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Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses:

September 15, 2021 | Uncategorised

Ministry of Health
Questions and Answers

Version 1 – September 14, 2021

The information in this Questions and Answers document is intended to help clarify requirements under Ontario Regulation 364/20 (under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020) related to proof of vaccination against COVID-19, as well as the Ministry of Health’s Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act (the “Ministry’s Guidance”) . The material is not legal advice and does not purport to be or to provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this summary information and any applicable legislation or regulation, the legislation or regulation prevails. Refer to O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 or and at the Roadmap Exit Step for more information.

Supports:

1. Will an addendum be posted for additional Q&As?

The Ministry of Health will continually update this Q&A document, as needed, to support businesses and organizations throughout the implementation process.

2. Where do we submit questions?

Businesses and organizations can submit questions to the Ministry of Health via https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=25811&nid=98977.

3. What supports will be provided to businesses to implement these new requirements?

The Ministry of Health is developing, and will provide, additional tools to businesses and organizations in the coming weeks, including:

Launching a new app to make it easier and more convenient for businesses and organizations to read and verify proof of vaccination (i.e., that a digital vaccine receipt is valid); and
Providing communication supports to businesses to inform the public of the new requirement.

A full list of supports available for businesses can be found on Ontario’s COVID-19: Help for businesses here.

4. Is there a resource page for the vaccine certificate for businesses to download signage, etc. from?

The Ministry of Health is working to prepare resources (e.g., poster) to support businesses and organizations in the implementation and rollout of vaccine certification services. More information will be provided closer to September 22, 2021.

Settings (Businesses and Organizations):

5. Have there been any changes to the list of businesses or organizations where proof of vaccination is required since the announcement on September 1?

Based on further consideration and consultation, and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the government added the following to the list of settings where patrons must provide, at the point of entry, to access the indoor area of the premises, proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19:

Indoor areas of commercial film and television productions with studio audiences; and
Indoor areas of waterparks.

6. What is the full list of settings (i.e., businesses or organizations) where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs, restoclubs, and other similar establishments
Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions
Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions o Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studioaudiences

7.Will the government add other businesses or organizations to the list of settingswhere proof of vaccination is required to gain access?

The introduction of a vaccine certificate policy is an important step to encourage eligible individuals in Ontario to get vaccinated and give people the tools to limit further spread of the virus, so that we can keep the province open and operational.

The government will continue to review data and evidence to ensure the appropriate and effective measures are in place to protect the health of Ontarians.

Vaccination Policies:

8.Can I choose to have my business require individuals to show proof of vaccinationat the point of entry to gain access? Can my restaurant require proof of vaccinationfor the outdoor patio?

While only specified businesses or organizations are legally required to ask their patrons for proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, O. Reg. 364/20 and the Ministry’s Guidance do not prevent other businessesor organizations from establishing a vaccination policy.

O. Reg. 364/20 and the Ministry’s Guidance also do not prevent the specifiedbusinesses or organizations from establishing additional policies or requirementspertaining to their patrons. This could include businesses or organizations that want toimplement policies or requirements for part of their business (e.g., entire restaurantincluding the outdoor patio). Businesses or organizations considering creating theirown additional policies or requirements may wish to consult a lawyer.

However, all Ontarians, regardless of their vaccination status, should continue to haveaccess to necessary medical care, food from grocery stores, and basic medicalsupplies.

9. Why do patrons at the specified businesses and organizations have to be vaccinated but workers (i.e., staff/employees) do not have to be?

Employers are required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. This includes identifying the risks and implementing appropriate controls.

This is an existing requirement for workers to wear protective personal equipment that provides protection of the eyes, nose and mouth if, in the course of providing services, the person is required to come within two metres of another person indoors who is not wearing a mask or face covering and is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.

This is specifically designed to protect workers, especially where they are required to come into close contact with many patrons who are unmasked (e.g., restaurant, gym).

Businesses or organizations are also required to implement comprehensive public health and workplace safety measures that are specific to protecting their workers.

Businesses and organizations may choose to implement policies that require workers to be vaccinated.

10. Are businesses and organizations able to implement workplace vaccination policies for employees?

Businesses and organizations can choose to implement workplace vaccination policies. They may also choose to leverage provincial guidance and technology to support implementation.

Businesses and organizations may wish to consult their legal counsel before implementation.

11. What are the proof of vaccination requirements for Indigenous partners?

Ontario is committed to ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, including ensuring OCAP principles are fully met. A receipt signed by an Indigenous Health Provider may be used as proof of vaccination.

An Indian Status Card or an Indigenous Membership Card with the name and date of birth are appropriate documentation to provide proof of identity.

General:

12. Are outdoor areas covered by tents, canopies, retractable roofs, etc. considered indoor or outdoor settings?

A setting is considered to be outdoors if an outdoor area of the business or place is:

Covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning, or other element if at least two full sides of the area are open to the outdoors and not blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers; or
Equipped with a retractable roof and the roof is retracted, at least one full side of the outdoor area is open to the outdoors and is not blocked by any walls or other impermeable barriers.

It is possible to have indoor spaces in an outdoor setting (e.g., indoor food or drink establishment at a fair).

13. If time-limited exit and re-entry is possible, is it necessary to show credential on each entry, or will once suffice (e.g., parking validation)?

Businesses and organizations must follow the requirements of section 2.1 of Schedule 1 to O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA), including:

Patrons must provide, at the point of entry, proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to access the indoor area of the premises; and
Not retaining any information provided by the patron.

This includes potentially storing vaccination details in an individual’s file.

These requirements will help ensure the protection of an individual’s health information.

14. Are businesses and organizations able to keep or retain any information related to proof of vaccination?

As per O. Reg. 364/20, a business or an organization shall not retain any information provided by a patron as it relates to proof of vaccination.

15. For businesses that sell tickets online, does proof of vaccination have to be provided prior to purchase? Is the expectation that refunds will be provided if the person purchases a ticket but isn’t eligible to enter?

When proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required, patron proof of vaccination is required at the point of entry to the specified area of the premises of the business or organization, including at meeting or event spaces, and not at the point of sale, which may involve a different location or date.

Businesses and organizations should consider their refund policy as it relates to vaccine status and may wish to consult legal counsel.

16. Will capacity limits be adjusted for impacted businesses?

Current capacity limit requirements continue to remain in place for impacted businesses in accordance with requirements set out under O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA).

As we monitor the impact of opening schools and the growing number of people returning to workplaces, our government will evaluate when it may be safe to consider expanding capacity limits in settings that are captured by the new vaccine certificate services policy.

Proof of Vaccination:

17. Do I need to bring both receipts or just my second dose receipt to show proof of vaccination?

A patron seeking access to a business or organization specified in the regulation must provide a receipt that shows that they are fully vaccinated. See the Guidance Document for the definition of fully vaccinated.

Between September 22 and October 22, 2021, in addition to proof of identity, a patron must show a paper or digital version of the PDF receipt.

After October 22, 2021, in addition to proof of identity, a patron may present a paper or digital version of the PDF receipt or a paper or digital version of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code to gain access to designated settings.

18. The receipts that can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website have a watermark. Is that version required to have my proof of vaccination accepted?

All versions of the receipt are acceptable as proof of vaccination when paired with proof of identification.

19. I’m not comfortable showing all my personal information on my receipt. Am I able to block certain information out?

Altering the appearance of the receipt you receive as proof of vaccination in any way is not permitted and could render the receipt invalid.

20. Does a previous COVID-19 infection or a recent negative test allow people who are not fully vaccinated to be considered fully vaccinated?

A negative COVID-19 test or recent COVID-19 infection is not the same as being fully vaccinated.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends individuals with prior COVID-19 infection be immunized as it protects them reinfection given the emergency of new strains, variants of concern (VOCs), etc.

21. How does someone prove they are fully vaccinated if documents are from out of province or out of country?

Patrons from outside the province or the country will be required to show they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and identification to enter specified settings.

Proof of vaccination from outside of Ontario will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their identification document matches the vaccination receipt with name and date of birth and if the person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as specified by O. Reg. 364/20. Individuals visiting from outside the province or the country will be required to show their full vaccination status and identification to enter the specified settings referenced in O. Reg. 364/20. This may require showing one or more pieces of information. Ontario residents who received their first dose or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine outside Ontario or Canada can register their vaccination records through their local public health unit.

