Daily Update: February 16, 2022

February 16, 2022 | Daily Update

Ontario invests $4.9 million in Niagara steel and agriculture, business accelerator program launches in Port Colborne, and more.

In this edition:

Ontario invests $4.9 million in Niagara steel and agriculture
Local Business Accelerator program launches in Port Colborne
Canadian rate of inflation highest in 30 years
300,000 businesses to receive WSIB refunds
Ontario reduces fees for owners and operators of amusement devices and ski lifts

Ontario invests $4.9 million in Niagara steel and agriculture

The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $53.2 million by two companies in Southwestern Ontario. Combined, the province is investing more than $4.9 million in the local steel manufacturing and agriculture sectors through the Regional Development Program, which will help create 45 new jobs.

Valbruna ASW Inc. is Canada’s only manufacturer of specialty steel products, including carbon, alloy and stainless steel. The company is investing $50 million in new innovative equipment and facility upgrades.

Quick Plug CA Inc. engineers and manufactures a variety of peat plug products for professional growers, including traditional greenhouses and hydroponic growers. The company is investing $3.2 million to centralize its North American production facility in St. Catharines.

Click here to learn more.

My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program launches in Port Colborne

The My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program has officially launched in Port Colborne, with a full-time Main Street Ambassador offering support to new and existing small businesses in both the downtown and main street areas.

At the core of My Main Street is its ambassadors, who provide dedicated support to small business owners at no cost. Ambassadors can also assist their clients with applications for a $10,000 non-repayable business support grant.

To arrange a virtual meeting with the Main Street Ambassador, email olga.loeffen@portcolborne.ca or call 905-835-2900 x507. The My Main Street program will run in Port Colborne until February 2023. For program details and more information, visit the My Main Street website.

Canadian rate of inflation highest in 30 years

In January 2022, Canadian inflation surpassed 5% for the first time since September 1991, rising 5.1% on a year-over-year basis and up from a 4.8% gain in December 2021. In comparison, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1.0% on a year-over-year basis in January 2021.

Excluding gasoline, the CPI rose 4.3% year over year in January 2022—the fastest pace since the introduction of the index in 1999. COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges continue to weigh on supply chains, and consumer energy prices remain elevated. Taken together, Canadians continued to feel the impact of rising prices for goods and services, especially for housing, food and gasoline.

Click here to learn more.

300,000 businesses to receive WSIB refunds

Ontario’s safe employers are receiving a rebate of up to $1.5 billion as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surplus funds are returned for the first time. This rebate will give 300,000 businesses back approximately 30 per cent of their annual premium payments.

The surplus distribution will only be provided to safe employers, who will receive their rebates starting in April. For a business with 80 to 125 employees, this could mean receiving $28,000 to reinvest in their business and workers.

Click here to learn more.

Ontario reduces fees for owners and operators of amusement devices and ski lifts

The Ontario government is further expanding over $340,000 in critical financial support for owners and operators of amusement devices and ski lifts. Through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the government is reducing permit and licence fees by 75 percent for 163 businesses operating almost 1,000 devices across Ontario until the end of 2022, while ensuring strong public safety standards are maintained.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

Bank of Canada will forcefully tackle inflation if need be – deputy governor

Reuters

The Bank of Canada will be nimble and potentially “forceful” in tackling uncomfortably high inflation, a senior official said on Wednesday, setting the stage for an aggressive campaign of interest rate increases.

Deputy governor Timothy Lane, speaking to a university audience, said there was a risk inflation could continue to be more persistent than forecast and the central bank was increasingly focused on countering the upside risks.

“We will be nimble — and if necessary, forceful — in using our monetary policy tools to address whatever situation arises, as we have done throughout these turbulent times,” Lane said.

Click here to read.

What is the Emergencies Act and what Ottawa can—and can’t—do with it

Maclean’s

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he was invoking the federal Emergencies Act to try to end the protest blockades that have entrapped downtown Ottawa and disrupted international border crossings across the country for weeks.

This is the first time the Act has ever been used, so Maclean’s spoke to Nomi Claire Lazar, a professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and author of the book States of Emergency in Liberal Democracies about what this allows the government to do, why the law exists and what are the limitations on its power. This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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 15, 2022

February 15, 2022 | Daily Update

Government of Canada lightens border measures, Brock to maintain previous COVID safety regime, Ontario releases Q3 finances, and more.

In this edition:

Government of Canada lightens border measures
Brock will maintain prior COVID-19 safety regime
Ontario releases 2021-22 third quarter finances

Government of Canada lightens border measures as part of transition of the pandemic response

Today, the Government of Canada announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions. As of February 28, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. EST:

  • Travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing. Travellers selected will also no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
    • Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will continue to be exempt from quarantine, without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities.
    • Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.
  • Travellers will now have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result to meet pre-entry requirements. Taking a rapid antigen test at home is not sufficient to meet the pre-entry requirement.
  • The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2. This means that the Government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.
    • Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions.
    • On February 28, 2022 at 16:00 EST, Transport Canada’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts where international passenger flights can arrive in Canada will expire. This means that international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all remaining Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.

Click here for more information.

