(Toronto – December 19, 2019) – Yesterday, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released, Guiding Policy Principles for Tobacco and Vaping Products – the third and final report in a series on social responsibility also covering cannabis and beverage alcohol.
The newly-released report notes that rates of cigarette smoking are declining while vaping rates are rising. It raises questions surrounding the evolving tobacco and vaping landscape, and provides policymakers with a series of recommendations to address both issues well-known to government and emerging areas of concern.
“Transformations in product offerings and consumer habits have led to an environment where both regulation and cessation supports are increasingly out of date,” said Ashley Challinor, Vice President, Policy at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “As tobacco and vaping products evolve, it is imperative that federal and provincial government regulations, taxes, and cessation programs keep pace.”
The report grapples with the challenges raised by the growth in vaping, particularly among young people. With questions still unanswered about the long-term health effects of vaping, the report suggests that policy makers have to quickly catch up.
Guiding Policy Principles for Tobacco and Vaping Products makes 12 recommendations, including:
Developing a research roadmap on vaping in partnership with relevant stakeholders, examining the short- and long-term health risks associated with prolonged vaping, the effects of second-hand aerosol, and vaping’s effectiveness as a smoking cessation device.
Taking action on the persistent challenge of contraband tobacco in Ontario by conducting a feasibility study on Quebec’s approach to tackling contraband—where the province poured more resources into enforcement and saw positive results—to determine whether this approach could be replicated in this province.
Monitoring smoking and vaping rates to identify those demographics most likely to smoke to ensure anti-smoking campaigns and cessation supports are up-to-date, relevant, and effective.
Supporting employers in industries with high smoking rates (such as the trades, transportation and utilities) to introduce cessation supports in the workplace.
“Government will need to work with a range of stakeholders – including public health officials, industry, and First Nations communities – to safeguard public health, combat the contraband market, promote effective and targeted harm reduction strategies, and deter youth consumption,” added Challinor.
Following an extensive consultation process with their membership, the OCC has released its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: The Indispensable Partner of Business.
Introduction:
We are at a pivotal moment in the history of the chamber of commerce movement. Today’s chamber member doesn’t have the same needs as those of 20 years ago. The pace of change, fueled by technology and new ways of doing business, means that the OCC and our Chamber Network must adapt in order to deliver optimum value to our members.
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has served as the non-partisan, voice of business in the province. Together with 135 member chambers of commerce and boards of trade, we stand up for our 60,000 members and advocate for evidence-based public policies that contribute to a competitive economy and increased prosperity for our communities. The term “business” itself has evolved, reflecting a diverse ecosystem that includes post-secondary institutions and other not-for-profit groups that each play an important role in contributing to Ontario’s competitiveness. Without question, being the “voice of business” is important – but it is only the beginning of our value proposition as chambers. There is much more that we must do to unlock the full potential of the 21st-century chamber movement in Ontario.
Businesses need a partner that is always in their corner. A partner that helps them navigate through daily challenges and connects them to new business opportunities.
(Toronto, December 12, 2019) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the following statement in response to the passing of Bill 132, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act.
“As the indispensable partner of business, we support the government’s efforts with Bill 132 to develop a modern regulatory environment that is flexible and easy to navigate, keeping Ontario an attractive place for businesses to invest, grow and create high-quality jobs.”
“Key measures supported by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in Bill 132 include:
Reducing Red Tape for Drug Manufacturers and Pharmacies by digitizing and streamlining reporting requirements for drug manufacturers and pharmacists. These changes will help bring down administrative costs and help protect the competitiveness of Ontario’s health and life sciences sectors.
Expanding Alcohol Access in International Airports by permitting licenced bars and restaurants in certain commercial airports located after airport security to serve alcohol to customers 24 hours a day. We are pleased to see the Government of Ontario move forward in joining other airports around the world.
