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Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care in Ontario

Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care in Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
DECEMBER 10

(BURLINGTON, December 10) – This week’s report from Ontario’s Auditor General has put the spotlight on virtual care. And while telemedicine sites have been in place for decades in Canada, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual care in Ontario. Virtual visits have enabled more and more Ontarians to continue accessing quality health care while not exposing themselves to the virus. The latest report by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care in Ontario, underscores the need to permanently integrate virtual care into Ontario’s health care system.

“We are now more virtually connected than ever before, and how Ontarians are interacting with the health care system reflects this fact,” said Rocco Rossi President and CEO of the OCC. “We can’t make the same mistakes we did with SARS, by only implementing temporary measures related to virtual care. The permanent integration of virtual care into our system could ensure all Ontarians can access timely and appropriate care, no matter their circumstances, as well as alleviate some of the pressures facing our health care system, such as reducing unnecessary visits to the ER.”

According to Canada Health Infoway’s September 2020 survey, 60% of health care visits with primary care physicians and specialists were conducted virtually at the onset of the pandemic.1 The report notes that given the uptick in virtual care usage, the resurgence of the pandemic in a second wave, and an uncertain timeline for a vaccine, a more permanent and comprehensive solution is needed.

“Long before COVID-19, Ontario’s health care system faced numerous pressures and growing costs. By empowering patients to manage their health while at home, virtual care has the potential to reduce the strain on primary care providers and hospitals, lessen the backlog in care, and protect frontline workers from exposure to the virus,” added Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO of the BCC. “We are calling on the Government of Ontario to consider urgent policy reforms such as modifying the existing fee code system to allow for the permanent and effective delivery of virtual care in Ontario.”

The report explains that, while the implementation of temporary billing codes in March 2020 allowed physicians to conduct virtual visits, these temporary codes were a stop-gap measure and have limitations.

The report provides the Government of Ontario with four recommendations to ensure virtual care is not only permanently integrated in our health care system, but is more equitable, accessible, and widely adopted:

  1. Develop a comprehensive framework for virtual care in Ontario.
  2. Modify the existing fee code system to allow for the permanent delivery of virtual care, and provide physicians with training and knowledge supports to allow care to be delivered virtually.
  3. Focus on equity to improve access to virtual care, including ensuring all Ontarians have internet access so that the expansion of virtual care options does not exacerbate inequities for patients in rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities.
  4. Support employers’ continued investment in virtual care for their employees that expand beyond care delivered virtually through the health system.

These recommendations were developed with the OCC’s Health Policy Council, a group of expert practitioners and industry representatives.

The report explains how virtual care is not solely about convenience for patients, but it also benefits the health care system as a whole. Further, virtual care should be viewed as one modality in which health care can be delivered, and should continue to complement, not replace in-person care.

“Looking beyond the pandemic, virtual care holds much promise and we believe our recommendations can help the Province realize the full potential of technology for patients and our health care system alike,” added Rossi.

The OCC would like to thank members of the Health Policy Council whose input helped shape this report.

READ THE REPORT.

[1] A survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Canada Health Infoway between April 3 to August 25, 2020, with 31,889 Canadians.

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Media Contact

Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com

December 2nd 2020 Declared as Burlington Chamber of Commerce Day

December 2nd 2020 Declared as Burlington Chamber of Commerce Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 26, 2020
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO

Mayor Meed Ward Announces December 2nd as Chamber of Commerce Day in Burlington

Burlington, Ontario (November 26, 2020) – To honour and recognize the work that the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has done to support the business community in Burlington and beyond, December 2, 2020 has been declared  Chamber of Commerce Day across the City.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has played a critical role in supporting the business community, factoring in all sectors and sizes of business, as a vital partner during the COVID-19 crisis. Early on in the pandemic, the Burlington Chamber committed to keeping the broader business community strongly connected, focussing on bringing leaders together and creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership to position Burlington’s economy for recovery.

“I am thrilled that the Chamber is receiving this honour and recognition from the City of Burlington. At the beginning of the pandemic, we adapted quickly to ensure that Burlington businesses were kept informed and supported to access the tools, programs and resources necessary to get through these difficult times and to ensure their viability beyond this crisis” said President & CEO, Carla Y. Nell. “We have been working tirelessly with our Team Burlington partners and all levels of government to advocate for relief to offset the financial hardship that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in for both employers and employees.”

In honour of this recognition, the Burlington Chamber is launching the #BCofCStrongerTogether campaign to rally further support from the community for local businesses and to recognize the Burlington Chamber of Commerce as an indispensable partner to business. Learn more about how you can show your support at burlingtonchamber.com.

