produce proof-of-vaccine certificate

At yesterday evening’s meeting, Niagara Regional Council voted to direct the creation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff, while also calling on the Provincial and Federal governments to create a proof-of-vaccination certificate program.

The staff vaccination policy will require all Regional staff to provide proof that they have received both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Staff who cannot provide proof of full vaccination will be required to be tested regularly and provide those results.

Council also voted to ensure the relevant parts of the staff policy will apply to members of council if they wish to attend in-person council meetings, conduct business at Regional facilities or attend official events in their capacity as a Councillor.

Later in the meeting, Regional Council passed a motion calling on the Provincial and Federal government to create a universal proof-of-vaccination certificate program to help residents easily prove their vaccination status.

Click here for more information.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Canadian economy continued to contract in May

Real gross domestic product contracted 0.3% in May, following a 0.5% decline in April. Total economic activity was about 2% below the level in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next three months, over one-quarter of businesses expected their profitability to decrease, 14.8% expected their sales to decrease, over one-fifth expected to increase the prices they charge and nearly four-fifths expected their number of employees to remain the same.

Click here for more information.

Brock amends fall term, classes on Sep 7-10 to be held online

Brock has decided that courses beginning between Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 10 will start online for those days only. On-campus instruction will resume on Monday, Sept. 13 for all courses except those already designated for online delivery in the Fall Term.

Courses that begin prior to Sept. 7, such as some in the Faculty of Education, are not affected and will proceed as planned between Sept. 7 and 10.

Click here for more information.

Heat warning in effect for Niagara this weekend

After a brief reprieve from the humidity today and tonight, hot and humid conditions return again on Saturday and last through Sunday. Weekend daytime maximum temperatures are 29 to 31 degrees Celsius, with humidex values of 37 to 42. Saturday nighttime minimum temperatures are 20 to 23 degrees Celsius.

Click here for more information.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Niagara CentreNiagara FallsNiagara WestSt. CatharinesCanada (338canada)Canada (CBC)
Bloc Quebecois7% (32 seats)6.8% (31 seats)
Conservative Party30%38%46%32%31.4% (126 seats)31% (119 seats)
Green Party3%3.7%3.9%3.5%3.4% (2 seats)3.5% (1 seat)
Liberal Party35%31%29%36%31.9% (148 seats)31.5% (155 seats)
New Democratic Party24%21%14%23%19.3% (31 seats)19.1% (32 seats)
People's Party7.6%6%6.5%5.8%6% (0 seats)7% (0 seats)
Christian Heritage--1.1%---

Data are provided by 338canada.com using an aggregate of polls. Projections are updated daily. Click here for more information and margins of error.

Download the Canadian Chamber’s policy tracker, which summarizes party commitments made to date.

GNCC Niagara Prosperity Plan: Getting everyone over the COVID finish line

Many small enterprises and businesses in the hardest-hit sectors, including tourism, travel and hospitality, will not recover until public health restrictions are lifted and economic activity returns to normal. Until that time comes, these fellow Canadians require ongoing support.

The GNCC is asking all parties to return to pre-pandemic deficit-to-GDP ratio levels by the end of the business cycle. We must ensure GDP growth exceeds pre-pandemic levels by a substantial margin and public spending is focused on generating economic growth. While we hope that the pandemic is a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, the additional debt incurred should be paid down before the end of the business cycle.

Click here to read more about the GNCC’s Niagara Prosperity Plan.

Polls now indicate Liberal minority likely

CBC News

The Liberals are still heavily favoured to win the most seats but their chances of winning a majority government have fallen sharply since the beginning of the campaign and they are now poised to win fewer seats than in 2019. The Conservatives’ chances of winning the most seats have improved to one-in-four. The NDP could nearly double the size of its caucus compared to 2019, while the Bloc looks likely to retain most of its seats.

Click here for more information.

Cross country healthcare checkup

Enterprise Canada

The privatization of healthcare, a staple of federal elections going back generations, resurfaced in Week 2 of the campaign. The issue was raised by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland who tweeted an edited video of an interview with Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole during his leadership race last year.

Over the past six years, the Trudeau government has allowed private companies to participate in the public system without penalizing provinces under the Canada Health Act.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole reiterated this week that he is proud of and supports the Canadian public health system. He pointed to his election platform commitment to provide an unconditional $60 billion in healthcare funding to the provinces over the next 10 years.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh argued there is no difference between the Conservatives and Liberals on the question of healthcare privatization.

Click here for more information.

Singh seen as most likeable leader in election as Trudeau’s popularity craters: poll

Global News

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has emerged as the most likable of the federal party leaders as Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s popularity sinks amid the election campaign, a new poll suggests.

The Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News found Singh was the only party leader who was viewed more positively than negatively, with 45 per cent approval versus 39 per cent disapproval among those surveyed.

Trudeau, by contrast, had the highest unfavourability rating of any leader at 53 per cent, while 41 per cent said they viewed him favourably.

Click here for more information.

Reading Recommendations

Canada’s ruling Liberals promise C$1 bln to help provinces with vaccine passports

Reuters

Canada’s ruling Liberals on Friday said that if re-elected they would provide C$1 billion ($792 million) to help the 10 provinces create special passports for people to prove they had been inoculated against COVID-19.

Polls show the Liberals, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are narrowly ahead of their Conservative rivals. The election is on Sept 20.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine approved for 12- to 17-year-olds in Canada

CBC News

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said Friday that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for use in adolescents.

“After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing #Covid19 in youth aged 12 to 17,” the agencies said in a social media post.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for Canadians in early May for those aged 12 to 15. That vaccine was approved for those 16 and older in December 2020, the same month Moderna’s shots got the go-ahead for Canadians over 18.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

What will our eco-friendly homes of the future look like?