Brock will maintain prior COVID-19 safety regime

This week’s update from the province will not impact or change Brock’s approach to its Winter Term, the University has announced. For the rest of this term, the University will continue its protocols, including:

  • A COVID-19 vaccine mandate for anyone coming to campus.
  • A COVID-19 booster vaccine requirement for those living in on-campus residences.
  • Mandatory self-screening for anyone coming to a Brock campus.
  • A mandatory masking requirement (medical grade masks are highly recommended for students and required for faculty and staff).
  • Encouraging everyone on campus to receive a third booster dose.

As always, members of the Brock community are asked to be vigilant and to self-monitor closely for COVID-19 symptoms.

Click here for more information.

Ontario releases 2021-22 third quarter finances

Today, the government released the 2021-22 Third Quarter Finances, which provide an update on Ontario’s 2021-22 economic and fiscal outlook since the release of the 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario (also referred to as the Fall Economic Statement). The report shows $2.3 billion of new investments in response to the Omicron variant, including additional funding to support hospitals, workers and business supports such as the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program and the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant.

Primarily as a result of higher than forecast revenues reflecting improved economic performance, Ontario is now projecting a deficit of $13.1 billion in 2021-22 – an improvement of $8.4 billion from the deficit forecast in the Fall Economic Statement.

Click here for more information.

Reading Recommendations

Four flags that almost became Canada’s national flag

Canadian Geographic

They started with some 5,900 design submissions, but when Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson’s flag committee handed the controversial red maple leaf on white with red bars to Parliament for consideration in late 1964, the symbol and colours on the prospective flag were no new invention.

In fact, the white and red have centuries-old ties to French and English cultures, respectively, and had originally (officially) been brought together in Canada on the General Service Medal issued by Queen Victoria in 1899 to Imperial and Canadian servicemen who had helped stifle the Fenian Raids and Louis Riel’s Red River Rebellion. Red and white became Canada’s national colours in 1921, when King George V declared the country’s coat of arms.

The coat of arms also incorporated both red and green sugar maple leaves. That particular foliage had been proposed as a formal national symbol in Canada at least as early as 1834, when Ludger Duvernay founded the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste — for preserving French Canadian language and culture — and they took the leaf as their national emblem. Eventually, through the First and Second World Wars, the maple leaf was sported by many Canadian soldiers, stitched into their regimental badges and stamped on equipment.

Backgrounder: Emergencies Act

Government of Canada

The Emergencies Act, which became law in 1988, is a federal law that can be used by the federal government in the event of a national emergency.

The Act contains a specific definition of “national emergency” that makes clear how serious a situation needs to be before the Act can be relied upon.  A national emergency is an urgent, temporary and critical situation that seriously endangers the health and safety of Canadians or that seriously threatens the ability of the Government of Canada to preserve the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Canada.  It must be a situation that cannot be effectively dealt with by the provinces and territories, or by any other law of Canada. There are four types of emergencies that can be declared under the Emergencies Act:

  • A public welfare emergency

  • A public order emergency

  • An international emergency

  • A war emergency

Home building gains slip amid calls to boost Canada’s housing

Financial Post

The speed at which new homes are built in Canada slowed even further in January, despite rising calls to boost supply to address a national housing shortage.

Housing starts came in at 254,133 units in January, an approximate three per cent decline from the 261,352 units during December, according to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“On a trend and monthly (seasonally adjusted annual rate) basis, the level of housing starts activity in Canada remains historically high,” CMHC chief economist Bob Dugan said in a release. “However, the six-month trend in housing starts was lower from December to January.”

Dugan added that among Canada’s urban areas, single-detached starts were higher overall while multi-family units lagged in January. Montreal, however, was the only one of the three major urban areas (Toronto and Vancouver are the others) to post a gain in housing starts largely due to higher single-detached and multi-family starts.

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 14, 2022

February 14, 2022 | Daily Update

Ontario advances next stage of reopening to February 17, Niagara Region reports more than 98% of employees now vaccinated, and more.

In this edition:

Ontario advances next stage of reopening to February 17
More than 98% of Niagara Region employees now vaccinated
Vaccination clinic locations and times for February 14-20

Ontario advances next stage of reopening to February 17

The Ontario government is easing public health measures sooner, with the next phase of measures being eased on February 17, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Measures that will be changed at that time include, but are not limited to:

  • Increasing social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
  • Increasing organized public event limits to 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors
  • Removing capacity limits in the following indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including but not limited to:
    • Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities
    • Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms
    • Cinemas
    • Meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres
    • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
    • Indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.
  • Allowing 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity at sports arenas
  • Allowing 50 percent of the usual seating capacity for concert venues and theatres
  • Increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, as well as bathhouses and sex clubs
  • Increasing capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites, or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. Capacity limits are removed if the location opts-in to use proof of vaccination or if the service, rite, or ceremony is occurring outdoors.

Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.

On March 1st, the government will lift the requirement to verify vaccine status, although businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof-of-vaccination, as well as all capacity limits. Mask mandates will remain in effect.

Click here to learn more.

