Update Regarding COVID-19 and the Canadian Chamber Network

March 16, 2020 | Business Resources, Federal Advocacy, Local Matters, Network News

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization announced the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has become a global pandemic. This morning, the Parliament voted to shut down.

While the situation is concerning, we can all play a role in protecting our families, colleagues, friends and our communities by following advice shared by health professionals and governments. Over the upcoming weekend, it is important to be aware of events in your city, province and Canada-wide.
The safety and well-being of our staff, our members and communities are of the utmost importance to us. Over the last 24-36 hours, things have changed quite rapidly. We have turned our face-to-face executive and board meetings (to be held in about 10 days) into virtual events. We have postponed other events to a later time – including our Hill Day planned for early May.

We have already communicated any event changes to registrants to the specific events but wanted to let our members know more broadly.

In the meantime, we continue to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to COVID-19 closely.

Advice
Be aware of announcements from agencies such the city medical officer of health in your city. If you are online, the following site will be useful.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html.

Canadian Chamber Offices
As of March 13, 4PM ET
Our Toronto office is now working remotely. It is possible that other offices may need to begin this process as things change in following hours and days. If you need to reach our team, best bet is via email. You can find our staff directoryon line.

Yesterday, we held several calls with our members and based on those calls, we will be building webinars and/or teleconferences with lead government officials and departments for the coming week. In addition, we will be setting up something for our member that will help you understand the complexities of legal, accounting and insurance issues. Watch for the details on these coming to you shortly.

In the intervening time, we have added some additional resources to our web page on pandemic preparedness and will continue to do so. If you’ve gotsomething to share, please do so.

One resource shared in the last 24 hours is this one on supply chain information shared by our partners at FITT.

Call out for call-out to suppliers for goods and services related to the COVID-19 pandemic
The government of Canada is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to provide products and services that may help in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the Calling All Suppliers – Help Canada Combat COVID-19 page posted on the Buyandsell.gc.ca site, businesses are asked to provide information about products and services they can supply in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19.

A list of suggested products and services is provided and businesses can fill out and submit an electronic form with their information on these or other products and services that may be relevant. As this page will continue to be updated, businesses are encouraged to check back for new information that may be posted. Thank you in advance for your assistance in sharing this information as widely as possible in your supplier community.

Facebook Webinar: How to Keep Your Employees Informed and Connected During a Crisis, Thursday March 19, 10am PDT. Sign up here.
Facebook has also created a Business Resource Hub, especially good for SMEs

We share this information to be helpful and hope that you find it to be valuable.

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Is Your Business Pandemic Prepared?

March 11, 2020 | Blog, Business Resources, Federal Advocacy, Local Matters, Member Advocacy, Municipal Advocacy, Provincial Advocacy

In today’s global world, systems are more interconnected than ever. It stands to reason then, if a pandemic strikes in one part of the world, the opportunities for it to spread are that much greater.

Download the Pandemic Preparedness Guide

Should COVID-19 escalate in Canada, some of the things businesses need to plan for include:

  • Staff absences due to a number of reasons (personal illness, ill family members, looking after children if schools close, feeling of safety being at home etc.). In some cases employees may themselves elect to stay home; in other circumstances the government may authorize or require them to do so.
  • Disruption to essential services like information, telecommunications, financial services, energy supply, and logistics;
  • Disruption to supply of necessary materials or contractors;
  • A major increase or decrease in demand for products and services;
  • Cancellation or disruption of travel and cross-border movement of people and goods;
  • Cancellation of public meetings or gatherings like sports events, concerts or religious services;
  • Impact on the trade status of Canada, or of our trading partners; and
  • Increased public fear that causes citizens to avoid public places, including front line retail and tourist–related attractions, restaurants and leisure businesses.

 

To help businesses prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-19 escalation in Canada, the Canadian Chamber has developed a brief guide source from a number of best practice documents and designed to assist business planning and continuity efforts. This tool includes links to the some of the most relevant and credible information, best practice tools and resources and can be found here Pandemic Preparedness Guide.

In addition to pandemic preparedness tools, we have also created templates for your use: a Crisis Communications Plan and a Business Continuity & Recovery Plan.

We will continue to update this information on our website so you may want to bookmark this page and visit it often.

We also want to hear from you on how prepared you are and what other support you might need, so please take a few minutes to compete our brief (4 min) survey on business preparedness.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has a useful page of resource including travel advice, updates and printable reference information. Also included is a reference sheet from the World Health Organization for workplaces.

The Federal Government has released a guide to preparing your office for COVID-19 and the role employers and employees have in reducing the spread of infection.