The Guardian

To reach net zero, we are going to have to change how we heat our houses. The way they are built will probably have to change, too. Perhaps the ubiquitous squat brick suburban house will become a thing of the past. Hopefully so will our Victorian pipe system and, for those of us who rent, our ancient boilers which make a disturbing noise.

We spoke to experts at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) to find out what the eco-friendly house of the future could look like.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions. Lower numbers are better in all metrics.

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

Last updated: August 21, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

There are currently 4 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19. There are currently 3 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara Health.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 657,050

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,002

Last updated: August 27, 2021

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Free rapid COVID-19 testing kits are now available to businesses. Visit gncc.ca/workplace-self-screening-kits to learn more and reserve kits for your organization.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.

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2021 federal riding polls

August 23, 2021 |

[[“”,”Niagara Centre”,”Niagara Falls”,”Niagara West”,”St. Catharines”,”Canada (338canada)”,”Canada (CBC)”],[“Bloc Quebecois”,””,””,””,””,”7% (32 seats)”,”6.8% (31 seats)”],[“Conservative Party”,”30%”,”38%”,”46%”,”32%”,”31.4% (126 seats)”,”31% (119 seats)”],[“Green Party”,”3%”,”3.7%”,”3.9%”,”3.5%”,”3.4% (2 seats)”,”3.5% (1 seat)”],[“Liberal Party”,”35%”,”31%”,”29%”,”36%”,”31.9% (148 seats)”,”31.5% (155 seats)”],[“New Democratic Party”,”24%”,”21%”,”14%”,”23%”,”19.3% (31 seats)”,”19.1% (32 seats)”],[“People’s Party”,”7.6%”,”6%”,”6.5%”,”5.8%”,”6% (0 seats)”,”7% (0 seats)”],[“Christian Heritage”,”-“,”-“,”1.1%”,”-“,”-“,”-“]]

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Daily Update: August 11th, 2021

August 11, 2021 | Daily Update

The provincial government has released guidelines around testing and self-isolation for those who might be exposed to the virus.

Ontario introduces new self-isolation rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals

With Ontario facing a delta variant-driven fourth wave of COVID-19, the provincial government has released guidelines around testing and self-isolation for those who might be exposed to the virus — with the rules dependent on vaccination status.

Though the new rules are complex, they contain one basic theme: vaccinated Ontarians will be subject to fewer restrictions and more lenient isolation requirements compared to people who are unvaccinated.

Ontarians who are vaccinated, asymptomatic and exposed to a confirmed case are “likely” (depending on their specific public health unit) not required to self-isolate, but should get tested, the province says. Those people should also self-monitor for any symptoms for 10 days, as well as follow public health measures like wearing masks outside their home. An unvaccinated person has to self-isolate for 10 days and immediately get tested.

Click here for more information.

Canada moving forward with a proof of vaccination for international travel

The Government of Canada is collaborating with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel, while reducing the risk of spread and importation of COVID-19. Travellers will be able to submit their proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN (mobile app or Canada.ca/ArriveCAN) when coming back to Canada. While the focus is on a digital proof of vaccination, the government will also make sure that these documents are accessible for all Canadians who may need to use them.

Click here for more information.

Ontario Minister of Finance to release Quarterly Fiscal Update

Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, will release Ontario’s 2021-22 First Quarter Finances and provide an update on Ontario’s economic and fiscal outlook at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Click here for more information.

Government of Canada invests in first made-in-Canada electric vehicle

Today, the Government of Canada announced a $5-million FedDev Ontario investment in the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) to support Project Arrow, the automotive industry’s first Canadian-made, zero emission concept vehicle.

Click here for more information.

Second phase of Connecting Families program announced, bringing high-speed internet to more low-income families and seniors

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors, announced the second phase of Connecting Families, which will help connect hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and families to affordable high-speed home Internet in 2022.

Connecting Families 2.0 is introducing significantly faster speeds and increasing the data usage amount. At 50/10 megabits per second (Mbps), the download and upload speeds will be five and ten times faster respectively than Connecting Families 1.0, with 200 GB of data usage for $20 a month. This new phase will also broaden eligibility from families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to include low-income seniors.

Click here for more information.

Welland will apply for new federal intake program to fund Dain City infrastructure improvements

On Tuesday, August 10, Welland City Council directed staff to apply for two streams of funding to assist with infrastructure in Dain City. Resulting from a significant storm event in mid-July that saw over four inches of rainfall in a 14-hour timeframe, the City received reports of more than 80 flooding incidents; noticeably in Ward 6.

Options for funding to mitigate future significant wet weather events include the Council-approved small-scale ($1M – $20M) application for the Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund (DMAF) to support the City’s inflow and infiltration reduction efforts within Dain City. The other opportunity is through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Green Stream, which prioritizes drinking water projects associated with water infrastructure Projects subject to a $5 million funding cap for total eligible costs.

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Heat warning for Niagara continues

Daytime temperatures will reach the high twenties to low thirties today and Thursday. These high temperatures will combine with high humidity to result in humidex values near 40 each day. High temperatures Friday may also reach the upper twenties with humidex values again approaching 40 before cooler and less humid air arrives.

Click here for more information.

Reading Recommendations

U.S. lawmakers introduce bill to rein in Apple, Google app stores

Financial Post

A bipartisan trio of senators introduced a bill that would rein in app stores of companies they said exert too much market control, including Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Amy Klobuchar, both Democrats, teamed up with Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn to sponsor the bill, which would bar big app stores from requiring app providers to use their payment system. It would also prohibit them from punishing apps that offer different prices or conditions through another app store or payment system.

Lumber drops to nine-month low, extending retreat from record

BNN Bloomberg

Lumber futures slid to the lowest in more than nine months after sawmills ramped up production and demand from builders stabilized.

September futures in Chicago fell as much as 4.4 per cent to US$482.90 per thousand board feet, the lowest for a most-active contract since Oct. 30. Prices have dropped more than 70 per cent from the record high reached just three months ago.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions. Lower numbers are better in all metrics.