Improving the Regulatory Process for Ontario’s Mining Industry by requiring the government to acknowledge mine closure plan amendments within 45 days. This streamlined process will allow clients to merge mining claims and improve business certainty for proponents of the mining industry.
Streamlining Approvals for Ontario’s Forestry Industry by amending the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 to modernize the approvals process for cutting trees on Crown lands for non-forestry activities like electricity transmission lines and roads to far north communities.
“We look forward to continuing to work with government to improve and modernize Ontario’s regulatory environment.”
We are truly saddened to hear news of the recent passing of
Barrie Haywood, an important member of our Burlington community.
He was a great supporter of BitNet during its lifetime and
the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years. He was also actively
involved within the Burlington community, volunteering for local causes and initiatives.
Barrie had an impact on everyone he encountered: friends, family and strangers were all important to him.
On behalf of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Barrie’s family and friends.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lydia Jones, a pillar of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce community. She contributed to our city while leading the Burlington Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director from 1980 to 1995 and continued to be active in the community after her retirement.
Last year, Lydia moved to Barrie to be close to her family and passed away shortly after her 92nd birthday.
Lydia was an important figure for women in leadership, coming from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in 1980, she was a quietly confident, trailblazer.
She built on past Chamber achievements, which included starting the Teen Tour Band in 1947, from a small town association into a much larger, very effective driving force for the community advocating on behalf of business, but with a strong community commitment. She also participated in the original twinning ceremony, first in Burlington and later in Itabashi Japan in January 1990. That trip resulted in many business people connecting with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for the next several years.
On behalf of the Burlington Chamber, we
offer our deepest condolences to Lydia’s family and friends. Lydia will be
greatly missed by the Burlington community.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has eleven members on its Board of Directors. Each year at least one vacancy is created when the Past Chair retires. It is the role of the Chamber’s Nominating Committee to fill any vacancies. The Nominating Committee will soon be developing a list of potential candidates for next year’s Chamber Board of Directors.
To be considered for this governance Board, your company must be a member in good standing of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and you must be a voting representative for your company. Preference is given to those persons who have an active knowledge of the Chamber through a Committee, or who have a skill set required by the Board.
The term of office is one year with an expectation that each Director will serve a minimum of two years. There is an important commitment to attend all Board meetings. The Board meets monthly (except July and August) on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. In addition, Board members may be involved with a Chamber Committee and attend those monthly Committee meetings. Board members also represent the Chamber at various events. Click here for a position description.
Rapid Policy Update on the 2019 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review
On November 6, the Government of Ontario released its 2019 Fall Economic Statement entitled, “2019 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Build Ontario Together,” which provides an update on the government’s finances and announces commitments for the upcoming 2020 Budget.
SMALL BUSINESS
The government announced plans to:
Cut the small business Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate to 3.2 percent from 3.5 percent, starting January 2020.
Develop an “Ontario Small Business Success Strategy” in which it will host consultations to better identify the needs of small businesses.
OCC Response: We would have preferred to see a revenue-neutral restructuring of the Small Business Deduction (SBD) to encourage scaling up of small businesses. This would provide businesses with the right incentives while avoiding a loss in government revenues. The OCC and Ontario Chamber Network look forward to participating in the consultations as the government works to develop and “Ontario Small Business Success Strategy.”
COMPETITIVENESS
The government announced plans to:
Form a Premier’s Advisory Council on Competitiveness to consult with business and make recommendations on improving Ontario’s competitiveness.
As part of the Province’s upcoming Forestry Strategy, the government is investing $10 million annually to support the sector through the renewed Forestry Growth Fund (FGF). The redesigned FGF will use an open and competitive rounds‐based application process that predominantly uses loans and loan guarantees to support business.
OCC response: The OCC looks forward to participating in these consultations with government. The OCC has also asked for a Forestry Strategy. We are pleased to see movement on supporting innovation and competitiveness in this industry.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The government announced plans to:
Consult on ways to encourage investment into rural and undercapitalized areas of the province.