More than 98% of Niagara Region employees now vaccinated

Today, Niagara Region announced more than 98 per cent of active employees are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

At Council’s direction, Niagara Region introduced a mandatory vaccination policy for all Regional employees in September 2021. This action ensures Regional workplaces are protected from the effects of COVID-19 and supports the municipality’s main priority of keeping employees and residents safe, and reducing the spread of coronavirus.

At this time, approximately 4,100 employees covered under the policy are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which represents 98.4 per cent of the active workforce across all departments.

Click here to learn more.

Vaccination clinic locations and times for February 14-20

Walk-ins and appointments are available for Niagara Region Public Health vaccination clinics taking place across Niagara. Eligible residents can walk-in, or book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination either online through the provincial portal at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900.

Clinic hours vary by location – please visit the Region’s clinic schedule webpage for full details.

  • Feb. 14-20 – Niagara Falls, Canada One Outlet Mall (beside Urban Kids)
  • Feb. 14 – Wainfleet Firefighter’s Community Hall
  • Feb. 15-17 – St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
  • Feb. 18 – Port Colborne Visitors Information Centre
  • Feb. 19 – Smithville Public School
  • Feb. 20 – Fort Erie, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Elementary School

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

Canadian dollar touches 10-day low amid Ukraine uncertainty

Reuters

The Canadian dollar edged lower against the greenback on Monday, as investors weighed warnings that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time and a major trade route between Canada and the United States reopened.

World shares skidded and the safe-haven U.S. dollar gained ground against a basket of major currencies as the United States said Russia might create a surprise pretext for an attack on Ukraine.

Still, hints by Ukraine at possible concessions to Russia helped cap the price of oil, one of Canada’s major exports.

U.S. crude prices fell 0.6% to $92.55 a barrel, while the Canadian dollar was trading 0.1% lower at 1.2752 to the greenback, or 78.42 U.S. cents. It touched its weakest intraday level since Feb. 4 at 1.2783.

As the blockades have shown, anarchy is usually bad for business

CBC News

It seems pretty clear that even as a break from Ottawa mid-winter ennui, any thrill offered by wall-to-wall occupation of the streets around Parliament Hill got old very quickly.

After experiencing a state of what many, including at least one Conservative member of Parliament, have described as anarchy, there are no doubt many Canadians currently ruminating on the advantages of boring old parliamentary democracy, despite its many drawbacks.

“I ask that we clear the streets and that we stop this occupation controlled by radicals and anarchist groups,” tweeted Quebec Conservative MP Pierre Paul-Hus in frustration.

Anarchism, like socialism and liberalism, means different things to different people — and shows up on both sides of the political spectrum.

The form we are seeing now, whether urban or at border crossing blockades, comes with an economic cost.

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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Giant Shoe Creative celebrates 10 years with Giveaway for Growing Companies

February 11, 2022 | Members in the News

Niagara-based businesses eligible to win free marketing services

Giant Shoe Creative Agency today announced the launch of Giveaway for Growing Companies, a chance for Niagara-based businesses to win a suite of creative marketing services from the award-winning local agency.

To celebrate 10 years of helping businesses grow, connect, and reach their goals through their suite of creative media production and marketing services, Giant Shoe Creative is offering $10,000 in marketing prize packages. Prizes include: Social Media Coaching, Photo and Video Production, and a Brand Audit.

The community is asked to nominate their favourite local business at giantshoecreative.com/giveaway-for-growing-companies/. Nominations close on March 4th, 2022 at 11:59 PM ET. Nominations are open to Niagara-based businesses, and eligible nominees will be assessed by the Giant Shoe Creative team. Winners will be notified by March 11th, 2022.

Brad Moore, President and Founder of Giant Shoe Creative sees the 10-year milestone as an opportunity to thank the community and give back to local business: “Niagara is known for many things but I’m most proud of the ideas and innovation that comes from our community. Being able to support and help our clients reach their goals has been incredibly rewarding these 10 years. Even though Niagara has experienced unpredictable challenges, the creativity and adaptability of the people here is why we are seeing success and why Giant Shoe will always call Niagara home.”

“The Niagara Community is full of amazing, caring people that lift each other up and give back. This is something we can offer to support the local businesses and people that call Niagara home. We are proud to offer this giveaway to pay forward the growth that we have seen over the years,” added  Jess Boulay, Vice President and Managing Partner of the agency.

After being established in 2012 with Moore’s commercial photography clients, and growing its offerings to include custom creative marketing services, Giant Shoe Creative has been at the forefront of elevating our commercial industry from its home in downtown St Catharines.

Giant Shoe works with growing businesses across multiple industries, including local businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Adrian Kulakowsky, proprietor of Kully’s Original Sports Bar, says “Marketing effectively is one thing that changes so often and is crucial to the success of my business. I trust Giant Shoe to take care of my businesses and have really enjoyed working with them all these years.”

Find out more at giantshoecreative.com.

About Giant Shoe Creative Agency:
Giant Shoe Creative is a full-service marketing agency that offers tailored creative services to growing businesses. Located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, Giant Shoe works with their clients to create custom content and to execute digital strategies to achieve specific goals. Services include social media management, digital marketing, media production, brand development, graphic design, and website management.

Contact:

Brad Moore
President, Giant Shoe Creative Agency
brad@giantshoecreative.com
289.479.5442 ext. 100

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Daily Update: February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022 | Daily Update

Ontario declares state of emergency, Canadian businesses send joint letter to elected representatives, changes to border restrictions coming.

