Do COVID masks require fit testing, and other timely questions

February 27, 2022 | WSPS

WSPS staff continue to receive questions about COVID-19 precautions, especially around wearing masks and respirators. To provide the most up to date answers, we’ve turned to experts at the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

1. Do we need to do fit testing for masks and respirators?

Here’s what the ministry’s Fair, Safe and Healthy Workplaces Division told us about when fit testing and respiratory protection programs are required:

“For the purposes of enforcement, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 833: Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents and O. Reg. 490, Designated Substances do not apply to issues related to COVID-19.

“For protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator or equivalent is required in certain situations, such as when performing aerosol generating procedures or when providing direct care to individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, as per Public Health Ontario guidance. For these situations where N95 respirators are used as personal protective equipment, workers must be fit tested for the respirators, and must be trained on the use, care and limitations of the respirator. Best practice in this situation will include a written respiratory protection program.

“In situations where respirators are not required and are used as facial coverings only, similar to a surgical or procedure mask, the N95 respirator does not need to be fit tested or meet NIOSH approval or equivalent. The minimum requirement in this situation will be to provide instruction to workers on the purpose of the respirator and its limitations, and how to wear it properly.”

The ministry’s Acting Provincial Hygienist, Cristina St. Pierre, responded to the following questions.

2. In terms of preventing transmission of COVID-19, what’s the difference between a surgical mask and a respirator (e.g., N95s, KN95s and KF94s)?

“Both a surgical mask and a respirator will help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 by reducing the amount of droplets released into the air when a person talks, coughs or sneezes. A respirator, however, adds a layer of protection by also preventing the person wearing the respirator from breathing in potentially contaminated air. This is because a respirator generally fits more tightly on the face and is made of a material that can remove both large and smaller sized droplets from the air.”

3. What would you encourage employers to consider before selecting masks and respirators?

“Employers must first assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace to determine the appropriate level of protection required. Factors that may be considered during the assessment include the type of work being conducted, the individuals who may be affected, and other measures that are already in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

“The results of the assessment can then determine if or when masks or respirators will be required, and what specific types of masks or respirators will be suitable in the circumstances.”

4. With regard to proper fit, what should mask and respirator wearers watch for? As a general rule of thumb, how can you tell when a mask or respirator fits well?

“The mask or respirator must adequately cover the nose, mouth and chin, and must not slide down or need to be adjusted when the person is talking or moving. It must fit snugly on the face, with all edges of the mask or respirator forming a tight seal against the skin. In addition to these points, a general rule of thumb is that a well-fitting mask or respirator will not have perceptible air leakage around the edges.”

5. What do people need to know about facial hair and mask or respirator fit?

“Facial hair interferes with the fit of a mask or respirator by preventing a tight seal from being formed around the face. Even a short stubble is enough to break the seal of a respirator against the skin. Air flows through the path of least resistance and will find its way inside the mask or respirator through gaps formed by facial hair. To get the best protection from a mask or respirator, a tight fit is necessary with no interferences from facial hair.”

6. What does “clean shaven” mean in the context of mask or respirator fit?

“Clean shaven” in the context of mask or respirator fit means facial hair that is short enough such that it does not interfere with the seal of the mask or respirator on the face. This applies more specifically when fit testing a respirator, a procedure that is required in certain situations prior to a person being issued a tight-fitting respirator (see question 1). The fit testing procedure ensures that a tight seal against the skin is achieved. Being clean shaven is necessary to pass the fit test and maintain this tight seal.”

7. Can masks or respirators be re-used safely? If so, what steps or precautions would you recommend?

“Disposable masks and respirators are ideally for single use only. However, there have been times during the COVID-19 pandemic when supplies were limited and workers have had to reuse masks and respirators. This can be done safely as long as the mask is still clean and in good condition, it has maintained its structure well enough to still fit snugly on the face, and the person is still able to breathe through the mask or respirator without experiencing significant resistance.

“It is important to always practice good hand hygiene and minimize touching the mask or respirator as much as possible. The mask or respirator must be inspected regularly to determine if it needs to be replaced. If it is to be reused, the mask or respirator must be stored in a clean, breathable container such as a paper bag.”

Additional thoughts

We asked Cristina what additional guidance she could offer readers about wearing masks and respirators. Here’s what she had to say:

“It is important that workers are properly trained on the use, care and limitations of the mask or respirator. The use of masks and respirators is just one layer of protection against COVID-19. There are other measures that need to be implemented in conjunction with masking to ensure the best level of protection. These measures include ventilation, physical distancing, screening, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection.

“It is also important to remember that the science behind COVID-19 transmission is continually evolving, and guidance on masks and respirators could still change over time.”