If the vaccination receipt or proof of identity from out of country is in a language that the business or organization cannot use to verify the documents, the business or organization may request a translated copy in addition to the original receipt.

Ontario residents who received both appropriate doses of a Health Canada-authorized COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario will be able to obtain a vaccination receipt through the provincial portal at COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal, once their vaccination information is successfully registered.

Information on non-Health Canada approved vaccines that can be found here.

22. Will international and out of province visitors travelling to Ontario be able to download the QR code after October 22, 2021?

It is anticipated that out of province visitors to Ontario will not be able to download a version of the receipt with a QR code and must present paper copies of their proof of vaccination and one additional piece of identification to gain access to designated businesses and organizations.

Medical Exemptions:

23. Are medical notes from outside the province, or country valid?

Out of province or out of country medical documentation will be honoured in Ontario if the individual’s name, the physician’s name and physician’s contact information are provided. The note must clearly state that there is a medical reason for the individual not to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.

24. Will those who carry medical exemptions need to show proof of negative COVID-19 test?

Individuals with medical exemptions will not be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

O. Reg. 364/20 and the Ministry’s Guidance do not prevent the specified businesses or organizations from establishing additional policies or requirements pertaining to their patrons. This could include businesses or organizations that want to require individuals with medical exemptions to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Businesses or organizations considering creating their own additional policies or requirements may wish to consult a lawyer.

25. Will the business or organization be responsible for ensuring the reason for the medical exemption meets the provincial guidelines?

To review proof of a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, the business or organization must ensure:

The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.
The physician or registered nurse’s in the extended class’s information is complete by including: o Name and contact information of the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
- Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
- Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
- Any effective time-period for the medical reason which includes the date the patron is seeking access to the business or organization.

26. Prior to the app being developed, what is acceptable proof of medical exemption? What about after the app is developed?

Patrons with a medical exemption must provide a written document, completed and supplied by a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”) stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason. The patron must also provide identification.

The physician or registered nurse in the extended class must ensure the medical exemption aligns with definition(s) and parameters outlined in the Ministry’s Guidance.

Ontario is working to develop a way for legitimate medical exemptions from COVID-19 vaccinations to be built into the QR code the verification application will read so people do not have to display their exemption form and businesses do not have to verify those forms.

27. What are legitimate medical exemptions set out by the province?

There are very few medical exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination. Please refer to the Ministry of Health’s Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for more information.

Proof of Identity:

28. Do minors between the ages of 12-17 need to provide identification as they may not have identification to verify their identity?

If somebody is required to be fully vaccinated, they must prove both vaccination status and identity.

The identification requirements are flexible, and identification is required to confirm only name of the person and date of birth – government identification can be used for this purpose; however, is not the only type of ID accepted. Proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Identification that young people may have access to that include name and date of birth could include birth certificate, or a passport, among other forms of ID.

Businesses or organizations should establish processes to ensure compliance with this requirement, including processes to ensure compliance with this requirement when a business or organization is uncertain whether a person is under 12 years of age.

However, there is an exemption from this requirement if the patron is under 18 years of age and is entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, as further described with the Ministry’s Guidance.

Businesses or organizations should also establish processes to ensure compliance with requirements in O. Reg. 364/20 when a business or organization is uncertain whether a person is under 18 years of age, as applicable.

Other exemptions may also apply.

Meeting and Event Spaces and Multi-Purpose Organizations:

29. Do meeting and events spaces have to provide access to antigen testing to patrons as per exemption for attending a social gathering associated with a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony in a meeting or event space between September 22 and October 12, 2021?

Patrons may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen test to attend a social gathering associated with a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony in a meeting or event space between September 22 and October 12, 2021 (inclusive).

These antigen tests would have to be privately purchased by the individual, or alternatively by the business.

The negative COVID-19 antigen test, regardless of where it is conducted, cannot be longer than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

A negative COVID-19 antigen test is not required to attend a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony in the indoor premises of a meeting or event space located in a place of worship or in a funeral establishment, cemetery, crematorium or similar establishment that provides funeral, cemetery or cremation services and that is operated by a person licensed under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002.

30. Can I use a PCR test result instead of a rapid antigen test when attending a social gathering associated with a wedding at a meeting or event space?

Where applicable/required, a patron must produce the results of an antigen test administered within the previous 48 hours establishing that the person is negative for COVID-19.

31. Who, in a meeting or event space, is responsible for checking vaccination status or negative COVID-19 tests? Are operators permitted to delegate this to the convener of a meeting or does it need to be staff of that business?

The person responsible for the business or organization (i.e., meeting or event space), is required to verify proof of identification, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19,

or confirm the patron is exempt, at the point of entry to areas of the premises where it is required as outlined in O. Reg. 364/20.

The person responsible for the business or organization may delegate this responsibility to a staff person, but the person responsible for the business or organization remains responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements under ROA.

32.My business or organization is a multi-use facility (e.g., community centres,community hubs, co-working spaces, library, museum, gallery) that has severaldifferent activities (e.g., gym, child care centre, meeting and event space). Doindividuals in those spaces need to show proof of vaccination?

There may be different requirements for proof of vaccination for different spaceswithin a business or organization, as there are currently for other restrictions in Step 3(e.g., active screening is required prior to entry at sports and recreational fitnessfacilities, but not for other services that may be provided in the same multi-purposefacility).

Businesses or organizations will be required to verify proof of full vaccination againstCOVID-19 at the point of entry of areas of the premises where it is required, for eachpatron, with limited exceptions (e.g., medical exemptions, children under 12, etc.).

In addition, there are exemptions if a meeting or event space is being rented out:

for a day camp or overnight camp for children;
to a provider of child care within the meaning of the Child Care and Early YearsAct, 2014;
for the purpose of the provision of social services;
for the purpose of delivering or supporting the delivery of court services;
for operations by or on behalf of a government; or
for the purpose of delivering or supporting the delivery of government services.

For the period between September 22 and October 12, 2021 (inclusive), people attending social gatherings associated with weddings or funerals at meeting or event spaces will be able to provide a negative result from an antigen COVID-19 test no more than 48 hours before the event as a temporary alternative to proof of vaccination. These antigen tests would have to be privately purchased.

Table A provides detail with respect to requirements for funerals and weddings.

*unless patron qualifies for an exemption

33.Multi-service organizations like neighbourhood houses would have licensed childcare and recreation spaces under the same roof but possibly subject to differentrules (e.g., child care workers can opt for negative tests, but users of gyms cannot).Which policy would prevail in this context?

There may be different requirements for proof of vaccination for different spaceswithin a facility, as there are currently for other restrictions in Step 3 (e.g., activescreening is required prior to entry at sports and recreational fitness facilities, but notfor other services that may be provided in the same multi-purpose facility).

Businesses or organizations will be required to verify proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 at the point of entry of areas of the premises where it is required, for each patron, with limited exceptions (e.g., medical exemptions, children under 12, etc.).

Sector Specific:

34. Do the requirements apply to cast and crew members (i.e., workers) of a film and television production who are accessing a facility for the purposes of a film or television production occurring within a facility (e.g., restaurant, bar)?

Businesses or organizations will be required to verify proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 at the point of entry of areas of the premises where it is required, for each patron, with limited exceptions (e.g., medical exemptions, children under 12, etc.).

It will not be required for contractors or workers, including the cast and crew members of a film and television production.

35. Do the requirements apply to or caterers, florists, etc. who are accessing meeting or event spaces such as a wedding?

It will not be required for contractors or workers, including florists, photographers, DJs, etc. temporarily accessing a meeting or event space.

36. Will proof of vaccination be required for gyms or meeting or event spaces within an apartment building, condo building, or retirement home? What about hotels?

Facilities in apartment buildings, condo buildings, and retirement homes that are not open or accessible to the public are likely not public settings or facilities that would be subject to proof of vaccination requirements. However, these organizations may implement their own rules respecting use of gyms or meeting or event spaces. These organizations may wish to consult their legal counsel if they are considering such a measure.

Proof of vaccination would be required for patrons to access certain areas within a hotel, unless an exemption applies (e.g., child under 12, people unable to be vaccinated due to valid medical reasons, people under 18, in the case of certain sports or recreational/fitness facilities). For example, proof of vaccination is required for patrons to enter an indoor gym located within a hotel unless a medical exemption applies.