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

Last updated: August 7, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

There are currently 0 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19. There are currently 0 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara Health.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 637,432

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,331

Last updated: August 11, 2021

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Free rapid COVID-19 testing kits are now available to businesses. Visit gncc.ca/workplace-self-screening-kits to learn more and reserve kits for your organization.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.

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Daily Update: July 29th, 2021

July 29, 2021 | Daily Update

Niagara receives $2 million in direct federal support for tourism sector

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

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

Survey on in-person events

The GNCC would like your feedback on attending in-person events this year. Please take a minute to complete our confidential survey. Results will be shared in the Daily Update next week.

Niagara receives $2 million in direct federal support for tourism sector

Niagara Economic Development has secured $2 million in direct funding from The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support Niagara’s tourism industry in its recovery from COVID-19.

The funding provided 167 Niagara tourism-dependent businesses with up to $20,000 in non-repayable contributions to support costs associated with adapting and eventually reopening, such as space renovations and retrofits, purchase of equipment and fixtures, personal protective equipment, and support for technology and digitization. For more information, click here.

Support for Ontario’s Tender Fruit Growers

The Government of Ontario is investing over $865,000 to support Ontario Tender Fruit Growers in purchasing branded display bins to make it easier for consumers to identify locally grown tender fruit at their local grocery stores.

This three-year funding extension adds to Ontario’s previous commitment to produce and print 7,000 newly designed display bins to promote locally grown tender fruit across the province. The investment will increase in-store product visibility and shelf space during peak season to create demand and ensure economic opportunities for Ontario growers. For more information, click here.

Ontario investing in new resources for construction sector

The Ontario government is investing over $3 million to create a virtual training hub that will help construction supervisors learn the skills they need to mentor and train their team. The funding will also go toward the creation of an online job bank that will help up to 200 laid-off and unemployed workers find good jobs in construction. For more information, click here.

Government of Canada releases recommendations for moving forward on National Infrastructure Assessment

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities joined Tamara Vrooman, Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, to release the recommendations for moving forward on the National Infrastructure Assessment that summarizes consultation findings to inform the national infrastructure assessment. Launched last March, the consultation – named “Building the Canada We Want in 2050” – sought input from the public, Indigenous communities and organizations, provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders on three main priorities of the assessment:

  • Assessing Canada’s infrastructure needs and establishing a long-term vision;
  • Improving coordination among infrastructure owners and funders; and
  • Determining the best ways to fund and finance infrastructure.

For more information, click here.

Announcement on the appointment of Senators

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada’s new Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed the following individuals as independent Senators to fill vacancies across Canada:

  • David Arnot, for Saskatchewan
  • Michèle Audette, for Québec
  • Amina Gerba, for Québec
  • Clément Gignac, for Québec
  • Karen Sorensen, for Alberta

For more information, read here.

Creating a Safe, Inclusive and Open Online Environment

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, alongside the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, launched a public consultation on a proposed approach for promoting a safe, inclusive and open online environment. Click here for more information or to submit comments.

Reading Recommendations

Google mandates vaccines for employees and delays its return to the office to October

The New York Times, Kellen Browning, Erin Woo and Kate Conger

Google is postponing a return to the office for most workers until mid-October and rolling out a policy that will eventually require everyone to be vaccinated once its sprawling campuses are fully reopened.

The more highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is driving a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Google’s announcement was shortly followed by Facebook, which also said it will make vaccines mandatory for U.S. employees who work in offices.

Tax-to-GDP Ratio: Comparing tax systems around the world

Visual Capitalist, Carmen Ang

Taxes are an important source of revenue for most countries. In fact, taxes provide around 50 per cent or more of government funds in almost every country in the world.

How does each country’s tax system compare to one another? Since countries’ populations and economies differ greatly, measuring total tax revenue is not the best way to compare international tax systems. Instead, using a tax-to-GDP ratio is one of the more useful ways to compare tax systems around the world.

Today’s Resources

  • Free rapid antigen COVID-19 testing kits are now available to businesses.
  • Based on today’s GNCC Espresso webinar with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), please find a link to their Roadmap to Reopening For complete resources such as safety plans and templates, screening tools, guidance documents and more, click here.

Niagara COVID-19 data

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions.

Current number of admitted Niagara Health patients with COVID-19: 3

Patients with COVID-19 in Niagara Health ICU’s: 1

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara Health.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Last updated: July 29, 2021

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Total doses administered in Niagara: 617,006

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 2,713

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.

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Daily Update: July 20th, 2021

July 20, 2021 | COVID-19 Member News, Daily Update

The results are in for our two-question survey on member opinions about vaccine passports.

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

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

GNCC COVID-19 vaccination passport survey results

For two days, the GNCC ran a two-question survey which asked whether the respondent favoured a vaccine passport, and what industry they represented. The survey gathered a total of 571 results, which are shown here.

Click here for more information.

Ontario helping 100,000 workers train for in-demand jobs

The Ontario government is investing $5.8 million in free online training to help 100,000 workers gain the skills they need to find good jobs and restart their careers. Courses will focus on building skills most in-demand by employers in fields such as information technology, finance and business administration.

Click here for more information.

Facility at Canada Games Park named the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre

The Walker family and Walker Industries, in partnership with the cities of St. Catharines and Thorold, Brock University and Niagara Region, are pleased to announce a substantial contribution that will see the sport and recreation complex at Canada Games Park named the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.

The agreement, which also names the Walker Founders Plaza located on the site, was announced by Geordie Walker on behalf of his family at a naming event on July 19 near the facility.

Click here for more information.

Welland impacted by 50-year storm

Environment Canada issued several alerts over the past weekend warning Niagara Region residents of thunderstorms and severe rainfall that was anticipated. The amount of rain that fell throughout the city varies; with Ward 6 being hit the hardest, a total of 108.7mm of rain was recorded.