How WSPS can help

Keep on top of provincial and local COVID-19 requirements:

Visit the WSPS COVID-19 Microsite, which offers critical information and resources to help employers protect their workers and patrons, including checklists, webinars, articles, eCourses, and more.

Contact WSPS Customer Care with any of your health and safety questions: 1 877 494 WSPS (9777); www.wsps.ca/customer-care.

 

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.

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Daily Update: February 25, 2022

February 25, 2022 | Daily Update

Businesses challenged by rising costs, hiring trouble, and supply chains; Ontario to remove barriers for foreign skilled workers, and more.

In this edition:

Businesses challenged by rising costs, hiring and recruitment, and supply chains
Ontario aims to remove barriers for foreign skilled workers

Statistics Canada: Businesses challenged by rising costs, hiring and recruitment, and supply chains

Employment fell by 200,000 (-1.0%) in January and the unemployment rate rose 0.5 percentage points to 6.5%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.8% on a year-over-year basis in December 2021, up from 4.7% in November. In an effort to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, many jurisdictions had implemented stricter public health measures during the fourth quarter of 2021 and continuing through the first quarter of 2022. The combination of inflationary pressures, labour challenges, public health measures and supply chain issues have impacted businesses in a variety of different ways.

Businesses expect to face a variety of obstacles over the next three months is the rising cost of inputs related to rising costs, hiring and recruitment as well as those related to supply chains. Many businesses that are facing challenges maintaining inventory levels or acquiring inputs, products and supplies, either domestically or abroad, expect these challenges to worsen in the short term. Over the next three months, half of businesses expect their profitability to remain relatively unchanged, over one-third expect to increase the prices they charge and over three-quarters expect their number of employees to remain the same.

  • The most commonly expected obstacle over the next three months is the rising cost of inputs, including labour, capital, energy and raw materials, with just over half (50.3%) of businesses expecting it to be an obstacle, up from 42.5% of businesses in the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Just over half (50.3%) of businesses expected rising cost of inputs, including labour, capital, energy and raw materials to be an obstacle, up from 42.5% of businesses in the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Shortage of labour force was expected to be an obstacle over the next three months for nearly two-fifths (37.0%) of all businesses, led by those in accommodation and food services (64.9%), construction (48.9%), manufacturing (48.1%) and retail trade (45.7%).
  • Just over three-fifths (60.8%) of businesses indicated having some plans over the next 12 months related to recruitment, retention and training. Over two-fifths (44.9%) of businesses plan to increase wages offered to existing employees over the next 12 months, with over three-fifths (61.2%) of businesses in accommodation and food services and over half in wholesale trade (55.0%) and manufacturing (50.1%) planning to do so.
  • Over one-third (35.6%) of businesses expect cost of insurance to be an obstacle over the next three months.
  • Over one-third (34.6%) of businesses expect transportation costs to be an obstacle over the next three months.
  • Nearly one-third (32.1%) of businesses expect difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies domestically in the next three months.
  • Over one-third (35.7%) of businesses expect to raise prices in response to inflation, up from just over one-quarter (25.9%) of businesses that expected to do so in the fourth quarter of 2021
  • Nearly half (49.6%) of businesses expect profitability to remain relatively unchanged. Over one-third (34.6%) expect their profitability to decrease over the next three months, while 12.9% expect their profitability to increase.
  • Over three-quarters (77.8%) of businesses expect to retain the same number of employees over the next three months, similar to 77.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021. Conversely, 8.1% of businesses expect their number of employees to decrease, down from 9.7% in the fourth quarter of 2021. In accommodation and food services, 17.2% of businesses expect a decrease in the number of employees over the next three months.

Click here to read more.

Ontario aims to remove barriers for foreign skilled workers

Unfilled jobs cost the province billions in lost productivity, and between July and September of 2021, there were 338,835 vacant jobs across Ontario, including many in the skilled trades. To give Ontario a competitive advantage, the government plans to introduce legislation that ensures workers from other provinces can get their credentials processed within a service standard of 30 business days.

In addition, the government is proposing to recognize three fuel-related professions under the province’s skilled trades legislation, meaning Ontario will take steps to officially recognize all 55 Red Seal Trades. There are 144 trades currently prescribed under skilled trades legislation in Ontario. The Red Seal Program is a partnership between the federal government and provinces and territories that sets a common standard for apprenticeship training and certification and makes it easier for workers to move between provinces and territories. The full list of Red Seal trades, some of which will benefit from the 30-business-day registration period, includes construction electricians, tool and die makers and others.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

There is no supply chain resilience without cybersecurity

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Across every sector, less than 20% of businesses are implementing technological improvements to their supply chains, despite an increase in cyber-attacks, threats and breaches. It is absolutely essential that cybersecurity be part of any discussion on supply chain resilience moving forward.