In this edition:

Canadian businesses send joint letter to elected representatives
Ontario declares state of emergency in response to convoy protests
Welland seeks community members for Affordable Housing Committee
Government of Canada extends support for audiovisual industry
Canada to make changes to COVID border restrictions next week

Canadian businesses send joint letter to elected representatives

Canadian businesses have suffered under the strain of constant disruptions over the last two years. The challenges they have had to overcome have included COVID-19, extreme weather events, increasing inflationary pressures, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Now achieving a successful recovery is threatened by the ongoing blockades of the critical infrastructure that enables the livelihoods and well-being of all Canadians.

The harm is both immediate and severe. Each hour that these blockades continue does more serious damage to our economy and to our society. Manufacturers that depend on just-in-time delivery have been forced to cancel shifts for thousands of workers, shipments of livestock and of fresh produce face serious delays or waste that threaten food security, and deliveries of products that are greatly needed by Canadian families are being cancelled. These curtailments will only grow in scope and impact if the blockades continue.

Canadians expect our elected representatives at all levels of government and from all political parties to set aside partisanship and jurisdictional squabbling to bring this issue to a quick resolution.

Our organizations call upon our elected representatives to expeditiously take the following actions.

  • Deliver a strong and unified commitment from the Prime Minister, Premiers, Opposition Party Leaders, and Mayors that the rule of law will be upheld.
  • Urgently enact measures to protect critical infrastructure to ensure further closures do not take place elsewhere in the country in the days ahead.
  • Seek immediate injunctive measures through the courts to assert a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
  • Ensure law enforcement agencies have all the necessary political support and appropriate tools needed to restore public order and remove any physical blockades that are not dismantled voluntarily.

The letter is signed by 175 business organizations from across the country, including the GNCC, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce, and the Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to read the letter.

Ontario declares state of emergency in response to convoy protests

Ontario is declaring a state of emergency in response to convoy protests against public health measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, which have caused major disruptions in multiple areas of the province in recent weeks.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Friday morning while protest blockades continue to shut down parts of Ottawa’s city core and portions of Windsor’s Ambassador Bridge.

Meanwhile, more protests are expected at Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto, forcing police to close off several roads in the surrounding area.

At a press conference Friday, Ford said he will convene cabinet and “urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure.

“This will include protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways,” Ford said.

“Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licences of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders.”

Click here to learn more.

Welland seeks community members for Affordable Housing Committee

Applications for the City of Welland’s newly created Affordable Housing Advisory Committee are now open and accepted until Thursday, March 31, no later than 4:30 p.m.

Seven volunteer positions are available – five will be ratepayers/residents with experience in affordable housing, and two members will be from the Welland Affordable Housing Task Force. Applicants must be a resident/ratepayer in the City of Welland to fill a vacancy on this committee.

Click here to learn more.

Government of Canada extends support for audiovisual industry

A second extension of the Short-Term Compensation Fund for Canadian audiovisual productions was announced today. The Ministry of Canadian Heritage still sees a pressing need for this program, especially as the public health situation continues to evolve.

That’s why Telefilm Canada will continue to provide as much as $150 million in compensation until 2023 to production companies whose filming has been interrupted or abandoned as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis or outbreak.

The Fund is a temporary emergency measure to address the lack of insurance coverage in the Canadian film and television production industry. The Government will continue to help support a strong recovery for artists and producers in this important industry. The Fund will end on March 31, 2023, three years after the start of the pandemic.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Canada to make changes to COVID border restrictions next week

Canada is reviewing its pandemic-related border restrictions and will likely announce changes next week, as the worst of a Omicron variant-driven wave appears to have passed, Canada’s health minister said on Friday.

“With the worst of Omicron now behind us, our government is actively reviewing the measures in place at our borders and we should be able to communicate changes on this next week,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation earlier reported the federal government was close to removing mandatory COVID-19 PCR testing for fully vaccinated Canadians who travel outside Canada.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

Blockades and the Economy: Where are Peace, Order and Good Government?

Canadian Chamber of Commerce/Policy Magazine

If “supply chain” was the economic term of the year for 2021, “blockade” is now on track to be the one that enters the public consciousness in 2022.

While we have become accustomed to frictions at the border that slow the movement of goods, the last few weeks have been a rude awakening. What started as a protest against vaccine mandates for truck drivers has evolved into a disparate group of dissidents who lack a single leader or even a single agenda, but instead reflect opposition to a range of COVID policies and to the current government.

At time of writing, things have escalated from the occupation of downtown Ottawa and a blockade at the Coutts border crossing in Alberta to the crossing at Emmerson, Manitoba and the closing of the Ambassador Bridge to traffic coming into Canada. The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest international crossing in North America; the major artery through which flows a quarter of Canada-US trade, with up to $400 million of goods passing each day, including $50 million in auto parts. We are seeing the real impacts of this with shift cancellations and shutdowns for our major automotive manufacturers and parts suppliers.