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Media Contact

Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com

 

SMALL BUSINESS: TOO BIG TO IGNORE

SMALL BUSINESS: TOO BIG TO IGNORE

Chamber and Partners Kick Off Small Business Week Conversation About Digital and Skills Access

(Burlington – October 15, 2020) – The pandemic has highlighted challenges for small businesses: their access to digital technologies and skills. In advance of Small Business Week 2020, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, and partners are kicking off a vital conversation today about these gaps with the launch of their report, Small and Medium-Sized Employers (SMEs): Skills Gaps and Future Skills. The report is a Skills Next project and a collaboration between the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, Public Policy Forum, and the Future Skills Centre.

“We are deeply concerned about the impacts the COVID-19 crisis is having on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario,” said President & CEO, Carla Y. Nell. “They are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for more than 90 percent of jobs in the private sector. Yet they face critical labour shortages, skill mismatches, and challenges related to broadband internet access that threaten their competitiveness.”

“Broadband is a basic infrastructure requirement in today’s economy, but the ongoing pandemic has made it even more essential to public health and economic resilience,” added Ashley Challinor, Vice President, Policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “For businesses and workers, particularly those practicing physical distancing, connectivity is necessary to ensure they can remain productive by using digital tools such as video conferencing. Without adequate access, those in rural and remote regions will be vulnerable to additional layoffs and business closures.”

Canadian Small Business Week takes place during the third week of October every year. This year, the celebration will occur October 18-24, 2020. Over the course of Small Business Week, the OCC and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce will be participating in the “Small Business: Too Big To Ignore” campaign across the province, actively engaging small businesses in discussions about the top obstacles impeding their growth and the ways in which these challenges can be overcome.

Read the Skills Next project report: Small and Medium-Sized Employers (SMEs): Skills Gaps and Future Skills, Skills Next is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

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Media Contact

Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com

Burlington Safe Restart Program First Round Funding Recipients Announced

Burlington Safe Restart Program First Round Funding Recipients Announced

Burlington to provide $124,689 to 59 Burlington Businesses in first round of Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant

October 15, 2020 – Burlington, ON – The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses who need to adapt quickly to public health guidelines. Burlington’s business support organizations, known as Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), heard about these challenges and took decisive action in partnering with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to launch the Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant on September 29.

The response to the program has been extremely positive, with more than 95 applications received in the two-week application window that closed on October 13th.

Today, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was joined by the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington to announce the Burlington businesses that will receive a grant in the first round of funding. Through the grant, $124,689 in funding will be released across 59 businesses. These businesses fall across a broad range of industries including hospitality, retail, health, wellness & sports. A full list of companies supported can be found online here.

The Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant is an innovative municipal program that aims to support businesses through a one-time grant of up to $2500 that can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as PPE and renovations to physical space to allow businesses to properly adhere to public health guidelines. As part of the eligibility requirements, recipients are also required to make the POST Promise, a private sector-led initiative that provides essential information on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Watch the full announcement here, and find more information on the Burlington Safe Restart program here.

QUOTES

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“I’m glad to see our local small businesses have taken advantage of the first round of the Burlington Safe Restart Program relief grants and, at the same time, made the POST Promise. As the backbone of the local economy, our small businesses need all the support we can give them to help adapt and make their shops as safe as possible. This, in turn, will help the public feel more confident in participating in the economy again and in visiting their favourite local stores.”

The Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

“The POST Promise and the Safe Restart program are shining examples of the tools available to small businesses to help address the need to keep customers and employees safe. I commend the City for their leadership on combatting COVID-19 and I am certain we will emerge stronger than ever from this virus.”

Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program will help ease some of the financial impacts that COVID-19 has had on our business community. The importance of restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust was something Team Burlington was hearing loud and clear from our business community, and we knew we needed to find a way to provide direct, hands-on support. We are thrilled that The City of Burlington has stepped up to support our business community. Additionally, the partnership with POST Promise has equipped us to ensure our businesses are doing everything they can to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and I’m thrilled to have them on board.”

Aidan Tracey, POST Promise Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors

“The POST Promise is proud to be partnering with Team Burlington, the City of Burlington and the Burlington Safe Restart Program to support local small businesses. We congratulate all grant recipients and businesses who have made the POST Promise and are doing their part to let Canadians know they can confidently return to public spaces.”

Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce

“We are pleased to champion the Burlington Safe Restart Program that will provide much-needed relief to businesses across our City. We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively. Restoring consumer confidence is key to economic recovery and the steps businesses take to protect employees and consumers is an essential part of that process, and we encourage all businesses to take the POST promise.”

Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca

Burlington to provide $124,689 to 59 Burlington Businesses in first round of Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Gran

October 15, 2020 – Burlington, ON – The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses who need to adapt quickly to public health guidelines. Burlington’s business support organizations, known as Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), heard about these challenges and took decisive action in partnering with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to launch the Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant on September 29.

The response to the program has been extremely positive, with more than 95 applications received in the two-week application window that closed on October 13th.

Today, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was joined by the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington to announce the Burlington businesses that will receive a grant in the first round of funding. Through the grant, $124,689 in funding will be released across 59 businesses. These businesses fall across a broad range of industries including hospitality, retail, health, wellness & sports. A full list of companies supported can be found online here.

The Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant is an innovative municipal program that aims to support businesses through a one-time grant of up to $2500 that can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as PPE and renovations to physical space to allow businesses to properly adhere to public health guidelines. As part of the eligibility requirements, recipients are also required to make the POST Promise, a private sector-led initiative that provides essential information on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Watch the full announcement here, and find more information on the Burlington Safe Restart program here.

QUOTES

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“I’m glad to see our local small businesses have taken advantage of the first round of the Burlington Safe Restart Program relief grants and, at the same time, made the POST Promise. As the backbone of the local economy, our small businesses need all the support we can give them to help adapt and make their shops as safe as possible. This, in turn, will help the public feel more confident in participating in the economy again and in visiting their favourite local stores.”

The Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

“The POST Promise and the Safe Restart program are shining examples of the tools available to small businesses to help address the need to keep customers and employees safe. I commend the City for their leadership on combatting COVID-19 and I am certain we will emerge stronger than ever from this virus.”

Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program will help ease some of the financial impacts that COVID-19 has had on our business community. The importance of restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust was something Team Burlington was hearing loud and clear from our business community, and we knew we needed to find a way to provide direct, hands-on support. We are thrilled that The City of Burlington has stepped up to support our business community. Additionally, the partnership with POST Promise has equipped us to ensure our businesses are doing everything they can to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and I’m thrilled to have them on board.”

Aidan Tracey, POST Promise Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors

“The POST Promise is proud to be partnering with Team Burlington, the City of Burlington and the Burlington Safe Restart Program to support local small businesses. We congratulate all grant recipients and businesses who have made the POST Promise and are doing their part to let Canadians know they can confidently return to public spaces.”

Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce

“We are pleased to champion the Burlington Safe Restart Program that will provide much-needed relief to businesses across our City. We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively. Restoring consumer confidence is key to economic recovery and the steps businesses take to protect employees and consumers is an essential part of that process, and we encourage all businesses to take the POST promise.”

Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca

Team Burlington Announces the Burlington Safe Restart Program

Team Burlington Announces the Burlington Safe Restart Program

Burlington Safe Restart Program to provide eligible small businesses with grants of up to $2500 to purchase PPE equipment and/or renovate their physical space to adhere to reopening guidelines 

September 29, 2020 – Burlington, ON – Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), has teamed up with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to deliver an innovative new program to provide financial support to Burlington’s small business community during COVID-19. A direct outcome of the Burlington Economic Recovery Network (BERN) also led by Team Burlington, the one-time grant of up to $2500 can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as purchasing PPE, renovating a physical space to adhere to public health guidelines, purchasing of signage and/or barriers, and much more.

Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce offered a statement on behalf of the Team Burlington organizations. “As a result of COVID-19, public-facing businesses such as food services and retail stores have seen a decline in revenues anywhere from 60-70%. These businesses are under tremendous pressure to adapt their physical spaces to adhere to reopening guidelines. Through speaking with stakeholders, it became clear that the City could support in restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust by offering financial support to adapt to the reopening guidelines laid out by the province.” She continued, “We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively.”

The Burlington Safe Restart Program is also proud to be partnering with POST Promise, a private-sector initiative, in collaboration with various levels of government, designed to help Canadians confidently and safely visit public spaces and the workplace. Businesses who apply for the Burlington Safe Restart grant are required to make the POST Promise, which provides education and training on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The POST Promise is honoured to be a part of the City of Burlington’s Safe Restart Program, and Team Burlington’s efforts to support local businesses during this challenging time,” said Laura Hearn, President & Executive Director of the POST Promise. “This initiative not only provides businesses with the tools they need to keep their customers and employees safe but is also critical to rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting our economy. I applaud all businesses who have already made the POST Promise and encourage all others to learn more at postpromise.com.”

Grant recipients will be able to display Burlington Safe Restart signage as well as the POST Promise logo in their storefront window, demonstrating their commitment to doing their part to protect the public’s health during COVID-19.

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program grant is another way to support our local businesses in adapting, as well as helping to increase consumer confidence in participating in the economy again – that, in turn, will hopefully help the public feel more comfortable in visiting their favourite local shops,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “Businesses are already putting in safety and health protocols, and that’s good to see. Connecting the grant to the POST Promise is also a great idea because it’s a simple and visible way for businesses to let their customers know the steps they are taking. Once people start seeing the same logo at many businesses — and you’ll also see it at City Hall — it’ll start creating confidence again in participating in the economy. I want to thank the Burlington Economic Recovery Network and Team Burlington for spearheading and supporting these initiatives and encouraging businesses to participate.”

The Burlington Safe Restart program will be accepting applications from eligible businesses from September 29 to October 13. More information on the program including eligibility requirements and the application form can be found at www.investburlington.ca/covid19.

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Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca

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