While attacks against large organizations often grab headlines, the vast majority of attacks are on small businesses. Modern supply chains often involve hundreds of vendors to build a single product, providing attackers with multiple points of entry to disrupt a supply chain. It is imperative that we strengthen cybersecurity safeguards to secure our supply chains against these threats.”

The Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (CSBC) was created in the spring of 2020 by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada to ensure decision makers have timely, relevant data about what businesses are going through and how they are planning for the eventual recovery. The quarterly survey examines issues like the impact COVID-19 on businesses, changes businesses are making to adapt to evolving restrictions, and the challenges they expect to face as the recovery begins.

Click here to read more.

Pandemic created unprecedented challenges in Niagara and an opportunity to learn

Lynn Guerriero, President, Niagara Health

They say that timing is everything. I moved to Niagara and joined Niagara Health three weeks before the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

As you would expect, I planned to spend my first 12 months meeting as many people as I could and doing a lot of listening and learning.

These plans came to a screeching halt with the arrival of COVID-19 in Niagara and the urgent need to respond to this unprecedented health crisis.

Although not how I had initially expected, I have learned a lot about the hospital, the region and the health-care system in Niagara since I began working at Niagara Health on Feb. 18, 2020.

I am incredibly proud of the way our team has pulled together, wave after wave, to respond to the unrelenting demands of this pandemic. Our staff and physicians have worked tirelessly, for two years now, to provide safe, compassionate care to our patients and families — often sacrificing their own health and well-being. It would be an understatement to say that our team members are exhausted, having moved mountains to provide care during the last wave which brought unprecedented challenges.

I am also incredibly impressed with the many ways Niagara has demonstrated the true meaning of a kind and caring community. No one could have predicted the prolonged duration of this pandemic, the challenges it would throw at us, and the divisions it would create. Just like we have worked together and supported each other during the pandemic, we will now recover together.

Click here to read more.

Update on Ukraine

UK says it will work ‘all day’ to persuade Europe to cut Russia off from Swift

The Guardian

The UK has said it will work “all day” to persuade fellow European states to cut Russia off from the international Swift payment system.

The UK defence secretary, Ben Wallace, ended the pretence that Britain was not at odds with its fellow European leaders over the issue. He said there was still time for Russia to be excluded, and the foreign secretary, Liz Truss, said: “The UK is working with allies to exclude Russia from the Swift financial system.”

Wallace added: “We will work all the magic, do everything we can in diplomacy.”

Truss is to undertake a round of shuttle diplomacy to try to rally support for the British position after the EU refused to adopt what has been billed as the “nuclear option” of sanctions.

Click here to read.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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.

Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.

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Daily Update: February 23, 2022

February 23, 2022 | Daily Update

Trudeau revokes use of Emergencies Act, Niagara’s transition to single transit commission receives triple majority, and more.

In this edition:

Trudeau revokes use of Emergencies Act
Niagara’s transition to single transit commission receives triple majority
Canadians working from home report highest levels of satisfaction
New CCOHS courses on opioids in the workplace
Update on Ukraine

Trudeau revokes use of Emergencies Act

In an announcement at 4pm, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the use of the Emergencies Act was to be revoked, now that the protests and blockades in Ottawa had been ended. In accordance with the Act, an inquiry will be held within 60 days. Despite the revocation, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government of Canada was ready to help and reinforce provincial and local authorities in cases of further lawbreaking.

Watch the livestream here.

Niagara’s transition to single transit commission receives triple majority

Niagara Region has now completed all 12 local area municipal council presentations and secured the required triple-majority support to move forward to create a consolidated transit Commission.

The transition to a single, consolidated public transit system will now begin with the goal of beginning operations in January 2023.

To guide this process, Niagara Region has established the Transit Commission Steering Committee to lead the transition through a series of working groups made up of current municipal transit providers and Regional staff. The committee will bring a number of updates to Regional Council in the coming months.

Click here to learn more.

Canadians working from home report highest levels of satisfaction with family life & work-life balance

From October to December 2021, 21% of working Canadians reported working from home all of the time, while an additional 18% worked from home some of the time. The remaining 62% of respondents worked outside of the home.

The largest proportion of those reporting high satisfaction with the amount of time spent as a family was among those who worked from home all of the time (70%), and was lowest for those who worked outside of the home (60%).

Satisfaction with work-life balance varied significantly by work location. Specifically, the proportion who reported being very satisfied or satisfied with the balance between their job and home life was higher among those who worked from home all of the time (75%).

The proportion of those satisfied with work-life balance was lower for those who worked from home some of the time (69%) and was still lower for those who worked outside of the home (61%).

Click here to learn more.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety releases new courses on opioids in the workplace

Opioid use in the workplace can impact everyone’s right to a safe and healthy environment. To help workplaces take steps to address impairment, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released two online courses.