Unfortunately, the situation shows no signs of abating yet, to the detriment of Canadians’ livelihoods. With the blockades still ongoing and other points of entry able to partially absorb traffic, the precise costs will not be known for some time. The unprecedented nature of the current protests does not have an historical precedent for us to gauge the economic hit. The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimated the economic impacts of the February 2020 rail disruptions to be $275 million. However, what is happening now feels qualitatively different and of a larger magnitude.

U.S. inflation rate soars to another 40-year high of 7.5%

CBC News

The U.S. inflation rate rose to the eye popping level of 7.5 per cent in January, its highest level since 1982.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics said in a release Thursday that the country’s consumer price index was 7.5 per cent higher in January than it was in the same month a year earlier.

The index rose by 0.6 per cent in January alone, just from December’s level.

Food, electricity, and shelter were the biggest factors driving up the cost of living. But even if volatile items like food and energy are stripped out, the index still rose by 6 per cent. The highest level for the so called core rate in 40 years.

Economists had been expecting the rate to rise to a new multi-decade high, but the 7.5 per cent figure was even higher than they were anticipating.

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:

Daily Update: February 10, 2022

February 10, 2022 | Daily Update

Ontario to resume non-essential surgeries and extra-curricular activities, Right to Disconnect Committee delivers final report, and more.

In this edition:

Ontario to resume non-essential surgeries, extra-curricular activities
Port Colborne generates over $600,000 from real estate initiative
Right to Disconnect Advisory Committee publishes final report
Investment in construction increased to $18.4 billion in December 2021
Niagara Health to reopen Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre

Ontario to resume non-essential surgeries, extra-curricular activities

With the steady decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions in addition to stabilizing health human resources, the Ontario government is lifting Directive 2 to begin a gradual and cautious resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures across the province.

Resumption of non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures will follow a planned phased approach across the province, in alignment with guidance provided by Ontario Health.

In addition, effective immediately, Ontario students can once again benefit from extra-curricular activities, including high-contact sports in schools. In alignment with advice from public health officials, layers of protection will remain in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including masking and daily on-site confirmation of screening.

Click here to learn more.

Port Colborne generates over $600,000 from real estate initiative

Port Colborne generated $602,284.42 in net proceeds from phase one of the city real estate initiative, according to the Jan. 25 staff report to council from the economic development and tourism services division. This phase included the sale of one commercial lot and five residential lots owned by the city and declared surplus.

The goal of the city real estate initiative, created in the fall of 2020, is to attract investment and new residents to Port Colborne; have vacant properties redeveloped and revitalized; facilitate public-private partnerships to create more affordable housing units; expand the municipal tax base to maintain core programs and services; and adjust internal processes and service delivery to provide timely responses and streamlined approvals to investors and developers.

Click here to learn more.

Right to Disconnect Advisory Committee publishes final report

The Right to Disconnect Advisory Committee (Committee) was created with representatives from federally regulated employers, unions and other non governmental organisations.

The concept of “right to disconnect” emerged in France in 2017 as part of a new set of labour laws. That law mandates that employers with 50 or more employees have a policy that addresses the use of smartphones.

As a relatively new concept, there are differing interpretations of what a “right to disconnect” is. In general, it is the concept that workers should be able to disconnect from workplace communications channels outside of working hours.

The mandate of the Committee was to recommend how to support federally regulated workers’ “right to disconnect.”

Fundamentally, there was substantial divergence on how the government should proceed. This included debate whether or not a legal requirement for the right to disconnect should be pursued. There was also major divergence on the issue of deemed work.

Click here to read the report.

Investment in construction increased to $18.4 billion in December 2021

Investment in building construction increased by 1.9% to $18.4 billion in December. Gains were reported in both the residential and non-residential sectors.

On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction grew 1.2% to $11.5 billion.

Residential construction investment rose 2.2% to $13.4 billion in December, with Ontario accounting for more than half of the monthly increase.

Investment in single family homes was up 3.5% to $7.4 billion with increases posted in eight provinces.

Multi-unit construction investment increased by 0.7% to $6.1 billion. Gains from Ontario (+1.0%) helped to offset declines posted in Quebec (-1.0%) and Saskatchewan (-5.5%). New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also showed notable strength.

Click here to learn more.

Niagara Health to reopen Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre and gradually resume other services

The Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre will fully reopen to provide 24/7 service beginning on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 8 a.m.

In addition, consistent with recent changes in provincial direction, Niagara Health will proceed with the gradual resumption of surgical, procedural and outpatient services beginning next week.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

GM, Toyota, Ford cut production following Canadian trucking protests

Reuters

Toyota Motor Corp, General Motors Co., Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis said Thursday they had been forced to cancel or scale back some production because of parts shortages stemming from Canadian trucker protests against pandemic mandates.

The truckers, who oppose a vaccinate-or-quarantine requirement for cross-border drivers, have used their big rigs to snarl traffic at the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — which accounts for about 25 percent of U.S.-Canadian trade.

A Toyota spokesman told Reuters the automaker was suspending production through Saturday at plants on both sides of the border, in Ontario and Kentucky. The largest Japanese automaker said it was “experiencing multiple dropped logistics routes” and it is “not isolated to only one or two parts at this point.”