Those affected by the flooding resulting in damage are encouraged to visit www.welland.ca/clerks/InsuranceClaim.asp and/or the Niagara Region www.niagararegion.ca/government/departments/corp-services/procedure.aspx

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Clarification on Bill C-208 provides much needed certainty for small businesses

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, issued the following statement on today’s clarification from the government on the taxation of intergenerational transfers of small business shares:

“Today’s clarification from Finance Minister Freeland regarding Bill C-208 provides much needed certainty for small businesses by making clear the Bill is now part of the Income Tax Act. The unfair taxation of intergenerational transfers meant that until Bill C-208, it was more difficult and made less financial sense for small business owners to sell their company to their children and grandchildren versus a complete stranger.”

Click here for more information.

Canada Child Benefit to be increased to match inflation

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced that the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit will once again be increased to keep up with the rising cost of living. For the 2021–2022 benefit year, the maximum annual benefit will be $6,833 per child under age 6 and $5,765 per child aged 6 through 17. That’s over $350 more per child than when the CCB was first introduced.

Click here for more information.

Reading Recommendations

Politics the reason Canada has surpassed U.S. on COVID vaccines, Fauci says

CBC News

News that Canada has surged past the U.S. in vaccinations for COVID-19 prompted a number of headlines in American and international news outlets, given how remote this scenario seemed months ago.

It’s also prompted some finger-pointing within the U.S. One person making apparent his increasing frustration with developments in the U.S. is Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

He was asked in a CNN interview what happened and why Canada had surpassed the U.S. in the rate of first and second doses despite the U.S.’s months-long head start.

Fauci blamed politics in the U.S.

Home prices up 16% in June for largest 12-month gain on record

BNN Bloomberg/Canadian Press

Canadian home prices increased in June to mark the largest 12-month gain on record as prices climbed in all 11 markets, says the Teranet National Bank composite price index.

The index was up 16 per cent from June 2020, beating the 14.2 per cent rise of June 2017 that preceded the introduction of macroprudential measures designed to restrain home prices.

Prices were up 10 per cent or more in an unprecedented 90 per cent of 32 urban markets and up 30 per cent or more in 42 per cent of these markets.

Niagara COVID Stat Tracker

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

Last updated: July 10, 2021

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health.

Click here for a guide to this table.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Last updated: July 20, 2021

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Total doses administered in Niagara: 586,011

Total doses administered in Niagara since yesterday: 4,653

Ontario is currently in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here.The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
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Daily Update: July 12th, 2021

July 12, 2021 | Daily Update

The Government of Canada has announced $500 million for the new Tourism Relief Fund. Eligible organizations can now submit applications.

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

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

Federal government launches Tourism Relief Fund

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, launched $500-million in funding for the new Tourism Relief Fund. Eligible organizations can now submit applications to support the tourism sector prepare to welcome back domestic travelers and reposition Canada as a world-class destination.

Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) will deliver $485 million directly to businesses and organizations. In addition, $15 million, delivered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, will support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, and human resources and skills development.

More information on the Tourism Relief Fund, including how eligible applicants can apply, is available through Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).

Security risk assessment now required to access federal research funds

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, released new National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, developed in collaboration with the Government of Canada–Universities Working Group. The new guidelines will integrate national security considerations into the development, evaluation and funding of research partnerships.

The guidelines will be applied immediately as a mandatory element of federal research partnership funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Alliance Grants program for any application involving private sector partner organizations. Foreign not-for-profit and government organizations are already ineligible partners under this program. Applicants will be required to complete a risk assessment as an integral part of the grant application submitted to NSERC. The risk assessment and mitigation measures will be assessed by NSERC in consultation with national security agencies and departments on a case-by-case basis.

Carolyn Rogers appointed as Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada

The Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada today announced that Carolyn Rogers has been appointed Senior Deputy Governor for a seven-year term, effective December 15, 2021. The selection was made by the independent members of the Bank’s Board and was approved by the federal Cabinet. Ms. Rogers succeeds Carolyn A. Wilkins, who resigned from the Bank on December 9, 2020.

As Senior Deputy Governor, Ms. Rogers will oversee the Bank’s strategic planning and operations, and provide leadership to the Bank’s role in promoting a stable and efficient financial system. As a member of the Bank’s Governing Council, she will share responsibility for the conduct of monetary policy. She will also be a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Building investment cooler in May

Investment in building construction decreased 1.9% to $19.4 billion in May, the first drop in seven months. Residential construction investment (-2.7%) was down for the first time since April 2020, while non-residential construction increased slightly.

Residential construction was down 2.7% in May, bringing total investment to $14.8 billion with declines in both single and multi-unit construction. Investment in single-family homes was down 2.7% to $8.3 billion. Quebec and Ontario posted the largest declines. Despite the decrease this month, single-unit investment remained approximately 60.0% above pre-COVID-19 levels.

Non-residential investment increased 0.6% to $4.7 billion in May. Investment in commercial construction increased 0.8% to $2.6 billion. Ontario continued to lead this component with multiple high-value construction projects in the works across the province such as Amazon fulfillment centres, the Labourers Union office building in Vaughan and a Canadian Tire distribution centre in Brampton.

Overdose, alcohol-induced deaths greater than at previous height of opioid crisis

Among those aged 0 to 44, the number of deaths attributed to accidental poisonings rose from 1,605 in 2019 and 1,830 in 2017 (the previously established height of the opioid crisis), to 2,125 (11.6 deaths per 100,000 people) in 2020 (unintentional poisonings include accidental overdoses of various illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, alcohol, as well as poisonings from solvents and pesticides).

Data for Ontario indicate that the provisional number of deaths attributed to unintentional poisonings rose sharply at the beginning of the pandemic, with 605 deaths occurring in the period from April to June 2020, compared with 475 in the period from January to March 2020.