Opioids: What Employers Need to Know introduces employers to the impacts of opioid use in the workplace. Employers and supervisors will learn about their specific duties, the importance of addressing substance use through a policy, and the steps they should take when possible impairment is observed.

Opioids: What Workers Need to Know introduces employees to the impacts of opioid use in the workplace. The course will help workers learn about these impacts and steps to follow to understand opioid use, reduce stigma, and provide appropriate support in the workplace.

Both courses are available on the CCOHS website in English and French.

Reading Recommendations

Oil heads higher as Ukraine tensions escalate — price depends on what happens next

Canadian Press/CBC

Oil prices are rapidly heading toward $100 US a barrel, but analysts say the chances of crude smashing that threshold greatly depends on what happens next in Ukraine.

The potential for a war in eastern Europe has made energy prices volatile over investor fears that conflict between Russia and Ukraine could disrupt supplies. Russia produces 10 per cent of global oil supply.

On Wednesday, the benchmark West Texas Intermediate price came close to $94 US per barrel in the morning’s trading, and many experts have suggested it will go higher.

“I think based on the momentum we’re seeing, unless we see a major pullback in Russian aggression, we likely will top $100 a barrel,” said Rory Johnston, managing director and market economist at Toronto-based Price Street Inc.

“But as of yet, this does seem to be purely geopolitical risk pricing, rather than any immediate fear of an actual loss of barrels.”

Click here to read more.

Update on Ukraine

Canada announces support to address the situation in Ukraine

Alongside its international partners and allies, and in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine, Canada unequivocally condemns Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine. Russia’s action constitutes a brazen violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and demonstrates a blatant disregard for international law.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will be imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations. These new measures will:

  • Impose restrictions on members of the Russian State Duma who voted for the decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk;
  • Impose a dealings ban on the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, which will effectively prohibit Canadians from engaging in specific transactions and activities in these regions;
  • Place new prohibitions on direct and indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt; and
  • Impose sanctions on two significant Russian financial institutions in order to hinder Russia’s ability to further fund its aggressive actions.

The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will be sending additional military contributions to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the face of rising tensions in the region. These contributions, which fall under Operation REASSURANCE, will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts by increasing Canada’s land, maritime, and air capabilities in Europe. Specifically, Canada will provide:

  • Up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO, including:
    • A battery of M777 artillery guns with forward observers and an electronic warfare troop to bolster the Canadian led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia;
    • A second frigate, with an embarked maritime helicopter, to participate in NATO’s Standing Naval Forces; and
    • The re-tasking of a CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft already in the region, which will now operate in the Euro-Atlantic Area under NATO command and control.

In addition, approximately 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel across all branches of the service are authorized to deploy to the NATO Response Force should they be required by NATO.

Click here to read more.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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.

Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.

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Pivoting your business model? Here’s how to do it safely

February 23, 2022 | WSPS

In the face of ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, many businesses have become adept at pivoting quickly. Managed well, the process can create new opportunities. Managed poorly, it can put the business and its employees at risk.

Here’s an example: earlier this winter an outdoor patio structure in Toronto that had been built to help keep the business viable collapsed after a heavy snowfall. While the collapse cost the business an estimated $20,000, there were no reported injuries to customers or employees.

This incident offers a cautionary note to businesses having to adjust their business model quickly, says WSPS Consultant Andrew Moffett. Every time a business pivots – re-opening after a closure, building a patio, laying off or hiring staff, changing service offerings (take-out or curbside pickup) – the change could come with health and safety consequences.

“The best way to minimize the consequences,” says Andrew, “is to conduct a basic risk assessment before pivoting. Ask yourself, ‘What could go wrong here?’ Then eliminate or control those risks.

“For a small business, the risk assessment could be as simple as brainstorming with your health and safety rep or joint health and safety committee, and conducting a daily inspection. For a larger company, it would be a more complex process. It comes down to identifying risks for each job and writing them down.” (See resources for both at the end of this article.)

Andrew offers three scenarios that illustrate pivoting implications, hazards and solutions.

Scenario 1: inexperienced new hires or fewer employees

You’ve had to let skilled staff go because of closures or capacity limits and you’re now working with a smaller, possibly inexperienced team to get your business customer-ready.

Implications

  • less knowledge and training time on how to perform tasks safely
  • less knowledge of COVID-19 workplace protocols
  • fewer people to do the same work
  • pressure to work quickly

Possible hazards

  • slips, trips and falls
  • strains and sprains from improper material handling; taking shortcuts
  • spreading or contracting COVID-19

Solutions

  • updated orientation training that takes into account operational changes
  • short safety talks. “Include a quick morning huddle to talk about the changes, including safety considerations,” says Andrew. The talk could be on proper lifting techniques, general health and safety, trip hazards, COVID-19 protocols like mask wearing, handwashing, etc.