Officials prepare for possible demonstrations at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie

CHCH

Following the blockade in Windsor, there are plans to hold demonstrations at the Peace Bridge this weekend. Commercial goods were transported with ease at the Fort Erie border crossing Wednesday afternoon, but industry and city officials are expecting trucker protests to cause major delays on Saturday.

The Ontario Trucking Alliance says a protest is in the works at the Peace Bridge Saturday, and its urging members to monitor border wait times and potential development of protests at these locations on a regular basis.

According to the Peace Bridge Authority, out of all border crossings across Canada and the United States, the Peace Bridge is the third busiest for commercial traffic.

Convoy protest could change the way money is monitored, says watchdog agency

CBC News

The use of American crowdfunding sites to financially fuel the anti-vaccine mandate convoy protest in Ottawa could lead to changes in the way financial transactions are monitored, a top official with Canada’s money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog told members of Parliament Thursday.

Testifying before members of the House of Commons committee on public safety and national security, Barry MacKillop, deputy director of intelligence for the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), said there are likely lessons to be learned from the protest.

“It is really a unique event,” MacKillop told MPs. “Will we learn from that event? Yes. Will we continue to have discussions with our international partners? That’s certain.

“The platforms exist on the internet. They are accessible to everyone around the world.”

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 9, 2022

February 9, 2022 | Daily Update

Small business relief grant open, expanded access to free rapid tests for public, Province seeks new ultra-low overnight power rate, and more.

In this edition:

Ontario small business relief grant now open
Expanded access to free rapid tests for public
Ontario seeks new ultra-low overnight electricity rate options
Niagara College helps job seekers and employers make virtual connection

Ontario small business relief grant now open

The Government of Ontario is excited to announced that eligible small businesses that were required to close under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG).

The application portal will be open from February 9 to March 11 for applications from:

  • Newly established businesses
  • Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021
  • Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.

In order to be eligible, applicants will need to confirm that they:

  • Had fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021
  • Were an active business as of January 14, 2022
  • Were required to close indoor operations on January 5, 2022.

Eligible small businesses for the OSBRG include:

  • Restaurants and bars
  • Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
  • Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
  • Performing arts venues and cinemas
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
  • Meeting or event spaces
  • Tour and guide services
  • Conference centres and convention centres
  • Driving instruction for individuals
  • Before- and after-school programs.

The OSBRG User Application Guide provides additional information about applying for the grant. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade emailed eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021, and were subject to closure again on January 5, 2022, as they have been pre-screened and do not need to apply for the OSBRG. But they may be asked to confirm their continued eligibility.

For more information on available business supports, please visit: Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs | Ontario.ca

If you need help, our call centres are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding government and statutory holidays. The call centres are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090
TTY: 416-325-3408
Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095

Expanded access to free rapid tests for public

The Ontario government is expanding access to free rapid testing kits to the general public for at-home use. As a result of the province’s direct procurement, Ontario will be distributing 5 million rapid tests each week for eight weeks through pharmacy and grocery locations across the province, as well as 500,000 each week through community partners in vulnerable communities. In total, the province is making 44 million rapid tests available to the public for free over the coming weeks.

Starting February 9, over 2,300 participating grocery and pharmacy locations will provide free rapid tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit.

A list of participating retailers as well as information on how retail locations are distributing rapid test kits can be found at Ontario.ca/rapidtest.

Click here for more information.

Ontario seeks new ultra-low overnight electricity rate options

Ontario’s Energy Minister Todd Smith has asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to provide him with options to implement a new ultra-low overnight Time-of-Use electricity price plan. The new ultra-low overnight rate could help shift workers and residential consumers that use more electricity at night save money while supporting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, for example, by reducing overnight EV charging costs when province-wide electricity demand is lower.

Delivery of a new ultra-low overnight price is possible as Ontario continues to have excess electricity during overnight hours. Shifting electricity use to these hours would make better use of Ontario’s clean electricity supply when province-wide demand is low, increasing grid efficiency and generating value for all Ontario ratepayers.

Click here for more information.

Niagara College helps job seekers and employers make virtual connection

NC’s second annual Virtual Career Fair, hosted by NC’s Career Services and Community Employment Services divisions, will be held on February 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Similar to the College’s popular in-person events, which were held on campus prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Career Fair offers a one-stop online shop for job seekers to explore opportunities in their area of expertise, and interact with employers online. More than 60 employers have registered to participate in this year’s virtual event.

For information about NC’s Virtual Career Fair visit careerfair.niagaracollege.ca.

Reading Recommendations

U.S. and Canada warn of economic hit from trucker protest

Reuters

Protesters blocking border crossings between Canada and the United States risk hurting the auto industry, the White House warned on Wednesday as Ottawa urged an end to the 13-day demonstration against coronavirus mandates.

The Ambassador Bridge, a key supply route for the U.S. auto industry in Detroit, has been shut for inbound Canada traffic since Monday night.

Another border crossing in Alberta has been closed in both directions since late on Tuesday.

Starting as a “Freedom Convoy” occupying downtown Ottawa opposing a vaccinate-or-quarantine mandate for cross-border truckers mirrored by the U.S. government, protesters have also aired grievances about a carbon tax and other legislation.