In 2020, the number and rate of alcohol-induced deaths increased among those under the age of 65. Among those aged 0 to 44, the number of alcohol-induced deaths rose from 325 in 2019 to 480 in 2020. There was also an increase in the number of alcohol-induced deaths in those aged 45 to 64 in 2020 compared with 2019.

Niagara-on-the-Lake launches Short Term Rental Compliance Program

The program provides a reliable way for residents to help ensure compliance of the Short Term Rental properties in their neighbourhood through the provision of a 24/7 hotline number and online system (PDF link) whereby residents can easily report Short Term Rentals in contravention of the Town’s Short Term Rental By-law.

To file an online complaint against a Short Term Rental in Niagara-on-the-Lake, please visit secure.hostcompliance.com/tips/type or call 435-STR-HELP (435-787-4357) or 289-210-7226 to speak directly to a Host Compliance operator.

Granicus’ govService Host Compliance, a service specializing in helping local governments manage Short Term Rental compliance and enforcement, is a third-party company hired to assist with implementing this program.

Reading Recommendations

Meme trumpets falsehood about Delta variant

FactCheck.org

The delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads more quickly than the original virus and has been classified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization. It is now the dominant variant in the U.S. But a meme has been circulating on Facebook falsely claiming the delta variant is “fake news.”

The delta variant of the coronavirus, which was first documented in India in October, is now the dominant variant in the U.S. It accounted for more than half of new infections for the two weeks ending July 3, according to the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Viruses change over time and, as they mutate, they produce variants, which can develop more dangerous attributes. Four variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have been called “notable” by the CDC, which is monitoring their growth across the country. The delta variant is among them.

Canadian women make 89 cents for every dollar men earn. Can new federal legislation narrow that gap?

CBC News

Gender equality advocates and labour experts say legislation going into effect later this summer likely will work to reduce the pay gap between women and men in some Canadian workplaces — though it remains unclear whether those gains will ripple out across the larger economy.

Ottawa announced on Wednesday that its Pay Equity Act will go into effect on August 31, about three years after the legislation was first unveiled.

“I think it’s a start in a good direction, but I do think we need to get into that deeper discussion and deeper regulation … to make sure more people benefit,” said Andrea Gunraj, vice president of public engagement at the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

While Gunraj was generally positive about the legislation, she said its effects will be restricted to a tiny share of working Canadians.

How Canada can get back some of its former glory as a maker of things the world wants to buy

Financial Post

The decline of manufacturing over the past few decades has left a dearth of people who know how to make things. There were some 1.9 million factory workers in Canada at the start of 2001, representing about 15 per cent of the workforce, according to Statistics Canada’s monthly payroll survey. That number had deteriorated to about 1.5 million by 2009, which is where it has hovered since, representing about nine per cent of all workers.

For decades, Canadian kids have been conditioned to equate career success with a fancy degree and an office job. There were about one million people employed in white-collar professions in April, a 57 per cent increase from the start of 2001, more than double the increase in total employment over that period.

Manufacturing still employs more people, but the industry’s trajectory has been in the opposite direction: the total number of positions in the industry was 26 per cent lower than in 2001, the year China joined the World Trade Organization and accelerated the hollowing out of American and Canadian factory towns that couldn’t compete with Asia.

Niagara COVID Stats Tracker (July 3)

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health.

Guide

Reproductive number: the average number of new cases each case causes. If each person infects one other person, the rate is 1; if each person infects two people, the rate is 2. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 1.

New cases per 100,000: the total number of new cases per week identified per 100,000 population. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 10.

New cases per day: the total number of new cases identified per day over seven days using a rolling average. This number does not include identified outbreaks.

Percent of hospital beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percent of intensive care beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s intensive care hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percentage of positive tests: the percentage of COVID-19 tests that were positive. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 0.5%.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker (July 12)

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Total doses administered in Niagara: 539,713

Total doses administered in Niagara since yesterday: 5,497

Ontario is currently in Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen will begin at 12:01 a.m. on July 16, 2021. Step Two began at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, 2021.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here.The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
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Daily Update: July 9th, 2021

July 9, 2021 | Daily Update

The Ontario government is moving the province into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021.

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

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

Ontario moving to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen on July 16

The Ontario government is moving the province into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, five days ahead of the schedule laid out in the Roadmap to Reopen plan.

The province will remain in Step Three of the Roadmap for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated.

Find out what restrictions will apply to your business after July 16 here.

Niagara unemployment increased slightly in June

Niagara Workforce Planning Board’s Eye on Employment captures the latest data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey. These data report that in June of 2021 Niagara saw 800 fewer people in employment compared to May 2021. This net-decline was due to 1,900 fewer people in full-time employment and 1,200 more people in part-time employment. Note that the 800 figure is greater than the sum of its parts due to rounding on the part of Statistics Canada.

Niagara’s unemployment rate increased slightly from 11.3% in May 2021 to 11.4% in June 2021. At the same time, the employment rate decreased from 51.2% to 51.0%. Though June 2021’s data are positive in the context of year-on-year pandemic recovery, a pre-pandemic May-to-June period (measured from 2015 to 2019) would expect to see Niagara adding an average 4,400 people to employment, compared to the employment decline of 800 people observed in June of 2021.

Approximately 800 Niagara youth gained employment in June 2021, with the majority finding full-time employment. Women reported 800 employment gains in June 2021 as men reported 1,500 employment losses. Compared to June 2020, there are 12,500 more women in employment and 3,200 more men in employment. Despite these gains, Niagara in June 2021 reports 14,100 fewer employed people compared to February 2020, the last month before the pandemic.

NWPB’s full report can be found online through this link.

National employment rose by 231,000 (+1.2%) in June, following a cumulative decline of 275,000 over the previous two months. Employment growth was entirely in part-time work and concentrated among youth aged 15 to 24. After falling by 143,000 over the previous two months, full-time work was little changed.