Scenario 2: switching to curbside pickup and carry-outs

“In effect, the workplace now extends outdoors, and so does your duty to protect workers,” notes Andrew.

Implications

  • need to quickly create storage areas and shelving
  • walking on slippery, snowy surfaces while carrying goods
  • working in dark parking lots, in high traffic areas, and/or alone

Possible hazards

  • slips, trips and falls
  • material handling hazards
  • shelving collapse
  • injuries from motor vehicles
  • violent or harassing customer behaviour

Solutions

  • reflective vests/high visibility clothing
  • adequate lighting
  • security cameras
  • buddy system
  • daily inspections of patio areas and parking lots – clear, shovel, salt as necessary, ensure any new shelving is stable, secured against tipping or falling, has wheel locks, and is not overloaded
  • guidance on dealing with angry customers and ensuring staff are aware of violence and harassment policies and procedures,” says Andrew. (See 5 de-escalation tips when responding to agitated customers.)

Scenario 3: quickly installing a temporary outdoor patio

  • managing the construction of temporary structures
  • using large heating appliances or propane fuel heaters to warm space
  • running electrical cords through a space where moisture may be present and creating trip hazards
  • moving furniture, setting and clearing tables and work stations, and carrying food on surfaces not designed for that purpose

Possible hazards

  • structure collapse
  • fire
  • electric shock
  • closures by public health for improperly enclosing the space placing the patio
  • slips, trips and falls
  • musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Solutions

  • follow the provincial Building Code, and municipal or local public health guidelines when building temporary patios and other structures and using heating appliances
  • always store propane tanks outdoors
  • ensure surfaces are cleared and dry
  • provide training on MSD prevention
  • ensure electrical cords are controlled and away from paths of travel
  • be aware of surface changes, such as potholes, curbs and raised sidewalks.

How WSPS can help

Our consultants can help you identify hazards in your workplace resulting from recent or proposed changes to your business model. Call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Download these useful tools:

Register for these training courses:

 

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.

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Espresso Live: Monthly Update with Dr. Hirji, February 22, 2022

February 23, 2022 | Espresso Live Webinars, Event Recordings

Join us for our February update on COVID-19, vaccination progress and other health news from Dr. M. Hirji, Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner, Public Health, Niagara Region.

For information and updates on COVID in Niagara, please visit: https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/

If you would like further information, please view our COVID-19 resources:
https://gncc.ca/covid-19/resources-and-subsidies/

Keep up to date on news, vaccine stats, and more by signing up for our Daily Updates:
https://gncc.ca/covid-19/covid-19-gncc-news/

Visit Niagara Region Public Health for additional information, vaccination info, and more:
https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/

Check our Events for upcoming editions of Espresso Live:
https://gncc.ca/events/

For more information on the Chambers of Commerce workplace rapid antigen testing kit program, please visit: https://gncc.ca/workplace-self-screening-kits/

To get updates on the availability of testing kits, please sign up for our Testing Kit mailing list here: https://gncc.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c8df5f8ea1ce0c3132c29cd9f&id=441884ec22 (be sure to check the option for waiting list appointments)

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Daily Update: February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022 | Daily Update

Ontario cuts red tape for individuals and businesses, St. Catharines calls for additional market vendors for 2022, and more.

In this edition:

Ontario cuts red tape for individuals and businesses
St. Catharines calls for additional market vendors for 2022
Grimsby Digital Main Street Service Squad program ends next week
Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre reopens Feb. 23

Ontario cuts red tape for license plate fees, business start-ups, roof-top solar and more

Ontario’s Spring 2022 Red Tape Reduction Package builds on successive semi-annual packages aimed at eliminating unnecessary burdens and opening doors to economic activity. The proposed Fewer Fees, Better Services Act contains, among others, the following proposals:

  • Eliminate licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a licence plate sticker for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, effective March 13, 2022. Eligible individual owners of vehicles for any licence plate renewal fees paid since March 2020 would receive a refund. License plate renewal will still be required but will no longer be fee-for-service.
  • Provide a single website for entrepreneurs to access information and services they need to get up and running and grow their business, and provide businesses with realistic public-facing service standards on some approvals, permits and licences, with more services added on a regular basis (disclosure: the GNCC has lobbied for a one-stop-shop for business needs and requirements from government, including municipal governments).
  • Enable more homeowners, farms and businesses to participate in net metering, including roof-top solar systems, to help lower their electricity bills. Clarifying the eligibility of third-party ownership arrangements such as leasing, financing, and power purchase agreements, the amendments would broaden access to net metering.
  • Extend the deadline to release the 2022 Budget from March 31, 2022 to April 30, 2022 on the grounds that it would better reflect the economic effects of reopening.
  • Provide companies in Ontario and Canada with greater business opportunities through public procurements (disclosure: the GNCC has lobbied for Ontario public procurement to provide greater opportunities for Ontario SMEs and suggested that efficiency-oriented mass-purchasing by the government necessarily freezes small businesses out of procurement contracts)
  • Pilot a program that allows eligible car dealerships to register new vehicles online, and issue permits and plates (disclosure: the GNCC has lobbied for online car dealership vehicle registration and permitting)

Click here to learn more.