37. Are overnight guests in hotels required to show proof of vaccination? Does this apply to the entire hotel?

Guests in hotels or motels are not required to show proof of vaccination.

However, there may be areas in a hotel or motel where proof of vaccination is required to gain access. For example, a restaurant, bar, and other food or drink establishment, facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g., gym, pool), and meeting and event spaces.

Hotels or motels may also choose to implement a vaccination policy for its entire establishment or facility.

38. Do hotel breakfast areas require patrons to show proof of vaccination?

Patrons of indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments must show proof of vaccination before they can enter the area. However, this does not apply to takeout.

39. Can proof of vaccination be collected prior to a patron’s arrival at a hotel instead of screening at the door?

Patrons must provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated at the point of entry of any area of the business or organization specified in O. Reg. 364/20.

40. Can a tour operator who will visit various businesses or organizations specified in the regulation check proof of vaccination on behalf of the businesses? Does the tour operator have to provide proof?

It is the responsibility of each business or organization to determine how it meets the requirements outlined in O. Reg. 364/20. This includes confirming a patron’s proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the point of entry (where required).

41. Do patrons who are dining indoors at food courts need to show proof of vaccination?

Patrons of food or drink establishments (excluding outdoor patios, takeout, and delivery) must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated at the point of entry. This includes food or drink establishments in food courts.

42. Do patrons dining indoors at airports or gyms need to show proof of vaccination?

Patrons of restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments (excluding outdoor patios, takeout, and delivery) must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated at the point of entry (with limited exemptions).

43. Can a restaurant allow unvaccinated patio patrons to dine inside if it starts to rain?

Patrons can dine in indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments if they are fully vaccinated. Patrons must provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the point of entry.

44. Are there any proof of vaccination requirements for wineries, breweries and distilleries that sell and serve their wine, beer, and spirits to patrons for consumption at their manufacturing site (i.e., “by the glass” servings of alcohol)?

Patrons of restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments (excluding outdoor patios, takeout, and delivery) must provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the point of entry.

45. Do youth under 18 years of age actively participating in an organized sport, including training, practices, games, and competitions, need to show proof of vaccination?

Requirements for an indoor premise of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities are outlined in Table B.

Adult (18+) patrons accessing the facility for any purpose, including parents or guardians of youth participating in an organized sport are required to provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the point of entry.

*unless patron qualifies for an exemption

46.Currently, quick service restaurants (QSR) are not required to collect patroninformation for contact tracing. Will QSRs be required to collect patroninformation for contact tracing when the vaccine certificate system isimplemented?

As per O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit, Schedule 2,Section 1, the collection of patron information for contact tracing is not required for:

A patron who temporarily enters a food establishment to place, pick up or payfor a takeout order,
An establishment which requires all dine-in patrons to order or select their foodor drink at a counter, food bar or cafeteria line and pay before receiving their order.

The collection of patron information for contact tracing will not be required in the above circumstances, even as vaccination certificates are implemented. The collection of patron information for contact tracing is required for all other restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments.

47.Our live racing is outdoors. What are the requirements for us and patrons?

Proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at thepoint of entry of a business is required for indoor areas of horse racing tracks, carracing tracks and other similar venues. It is not required when a patron is entering theindoor area solely to use a washroom or place a bet or pick up winnings in the case ofa horse racing track (among other limited exceptions).

Compliance and Enforcement:

48.Who can enforce these new proof of vaccination requirements under theReopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020?

Police, special constables, First Nation constables and those designated as provincial offences officers by the Solicitor General have the authority to enforce all orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA)

Provincial offences officers include by-law, police, public health inspectors andregulatory officers from several ministries and agencies.

49.How will these new requirements be enforced?

The enforcement of the proof of vaccine requirements will be a graduated approach with emphasis on education, promotion, and localized compliance and enforcement as required. This measured approach to enforcement has been featured throughout the province’s pandemic response. Provincial offences officers involved in ROA enforcement utilize both proactive approaches based on data and advice from the local public health unit, as well as reactive responses to complaints and issues.

50. What does a business or organization do if it discovers fraud? Who do they call? Does the business take a name/confiscate the credentials? How will the rules be practically enforced/fines assessed?

Specified businesses or organizations that are open must require patrons who enter their premises to provide, at the point of entry, proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated (or being entitled to an exemption) as set out in the rules for Step 3 in O. Reg. 364/20 (Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step) under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, subject to exemptions.

These businesses and organizations are expected to deny entry to those who fail to produce the required identification and proof of vaccination (or exemption).

Where the business or organization considers it appropriate, they could seek assistance from law enforcement by contacting their local police department.

Businesses and organizations must take steps to prevent, identify and respond to racial profiling, racial discrimination, harassment, and other violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

51. Who is responsible for checking ID and proof of vaccination prior to granting entry to patrons?

Specified businesses and organizations are responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements regarding requiring patrons to provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or entitlement to an exemption) as outlined in O. Reg. 364/20.

Patrons are required to ensure that any information provided to the business or organization to satisfy a requirement under O. Reg. 364/20, including to demonstrate proof of vaccination (or entitlement to an exemption) or proof of identification, is complete and accurate. Except for limited circumstances set out in O. Reg. 364/20, patrons are prohibited from entering the premises of the specified businesses or organizations without providing such information.

Failure of a business or organization or a patron to comply with the requirements in O. Reg. 364/20 is an offence under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.

52. How can a business ensure the safety and security of its staff if they are forced to turn someone away who does not have proof of vaccination?

Many businesses are experienced at declining entry for legitimate reasons. For example, some establishments have experience preventing people under 19 from ordering or consuming alcohol or entering bars.

Individuals who have any trouble with patrons could, if the situation permits, inform the patron of the requirements under O. Reg. 364/20 and offer alternate solutions (e.g., to sit on an outdoor patio, takeout).

All Provincial offences officers, including by-law, police, public health inspectors and regulatory officers from several ministries and agencies may provide education and enforcement of all the requirements under the ROA, including the new proof of vaccination requirement.

If situations escalate, law enforcement, such as local police, can be contacted. In an emergency call 9-1-1.

If employers update their workplace violence and harassment policies and procedures, as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and all workers are informed of such, workplaces will be better able to respond to any unfortunate incidents that may occur in relation to the requirement for vaccination certificates.

Tools and resources are available to help businesses implement the necessary safety measures including guidance to develop workplace violence and harassment measures and procedures as part of their COVID Safety Plan.

Examples of some other helpful resources are (but not limited to):

53. Is there firm protection for businesses from potential lawsuits?

In the case of this legislated requirement, the business or organization will be following provincial law just as they do when, for example, actively screening patrons before entry into a business, collecting patron contact information, or excluding people under 19 in bars.

The Ministry of Health will continue to support businesses in the implementation and rollout of vaccine certification services.

Post-October 22 Vaccine Certificate:

54. Will there be education for employers / employees to implement both paper and app?

The government will develop and provide guidance and additional tools to improve user experience, efficiency and business supports in the coming weeks, including establishing alternative tools for people with no email or ID.

A full list of supports available for businesses can be found on Ontario’s COVID-19: Help for businesses here.

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Daily Update: September 14th, 2021

September 14, 2021 | Daily Update

Ontario releases guidance for businesses on Proof of Vaccination Policy

Today the government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021. Requiring proof of vaccination will help increase vaccination rates, protect individuals in higher-risk indoor settings, and keep businesses open.

In advance of September 22, all Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal.

Click here for more information.

Canada Employment Insurance Commission sets the 2022 Employment Insurance Premium Rate

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) today made available the Actuarial Report and its summary for the 2022 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate. The rate is set at $1.58 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 for employers who pay 1.4 times the employee rate, which is unchanged from the 2020 and 2021 premium rate.

Click here for more information.

Eligibility for third vaccine doses expanded

The province will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional vulnerable populations. Individuals in these groups can receive their third dose at a recommended interval of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Click here for more information.

Regional Chair Bradley issues statement condemning vandalism and harassment of those in the public realm

The recent vandalism committed to the vehicle of Liberal candidate Chris Bittle, the spitting on and hurling of vile insults to Conservative candidate Krystina Waler, and racial insults being directed at campaign volunteers, are all examples of clearly despicable behaviour during an electoral contest. Most recently, the vandalistic attack on the residence and vehicle of Mayor Walter Sendzik represent yet another unacceptable action taken against an individual in the public realm.