Tiff Macklem says inflation mostly about supply, suggesting more gentle path for rising rates

Financial Post

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said the current inflation scare is mostly a supply issue. If he’s right, the central bank’s path back to higher interest rates might not be as steep as some on Bay Street currently think it will be.

The Bank of Canada’s latest economic outlook has year-over-year increases in the consumer price index averaging 5.1 per cent this quarter, well outside policy-makers’ comfort zone of one per cent to three per cent.

Inflation at that pace leaves the central bank with little choice but to raise interest rates. The central bank’s marching orders from the government call on it to keep the consumer price index advancing at an annual rate of about two per cent, the midpoint of that comfort zone. Forecasters at Bank of Nova Scotia predict that will require lifting the benchmark interest rate to two per cent by the end of the year. The rate is currently at an emergency setting of 0.25 per cent, about as close to zero as it can get without unduly disputing financial markets.

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 8, 2022

February 8, 2022 | Daily Update

Business associations call for Ambassador Bridge to be reopened, new Ontario tax credits, housing affordability report released, and more.

In this edition:

Canadian, US business associations call for immediate action to open Ambassador Bridge
New Ontario tax credits for workers, trainees, and childcare
Housing affordability task force releases report
Port Colborne vaccination clinic to open Feb 9-11
Brock launches Canada’s first accelerated nursing program

Canadian, US business associations call for immediate action to open Ambassador Bridge

Business associations including the GNCC, the Chambers of Commerce of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Welland-Pelham, as well as the Canadian and Ontario Chambers, issued the following statement regarding the closing of the Ambassador Bridge today amid protesting blockades.

“Business associations on both sides of the border are calling for a swift and immediate clearing of the Windsor-Detroit Ambassador Bridge blockade and a timely re-opening of the bridge. The group also urges the federal, provincial, state, and local governments to work collaboratively to deliver rapid solutions to the illegal blockages of traffic, which now include the Ambassador Bridge and the crossing between Coutts, Alberta and Sweet Grass, Montana.

The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest trade crossing in North America and a vital enabler of our two economies. Given the importance of ensuring that the supply of food, medical products and industrial goods can continue, the disruption at the Ambassador Bridge is an attack on the well-being of our citizens and the businesses that employ them.

As our economies emerge from the impacts of the pandemic, we cannot allow any group to undermine the cross-border trade that supports families on both sides of the border.

We stand ready to provide whatever assistance may be required to expedite a speedy re-opening of the Ambassador Bridge.”

Click here for more information.

New Ontario tax credits for workers, trainees, and childcare

A new suite of provincial tax credits and benefits includes, among others:

  • The Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit helps workers get training that may be needed for a career shift, re-training or to sharpen their skills. The credit provides up to $2,000 in relief for 50 per cent of a person’s eligible expense. The government is extending this tax credit to the 2022 tax year, to help more workers continue to upgrade their skills and transition back to the labour force.
  • The Low-Income Workers Tax Credit, known as Low-income Individuals and Families Tax (LIFT) Credit, provides up to $850 each year in Ontario personal income tax relief to low-income workers, and can be used to reduce or eliminate an individual’s Ontario personal income tax, excluding the Ontario Health Premium.
  • The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (known as Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit), which puts more money in the pockets of families and provides the flexibility they need to choose the child care options that work best for them. The government is providing a 20 per cent top‐up to this tax credit for 2021, increasing support from $1,250 to $1,500, on average.

Individuals and families should also save their receipts for local travel in 2022, to claim the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit next tax season.

For more on this and other tax credits, click here.

Housing affordability task force releases report

Ontario has published the report from the Housing Affordability Task Force, which highlights expert recommendations for additional measures to increase the supply of market housing to address the housing crisis. The Task Force is part of Ontario’s ongoing three-part consultation with industry, municipalities, and the public to help the government identify and implement real solutions to address the housing supply crisis.

The Task Force report’s recommendations include five main areas to quickly increase the supply of market housing, to meet a goal of adding 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years:

  • Make changes to planning policies and zoning to allow for greater density and increase the variety of housing.
  • Reduce and streamline urban design rules to lower costs of development.
  • Depoliticize the approvals process to address NIMBYism and cut red tape to speed up housing.
  • Prevent abuse of the appeal process and address the backlog at the Ontario Land Tribunal by prioritizing cases that increase housing.
  • Align efforts between all levels of government to incentivize more housing.

Click here to learn more.

Port Colborne vaccination clinic to open Feb 9-11

There will be a vaccination clinic at the Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre, 76 Main Street W, from Feb. 9 – 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. serving ages 5+ (1st and 2nd dose) and ages 18+ (any dose). Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome.

For more information and COVID-19 updates, visit www.portcolborne.ca/covid19.

Brock launches Canada’s first accelerated concurrent nursing program

Applications are now open for Brock University’s new concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing (BN/MN) program — the first of its kind in Canada.

The concurrent BN/MN degree in Nursing is an innovative, course-based program designed to provide students with a high-quality alternative entry to practice that includes a hands-on and theoretical approach.

The program combines an undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing, providing students with an opportunity to become nursing leaders upon graduation. Graduates of the program are also eligible to write the NCLEX-RN registration exam.

The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved this one-of-a-kind program on Jan. 28, allowing for a quick turnaround start in May.