The government plans to engage with rural stakeholders on the proposed Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot.
Beginning with a session at the 2020 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, the government will conduct a series of consultations with rural stakeholders on economic development challenges and opportunities in their regions.
OCC response:
The OCC supports measures to improve access to capital for businesses in rural regions. In The Great Mosaic: Reviving Ontario’s Regional Economies, we recommend introducing a Rural Investment Tax Credit (RITC). The OCC supports efforts to encourage immigrants to live and work in rural and Northern communities, adding more skilled workers to communities where they are needed most.
The OCC and the Ontario Chamber Network look forward to participating in the government’s consultations with rural stakeholders to address economic development challenges and opportunities.
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario is proposing to simplify industrial electricity billing and introduce advisory services to assist businesses with navigating regulatory approvals and connection issues. The government will also direct the IESO to retain an independent third party to undertake a targeted review of existing generation contracts for opportunities to reduce electricity system costs.
OCC response: Industrial electricity rates are one of the top factors affecting business competitiveness in Ontario. While the OCC is pleased with commitments to review existing generation costs and help businesses navigate the electricity system, more can be done to reduce industrial electricity rates. In particular, we would like to see the government consider revisions to industrial rate structures to support businesses that have not benefited from the program, as recommended in our submission on industrial electricity rates.
TRANSPORTATION
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario will propose legislation to reduce the aviation fuel tax rate in North Ontario to 2.7 cents per litre from the current 6.7 cents per litre, returning it to 2014 levels. This change would take effect on January 1, 2020.
OCC response: Between 2014 and 2016, Ontario’s aviation fuel tax increased by nearly 150 percent, making it the highest in Canada. This acts as a financial barrier to many of Ontario’s attractions, particularly in northern and remote communities, where other forms of travel may be infeasible for visitors. While this announcement is a good first step, the OCC would like to see the aviation fuel tax in all communities be lowered to match other Canadian provinces.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The government announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that it will begin its first‐ever assessment of how climate change will affect Ontario’s economy, infrastructure, communities, public health and safety, and ecosystems.
OCC response: The OCC applauds this decision. An assessment of climate change impacts will enable the province to take meaningful steps to protect Ontarians and the economy.
CANNABIS
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that it will amend legislation to allow authorized cannabis retail stores to sell cannabis online or over the phone, with pick-up by the consumer in-store (also known as click-and-collect).
OCC response: As recommended in our recreational cannabis report, Supporting Ontario’s Budding Cannabis Industry, the OCC supports this decision as it offers a consumer-friendly option to purchase legal cannabis, allows retailers to better serve customers, and will help combat the illegal market.
CONTRABAND TOBACCO
The government announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that the Ministry of Finance will consult with representatives from industry, retail associations, public health, and First Nations communities to address contraband tobacco.
OCC Response: The OCC applauds this decision given that contraband takes away revenue from the Province, Ontario accounts for the lion’s share of contraband tobacco in Canada, and the profits are used to fund organized crime. The OCC is undertaking a comprehensive report on the tobacco and vaping industries and looks forward to providing the Province with analysis in December 2019.
BEVERAGE ALCOHOL
The government plans to:
Introduce legislation to pause wine and beer tax increases.
OCC Response: In our beverage alcohol report, Refreshing the Sale of Beverage Alcohol in Ontario, the OCC undertook a comprehensive analysis on the tax issues facing all four categories – wine, beer, cider, and spirits. While the OCC is pleased that the government will introduce legislation that, if passed, would pause wine and beer tax increases, we encourage them to take a comprehensive approach to reforms. Neglecting to consider taxation as it pertains to cider and spirits would serve to reinforce inequities between producers in Ontario.
WHAT’S MISSING?
The OCC would have liked to have seen new announcements in the following areas:
Considerable new infrastructure investments, especially in rural and Northern Ontario, as well as the development of adaptable and resilient infrastructure standards.