The unemployment rate was 7.8%, as the total number of unemployed Canadians fell by 61,000 (-3.7%). The number of people in the labour force—either employed or unemployed—increased by 170,000 (+0.8%). The labour force participation rate increased 0.6 percentage points to 65.2%.

Labour force characteristicsMay 2020June 20202020 AnnualApril 2021May 2021June 2021
Labour force198,400200,100211,200213,600215,200214,500
Employment172,300174,300190,600186,900190,800190,000
Full-time employment135,800138,900147,200148,200153,900152,000
Part-time employment36,50035,40043,40038,80036,80038,000
Unemployment26,10025,80020,60026,60024,40024,500
Unemployment rate13.2%12.9%9.8%12.5%11.3%11.4%
Participation rate53.5%53.9%56.9%57.3%57.7%57.5%
Employment rate46.5%47.0%51.3%50.1%51.2%51.0%

Government of Canada announces $10.5 million for 41 new affordable housing units in Niagara

Afforable housing is an urgent problem in Niagara, Niagara Regional Chair Bradley stated today. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many residents, those experiencing homelessness in our community have been disproportionately affected. At the end of June, there were nearly 7,000 individuals and families waiting for geared-to-income housing. To this end, residents who live in these units will not have to pay more than 30 per cent of their income to secure a home.

The $10.5 million announced today will allow the Region to continue to provide critical support to those most at risk of becoming homeless. This investment will make a meaningful impact on addressing our housing waitlist in Niagara.

Metrolinx to begin construction upgrades at the Beamsville Park and Ride

Metrolinx will begin construction upgrades at the Beamsville Park and Ride Monday July 12, 2021. Improvements will include:

  • upgrading accessible parking spaces
  • building a new walkway
  • widening the existing bus platform
  • installing tactile warning tiles

Construction will result in temporary platform changes, and will affect how riders board their bus for the remainder of the month.

Chambers of Commerce object to government stalling of family business tax law reform

On behalf of Canada’s Chamber of Commerce network, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has stated that, while Parliament has spoken and made its desire clear to make the sale of a small business to family members as easy as a sale to an unrelated buyer and introduced Bill C-208 to address this discriminatory tax policy, the new legislation’s implementation has been blocked. The decision to shelve the legislation of Bill C-208 is highly unusual and the government should reverse this decision immediately.

Small family businesses are not asking for special treatment, they are asking for the same treatment as everyone else. The shelving of Bill C-208 will effectively discriminate against small family businesses by taxing them at higher rates than if they sold to a complete stranger.

This unfair tax treatment is hindering many companies from selling or transferring their business to another family member. According to Statistics Canada, of the businesses planning to sell or transfer their operations in the next year, only 10% plan to sell to family members compared to 73% which plan to sell to external parties.

The GNCC has repeatedly called for legislation to reform the taxation of business sales to family members, and the demand was part of the GNCC’s last federal election platform.

No appointment needed for first COVID-19 vaccination at Seymour-Hannah arena

You no longer need an appointment to get your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Niagara Health’s vaccination clinic at the Seymour-Hannah arena. Now, anyone 12 years of age and older can come to the clinic at any time for their first dose.

Effective immediately, Niagara Health is offering this walk-in option to make it as easy and quick as possible for people who haven’t been protected against COVID-19 to get their vaccine.

The GNCC encourages all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to promote the safe reopening of our economy.

Niagara College will require vaccination for in-person residence

Through ongoing consultation with public health and the close monitoring of COVID trends, government directives and vaccine eligibility and supply, Niagara College has determined that students living in on-campus residence this fall will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

As the College prioritizes safety, this requirement recognizes that students in residence are in congregate living settings while sharing spaces and amenities, and it allows the College to offer students a residence-life experience that is as safe, fulsome and rewarding as possible. Students living in residence who are not vaccinated due to disability or religion/creed may apply for an exemption in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Reading Recommendations

Fully vaccinated and yearning to travel? Here are the new rules of the road

CBC News

Although vaccinated Canadian travellers are now exempt from quarantine, they’re still required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test before returning to Canada and must take a second test upon arrival. The federal government covers the cost of the arrival test. However, travellers must arrange and pay for their pre-arrival test, which could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on which country they are departing.

Currently, several European countries, including Greece, France and Italy, are welcoming Canadian travellers and allowing them to skip their required COVID-19 test and any quarantine requirements — if they show proof of vaccination.

The federal government’s advisory against non-essential travel abroad is still in place — even with eased quarantine rules for those vaccinated.

Canada posts big jobs gain in June with more still to come

Reuters

Canada added more jobs than expected in June, bringing employment within 1.8% of pre-pandemic levels, data showed on Friday, with economists eyeing a potential return to higher employment levels by year-end.

The country added 230,700 jobs in June, beating analyst expectations of 195,000, as public health restrictions were eased in several regions, Statistics Canada said. The unemployment rate was 7.8%, just short of expectations of 7.7%.

Niagara COVID Stats Tracker (July 3)

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health.

Guide

Reproductive number: the average number of new cases each case causes. If each person infects one other person, the rate is 1; if each person infects two people, the rate is 2. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 1.

New cases per 100,000: the total number of new cases per week identified per 100,000 population. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 10.

New cases per day: the total number of new cases identified per day over seven days using a rolling average. This number does not include identified outbreaks.