St. Catharines calls for additional market vendors for 2022 spring and summer market

The St. Catharines Farmer’s Market is calling for additional vendors for the 2022 spring and summer market, as well as interested musicians to apply to perform in this year’s Music in the Square series.

Farmer’s Market vendors and producers can apply for a market stall at stcatharines.ca/vendorapplication anytime before Mar. 14 to receive priority screening.

Musicians who are interested in applying for a spot at the market can apply at stcatharines.ca/musicianapplication. The deadline for applications is Mar. 7. Musicians who have previously applied do not need to re-apply, however, they do need to contact organizers to discuss availability.

Further details on the market, including a list of existing vendors, rules and regulations, selection criteria and market stall rental rates can be found online at www.stcatharines.ca/farmersmarket.

Grimsby Digital Main Street Service Squad program ends next week

The Town of Grimsby’s Digital Main Street Service Squad program ends February 28, 2022. This is the last chance for local brick-and-mortar businesses to take advantage of a free digital assessment and one-on-one digital support.

Since July 2021, Grimsby’s Digital Service Squad (DSS) member, Tianna Thomas, has connected with 97 local businesses owners who are eager to achieve their digital goals. Services include one-on-one support for social media and email marketing, branding, video creation and product photography, 360˚ photos of your business location, Google My Business listing and website improvements, and e-commerce setup (ShopHERE).

Local businesses who are interested in learning more about Digital Main Street and the Service Squad are encouraged to email Tianna (tthomas@grimsby.ca) before February 28th.

Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre reopens Feb. 23

The Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre will fully reopen to provide 24/7 service beginning Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 8 a.m. In early January, Niagara Health made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre to redeploy emergency-trained staff and physicians to Emergency Departments where they were most needed.

Niagara Health also wants to remind the community that there are different levels of care available in Niagara depending on their needs.

Learn more at www.NiagaraHealth.on.ca/KnowYourOptions.

Reading Recommendations

Everything inflation: It’s not just gas and food anymore — and wages aren’t keeping up

CBC News

Canadians familiar with the way rising prices have been taking a chomp out of their spending power are now facing something worse than what they’ve encountered so far.

Rising pump prices are now grimly routine. We’ve grown to expect the effect of shipping delays on food and things with imported components. High housing costs are now just an appalling Canadian fact of life.

But toward the end of 2021, that recognizable pattern of rising prices began to change. Until about three months ago, Canadians apportioning their weekly budgets would have noticed most price increases occurring in a few very distinct, relatively volatile, categories, such as food, fuel and accommodation. Not anymore.

Click here to read more.

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Everything you need to know about the regions caught in the crossfire

CTV News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree recognizing the two pro-Russian breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent entities, known as the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR)” and the “Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR),” which Western nations fear are potential ground zeros for a potential invasion.

Part of the wider Donbas region, Donetsk and Luhansk are “oblasts,” administrative and political sub-divisions. Not all of the territory within the oblasts are held and occupied by pro-Russian separatists, as Ukraine still retains some control across the contested Donbas region.

Donbas has been the site of clashes between Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces that have killed more than 14,000 people since 2014.

Click here to read more.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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.

Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.

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International Women’s Day webinar aims to #BreaktheBias

February 19, 2022 | Members in the News, Network News, WIN Videos

This year’s International Women’s Day virtual event claims to be “not your typical zoom webinar”.

#BreaktheBias encourages attendees to imagine an equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

Hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, the event will be held on March 4, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature a chat lounge, networking, a photo booth, marketplace, games and prizes.

Feminist advocate Stephanie Guthrie will be keynote speaker. She is a founder of Women in Toronto Politics, and she produces events and online resources to promote a more gender-inclusive civic discourse.

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Daily Update: February 18, 2022

February 18, 2022 | Daily Update

The Government of Canada has announced a partnership to establish Business Data Lab to provide enhanced insight on business conditions

In this edition:

Government of Canada announces partnership to establish Business Data Lab
Next steps on Trans Mountain Expansion Project
Retail sales fall 1.8% in December
Tolls on Highways 412, 418 to be removed
City of St. Catharines defines limits for appropriate cannabis production

 

Government of Canada announces partnership between Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to establish Business Data Lab to provide enhanced insight on business conditions

Over the past few years, the business landscape in Canada has been evolving rapidly. For this reason, the Government of Canada and its key partners need to have better data on the state of small business in Canada so the government and the business community can make strategic and meaningful contributions that lead to an even stronger economic recovery.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced an investment of $2.8 million to establish the Business Data Lab (BDL), a partnership between the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada. The BDL will provide future-focused, timely business indicators crucial to helping governments, business associations and entrepreneurs from all regions of Canada identify future growth opportunities for Canadian businesses.