A commitment to streamlining public funding programs and removing regulatory barriers that limit private sector investment in high-speed broadband internet
Meaningful transformation in health care, particularly related to value-based care, digital health, and modernizing procurement and supply chain processes.
A clear commitment and timeline on the government’s plan to implement an open allocation model for licenses for retail cannabis based on demand.
With the dissolution of the Ontario College of Trades, further details on what the stewardship process looks like for apprentices and journeypersons.
Chamber Network Highlights Importance of Small Business to Ontario Economy and Communities
Ontario Chamber Network kicks off Small Business Week 2019 Too Big to Ignore Campaign
(Burlington, October 21, 2019) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce launched Small Business Too Big to Ignore, a campaign taking place October 21 to 25, 2019 for Small Business Week highlights the important contributions of small businesses to communities across the province.
“Small businesses of 100 or fewer employees are the core of our membership and employ nearly 3 million Ontarians, accounting for over two-thirds of all private sector workers. They are powerful economic drivers in local communities and across the province. That is why for Small Business Week, we’re identifying the challenges small business owners face and celebrating everything they give back to our province,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The report identifies the top three obstacles for small businesses in Ontario:
Small businesses need access to talent.
Small businesses need government investment in infrastructure; and
Small businesses are concerned about the rising costs of doing business.
“Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all Ontario businesses and account for 30 per cent of the provincial GDP. They are the backbone – and heart – of our community,” said Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. “This week, we’re proud to engage with small businesses across Burlington to recognize and celebrate the significant role they play in our economy and the broader community. We also want to discuss how we can support them to ensure they are not ignored.”
Small Business Week is an annual celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship. Events held during the week bring entrepreneurs together for workshops, networking, and tradeshows across the country.
Small Business Week is about celebrating the amazing things being done in our own neighbourhood. We are hosting a variety of events available to members and non-members. You do not need to be a small business owner or employee to attend!
As a tireless advocate for local businesses, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them in celebrating small businesses and the incredible contributions they make to our community!
Why celebrate Small Business Week?
According to the Government of Canada, small businesses account for 97.7% of all businesses.
That’s a lot of businesses to celebrate! Help us recognize the people behind our businesses in Burlington and the hard work they put in all year round.
Vote Prosperity reflects the priorities and concerns of job creators in communities across Canada. Developed in partnership with Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, Vote Prosperity lays out our seven priorities, along with a series of specific measures to attract investment to Canada, and help businesses create jobs, grow and strengthen our communities.
Within the seven priority areas there are a total of 18 recommendations on how to achieve prosperity and bolster Canada’s long-term economic future and competitiveness.
Seven Priorities and Recommendations
1. Taxation
A tax system that is fair, efficient and modern.
Appointing a royal commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Canadian tax system guided by the principles of tax competitiveness, simplicity and fairness.
Adjusting the tax mix to better promote business investment, including offshore investment and economic growth.
Presenting a concrete plan, with timelines, to return the federal books to balance.
2. Regulation
A regulatory system that works for everyone…including business.
Giving regulators economic growth and competitiveness mandates.
Implementing a 2-for-1 rule to require the elimination of two regulations for every new one introduced over the next five years.
Creating a Minister of Regulatory Efficiency responsible for regulatory oversight at the Treasury Board to lead an ambitious federal regulatory reform agenda.
Providing compensation to major project proponents and Indigenous communities that lose economic opportunities when projects cannot proceed because the Crown or its agencies fail to discharge their legal responsibilities.
Allowing First Nations to extricate themselves from aspects of the Indian Act via a Band Council resolution and the support of a clear majority of band member.
3. Trade
Access to new markets around the world and the elimination of trade barriers at home.
Completing negotiations with Mercosur and Pacific Alliance in the Latin American region.
Accelerating the process for additional countries to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Launching negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Tackling foreign industrial subsidies so Canadian companies can compete on a level playing field at home and abroad. Protecting and expanding trade opportunities with the United Kingdom after its departure from the European Union.
