Saying farewell to our Policy & GR Advisor, Paul. Join us on August 29 for our YEP Pints with the President featuring Terry Cooke! Read this week's Community News updates.
Farewell to our Policy & Government Affairs Advisor
It is bittersweet for us to announce that our remarkable Policy & Government Affairs Advisor, Paul “Paulicy” Szachlewicz, is moving on from our Chamber family to venture into a new and exciting career opportunity.
From the moment he joined us in 2020, Paul fearlessly jumped into action, navigating COVID-19 restrictions, and served as the supportive voice on the other end of our COVID Concierge for Businesses, providing vital support to businesses in need.
Since then, Paul's dedication has been evident through the various policy initiatives he’s championed and the numerous Hamilton advocacy boards on which he’s represented our Chamber. From his ongoing work on the LRT file to advocating for the needs of local businesses during recent elections, to supporting climate change projects such as our Energy Harvesting Initiative, and leading our Chamber’s Policy & Advocacy Council, Paul’s efforts have made a significant impact on issues and opportunities facing our city.
During his time with us, Paul brought expertise and passion to each project he undertook, crafted impactful policies to support our member businesses, and built strong relationships with key stakeholders. We will miss his energy, humour, iconic mustache, and unparalleled fondness for sweets and sneakers.
Please join the entire team in wishing Paul all the best on the journey ahead!
Call for Sponsorship: Hamilton Day 2023
In case you missed it, Hamilton Day is returning this year on Saturday, November 4th! Building on the tremendous success of last year, this annual, award-winning event will work to support and celebrate 1000+ small businesses across Hamilton.
Sponsorships for Hamilton Day 2023 are now available and are being accepted until August 31.
Position your brand as a champion and supporter of local and small businesses. An investment in Hamilton Day allows you to:
Reach thousands of patrons, businesses, and entrepreneurs across all Hamilton BIAs and neighbourhoods
Leverage our established, engaged, and quickly growing social media channels to expand your online presence
Receive added brand recognition through all earned media
Self-promote your selected involvement using a suite of custom advertising materials
Support an inclusive, city-wide event focused on driving community connection and economic development
Contact our Manager of Sponsorship and Events, Jose Lacruz to learn more.
New Member Referral Program
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has launched its new Member Referral Program. Refer a new member to our Chamber, and receive a gift card of up to $50 to spend at a local restaurant!
Contact our Membership Manager, Sherri Rinaldi, to learn more.
Wage Subsidies to Hire Post-Secondary Talent Through the Talent Opportunities Program
Are you an employer hiring post-secondary students on work-integrated learning (WIL) placements, such as cooperative education and internships? If so, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $7,000 per student through the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP)!
TOP is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce designed to help employers located anywhere in Canada hire college and university students on WIL placements.
The application portal is open for the Fall 2023 term (September – December 2023). Please note that there is a limited pool of funding.
Employers hiring eligible students may receive a wage subsidy up to 50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each ‘net new’ placement or 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each ‘net new’ placement for the following under-represented groups: Indigenous people, person with disabilities, newcomer to Canada, first year student, visible minority and/or women in STEM.
Hamilton Sports Group unveils plans for the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
Yesterday, the Chamber was excited to attend a launch announcement unveiling plans for a huge Grey Cup Festival that will showcase the city and Hamilton region this November 13 to 19.
The Hamilton Sports Group shared details of the exciting festival, including: Over 40 events planned, numerous opportunities for family fun, concerts and parties, the downtown core closing to vehicles from Nov 16-18, and students get a PA Day on Nov 17.
The Grey Cup will be held in Hamilton this year on Sunday, November 19.
City of Hamilton Warns Residents to Prepare for Strike, Impacting Many City Services
Labour negotiations lasting months between the City of Hamilton and CUPE Local 5167 have reached a critical point. After two days of Conciliation, CUPE 5167 has requested a No-Board report, which was confirmed on August 4, 2023. This action sets the stage for a potential legal strike by CUPE Local 5167, commencing on Monday, August 21, 2023.
City officials are preparing for service disruptions, with child care, garbage collection, and recreational programs expected to be impacted. Over a third of municipal workers, around 3,200, are involved in the potential strike due to stalled contract negotiations.
CEBA Loan Repayment: Government Needs to Reconsider its Deadline
Close to 300 associations and chambers of commerce and boards of trade collaborated on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s recent letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, urging the government to extend the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline. Click here to read the letter.
"The ramifications of the pandemic haven’t stopped. They need to be reviewed and reflected on. Extra debt load is something many businesses can’t handle as they recover from the pandemic while facing rising costs, supply chain challenges, a labour shortage and a looming recession." - Greg Dunnett, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
On August 14, the Ontario government released the 2023-24 First Quarter Finances, the first update on the province’s economic and fiscal outlook since the 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario. This update demonstrates Ontario’s economy has remained resilient through heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite the resiliency of Ontario’s economy so far in 2023, the province is not immune to any potential economic slowdown.
The report provides updated information about Ontario’s economic and fiscal outlook primarily as of June 30, 2023, and since the 2023 Ontario Budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year.
The Government of Canada is moving forward with consultations to advance key budget priorities to grow the clean economy and ensure tax fairness for Canadians and Canadian businesses.
These consultations advance key components of the government’s clean economy plan to create new opportunities for Canadian workers today and for generations to come. The government is also consulting on ways to close tax loopholes, including those used by the wealthiest and multinational companies, and deliver tax relief for Canadian workers and businesses.
Canadians are invited to share their views and feedback on draft legislative proposals for various measures as the government works towards legislative implementation in the coming months.
The Department of Finance Canada is consulting Canadians on:
Measures to Grow Canada’s Clean Economy
Measures to Deliver Tax Relief for Canadian Workers and Businesses
Measures to Close Tax Loopholes
Measures to Ensure Tax Fairness
Sales and Excise Tax Measures
Tax Improvements and Other Tax Measures
Previously Announced Measures
The Government of Canada invites Canadians and stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, organizations and associations, to share their feedback on these proposals by emailing Consultation-Legislation@fin.gc.ca.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Submission Ahead of Federal Pre-Budget Consultations
On behalf of its broader membership of 200,000 Canadian businesses of every size, from all regions and economic sectors, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its 2024 pre-budget recommendations to the federal government.
The submission, which has been informed by insights from member councils and committees, including contributions from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, includes the need for building trade-enhancing infrastructure, easing the burden of doing business, facilitating the transition to net-zero, enabling an innovative economy, attracting and retaining talent and leading in life sciences.
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce looks forward to participating in the forthcoming pre-budget consultation meetings to share additional perspectives from our members.