I will be clear: I condemn all of these actions in the strongest possible terms.

Click here for more information.

Port Colborne Council approves COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff

At last night’s Council meeting, staff recommended creating a vaccine policy consistent with the City’s corporate values, collective agreement language, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and all applicable legislation to be drafted and implemented. In a unanimous vote, Council approved creating a vaccine policy and have asked City staff to present a finalized document at the next council meeting in a closed session.

Click here for more information.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Build a modern economy

The post-COVID economy will need to be more flexible and responsive, with better data and support for resilient and non-traditional business models.

The GNCC is calling on all parties to provide world-class data. Statistics Canada should be transformed into an arm’s-length organization, like Elections Canada, and fully funded to provide economic and social data that is the equal of that offered in Europe and the United States.

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

Election results will move the needle for Canada’s economy

Financial Post

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtF2tYQxCP8&feature=emb_logo

Reading Recommendations

Record-high U.S. inflation looking a little more transitory as rate cooled in August

CBC News

The U.S. inflation rate rose at its slowest pace in seven months in August, far less than economists were expecting and a hopeful sign that inflation pressures may be cooling.

The U.S. consumer price index rose at 0.3 per cent in August, down from a 0.5 per cent increase in July and a 0.9 per cent surge in June, the Department of Labour reported Tuesday. It was the smallest increase since the 0.3 per cent rise clocked in January.

The August slowdown in prices was seen as offering some hope that Americans were finally starting to see some relief from a price surge earlier in the year.

The pandemic highlights the importance of walkable and wheelable neighbourhoods

The Conversation

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of neighbourhoods and how they fare in terms of walkability and wheelability.

Neighbourhood walkability and wheelability are defined as the “measure of how well a neighbourhood fosters active forms of transportation.” Very walkable and wheelable neighbourhoods have built environments, or human-made surroundings, that support physical and social activity.

Built environment design features that characterize walkable and wheelable neighbourhoods can include sidewalks, curb cuts and pedestrian traffic signals. When appropriately constructed, these features can support inclusion and in many cases, neighbourhoods that are designed with this in mind are good for everyone.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

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

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: September 4, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

On September 13, there were 12 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 11 were unvaccinated, 0 were partially vaccinated, and 1 was fully vaccinated. There were 3 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Over the last 28 days, a Niagara resident vaccinated with 1 dose was 3.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and an unvaccinated person was 8.4 times more likely.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 679,425

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,493

Last updated: September 14, 2021

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

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

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

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: September 13th, 2021

September 13, 2021 | Daily Update

Niagara Health reinforces the importance of vaccination against COVID-19

This pandemic is the most significant healthcare crisis of our time.

We continue to learn more about the Delta variant. Based on modelling from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, we expect to see another surge in cases in hospitals in our province over the next several months, impacting all age groups and all hospital services.

Community vaccination is our best defence against this highly contagious virus and will lessen the impact of the fourth wave. All vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective in protecting against COVID-19 and its variants.

At Niagara Health, the majority of patients receiving care for COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Since Aug. 7, the health system has cared for 32 patients with COVID-19 of which 26, or 81%, have been unvaccinated.

For more information on getting vaccinated against COVID-19, please visit Niagara Health’s website at: https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/vaccination-clinic or Niagara Region Public Health’s website at https://niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/vaccination.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Niagara Medical Officer of Health offers new COVID-19 briefing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve8BkrzdxV4

Fort Erie reports spike in COVID cases, Mayor Redekop renews appeal to unvaccinated

Fort Erie has experienced a spike in cases of COVID-19 in recent days, a troubling sign as children head back to school and a change in weather with the fall looms. On a positive note, Fort Erie remains the municipality in Niagara with the second-lowest case counts per 10,000 residents,with only rural Wainfleet being lower. But this is not a time for residents to become complacent, remarked Fort Erie mayor Wayne Redekop.

While over 70% of Fort Erie residents have received their first dose of a vaccine and over 65% are fully vaccinated, the Town is still behind the Regional and Provincial numbers for those categories. To alert those who wish to obtain their first or second dose of the vaccination, the Town is placing information on our website and social media regarding vaccination clinics being hosted in Town and pharmacies that are providing the vaccinations. Mayor Redekop urges everyone to become fully vaccinated, the one sure way to protect yourself, those around you and our community.

Click here to read the Mayor’s update (PDF link).

Click here to find a vaccination clinic in Niagara.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Welland launches communications survey

The City of Welland is reaching out to the community for input on corporate communications in the form of a communications survey on the City’s YourChannel engagement site. Feedback from this survey will assist in the creation of the City’s corporate communications plan.

From social media to the City’s website to print and radio, the communications survey allows respondents to provide feedback on various tools, providing a mix of open, closed, and ranking questions. Responses will help form a benchmark to measure future success.

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Brock reports greater than 90 per cent vaccination rate

With the return of in-person teaching and learning on Monday, Sept. 13, Brock’s community of students, faculty and staff is reporting a vaccination rate of greater than 90 per cent.

On Aug. 12, the University announced a vaccine mandate for anyone coming to campus. Since that time, tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff have uploaded their vaccine certifications for verification and have completed an online process confirming their status.

Click here for more information.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Build infrastructure that supports commerce

Businesses will only reach new customers if they can get their products to market. Getting there requires high-quality infrastructure with sufficient capacity to carry goods across different modes of transportation.

The GNCC is calling on all parties to support agriculture with infrastructure. Niagara’s farmers are facing new challenges from climate change, with weather patterns becoming more unpredictable. Investments in, for example, irrigation infrastructure would both better support Niagara’s agricultural industry and encourage further investment in farming arable land.

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

Explainer: The Canadian federal election: what has happened and what is at stake

Reuters

Canadians go to the polls on Sept. 20 in an election that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called two years early, seeking to turn public approval for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic into a fresh, four-year mandate. Since 2019, Trudeau has only commanded a minority in parliament, leaving him dependent on other parties to govern. Trudeau argues the pandemic has changed Canada like World War Two did and Canadians should now choose who they want to make important decisions for decades to come.

Trudeau has struggled to explain why an early election during a worsening fourth wave of COVID-19 was a good idea. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole consistently accuses the Liberal leader of putting Canadians in harm’s way for personal ambition. People also seem to be tiring of Trudeau, who carries the baggage of having governed for six years.

After Trudeau called the election, his hefty opinion poll lead vanished. Recent surveys point to a tight race in which he might retain power with another minority.

Singh’s recent dip in support might indicate NDP supporters swinging to Liberals: Nanos

CTV News

With only one more week left to go in the election campaign, a recent dip in support for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh could indicate that some of his party’s supporters are swinging to the Liberals, according to pollster Nik Nanos.

According to Nanos Research’s nightly tracking data conducted for CTV News and the Globe and Mail, support for Singh as the preferred prime minister has steadily declined over the past four days. The latest polling data, which was released Monday, puts him at 16.3 per cent support – a marked drop from the 21.2 per cent support he enjoyed on Thursday.

Reading Recommendations

All day surgeries in Edmonton health zone postponed as hospitals struggle under pressure of COVID-19

CBC News

Up to 70 per cent of all scheduled surgeries and procedures in the Edmonton health zone will be immediately postponed as Alberta Health Services works to free up space and frontline staff to care for patients with COVID-19.

All day surgeries will be postponed and only “priority cancer, urgent and emergent surgeries” will go ahead, AHS spokesperson Kerry Williamson told CBC News on Monday.

The change comes as Alberta’s fourth wave of COVID-19 pushes Alberta hospitals to the breaking point.

Trailer parks could hold the answer to Canada’s national housing crisis

Financial Post

Happiness and a blistering hot national housing market, for those looking to crack into it, are not often complementary terms. The average price of a Canadian home has rocketed past $700,000, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association, beyond the scope of many people looking for a first home.

This cost-of-living crisis has politicians of every stripe throwing around affordable housing-themed pledges during the election campaign: build a million new homes (Conservatives); build 500,000 new homes (NDP); ban foreign ownership, hamstring would-be house-flippers and “build, preserve, or repair” 1.4 million homes (Liberals).