COVID-19 – Specific Information and updates

To help you to stay alert on what is happening in your region, we’ve gathered some information sites from across the country that you can bookmark for updates on the COVID-19 virus.

Sign up for the newsletter here.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec: English

Quebec: French

New Brunswick

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nunavut

Prince Edward Island

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Tools our members have shared:

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP shares the following bulletins: Key Business and Legal Implications and Best Practices in the Workplace.

Borden, Ladner, Gervais (BLG) LLP issued this article recently.

BDC shared their information for businesses.

Deloitte has a page of useful documents.

Garda World shares their most recent bulletin (03.06.20). You can sign up for updates via www.garda.com.

Fasken has uploaded information for employers and employees.

 

Creating a Crisis Plan

A few years ago, Calgary’s downtown flooded. The Calgary Chamber was in the frey of this crisis. Out of bad comes good, and the chamber created an award-winning emergency preparedness kit.

As the chamber says on their website: “Disasters big and small happen without warning, and being unable to provide your products and services to your customers can seriously hurt your business reputation. Having a plan in place before a disruption can make for a more effective response and faster recovery.”

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has also created a useful resource specially for SMEs and their employees.

The Canadian Association of Association Executives held a webinar on COVID-19 with Dr. David N. Fisman. To access it, click here.

 

Event-related tools and tips

Government of Canada

Professional Meetings and Convention Association (PCMA)

French

Centre canadien d’hygiène et de securité au travail.

https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Santé publique du Canada: ressources.

Ressources: Voir toutes les ressources imprimables et téléchargeables.

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BASHtell: Don’t Be Blind to Cyber Threats

February 28, 2020 | Member Spotlights

BASHTELL IS YOUR TRUSTED ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR MANAGING ALL OF YOUR CYBER SECURITY NEEDS

 We’re proud to boast a strong team of Cyber Security Architects, Engineers and Experts who thrive on rolling up their sleeves and solving your Cyber Security problems in order to meet your business needs. 

 Partnership Based 

Right from day one, BASHtell favors a partnership-based approach to our services. This allows us to ensure we understand your environment and why we are doing what we are engaged for. 

 Fit For Purpose 

We believe that cybersecurity has its place in business; but must not prevent users from doing their jobs. We deliver solutions that meet the needs of your unique business. 

Highly Experienced 

BASHtell’s teams have vast experience and certifications to ensure we are providing the best level of experience to all of our clients. This ensures our advice and guidance is pragmatic and proven.

Industry Leaders 

Our teams are industry leaders; being regularly invited to Government led initiatives including the government CIO Roundtable, Banking and Healthcare conferences globally. This means we are always up to date. 

End to End Services 

While others only conduct Penetration Testing and possibly some Advisory services, BASHtell delivers end to end services from strategy through to SOC operations. We deliver a roadmap to ensure we can help you throughout its lifecycle. 

Check us out at: www.BASHtell.com 

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Dragons’ Den Auditions Return to Niagara March 14

February 28, 2020 | Network News

CBC’s hit television show DRAGONS’ DEN will be holding open auditions looking for the next big ‘thing’ in the Niagara Region on Saturday, March 14th!

DRAGONS’ DEN gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls — the Dragons. Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment – from the Dragons’ own pockets!

This is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to pitch their business concept for the chance to appear on national television.

For a a complete list of audition cities and dates, please visit http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions.

For more information on how to prepare for auditions, please view the Dragons’ Den Cheat Sheet: https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/blog/audition-cheat-sheet.

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Invitation to Nominate: T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award

February 28, 2020 | Latest News, Members in the News

The prestigious, T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year is awarded annually by Niagara Region to a current resident of Niagara to honour the memory of the late T. Roy Adams.

This is the eighteenth year of the Award. The recipient will be someone who best exemplifies Roy’s values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life.

T. Roy Adams was an eminent Niagaran, well known throughout the Region, Canada, and abroad for his service to God, his country and his fellow citizens.

The deadline for receiving nominations is March 31, 2020.

For further information and nomination form please visit niagararegion.ca, or contact Charlotte Powell at 905-980-6000 ext 3221, or by email at charlotte.powell@niagararegion.ca

Download the nomination kit

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Alectra Utilities warns customers of increased phone scam activity

February 26, 2020 | Network News

 In response to an increase of fraudulent activity in its service territory, Alectra Utilities is alerting customers of a sophisticated phone scam. 