Click here to learn more.

Reading Recommendations

U.S.-Canada border crossing blocked by truckers fighting COVID restrictions

Reuters

The busiest land crossing from the United States to Canada remained shut on Tuesday after Canadian truckers blocked lanes on Monday to protest their government’s pandemic control measures.

While traffic in both directions was initially blocked, U.S.-bound lanes have since reopened, Windsor Police tweeted.

Drivers demanding an end to federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border traffic began blocking the streets of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, on Jan. 28. Since Sunday night, police have started slowly taking back control, seizing thousands of liters of fuel and removing an oil tanker truck.

Canada sends 75% of its exports to the United States, and the bridge usually handles around 8,000 trucks a day.

The owner of the bridge, the Detroit International Bridge Co, said international commerce on the bridge needed to resume.

How blocking the Ambassador Bridge shut down a quarter of U.S.-Canada trade

Financial Post

It didn’t take many protesters to shut down a major North American economic artery. The closure of one bridge straddling the U.S. and Canada exposes an alarming supply-chain vulnerability and has laid bare the grip one American family has over an effective monopoly.

A cluster of anti-lockdown demonstrators on the Canadian-side of the border blocked access to the Ambassador Bridge — a privately-owned link between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. As of Tuesday morning, local police said traffic bound to the U.S. had resumed — but not the other way around. But very little, if any, traffic appeared to be flowing.

There’s literally no bigger bridge for trade between the two neighbours. Built in 1929, the art-deco inspired structure carries on its slender steel build about a quarter of the total goods going back and forth between then the U.S. and Canada. The ties with Detroit’s car industry stretch decades. The bridge carries nearly as much trade as the U.S. does with all of the U.K.

Featured Content

The Top Threats Facing Canadian Businesses Today

Pollice Consulting Group

Canadian organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of remaining relevant once we are through the COVID 19 pandemic and a new normal is established. Delivering value to customers, managing risk and navigating supply chain disruptions are the elements that we see however, underneath the iceberg are elements that we the public do not see.

In order to remain neutral and optimistic, I’ve attempted to integrate my views, the views of my clients, research and inputs from other corporate leaders and independent organizations in order to create a list of threats that Canadian businesses might like to consider as we enter the turning point year of 2022.

We as a public are astutely aware of some of our social issues that plague our society today. Mental health issues, addictions, violence, discrimination and perceived freedom of speech just to name a few are societal issues that will impact Canadian business for decades to come. However, Canadian business are hoping to be in business in the next decade to deal with these social issues.

The top threats facing Canadian businesses are Global Uncertainty, Accelerated Technology, Government Policies & Regulations, Innovation and Supply Chain Management.

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 7, 2022

February 7, 2022 | Daily Update

Ottawa proposes expansion to eligibility for tax support for business investments, new vaccine clinics in Niagara, and more.

In this edition:

Expansion to eligibility for business investments tax support
New vaccination clinic locations in Niagara
GO-VAXX now accepting walk-ins

Ottawa proposes expansion to eligibility for tax support for business investments

Budget 2021 included proposals to provide temporary immediate expensing in respect of certain property acquired by a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC).

This immediate expensing would be available for “eligible property” acquired by a CCPC on or after April 19, 2021, and that becomes available for use before January 1, 2024, up to a maximum amount of $1.5 million per taxation year. The immediate expensing would only be available for the year in which the property becomes available for use.

Eligible property under this new measure would be capital property that is subject to the capital cost allowance (CCA) rules, other than property included in CCA classes 1 to 6, 14.1, 17, 47, 49 and 51, which are generally long-lived assets.

Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 vaccination clinic locations added across Niagara

Niagara Region Public Health is now hosting clinics in a variety of locations in Niagara, replacing the mass vaccination clinic at the Niagara Falls (Scotiabank) Convention Centre. Walk-ins and appointments are now available. Eligible residents can walk-in, or book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination either online through the provincial portal at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900.

Click here for locations and schedules.

GO-VAXX mobile vaccine clinics now accepting walk-ins

There are now six GO-VAXX buses on the road, with another two set to join the fleet by the end of February. The buses have administered more than 42,000 doses at over 440 clinics since they debuted last August, and have visited communities across 24 of Ontario’s public health units, ranging from Windsor-Essex in the west, Haliburton in the north, and Ottawa in the east.

To book an appointment at a GO-VAXX mobile vaccine clinic, visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

GO-VAXX buses will next be in Thorold on February 17 and 18. Click here for times and locations.

Reading Recommendations

Challenges to workplace vaccine mandates being tossed out, legal experts say

CBC News

Legal challenges of employer vaccine mandates and health measures are being tossed out as arbitrators in Canada largely side with the need to maintain safe workplaces during a pandemic, legal experts say.

Most of the cases with rulings so far involve employee grievances in unionized workplaces, which have an expedited decision-making process compared with the courts, they say.

A scan of decisions issued in recent weeks shows arbitrators are largely erring on the side of caution and minimizing health risks to employees and the public, experts say.

“The first decisions have clearly set the tone in favour of employers and their obligation to maintain a safe workplace,” said Adam Savaglio, an employment lawyer and partner with Scarfone Hawkins LLP in Hamilton.

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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