Apparently overlooked, amid all the promises and political talk, is a potential throwback answer to the nation’s affordable housing woes: the humble trailer park.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: September 4, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

On September 10, there were 12 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 12 were unvaccinated, 0 were partially vaccinated, and 0 were fully vaccinated. There were 4 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Over the last 28 days, a Niagara resident vaccinated with 1 dose was 3.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and an unvaccinated person was 8.4 times more likely.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 677,855

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 661

Last updated: September 13, 2021

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

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

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Daily Update: September 10th, 2021

September 10, 2021 | Daily Update

Niagara’s Labour Force in August 2021

NWPB’s Eye on Employment outlines the latest data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey. These data report that in August of 2021 Niagara saw 8,900 more people in employment compared to July 2021. This increase was evenly divided across gains in full-time (+4,400) and part-time (+4,400) employment. Note that the 8,900 figure is greater than the sum of its parts due to rounding on the part of Statistics Canada.

Niagara’s unemployment rate remained constant at 10.4% between July and August 2021. However, we saw gains in the employment rate from 52.4% in July to 54.8% in August, and gains in the participation rate from 58.5% to 61.1%. These indicate people are actively seeking out employment.

Approximately 5,400 Niagara youth gained employment in August 2021, with the majority finding full-time employment. Women and men reported employment gains of 4,100 and 4,700 in August respectively. Compared to this time last year, there are 13,500 more women in employment and 400 fewer men reporting employment.

Labour force characteristics	July 2020	August 2020	2020	June 2021	July 2021	August 2021
Labour force	207,100	215,600	211,200	214,500	218,200	227,900
Employment	181,500	191,200	190,600	190,000	195,400	204,300
Full-time employment	145,600	153,400	147,200	152,000	157,800	162,200
Part-time employment	35,900	37,800	43,400	38,000	37,700	42,100
Unemployment	25,600	24,500	20,600	24,500	22,800	23,600
Unemployment rate	12.4%	11.4%	9.8%	11.4%	10.4%	10.4%
Participation rate	55.8%	58.0%	56.9%	57.5%	58.5%	61.1%
Employment rate	48.9%	51.5%	51.3%	51.0%	52.4%	54.8%

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

National employment rises for third consecutive month

Employment rose by 90,000 (+0.5%) in August, the third consecutive monthly increase. The unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points to 7.1%. Employment is within 156,000 (-0.8%) of its February 2020 level, the closest since the onset of the pandemic.

August employment gains were concentrated in full-time work (+69,000; +0.4%). Increases were mainly in services-producing industries, led by accommodation and food services, and were spread across multiple demographic groups. Total hours worked were little changed and were 2.6% below their pre-pandemic level.

Click here for more information.

On-campus vaccination clinic for students, staff and public to be held at Niagara College on September 13 and 20

Niagara College students, staff, and members of the public will be able to receive a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on campus this September.

GO-VAXX bus, a mobile vaccination clinic, will be on campus for drop-ins on the following dates:

September 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. @ the Welland Campus in parking lot A (east side).
September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. @ the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake in parking lot A (south side).

Maps of campus lots can be found on the NC website. Parking is free for those visiting the GO-VAXX bus.

Click here for more information.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Build infrastructure that supports commerce

The GNCC is calling on all parties to maximize the economic benefit of the seaway by developing adjacent lands. The Seaway has enormous unrealized economic potential for Niagara. Potential industrial lands adjoining the seaway should be developed. This may require the separation of the lands from seaway management.

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

Vote-splitting a growing problem for Trudeau, O’Toole in close race: Nanos

CTV News

With the leadership debates now in the rear-view mirror and polls showing a close race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the issue of vote-splitting is becoming increasingly significant ahead of the Sept. 20 federal election, according to pollster Nik Nanos.

“If you’re [Conservative Leader] Erin O’Toole and play fantasy politics, you’d say ‘what would the world look like without Maxime Bernier?’” Nanos said on Friday’s edition of CTV’s Trend Line podcast. “On the other side of that we’ve got the NDP. I imagine there’s quite a few ridings where Justin Trudeau might be sweating, considering NDP support.”

Reading Recommendations

The real lessons from 9/11

The Economist

Twenty years ago America set out to reshape the world order after the attacks of September 11th. Today it is easy to conclude that its foreign policy has been abandoned on a runway at Kabul airport. President Joe Biden says the exit from Afghanistan was about “ending an era” of distant wars, but it has left America’s allies distraught and its enemies gleeful. Most Americans are tired of it all: roughly two-thirds say the war wasn’t worth it. Yet the national mood of fatigue and apathy is a poor guide to America’s future role in the world. Its capabilities remain formidable and its strategy can be retooled for the 21st century, provided the right lessons are drawn from the post-9/11 era.

11 September 2001: The conspiracy theories still spreading after 20 years

BBC News

The first 9/11 conspiracy theories appeared on the internet just hours after the attacks, on 11 September 2001, and with the rise of social media, have grown in scope and scale ever since.

Extensive reports by the 9/11 Commission, US government agencies and expert groups have refuted the existence of any hidden conspiracy.

But activist groups in the US and elsewhere, the 9/11 Truth movement, say the facts have been hidden.

Some leading members of the movement have also embraced conspiracies about Covid-19 and vaccines.

And some senior politicians, celebrities and media figures have also disputed the official account.

Denmark lifts domestic COVID-19 restrictions, citing high vaccination rate

CBC News

Denmark’s high vaccination rate has enabled the Scandinavian country to become one of the first European Union nations to lift all domestic COVID-19 restrictions.

The return to normalcy has been gradual, but as of Friday, the country’s digital proof of vaccination is no longer required when entering nightclubs, making it the last virus safeguard to fall. More than 80 per cent of people above the age of 12 have had the two shots.

As of midnight, the Danish government no longer considers COVID-19 “a socially critical disease.” Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said Aug. 27 that “the epidemic is under control,” but warned that “we are not out of the epidemic,” and the government will act as needed if necessary.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: September 4, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

Over the last 28 days, a Niagara resident vaccinated with 1 dose was 3.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and an unvaccinated person was 8.4 times more likely.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 674,897

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,358

Last updated: September 10, 2021

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

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

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Daily Update: September 9th, 2021

September 9, 2021 | Daily Update

Deaths of almost 25,000 Canadians attributed to COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2021

From March 2020 to the beginning of June 2021, there were an estimated 23,547 excess deaths in Canada, or 6.7% more deaths than what would be expected were there no pandemic, after accounting for changes in the population, such as aging. Over this same period, 24,910 deaths were directly attributed to COVID-19. While COVID-19 deaths were still observed, significant excess mortality has not been observed nationally for the total population using the provisional death data since February 2021.

Click here for more information.

Ontario launches Request for Qualifications to offer high-speed internet in under-served areas

Today, the province launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as part of a new competitive bidding process to connect more than 300,000 homes and businesses in unserved and underserved areas.

Under the new and innovative procurement process, qualified internet service providers (ISP) will later bid – through a series of reverse auctions in defined geographic areas – for opportunities to provide connectivity across Ontario.

Click here for more information.

Lincoln and Grimsby formally approve shared fire services

The Town of Lincoln and the Town of Grimsby have approved by-laws to move forward with a pilot project for the provision of shared fire protection services, to deliver fire protection services jointly to both communities. The implementation of shared fire services allows both municipalities to maximize their collective resources without each having to pay the full cost of such and will serve to preserve the volunteer fire service model.

The GNCC has urged municipal governments to streamline and reduce costs through integration and shared services for many years, and is pleased at this development.

Click here for more information.

Welland seeks input on official plan

The City of Welland invites public comment on the updates to the Official Plan. A survey is available on the City’s engagement site, YourChannel, until early October. Questions in the survey look at topics such as familiarity with the Official Plan, future vision, placemaking, and priorities. In addition, a scheduled virtual Official Plan visioning workshop takes place Wednesday, September 29.

Click here for more information.

St. Catharines Digital Main Street program goes city-wide

The City of St. Catharines is relaunching Digital Main Street for a third year, offering one-on-one support to small businesses in expanding their reach into an increasingly important digital marketplace. The program, made possible by to a $83,862 grant from Digital Main Street’s Ontario Grants Program (OGP), will see the City’s Digital Service Squad extending its support across the whole community, in addition to providing the opportunity for receipt of a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant. The grants — administrated by the Ontario BIA Association with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade — support brick-and-mortar businesses in adopting new technologies to expand their online reach.

Click here for more information.