Percent of hospital beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percent of intensive care beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s intensive care hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percentage of positive tests: the percentage of COVID-19 tests that were positive. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 0.5%.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker (July 9)

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Total doses administered in Niagara: 518,318

Total doses administered in Niagara since yesterday: 8,911

Ontario is currently in Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen will begin at 12:01 a.m. on July 16, 2021. Step Two began at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, 2021.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here.The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
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June 2021 LFS

July 9, 2021 |

[[“Labour force characteristics”,”May 2020″,”June 2020″,”2020 Annual”,”April 2021″,”May 2021″,”June 2021″],[“Labour force”,”198,400″,”200,100″,”211,200″,”213,600″,”215,200″,”214,500″],[“Employment”,”172,300″,”174,300″,”190,600″,”186,900″,”190,800″,”190,000″],[“Full-time employment”,”135,800″,”138,900″,”147,200″,”148,200″,”153,900″,”152,000″],[“Part-time employment”,”36,500″,”35,400″,”43,400″,”38,800″,”36,800″,”38,000″],[“Unemployment”,”26,100″,”25,800″,”20,600″,”26,600″,”24,400″,”24,500″],[“Unemployment rate”,”13.2%”,”12.9%”,”9.8%”,”12.5%”,”11.3%”,”11.4%”],[“Participation rate”,”53.5%”,”53.9%”,”56.9%”,”57.3%”,”57.7%”,”57.5%”],[“Employment rate”,”46.5%”,”47.0%”,”51.3%”,”50.1%”,”51.2%”,”51.0%”]]

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Daily Update: July 7th, 2021

July 7, 2021 | Daily Update

Today, the Minister of Labour, Filomena Tassi, announced that the Government will bring the Pay Equity Act into force on August 31, 2021.

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

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

 Pay Equity Act will come into force on August 31, 2021

Today, the Minister of Labour, Filomena Tassi, announced that the Government will bring the Pay Equity Act into force on August 31, 2021, and that the final Pay Equity Regulations are now available in Part II of the Canada Gazette.

Under the regime, once the legislation comes into force, employers with 10 or more federally regulated employees will be required to:

  • establish a pay equity plan (within three years of becoming subject to the Act) that examines any differences in compensation between positions of equal value that are mostly held by women and those mostly held by men;
  • eliminate differences in compensation identified in the plan (within three to five years depending on the size of the employer and the total amount of the wage adjustments due); and
  • revise and update the pay equity plan at a minimum of every five years to ensure that no gaps have been reintroduced and to close them if they have.

St. Catharines Enterprise Centre hosting series to assist business in growing online

This week the Enterprise Centre launched Social Media: The Business Edit, a four-part online series providing guides, tutorials and the opportunity for questions and tailored advice, all aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in improving the social media presence of their business. The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre (SCEC) has teamed up with 47 other small business centres in Ontario to form the Covid-19 Recovery Network, developing the new training series as part of its COVID-19 recovery support efforts.

A recent survey of Niagara businesses conducted by Niagara’s Rapid Economic Response Team placed increased online presence as the second highest priority for businesses in Niagara.

Interested parties can register via the SCEC website at investinSTC.ca/SmallBusiness. Those who miss the first instalment can still register for later portions of the series.

Tutorials include: The Building Blocks of Social Media and Business; An In-depth Look at Content Creation; Social Media and Advertising; and The Social Media Storefront.

Government of Canada supports cutting-edge biotechnology company in Welland

Today, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis and the Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, Vance Badawey, highlighted funding of up to $1.48 million for extractX Inc. to develop a mobile, ethanol-based extraction lab for biomass processing.

The announcement took place at extractX’s head offices in Welland, Ontario.

This funding helped extractX complete the final stages of research and development for its proprietary, fully-automated extraction technology. The company’s process uses ethanol, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to other processes widely used in the industry. As a mobile unit, extractX is able to bring environmentally-efficient processing facilities to producers across Canada and around the world.

Steve Zorbas named new Welland CAO

The City’s General Manager of Corporate Services, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Steve Zorbas, who has been fulfilling the role on an interim basis, was selected as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) (PDF link) at a Welland City Council meeting last night.

Steve Zorbas has more than 35 years of municipal experience working for the City of Mississauga, Richmond Hill, and Burlington. Mr. Zorbas has built a comprehensive career portfolio in various leadership roles and brings extensive corporate experience with him, including seven years with the City of Welland.

The permanent position became effective today.

Institutions in Kenya to benefit from Gender Equality Policies and Training through support from Niagara College

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya will benefit from gender equality policies and training made possible through a partnership between Niagara College, the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC), and Sheridan College. This partnership is in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan) to support the Young Africa Works in Kenya TVET program.Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET is a five-year program (2020-2025) and aims to increase the participation of young Kenyans, particularly women, in market-relevant skills training programs.

The three-year partnership will see Niagara College and Sheridan College assist the NGEC in Kenya to increase women’s engagement in the workforce through the development of processes and policies that promote safe learning environments, principally for female learners.

Ontario government invests $1 million in Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) construction training

The Ontario government is investing over $1 million to help the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) offer 300 construction workers free, online and flexible training for leadership roles such as site supervisors, lead hands, forepersons and superintendents.

Currently, it can be challenging for construction workers to attend multi-day, in-person training due to health and safety restrictions and heavy workloads on work sites. The new virtual initiative, called the Supervisor Micro-Certification Program, will offer training modules in topics such as health and safety compliance, coaching and mentoring, negotiation, performance evaluation and scheduling. Designed for ease of access, even from mobile devices, this training can be completed at a convenient time and location from anywhere in the province.

Ontario expanding support for addictions treatment throughout the province

The Ontario government is investing $32.7 million in new annualized funding for targeted addictions services and supports, including treatment for opioid addictions. This funding is part of the government’s commitment to invest $3.8 billion over 10 years to implement Roadmap to Wellness, Ontario’s comprehensive plan to build a modern, connected and high-quality mental health and addictions system centred around the needs of individuals and their families.

Government of Canada supports horticultural research at Vineland with $4 million in funding

Today, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis announced federal funding of nearly $4 million to support four horticultural research projects at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC).