The phone scam involves customers receiving a phone call from fraudsters requesting immediate payment over the phone. If you get a call requesting immediate payment and threatening disconnection – hang up and contact us directly at alectrautilities.com/contact-us. 

Customers receiving these suspicious phone calls are reminded of the following: 

  • Never make a payment for a charge that isn’t listed on your most recent Alectra Utilities bill 
  • Do not provide any personal information, including your Alectra Utilities bill or account number 
  • Remain vigilant and verify account information only with Alectra Utilities’ Customer Care Representatives directly 
  • Contact Alectra Utilities’ Customer Care Representatives during regular business hours to discuss any outstanding account activity or report an incident alectrautilities.com/contact-us 

If you believe you may be a victim of fraud or theft, please contact the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and Alectra to report the incident. 

About Alectra Utilities Corporation 

Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future. 

Media Contact: 

Rachel Bertone, Media Spokesperson
rachel.bertone@alectrautilities.com | 647-339-3826 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIALN 

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Ontario Economic Report 2020

February 26, 2020 | Advocacy, Blog, Municipal Advocacy, Network News, Provincial Advocacy

As the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s flagship report, the OER provides key insights into the province’s diverse business community with the goal of informing future public policy to create a more competitive and prosperous Ontario. This year, we’re introducing the inaugural Small Business Friendliness Indicator (SBFI) which will benchmark how friendly the Ontario business environment is and where action can be taken to make improvements. The SBFI joins the Business Confidence Survey and the regional Economic Outlook within the data-driven OER. 

Read the report

  • The fourth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER) reveals opportunities where both business and government can focus to create an environment more conducive to small business success. 
  • The inaugural Small Business Friendliness Indicator (SBFI) measures Ontario’s competitiveness from the perspective of small businesses. 
  • For 2020, the SBFI score is -9, (on a scale of 100 to -100) indicating that the business environment poses some challenges for firms with fewer than 99 employees. 
  • However, through measures such as investment in online services and support for regulatory compliance, industry and government could improve that score. 
  • The SBFI is intended to provide an assessment of the ease of business in Ontario across seven different metrics; this year the scores for three metrics were positive: the helpfulness of the Province in starting a business, the ease of licensing, and the delivery of useful training and networking programs from a variety of sources. o The SBFI also revealed that small business owners are eager to embrace more online services from government, especially with respect to regulatory compliance. 
  • The Ontario Economic Report, including the Small Business Friendliness Indicator, is a useful tool to inform government on where to reduce barriers and increase investment to support business competitiveness across the province. 

Other highlights from the Ontario Economic Report include: 

  • The confidence gap, which measures the difference between business’ confidence in themselves and in Ontario’s economic outlook, widened in 2020 to near historical levels. o Although organizational confidence remains high, business confidence in the broader economy dropped seven percentage points in 2020, explained in part by lowered growth expectations nationally and globally. Beyond this, challenges related to the costs of doing business, the high cost of living, and the province’s debt continue to be top of mind for OCC members 
  • Infrastructure investment, such as transportation and broadband internet, topped the list of business priorities for government, followed by reducing regulatory burdens, lowering the cost of living, and reforming business taxes. 
  • Challenges related to accessing financial capital, attracting and retaining talent and burdensome regulations continue to compromise the ability of many of Ontario’s community to compete effectively with other jurisdictions. 
  • Despite these challenges, Ontario’s principal economic indicators remain sound, albeit subdued, heading into 2020, but economic growth is expected to vary greatly across the province. o The forecasts show employment and population growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Ottawa surpassing other parts of Ontario, reinforcing a decade-long trend of imbalanced economic growth across the province.

Read the report

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Many Hands Project 2020: Spring into three local fundraisers to support Niagara students

February 26, 2020 | Latest News, Members in the News

When it comes to supporting the community, many hands are at work at Niagara College.

The College’s Event Management graduate certificate students have lined up three community fundraising events for this spring – a BurgerFest, a Night in Vegas, and a trivia event – all in support of the Education Foundation of Niagara.

In October 2019, the Education Foundation of Niagara was selected as the College’s 2020 Many Hands Project recipient. Now in its 23rd year, NC’s annual Many Hands Project is the hallmark of NC’s Event Management program, which supports a different non-profit organization in Niagara each year. Event Management students support a local community non-profit organization while gaining valuable real-world experience in fundraising, marketing and raising public awareness of the agency.

This year, students aim to raise about $20,000 for this the Education Foundation of Niagara. Funds will go towards the creation of student bursaries for District School Board of Niagara students looking to pursue postsecondary education at Niagara College.