Niagara Health vaccination clinic to be closed Sunday, Sept. 12

Niagara Health’s vaccination clinic at the St. Catharines Site will be closed Sunday, Sept. 12 due to low bookings.

Regular operations, including booked and walk-in appointments, will resume Monday, Sept. 13. Make an appointment online for same-day and future bookings. Walk-ins for first, second (until 3:30 p.m.) and third doses (until 3 p.m.) are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis of the Pfizer vaccine.

To ensure maximum protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant, individuals should get vaccinated as soon as they can and book their second dose as soon as they are eligible. All vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective in protecting against COVID-19 and its variants. Mixing vaccines is safe, effective and enables more Ontarians to receive their second dose sooner.

Click here for more information.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Build infrastructure that supports commerce

The GNCC is calling on all parties to finance the National Trade Corridors Fund with $5 billion per year in total. This measure will enable more provinces, territories and municipalities to receive infrastructure funding to move goods domestically and abroad.

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

Canada’s main parties jump aboard spending bandwagon as election nears

Reuters

With less than two weeks before Canadians vote in a federal election, the race is too close to call. But what is certain is that for the first time in recent memory, no matter which party wins, the government spending taps will be wide open.

The ruling Liberals and the rival Conservatives are both promising tens of billions of dollars in investments if they triumph in the Sept. 20 vote. Canada’s two main parties say the spending is needed to battle the effects of a fourth wave of COVID-19 and kick-start an economic recovery.

Here are 5 ways the feds could fix Canada’s housing crisis

BNN Bloomberg

Housing has been a hot topic in the campaign for Canada’s 44th parliament.

Every major party platform offers proposals for reining in what has become a nationwide affordability crisis. However, experts say the most effective potential solutions have either received scant attention from the federal platforms, or have failed to be included at all. Five of them are broken down in detail below.

Reading Recommendations

Average cost for COVID-19 ICU patients estimated at more than $50,000: report

CBC News

The average cost of treating a COVID-19 patient who needs intensive care in Canada is estimated at more than $50,000, compared with $8,400 for someone who’s had a heart attack, a new report says.

Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows the average cost for patients being treated for the virus is more than $23,000, which is four times higher than a patient with influenza.

Ann Chapman, interim director of health spending and primary care at CIHI, said the report reinforces the economic consequences of a serious illness, though it does not include the cost for doctors.

Tiff Macklem charts Bank of Canada’s path out of pandemic stimulus

Financial Post

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem has begun the delicate work of extricating the central bank from the bond market.

Macklem used a speech on Thursday to chart an end to the Bank of Canada’s first use of quantitative easing (QE), a relatively aggressive approach to keeping interest rates low that involves central banks using their unique ability to create money to purchase financial assets.

The Bank of Canada deployed QE to fight the COVID-19 recession, and has so far acquired more than $330 billion of Government of Canada debt since the end of March 2020. Central bankers dislike becoming active players in private markets, but without their intervention, the cost of borrowing money to invest probably would drift higher, slowing the recovery.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: September 4, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

On September 8, there were 14 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 13 were unvaccinated, 0 were partially vaccinated, and 1 was fully vaccinated. There were 5 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Over the last 28 days, a Niagara resident vaccinated with 1 dose was 3.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and an unvaccinated person was 8.4 times more likely.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 673,534

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,348

Last updated: September 9, 2021

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

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

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REALTalk: Let’s talk Anti-Racism and Affordable Housing

September 9, 2021 | Event Recordings, NEXTNiagara, NEXTNiagara Videos

Presented by NEXTNiagara and Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association. Sponsored by YMCA of Niagara

We live in a society in which outcomes of everyone’s lives are not the same. If you believe, like us, the reason those who are not succeeding or doing well is because they are oppressed by an unfair system, or subject to systemic biases, surely you would wish not to be in the group that is contributing to their oppression. We unpack that through this collaborative series between NEXTNiagara and the Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association.

This month, our REALTalk Series will explore the link between affordable housing and anti-racism. This event will start with a mini-presentation from the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA), followed by a panel discussion.

Resources:
• https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackhousingdirectory
• https://www.niagaracommunitylegalclinic.com/
• Contact CERA at https://www.equalityrights.org/ or call 416-944-0087
• https://www.equalityrights.org/
• HRTO: https://tribunalsontario.ca/hrto/

Speakers:

Kattawe Henry (Moderator)
As a Brock alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Gender Studies and Feminist Research from McMaster University, Kattawe brings a background enriched with experiences and understandings of the difficult conversations that are essential to developing lasting and effective change. She is moved by the resilience of marginalized communities and has committed her research and professional career to understand the themes of racism, mental health, and sexual violence and harassment to understand and draw parallels to the social and structural nature of racism

Ury Eshun is a business banking professional with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union with over 375,000 members and $27.2 billion in assets under management. In his current role as Relationship Manager, Ury oversees a diverse portfolio of commercial accounts in the GTA West market, and has a keen interest in forging relationships with organizations and individuals involved in community outreach. He has also served as a chairperson of Meridian’s BIPOC employee resource group, which was formed to facilitate employee engagement, and to advocate for BIPOC representation within Meridian.

Erica Williams resides in St.Catharines, and has been a resident of the Niagara Region for the past 8 years. She graduated from Niagara College with a diploma in Social Services and is currently attending Ryerson (X) University to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work . She is employed at an organization that supports community members in need of transitional and permanent housing. In 2018 she created Erica’s Embrace Support Services which offers advocacy and donates hair and beauty care products for Black women staying in shelters in Ontario. Erica is a member of the St.Catharines Anti-Racism Advisory Committee and she is passionate about her community activism and is dedicated to supporting the Black community within the Niagara Region.

Lee Webb is the Manager of Services and Education at the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA). Lee is a lawyer with over 7 years experience in the housing law field. Prior to joining CERA, he was the Housing Team Lead at the Community Legal Clinic of York Region. He is a member of the Affordable Housing Coalition of York Region and the Corporation of Pickering College. Lee earned a J.D. at the University of Toronto, an M.A. at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and a B.A and B.Phil at the University of New Brunswick.

Speakers for this event will receive an honorarium provided exclusively by NRARA through Brock Student Justice Centre funding.

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Daily Update: September 8th, 2021

September 8, 2021 | Daily Update

Ontario releases technology and standards for digital identity

The Ontario government is publicly launching the technology and standards that will build Ontario’s digital identity ecosystem, which aims to empower simpler, faster and better access to more convenient and secure online services. When fully launched, Ontario’s Digital ID should allow people and businesses to prove who they are both online and in person with built-in safety features that protect users’ privacy and personal information.

Click here for more information.

Welland requests deferral of integrated public transit until 2023

Receiving an updated report from the Niagara Region on revised strategies for a consolidated transit system, Welland city council reiterated its support for inter-municipal transit services but maintained concerns about the financial, governance, and service models. These concerns prompted council to receive and support a subsequent staff report requesting the deferral of the project until 2023.

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre & Arenas reopen to rentals

Effective immediately, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is welcoming user groups back to the Community Centre and Centennial and Meridian Credit Union Arenas, as permitted in Provincial regulations, by reopening for room and ice rentals and programming. This is the first time programming and room rentals have been available at the Community Centre since it first closed on March 13, 2020, due to Provincial Emergency Orders related to COVID-19.

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues forward guidance and current pace of quantitative easing

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent, with the Bank Rate at ½ percent and the deposit rate at ¼ percent. The Bank is maintaining its extraordinary forward guidance on the path for the overnight rate. This is reinforced and supplemented by the Bank’s quantitative easing (QE) program, which is being maintained at a target pace of $2 billion per week.

Click here for more information.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Growing a prosperous economy

Canadians are hardworking and innovative, so it is no surprise SMEs are Canada’s biggest employers. The next Parliament must ensure an environment that helps Canada’s entrepreneurs grow and create jobs.

The GNCC is calling on all parties to champion local products. The pandemic has highlighted both the need to support local businesses in the face of global competition and the advantages of shortened supply chains when goods are in high international demand. The government should work to promote and support locally-produced goods across a broad range of Canadian industries.

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

Explainer: The Canadian federal election: what has happened and what’s at stake

Reuters

Canadians go to the polls on Sept. 20 in an election that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called two years early, seeking to turn public approval for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic into a fresh, four-year mandate.