PS Ellis made the announcement before touring the facility, alongside Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Through the federal AgriScience Program, up to $1.8 million will be invested to support VRIC’s on-the-vine breeding program for greenhouse tomatoes, which is the first of its kind in Canada. The program focuses on developing high-yield varieties with improved flavour and production traits that are adapted to Canada’s climate.

VRIC will also receive up to $877,000 to help make Canadian roses more disease resistant and adaptive, so that they may reach more domestic and international markets. A further $931,000 will support the Centre’s work to discover and evaluate new biocontrol solutions to advance the research on pest management for the Canadian greenhouse sector.

Reading Recommendations

Canada needs to fix its border management now to prevent a fourth wave of COVID-19

The Conversation

Federal officials have repeatedly touted Canada’s border measures during COVID-19 as among the most stringent in the world. Yet the third wave of variant-driven infections, hospitalizations and lockdowns across the country, and growing risks from the Delta variant first detected in India, suggest otherwise.

Unlike Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and many other jurisdictions, Canada’s mandatory testing and hotel quarantine measures were only introduced in January and February 2021. By that point, significant and repeated virus importation had already occurred.

Canadian policy remains inconsistent for travellers arriving by air versus land. A Public Safety Canada briefing note from March 10, 2021, reported only seven per cent of travellers entering via land crossings are subject to quarantine requirements. Broad exemptions include cross-border students, technicians working on vaguely defined critical infrastructure, public officials and other categories of arrivals.

Most concerning, data collection and analysis has been incomplete, failing to provide accurate risk assessment evidence to inform border management. Government officials have often claimed fewer than two per cent of total SARS-CoV-2 infections in Canada are associated with international travel. This figure has been used to justify arguments against improved border measures.

Why the delta variant means some Canadians now more ‘at risk’ from COVID-19 than ever before

CBC News

For fully vaccinated Canadians, normal life now feels within reach.

But for those still waiting for a second dose — or skipping their COVID-19 shots entirely — this stretch may be among the most perilous points of the pandemic.

That’s because the months ahead are a transition period, unlike anything we’ve experienced yet. The good news: case counts are nearing rock-bottom even as restrictions are lifting. Still, the fast-spreading delta variant keeps sparking outbreaks and infecting those who aren’t yet vaccinated.

“We’re testing new waters in a way; this virus hasn’t seen a reopened population,” said epidemiologist Caroline Colijn, a Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematics for Evolution, Infection and Public Health at Simon Fraser University.

“People who are not vaccinated are going to be at a hugely increased risk in the coming months.”

That’s putting the country at a crossroads. Many Canadians have never been more protected. Others have never been more at risk.

Featured Content

Strategic Planning

Pollice Consulting Group

Most companies invest a significant amount of time and effort in a formal annual strategic planning process however, many executives see little benefit from the investment.

Professor Roger Martin (former Dean of the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto) said it so distinctly when he said; “there is no doubt that corporate leaders know that strategy is important. Some even find it scary and intimidating because it forces them to confront a future that is undefined and can only be guessed at. Making matters worse is the fact that strategy entails making decisions that explicitly cut off possibilities and options to other elements. The natural reaction in this process is to make strategy planning less daunting by turning the process into a problem that can be solved with tried and tested tools and techniques that offer predictability and make the task less scary.”

Strategic planning is about navigating the road ahead. It’s a carefully crafted plan or method for achieving specific goals over a period of time. It involves business strategy, operational strategies and quite possibly a transformational strategy. For strategy to have a chance of success, it must be “baked” into the products and / or services that a company provides. This may involve communication plans, marketing plans, people plans, process improvement plans, budget plans and operational plans.

Niagara COVID Stats Tracker (June 26)

December 18December 25January 1January 8January 15January 22January 29
Reproductive number1.41.81.41.11.00.70.9
New cases per 100,000101.2267.3469.8575.8507.1295.5250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)60.7178.7311.7376.9325.4182.7145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied97%95.2%98.2%103.2%104.5%103.6%106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied78.8%77.3%87.9%87.9%90.9%89.4%93.9%
Percentage of positive tests6.1%15.6%28.1%28.6%26.6%21.2%16.2%

These data show the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Niagara. The Province of Ontario is now using a provincewide approach to reopening, and these data no longer have any influence on Niagara’s restrictions.

Data are drawn from Niagara Region Public Health.

Guide

Reproductive number: the average number of new cases each case causes. If each person infects one other person, the rate is 1; if each person infects two people, the rate is 2. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 1.

New cases per 100,000: the total number of new cases per week identified per 100,000 population. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 10.

New cases per day: the total number of new cases identified per day over seven days using a rolling average. This number does not include identified outbreaks.

Percent of hospital beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percent of intensive care beds occupied: the total percentage of the Niagara Health System’s intensive care hospital beds currently in use. The average occupancy rate of both acute care beds and total hospital beds in Ontario was 96 per cent in 2018-19. It should be noted that this rate was the highest (worst) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Percentage of positive tests: the percentage of COVID-19 tests that were positive. Under the outdated COVID-19 response framework, the target for “green-prevent” was less than 0.5%.

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker (July 7)

Niagara’s most up-to-date vaccination numbers are presented below, along with comparison data from Ontario, Canada, and G7 countries.

Total doses administered in Niagara: 500,891

Total doses administered in Niagara since yesterday: 8,869

Ontario is currently in Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen will begin when Ontario has vaccinated 70-80% of adults with one dose, 25% of adults with two doses, has positive public health indicators, and has been in Step Two for at least 21 days. Step Two began at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, 2021.

Percentage of population with one dosePercentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara82.7%78.2%
Ontario84.6%79.1%
Canada84.7%78.6%
United States75%64%
United Kingdom78%72%
Germany76%74%
France80%77%
Italy83%76%
Japan80%79%
World63%53%

Data are drawn from Niagara Region, the Government of Ontario, and Oxford University’s Our World in Data project.

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, policies, forms, and posters for download and use, are available here.The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
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