Enhancing labour mobility and increasing the scope of mutual recognition of professional qualifications at home and abroad.
Promoting trade facilitation measures to ease the movement of goods across the border.
Developing a Canadian position in support of cross-border data flows in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
Tackling non-tariff barriers, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Developing concrete plans with clear timelines for creating the necessary infrastructure to get Canadian energy products to global markets.
Working with the provincial and territorial governments on the mutual recognition of regulations, rules and policies to allow for the free movement of labour, goods and services in Canada
Conducting a full review of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) to ensure it:
Covers all sectors of the economy and includes all government entities, including ministries, Crown corporations and regional and local governments
Institutes a dispute resolution mechanism that includes binding and enforceable powers.
Includes a specific focus on the removal of barriers to interprovincial trade in wine, beer and spirits.
Includes the elimination of non-tariff regulatory trade barriers through mutual recognition.
4.Small Business
Resources to help small and medium companies grow and succeed.
Providing sector-by-sector analyses of free trade agreements (rather than agreement-by-agreement) and communicating them widely.
Providing high-potential SMEs with access to experts to help them navigate the relevant markets.
Ensuring federal programs and interactions with business align with and respect small business realities.
Conducting an independent service delivery audit of the Canada Revenue Agency, targeted at identifying and eliminating the compliance, audit and communication problems small businesses face in dealing with the agency.
5. Connected Canada
Innovation and infrastructure to make Canada the most connected country in the world.
Embracing a more nimble, flexible and evidence-based approach to regulating new technologies in the digital age.
Recognizing the need to promote and strengthen Canada’s ability to capitalize on intangibles, like intellectual property.
Working with businesses to create an environment that is attractive to investors and innovators both from abroad and at home.
Improving access to high-speed networks in underserved communities.
Prioritizing the auction of the 3,500-megahertz spectrum so Canadians can take advantage of 5G networks.
Accelerating the pace of mmWave spectrum allocation so businesses can use the power of the internet of things (IoT) for logistics and other industrial purposes.
Enhancing the digitalization of government, including more user-focused services that reduce administrative burdens on business.
Closing the gap between infrastructure demand and investment in Canada by maintaining current levels of federal infrastructure funding and making economic growth and productivity, not politics, the criteria for project selection.
Allocating a greater share of funding in federal infrastructure plans towards trade-enabling infrastructure projects throughout Canada.
6. Skills
A workforce with the skills, education and training to prosper.
Working with business to ensure government re-training programs meet the demand for skills required for the economies of today and tomorrow.
Working with business and other levels of government to ensure primary and secondary education includes the skills necessary for our evolving economy, including the soft and hard skills required to thrive in a world of increased automation and globalization.
Broadening the definition of WIL to include a wide range of experiences across fields, regions and participants.
Providing more accessible funding supports, such as refundable tax credits, employment insurance premium reductions and more flexible grant programs, to SMEs and organizations that have not previously offered work placements
Replicating the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project outside of major urban centres across the country.
Ensuring the Indigenous workforce has the skills required to meet local labour shortages.
7. Pharmacare
A healthier pharmacare system for healthier Canadians.
Building on the strengths of the existing system without reducing or replacing the coverage already enjoyed by most Canadians.
Consulting with private sector stakeholders (including benefits providers, pharmaceutical companies and health care practitioners) when designing and implementing a national program to prevent unintended consequences, such as loss of access to medicines.
Ensuring the costs of any new program are not passed on to businesses/employers.
Ensuring any new program addresses coverage for rare diseases and other high-cost medications.
Fostering an investment and regulatory environment that encourages clinical trials in Canada by applying our competitive advantages in artificial intelligence and big data to health innovation.
Ensuring our businesses have continued access to health data to improve health outcomes as well as government funding that goes beyond early science for both medications and devices.