Since 2019, Trudeau has only commanded a minority in parliament, leaving him dependent on other parties to govern. Trudeau argues the pandemic has changed Canada like World War Two did and Canadians should now choose who they want to make important decisions for decades to come.

Trudeau has struggled to explain why an early election during a worsening fourth wave of COVID-19 was a good idea. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole consistently accuses the Liberal leader of putting Canadians in harm’s way for personal ambition. People also seem to be tiring of Trudeau, who carries the baggage of having governed for six years.

Since Trudeau called the election, his hefty opinion poll lead has vanished: surveys point to a tight race in which he could lose to the opposition Conservatives.

But steady Conservative gains during the first three weeks seemed to have stopped as Trudeau attacked O’Toole for his opposition to vaccine mandates and his promise – now reversed – to legalize some assault weapons the Liberals had banned.

What do the federal parties have to do to win a majority this election?

CTV News

With just 12 days left in the federal election campaign, the two leading political parties appear to be locked in a dead heat with neither of them poised to win a majority government, according to national polling data.

So how can the Liberals and Conservatives move the political needle in their favour and where do the other parties stand?

According to Nanos Research’s nightly tracking data conducted for CTV News and the Globe and Mail, which was released on Wednesday morning, the Conservatives have 32.6 per cent support among Canadians and are in statistical tie with the Liberals at 31.6 per cent.

Reading Recommendations

Canada has opened up its borders to fully vaccinated foreign travellers. Are there risks?

CBC News

While the Canadian government has implemented strong measures to ensure fully vaccinated foreign travellers coming into Canada won’t be a significant source of COVID-19 spread, those protections will certainly not eliminate the risk, medical experts say.

“Certainly the optics aren’t ideal, as we are in a fourth wave and cases continue to climb across the country,” said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist and member of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine task force.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Top privacy concerns around mandatory vaccines

Canadian HR Reporter

Last week, we looked at some of the practical considerations around what an employer should be thinking about when implementing a mandatory vaccination policy at the workplace.

But what about privacy, especially when we are talking about potentially sensitive employee medical information? Canadian HR Reporter asked Lyndsay Wasser, partner privacy data protection at McMillan in Toronto, about some of the ways employers should safeguard that data.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: September 4, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

On September 7, there were 13 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 12 were unvaccinated, 0 were partially vaccinated, and 1 was fully vaccinated. There were 4 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

Over the last 28 days, a Niagara resident vaccinated with 1 dose was 3.7 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and an unvaccinated person was 8.4 times more likely.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 672,163

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,253

Last updated: September 8, 2021

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

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

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Daily Update: September 7th, 2021

September 7, 2021 | Daily Update

St. Catharines Enterprise Centre supporting entrepreneurs with Starter Company Plus

The City of St. Catharines’ small-business support office is gearing up for another annual run of Starter Company Plus. Through the provincially funded program, the team at the Enterprise Centre provides business training, mentorship and a grant up to $5,000 to help eligible entrepreneurs successfully launch their own businesses.

Since 2013 the centre has assisted 100 new businesses through the program. Of those 100 businesses, 88 still operate, accounting for over 200 local jobs.

The application deadline for this year is Sept. 27.

Before signing up, interested business owners are encouraged to participate in one of two upcoming information sessions on Sept. 15 and 22. More information, including registration, for the information sessions can be found at www.investinstc.ca/site/training-and-seminars.

For more information on the Starter Company Plus program, including how to apply, visit www.investinstc.ca/site/startercompany.

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop urges citizens to become fully vaccinated

While over 70% of Fort Erie residents have received their first dose of a vaccine and over 65% are fully vaccinated, Mayor Redekop notes, the town is still behind the Regional and Provincial numbers for those categories. To alert those who wish to obtain their first or second dose of the vaccination, the Town is placing information on its website and social media regarding vaccination clinics being hosted in the town and pharmacies that are providing vaccinations. The Mayor urges everyone to become fully vaccinated, the one sure way to protect yourself, those around you and our community.

Click here for more information (PDF link).

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Niagara

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms late this afternoon into this evening. Some of these thunderstorms will be capable of producing wind gusts up to 100 km/h, large hail up to 2 cm in diameter and locally heavy rainfall.

Click here for more information.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Growing a prosperous economy

The GNCC is calling on all parties to continue facilitating the secure digitalization of SMEs. The government can enhance growth by making cybersecurity part of the recently launched Canada Digital Adoption Program and by championing the development of cybersecurity standards across the country.

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

Tories leading in two key seats, but polls are close

iPolitics

The electoral race in St. Catharines, a city in south-central Ontario, might be tougher than Liberal incumbent Chris Bittle expected.

The riding was created in 1968 and was redistributed to its current configuration in 2012. In 2016, its population was about 112,000, and the median household income was just under $58,000.

Bittle defeated Conservative Rick Dykstra in 2015, who first won in 2006 over incumbent Liberal Walk Lastewka.

Conservative Krystina Waler, who ran in 2019, is back to try unseat Bittle. Joining her in the race are: NDP candidate Trecia McLennon, Green candidate Catharine Rhodes, and People’s party candidate Rebecca Hahn.

Two years ago, Bittle defeated Waler by more than 5,000 votes.

Parties focus on key battlegrounds in tight Canadian election

Reuters

Canada’s federal election race is so close that even a few swing districts on the western Prairies, a region usually hostile to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, may be key to his hopes to stay in power, analysts say.

Trudeau, 49, called an election for Sept. 20 two years early, gambling that the country’s successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign would help him hold the 155 seats he currently holds and pick up 15 more, which would allow him to govern without opposition support in the 338-seat House of Commons.

But he appears destined to come up short, according to polls, and a minority government for either the Liberals or Erin O’Toole’s Conservatives is most likely, said Darrell Bricker, CEO of pollster Ipsos Public Affairs.

Reading Recommendations

No jab, no pay: Quebec gives health-care workers deadline to get fully vaccinated

CBC News

Quebec health-care workers in both the public and private systems who are not adequately vaccinated by Oct. 15 will be suspended without pay, the province’s health minister, Christian Dubé, announced Tuesday.

Dubé and Quebec Premier François Legault both said in recent weeks they intended to make vaccination mandatory for health-care workers, but until Tuesday, they had not specified a deadline or consequences for workers who didn’t follow the mandate.

Dubé made the announcement in Montreal during a provincial update on the pandemic situation in the province.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Bank of Canada ‘in a pickle’ when it comes to housing: National Bank

BNN Bloomberg

National Bank Economist Warren Lovely said the Bank of Canada is in a tough spot ahead of its monetary policy decision Wednesday, given housing markets all over the country are battling affordability.

“We’ve had a significant reliance on housing in our Canadian economic model,” said Lovely, chief rates and public sector strategist at National Bank, in an interview. “At the same time, affordability is getting away from a lot of Canadians and may require a policy response, not just from politicians contesting the election, but ultimately from our monetary policy makers as well.”

The issue for the Bank of Canada, said Lovely, is that it’s no longer a case of just two markets – Toronto and Vancouver – dealing with runaway prices for homes, which policy makers in this country had grown accustomed to.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: August 28, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

On September 3, there were 10 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 8 were unvaccinated, 0 were partially vaccinated, and 2 were fully vaccinated. There were 0 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 669,988

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 358

Last updated: September 7, 2021

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

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

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Daily Update: September 3rd, 2021

September 3, 2021 | Daily Update

Canada Public Health warns of strong Delta resurgence trajectory, calls for more vaccination, especially among 18-39-year-olds

Since the previous longer-range modelling forecast on July 30^th, 2021, the Delta-driven wave has continued to accelerate along the strong resurgence trajectory. The updated longer-range modelling forecast shows that cases could continue to increase quickly in the coming weeks, but strengthening measures to reduce spread, including for example reducing our contacts by 25%, could slow acceleration. Although Canada has made significant progress in increasing vaccine coverage, the latest modelling highlights an urgent need for more 18-39 years olds to get vaccinated and to speed up the overall rate of vaccination across the eligible population groups.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,507,051 cases of COVID-19 and 26,991 deaths reported in Canada.

The latest national 7-day average of 3,486 new cases reported daily (Aug 27-Sep 2) is an increase of 22% over the previous week. After several weeks of rising case counts, national severity trends have begun to increase, primarily involving unvaccinated people. From December 14, 2020 to August 14, 2021, 0.04% of fully vaccinated people became infected, with the majority of recent cases and hospitalizations occurring in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.

