From the Desk of the CEO...
Last week, I was pleased to participate with Ken McNaughton – President, Paul Bisanti – 1st Vice President, and Chris Rayfield – 2nd Vice President at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM and Policy Convention, along with 700 other business leaders and Chamber of Commerce leaders and volunteers. Along with keynote addresses and panels on issues such as digitalization, the “new normal” and inclusive recovery, the policy sessions adapted 56 new policies that will form the backbone of federal advocacy efforts in 2022.
I am pleased to report that former Brantford-Brant MPP and Speaker of the House Dave Levac was a successful and popular moderator for the third time as well.

This week’s newsletter contains a lot of new information, including the formal launch of our Shop Local Brantford-Brant program. Please dive in and participate!
Have a great start to November,
Dave
How will the January 1st, 2022, minimum wage increase of $15/hr. impact your business?
No impact, no opinion
I support the increase, but is too quick & poor timing for January
I fully support the increase
I support the increase but it should be higher to the living wage
I do not support the increase it is too much too soon
I do not support the increase as it is a heavy increase in wages for my business
It is more complicated than this poll. I will contact david@brcc.ca to discuss
Ontario to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour
The Ontario government announced yesterday that it will introduce legislation that, if passed, would raise the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2022. Under the proposed changes, the special minimum wage rate for liquor servers would be eliminated and they would be entitled to the general minimum wage. Students under 18, homeworkers and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides would also see an increase in their special minimum wage rates.
'Timing and Lack of Consultation on Minimum Wage Hike Disruptive to Business'
(Toronto – November 2, 2021) – Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in reaction to the Government of Ontario’s proposed minimum wage hike set for January 1, 2022.
“We are in favour of fair compensation and wage increases that are planned and done in consultation with the business community so that businesses have time to plan and implement the changes. We also recognize that workers have been impacted by the pandemic and higher cost of living.”
Chamber Events
Estate Law Webinar
Significant changes are being implemented on January 1, 2022, which will make a review of your Will a good idea. This is particularly so if you will be marrying, have separated from a spouse, or would like flexibility in how money directory to minors can be spent. Other topics include Surprises! Good at Christmas, Bad at the Reading of a Will and Even the Best Laid Plans
Can Go Askew. Join us on November 10th to have your questions answered!

Calling all Chamber retail businesses…
Would you like to showcase your unique products and/or services in an ideal shopping environment? Our Wine, Women and Shopping event is a perfect opportunity for networking and exposure. Come out and make some great connections and promote your business at the same time.
Contact leslie@brcc.ca for more information. Wine, Women and Shopping - 2021
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE, TARGETED ADVERTISING? (click on the graphic for the pdf)
Ontario Climate Action Series
The climate crisis is a growing priority for businesses, governments, and individuals – and Ontario is well-positioned to lead in the global green economy. Under the banner of the Ontario Economic Summit, the Ontario Climate Action Series will take place from November 2021 to Spring 2022. Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is pleased to partner with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) on this Series

Objectives 
This series will examine the impact of climate change on communities & businesses, showcase ongoing leadership within Ontario, and encourage governments to enable further investment and innovation in climate action. Throughout the series, we will demonstrate how Ontario can leverage its clean energy system, innovative cleantech sector, talented workforce, and other competitive advantages to lead the global green economy.  
Send a message to Queen's Park
The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) are looking for your insights on what matters to business amidst the crisis and post-pandemic recovery. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and recovery? What is your organization’s outlook for 2022?  

As we work together on post-pandemic recovery, your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is as important as ever. The results of the survey will inform the 2022 Ontario Economic Report: the landmark research platform of the OCC, offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province.

Share your views by taking a short five-minute survey here:
Member Privileges
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Offer Ends November 4th, 2021
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Recovery Activation Program helping local businesses go digital. Click here to learn more and apply
PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Government of Canada Covid-19 Alert App: click here to download
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.
For the most up-to-date provincial & federal programs, take a look at our website.
Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
519.753.2617