The BDL will help enhance the availability of data on Canada’s business sector. It will also offer regular monitoring, with timely data on business conditions, expectations, obstacles and opportunities for growth. It will provide detailed results based on characteristics such as industry and geography as well as company size, age and ownership.

Click here for more details.

 

Federal government announces next steps on Trans Mountain Expansion Project

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced next steps in light of the revised cost estimate and completion timeline published by Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (the project).

With 50 per cent of the pipeline already built, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that the government will spend no additional public money on the project, and that TMC will instead secure the funding necessary to complete the project with third-party financing, either in the public debt markets or with financial institutions.

The government has engaged both BMO Capital Markets and TD Securities to provide advice on financial aspects of the project. Their analyses indicates that public financing for the project is a feasible option that can be implemented promptly.

Click here for more details.

 

Retail sales fell 1.8% in December amid severe flooding, Omicron spread

Statistics Canada announced that retail sales fell 1.8 per cent to $57 billion in December as the spread of the Omicron variant and severe flooding in British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces disrupted transportation, retail operations and sales.

Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores were down 9.5 per cent while furniture and home furnishings stores recorded an 11.3 per cent drop in sales.

Core retail sales – which exclude gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers – decreased 2.4 per cent.

Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales increased 2.4% in January 2022. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 41.7% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months has been 90.0%.

Click here for more details.

 

Ontario Government removing tolls on Highways 412 and 418

The Ontario government is permanently removing tolls on Highways 412 and 418, effective April 5, 2022.

Highways 412 and 418 are currently the only tolled north-south highways in Ontario. Removing tolls will provide more travel options for local residents, relieve gridlock on local roads, and is meant to help improve economic competitiveness for local businesses.

Click here for more details.

 

City of St. Catharines defines limits for appropriate cannabis production

The City of St. Catharines is taking steps to ensure that cannabis production facilities are appropriately located and operated in the community, offsetting potential negative impacts of such facilities.

City Council approved several staff recommendations for amendments to the City’s official plan, zoning by-law and site plan control by-law to identify permitted locations of new cannabis production facilities and offset negative impacts to the community. Establishing new facilities in St. Catharines’ agricultural areas has been on hold since early 2020 when an interim control by-law was enacted to provide time for the City to undertake a cannabis operations study and develop regulations surrounding cannabis production. The interim control by-law cannot be legally extended further.

Click here for more details.

Reading Recommendations

Several provinces are dropping vaccine passports, but some businesses aren’t on board

CBC News

Several provinces are dropping their COVID-19 vaccine passport programs for entry to restaurants, gyms and other venues, leaving it up to individual businesses to decide if they want to open their doors to unvaccinated customers.

“You’re kind of making businesses choose one side of the fence themselves, where previously governments made that choice for them,” said Toronto-based retail consultant Bruce Winder.

“It’s going to be a tough one for businesses, because it’s such a polarizing topic right now.”

Although most businesses are expected to drop their vaccine requirements in line with the provinces, not all are following suit — despite the possibility that they could face a backlash.

Dave Kantor, owner of The Cave Beastro in Edmonton, said he decided to keep his restaurant’s vaccine mandate in place because he felt it was premature for Alberta to drop the requirement.

Click here to read.

Inflation drop as supply crisis eases is ‘fairy tale economics’

BNN Bloomberg

A Canadian strategist said anyone who thinks inflation will be tamed by the easing of supply chain pressures is a believer in “fairy tale economics.”

In an interview on Thursday, Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, said “inflation is clearly no longer just a supply issue.”

“Anyone hoping the easing of supply chains will push inflation all the way back down to the two per cent target this year is, I think, engaged in ‘fairy tale economics.’”

Mendes pointed to factors such as the price of 80 per cent of items measured by the consumer price index basket rising faster than two per cent a year, the price of two-thirds of those items rising more than three per cent a year, home prices continuing to surge, and services inflation rising at the fastest pace in years.

He also noted that the most recent reading of the unemployment rate, were it not for Omicron, would have fallen below six per cent.

Click here to read.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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.

Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.

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Daily Update: February 17, 2022

February 17, 2022 | Daily Update

Norgen Biotek gifts Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering at Brock University, Ontario to supply more protective equipment, and more.