“We are proud to support the Education Foundation of Niagara through this year’s Many Hands Project, which will help young students enrich their lives through education,” said Damian Goulbourne, associate dean of NC’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport. “By organizing three amazing community fundraising events that will make a difference in their community, our own students, in turn, will gain valuable experience to help them pursue their career dreams.”

Laura Byers, executive director, Education Foundation of Niagara, noted that they are grateful for support from the Many Hands Project.

“Support from this initiative demonstrates true leadership and is a powerful role model of students giving back,” said Byers. “It’s students who understand the value in investing in other students’ lives, which supports the overall success of future education, specifically the success of future Niagara College students, and the prosperity of Niagara. It warms our hearts and reassures our souls that the future of our community is in good hands – the right hands!”

The Many Hands Project is applied learning in action for NC’s Event Management students such as Emilie White, who has taken on the role of marketing lead for the trivia fundraiser.

“Organizing a real event has been the absolute best learning experience. Everything we are learning in class is being put into action right away with our events,” she said. “I went through four years of university and never felt as knowledgeable and confident in what I am learning as I do this year. This is a hands-on learning program; what you learn, you see it unfold. It’s quite amazing, actually!”

Tickets are now available for three student-planned fundraising events.

Guests can sip, sample, and support the Many Hands Project at BurgerFest on March 25 (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at the Market Square in St. Catharines (91 King St). The event will bring together the community through food, drinks and music. Local restaurants will serve sliders sides, craft beer and drinks, while guests can enjoy live music by local musicians. Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite here.

A Night in Vegas will be held on March 27 (starting at 6:30 p.m.) at Coppola’s Ristorante and Banquet Facility (203 Carlton St., St. Catharines). Live entertainment will fill the Vegas-inspired evening featuring an illusionist/magician. Guests can enjoy tapas and small plates, participate in games and have a chance to win prizes. VIP general admission tickets are $45 each or ‘high roller’ tables of eight are available for $450. Tickets are available on Eventbrite here.

Drag yourself to Trivia will be held on April 9 (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) at the Canadian Polish Society (43 Facer St., St. Catharines). The interactive, pop-culture-themed trivia night, co-hosted by two local drag queens, will feature rounds of trivia, pizza, snacks, a cash bar and games. Tickets are $25 each and tables of eight may be purchased for $200 on Eventbrite here.

NC has been committed to the Many Hands Project since its launch in 1998 and has made a lasting impact on the Niagara region over the past two decades, thanks to the creative efforts of NC students and faculty, and community support for local non-profits.

For more information about the Many Hands Project, visit niagaracollege.ca/manyhands.

For tickets and event details visit manyhandsevents.wixsite.com/mhpevents

Event Management is a one-year graduate certificate program at Niagara College that prepares graduates for a career in a fast-paced and multifaceted industry. Students develop skills in planning and logistics, public relations, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and volunteer and risk management in a highly experiential learning environment.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact: 

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
jgreco@niagaracollege.ca

Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Calling for New Board Members

February 26, 2020 | Latest News, Members in the News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North & West Niagara is looking for positive, dedicated and FUN individuals to strengthen our Board of Directors and help shape the future of our agency. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to utilize their professional strengths, ideas and guidance to support our exciting programs, campaign ideas, events and more! This is an opportunity to be part of something BIG and make a direct investment in the youth of Niagara.

If you  are interested in applying to become a Board Member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of North & West Niagara, a cover letter and resume can be submitted to CEO Dale J. Davis, at: dale.davis@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. To learn more visit www.bbbsmentors.ca/careers

HELP US DEFINE THE FUTURE OF OUR ORGANIZATION, BY INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF NIAGARA. WE ARE BIGGER TOGETHER.

For over 80 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a positive difference in the lives of Niagara’s youth through various mentoring programs. In fact, according to research, every $1 invested in mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters returns $23 to society.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Utilize your professional networks and expertise to strengthen our Board of Directors to make a direct investment in the youth of Niagara and help shape the future of our agency. This is an opportunity to be part of something BIG.

IGNITE POWER AND POTENTIAL

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to bring your own personal strengths, ideas and guidance to support our exciting programs, campaign ideas, events and more. When we strengthen the strategic vision of the agency, we strengthen our belief in the value and effects of mentorship. By laying the groundwork for young people to realize their full potential, you’re helping to strengthen Niagara in the most organic way possible. Positivity, team-work, and FUN are some of the guiding principals that support everything we do.

APPLY NOW

If you feel that you have the skills, interest and motivation to become a Board Member, please submit your cover letter and resume to CEO Dale J. Davis, at: dale.davis@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

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