Click here for more information.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Click here for information and resources to help reduce your risk of infection.

Government of Canada issues reminder: foreign travelers will be allowed from September 7 for non-essential trips

The Government of Canada will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals meeting the conditions to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes starting on September 7, 2021. Foreign nationals looking to travel for discretionary reasons before 12:01 am EDT on September 7 will not be allowed to enter Canada. The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada – international travel increases your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and its variants, as well as of spreading it to others. It is also important to note that not all countries are allowing discretionary (non-essential) travel by Canadians.

Click here for more information, including requirements for foreign travelers.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Brock student welcome and academic orientation will take place virtually

As the beginning of the Fall Term approaches, thousands of Brock students are invited to kick off their studies by attending the University’s Virtual New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation.

The online event will take place live on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. on the Welcome virtual event platform, where speeches from Interim President Lynn Wells and other members of the Brock community will welcome students and offer key pointers on how they can best maximize their Brock experience.

Click here for more information.

Niagara College reminds students and employees of mandatory vaccination policy

Niagara College has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, in consultation with public health authorities and at the direction of the province of Ontario. You can view Niagara College’s COVID-19 vaccination policy here. The policy applies to all students, employees contractors and official visitors who are attending a Niagara College campus as of September 7, 2021.

Click here for more information.

Niagara Regional Police ask drivers to be mindful of children and school buses next week

As students head back to school, following a prolonged absence due to COVID-19 closures, there will be a marked change on the Region’s roadways with school buses, pedestrians and vehicles making their return for another school year.

The Niagara Regional Police would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the need to follow the rules of the road for everyone’s safety. Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service will be out across the Niagara Region in school zones in order to remind drivers and pedestrians of student’s return to school. Officers will be paying close attention to school zones and their posted speed limits, child restraint systems, school bus safety, aggressive driving and distracted driving concerns.

Click here for more information.

The Election Section

Niagara federal vote projections

Votes (Percentage)

Seats (Projection)

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

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

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

Niagara’s Prosperity Matters: Growing a prosperous economy

The GNCC is calling on all parties to develop a Small Business Net-Zero Strategy. This strategy will provide Main Street SMEs with incentives and opportunities to participate in Canada’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions.

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

Early Canada election call backfires on Trudeau, who now trails in polls

Reuters

Canada’s Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself behind in polls ahead of a snap election he called hoping his management of the COVID-19 crisis would propel him to victory.

Trudeau called the Sept. 20 election last month, two years ahead of schedule. At the time, his Liberals were well ahead and looked likely to regain the majority in parliament they lost in 2019. His main rival, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, has repeatedly attacked him for calling a vote during the pandemic.

The latest polls by Nanos, Ekos and others show Liberal fortunes have faded as voters have grown fatigued with Trudeau, 49, who has been in power since 2015. One Liberal strategist said on Friday the early-vote call had backfired as it was seen as “wrong” and “greedy” by electors.

In first leaders debate, Trudeau hints at another election in 18 months if denied majority

National Post

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau came out swinging against the Conservative, New Democrat and Bloc Québécois leaders, who criticized his decision to plunge Canada into an election and attacked him whenever possible during two hours of the first “decisive” debate in French.

The debate, organized by Quebecor-owned TV network TVA, was the first of three hosting Trudeau, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet in this election. There were three themes for the evening: the pandemic, social issues, and the “Canada of tomorrow.”

Reading Recommendations

Alberta to offer $100 incentive to get vaccinated against COVID-19

CBC News

Faced with surging cases and the lowest vaccination rate in the country, Alberta will begin paying $100 to people who get a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Premier Jason Kenney announced Friday.

The move is part of a suite of new measures announced by the province, including making masks mandatory for all indoor public spaces and workplaces starting Saturday.

Alberta is the first province in Canada to offer a financial incentive for vaccinations, though the tactic has been used in the United States, Kenney told a news conference in Edmonton.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

Canada on course for worst wave of COVID-19 yet, new modelling data shows

CTV News

Reported daily COVID-19 caseloads in Canada could reach unprecedented highs later this month if current levels of virus transmission are not reduced, new federal modelling data shows.

On the eve of the Labour Day weekend, chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam took aim at young adults, describing an “urgent need” for more people between the ages of 18 and 39 to get vaccinated in order to prevent a rapid worsening of Canada’s COVID-19 situation.

“The moment you get people back indoors … we will see accelerations,” she said Friday at a press conference.

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

	December 18	December 25	January 1	January 8	January 15	January 22	January 29
Reproductive number	1.4	1.8	1.4	1.1	1.0	0.7	0.9
New cases per 100,000	101.2	267.3	469.8	575.8	507.1	295.5	250.6
New cases per day (not including outbreaks)	60.7	178.7	311.7	376.9	325.4	182.7	145.7
Percent of hospital beds occupied	97%	95.2%	98.2%	103.2%	104.5%	103.6%	106%
Percent of intensive care beds occupied	78.8%	77.3%	87.9%	87.9%	90.9%	89.4%	93.9%
Percentage of positive tests	6.1%	15.6%	28.1%	28.6%	26.6%	21.2%	16.2%

Last updated: August 28, 2021

Click here for definitions of terms used in this table.

There are currently 10 patients admitted to Niagara Health with COVID-19, of which 8 are unvaccinated, 0 are partially vaccinated, and 2 are fully vaccinated. There are currently 0 patients with COVID-19 in a Niagara Health Intensive Care Unit.

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

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

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

	Percentage of population with one dose	Percentage of population fully vaccinated
Niagara	82.7%	78.2%
Ontario	84.6%	79.1%
Canada	84.7%	78.6%
United States	75%	64%
United Kingdom	78%	72%
Germany	76%	74%
France	80%	77%
Italy	83%	76%
Japan	80%	79%
World	63%	53%

Total doses administered in Niagara: 665,759

New daily doses administered to Niagara residents: 1,781

Last updated: September 2, 2021

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

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

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Ministry of Health Questions and Answers

Version 1 – September 14, 2021

Supports:

Settings (Businesses and Organizations):

Vaccination Policies:

General:

Proof of Vaccination:

Medical Exemptions:

Proof of Identity:

Meeting and Event Spaces and Multi-Purpose Organizations:

Sector Specific:

Compliance and Enforcement:

Post-October 22 Vaccine Certificate:

Ontario releases guidance for businesses on Proof of Vaccination Policy

Canada Employment Insurance Commission sets the 2022 Employment Insurance Premium Rate

Eligibility for third vaccine doses expanded

Regional Chair Bradley issues statement condemning vandalism and harassment of those in the public realm

Port Colborne Council approves COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Niagara Health reinforces the importance of vaccination against COVID-19

Niagara Medical Officer of Health offers new COVID-19 briefing

Fort Erie reports spike in COVID cases, Mayor Redekop renews appeal to unvaccinated

Welland launches communications survey

Brock reports greater than 90 per cent vaccination rate

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Niagara’s Labour Force in August 2021

National employment rises for third consecutive month

On-campus vaccination clinic for students, staff and public to be held at Niagara College on September 13 and 20

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Deaths of almost 25,000 Canadians attributed to COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2021

Ontario launches Request for Qualifications to offer high-speed internet in under-served areas

Lincoln and Grimsby formally approve shared fire services

Welland seeks input on official plan

St. Catharines Digital Main Street program goes city-wide

Niagara Health vaccination clinic to be closed Sunday, Sept. 12

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Ontario releases technology and standards for digital identity

Welland requests deferral of integrated public transit until 2023

Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre & Arenas reopen to rentals

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues forward guidance and current pace of quantitative easing

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

St. Catharines Enterprise Centre supporting entrepreneurs with Starter Company Plus

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop urges citizens to become fully vaccinated

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Niagara

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Canada Public Health warns of strong Delta resurgence trajectory, calls for more vaccination, especially among 18-39-year-olds

Government of Canada issues reminder: foreign travelers will be allowed from September 7 for non-essential trips

Brock student welcome and academic orientation will take place virtually

Niagara College reminds students and employees of mandatory vaccination policy

Niagara Regional Police ask drivers to be mindful of children and school buses next week

The Election Section

Reading Recommendations

Niagara COVID-19 statistics tracker

Niagara COVID vaccination tracker

Ministry of Health
Questions and Answers