Advocacy Update
Pay Transparency Act
The Government of Ontario has tabled Bill 203 – the Pay Transparency Act at Queen’s Park. The Bill proposes to prohibit asking a prospective employee about their compensation history, compensation for jobs must be publicly listed, pay transparency reports must be provided to the Ministry of Labour, employers may not have reprisals for employees revealing their compensation and significant new penalties and fines will be imposed.
Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value
The Government of Ontario is mandating this through the Fair Workplaces & Better Jobs Act effective April 1, 2018.
Ontario Minimum Wage Update – Ministry of Labour reporting
The Government of Ontario is reporting a significant increase in calls to the Ministry of Labour as a result of Bill 148 and the minimum wage increase. Business should be mindful of the new law and minimum wage issues.
Climate Smart Chambers program
The Mississauga Board of Trade through a partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched the Climate Smart Chambers program for business to enroll. More details to follow shortly but you can learn more at
www.climatesmartbusiness.com/chambers
.
Mississauga Receives Infrastructure Funding
The Federal and Provincial Ministers of Infrastructure were in Mississauga on March 14, 2018 to announce new infrastructure funding for the City.
Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Canada and ten other countries signed the CPTPP on March 8, 2018 opening up new markets for Canadian business.
Job Leave Protection for Victims’ of Domestic Violence
The Ontario Government is expanding job leave and protection under the Fair Workplaces & Better Jobs Act.
Vote Prosperity
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Mississauga Board of Trade are encouraging members to write a letter to provincial politicians about your concerns over the business climate, impact of Bill 148 and the economy. Please take the time to write.
Preparing for Cannabis Legalization & Sales in Ontario
The Ontario Government recently announced support for municipalities in the lead up to cannabis legalization. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie lauded the Province to this support.
Canada Temporarily Exempted from Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
US President Donald Trump announced that Canada will be exempt from the 25% duty on steel and 10% duty on aluminum while the NAFTA negotiations continue.
Fairness in Procurement Act
The Ontario Legislature has passed the Fairness in Procurement Act aimed at counter-veiling the “Buy American” provisions implemented by several US states.
NAFTA Negotiations
Round 7 concluded recently. Here is the Canadian Chamber of Commerce report.
Re-imagining the Mall
The City of Mississauga and Region of Peel are conducting a review of seven regional shopping malls seeking public input into future redevelopment of these properties.
www.reimaginingthemall.ca
Adequate Heat By-law
The City of Mississauga is reviewing this by-law. A public meeting is scheduled for March 28, 2018. If you own or manage a residential rental apartment building this is important to you.
Hurontario LRT Business Awareness and Learning Sessions
The Mississauga Board of Trade and Brampton Board of Trade are holding several events in April, June and September to prepare for the construction of the Hurontario LRT.
Know Your Power
The Mississauga Board of Trade and Brampton Board of Trade have partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on a Know Your Power forum for business.
GreenOn
The Government of Ontario has announced several programs to help businesses with energy conservation needs.
Retail Business Holidays Act Review
The Region of Peel is reviewing this by-law on retail shopping with a report expected to go to Council in May 2018. Still time to have your say.
Mississauga Economic Development Director Report
Peel Region Chairman Frank Dale announces he will retire at end of term and not seek election