In this edition:

Norgen Biotek gifts Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering at Brock University
Ontario to supply more protective equipment including rapid tests
EI claimants down 8.1% in December
Flood and snow warnings issued for Niagara
Health Canada authorizes Novavax’s Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine

Norgen Biotek gifts Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering at Brock University

Through a $5-million gift from the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation, “Dr. Haj,” as he’s known to the 80 or so employees at Norgen, will have another game-changing impact in Niagara and beyond through the Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering at Brock University.

The decision by Haj-Ahmad and his family to make a transformational gift to the University is the result of their lifelong collective connection to Brock, and their belief that their alma mater can play a major role in an emerging sector.

Officially launched in 2021 with the offering of a minor in Engineering, the newly-named Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering now includes six faculty members (with more to be hired) and plans to welcome its first cohort of undergraduate Integrated Engineering students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Click here to learn more.

Ontario to supply more protective equipment including rapid tests

In order to further support the gradual ease of public health measures, the province has implemented a response plan to strengthen Ontario’s pandemic supply chain and bolster the stockpile with 97,500 HEPA filters, an additional 79 million N95 masks, 200 million level one and level two surgical/protective masks annually for five years, 8.3 million child-sized three ply cloth masks for students and over 10 million N95 masks for teachers, a total of about 157 million rapid tests, including 126 million between December 2021 and January 2022, and an arrangement for fit-testing services that are available to all sectors where guidance requires the use of fit-tested N95 respirators.

Click here to learn more.

EI claimants down 8.1% in December

Approximately 636,000 Canadians received regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in December, down by 56,000 (-8.1%) from a month earlier. December EI statistics reflect labour market conditions during the week of December 5 to 11, 2021.

On a regional basis, all census metropolitan areas (CMAs) recorded a decline in the number of regular EI beneficiaries in December. The CMAs of Guelph (-16.4%; -300), Hamilton (-15.6%; -2,000) and Vancouver (-13.1%; -4,000) posted the largest percentage declines in the month.

Click here to learn more.

Flood and snow warnings issued for Niagara

The NPCA is upgrading from its Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook to a Flood Warning as of today. Our area is currently under a Rainfall Warning as issued by Environment Canada, which is calling for an additional 20 to 35mm of rain into Friday. Residents are urged to keep themselves, their children and their pets well away from streams and creeks as these watercourses may become hazardous. Local municipalities are advised to check for debris clogging culverts, catch basins and other storm infrastructure. Motorists are advised to not drive through flooded roadways due to potential hidden hazards.

This notice is in effect until 12:00 noon, Sunday February 20th, 2022, and will be updated as required.

A snowfall warning is in effect for north Niagara, with total amounts of 10 to 20 cm expected this evening through Friday morning. Environment Canada warns of near zero visibility at times in heavy snow and blowing snow with icy and slippery surfaces.

Health Canada authorizes Novavax’s Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine

Today, Health Canada authorized Novavax’s Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in adults 18 years of age and older. This is the fifth COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada. After a thorough, independent review of the evidence, the Department has determined that this vaccine meets Canada’s stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements.

Nuvaxovid is a protein-based vaccine that is administered as a two-dose regimen of 5 mcg per dose, 21 days apart.

Based on the clinical trials overall, Nuvaxovid is 90% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective at preventing severe disease.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

Several provinces are dropping vaccine passports, but some businesses aren’t on board

CBC News

Several provinces are dropping their COVID-19 vaccine passport programs for entry to restaurants, gyms and other venues, leaving it up to individual businesses to decide if they want to open their doors to unvaccinated customers.

“You’re kind of making businesses choose one side of the fence themselves, where previously governments made that choice for them,” said Toronto-based retail consultant Bruce Winder.

“It’s going to be a tough one for businesses, because it’s such a polarizing topic right now.”

Although most businesses are expected to drop their vaccine requirements in line with the provinces, not all are following suit — despite the possibility that they could face a backlash.

Dave Kantor, owner of The Cave Beastro in Edmonton, said he decided to keep his restaurant’s vaccine mandate in place because he felt it was premature for Alberta to drop the requirement.

Click here to read.

Inflation drop as supply crisis eases is ‘fairy tale economics’

BNN Bloomberg

A Canadian strategist said anyone who thinks inflation will be tamed by the easing of supply chain pressures is a believer in “fairy tale economics.”

In an interview on Thursday, Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, said “inflation is clearly no longer just a supply issue.”

“Anyone hoping the easing of supply chains will push inflation all the way back down to the two per cent target this year is, I think, engaged in ‘fairy tale economics.’”

Mendes pointed to factors such as the price of 80 per cent of items measured by the consumer price index basket rising faster than two per cent a year, the price of two-thirds of those items rising more than three per cent a year, home prices continuing to surge, and services inflation rising at the fastest pace in years.

He also noted that the most recent reading of the unemployment rate, were it not for Omicron, would have fallen below six per cent.

Click here to read.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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.

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.

Share this: