October 1 | 2020
ON THE FEDERAL FRONT
Government Of Canada Introduces Legislation To Extend Recovery Benefits
Last week, the federal government introduced Bill C-2, which includes the previously announced Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit. In concert with other previously announced EI changes, these programs are part of the proposed package designed to replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which has now ended.
Second Quarter GDP, Income & Expenditure Figures Now Available
Real gross domestic product (GDP) fell 11.5% in the second quarter, following a 2.1% decline in the first quarter. The second quarter decline—the steepest since quarterly data were first recorded in 1961—reflected sharp decreases in household spending, business investment, and international trade owing to widespread shutdowns of non-essential businesses, border closures, and restrictions on travel and tourism in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
THINK GROWTH: Harnessing Canada's Tax System for Inclusive Recovery & Growth
As COVID-19 continues to affect the ability of Canadians to come together in person, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website, ThinkGrowth.ca, to collect your ideas on potential tax reforms that will help businesses and individuals recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
ON THE PROVINCIAL FRONT
Cases on the Rise: State of Emergency Extended & Call for Fewer Social Interactions
On Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry reminded us all that while cases are on the rise in the province, it's important for us to, "take a step back from our social interactions, see fewer people and travel less right now." This also comes as the state of emergency for the province was extended Tuesday for the 15th time, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response.
WorkSafeBC Releases 2021 Preliminary Base Rates, Support for Impacted Business
WorkSafeBC has released the preliminary base rates for 2021. There is no change in rate for pubs, bars, nightclubs, or lounges ($0.78) or restaurants or dining establishments ($0.79). The rate for overnight and short-term accommodations is increasing from $1.63 to $1.67.

WorkSafeBC is also offering support for employers impacted by COVID-19, through the ability to defer quarterly payments, and through waiving premiums for furloughed workers. More information is available on their website.
August Tourism Industry Survey Results Now Available
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, British Columbia Hotel Association and the British Columbia Destination Marketing Organizations Association are continuing to leverage their collective business network to collect, collate, and report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses and to gather feedback on potential response and recovery measures.
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
EVALUATION PACKAGES DUE SOON: Celebrate Kelowna's Resiliency with Us
The nominations are in for our 2020 Business Excellence Awards, and it's time to start celebrating the very best in Kelowna business, and the resiliency within our great community.

Nomination packages have been distributed to nominees and due in the next few days. Please be sure to check your inboxes and your junk mail to be sure you didn't miss your nomination package! If you haven't seen it just give us a call here at the Chamber. A full list of nominees can be found on our website.
BC Votes Decision 2020 - Kelowna Chamber's Virtual All Candidates Forum
As BC's snap election draws closer, the Kelowna Chamber will be gathering local candidates for the upcoming election in three back-to-back-to-back virtual forums on Tuesday October 20, 2020.
 
The tentative schedule is as follows:
·    Kelowna - West (9:00am)
·    Kelowna - Mission (12:00 Noon)
·    Kelowna - Lake Country (3:00pm)
 
Please stay tuned for more information, coming soon on our website. If you want to learn more about the voting options, head to the ELECTIONS BC WEBSITE.
Re-Energize & Re-Focus: Dress for Success, Helping Women Re-Enter the Workforce
TONIGHT, Thursday, October 1, 6:30pm - 8:00pm join Dress for Success' first virtual fundraising event with the one and only hilarious motivational speaker Linda Edgecombe who will get your organization and teams to re-energize and re-invent the way you see your life and work. The online boutique will also be available for you to shop! Your tickets come with many perks including a bottle of wine from O'Rourke Peak Cellar delivered right to your door.
RESOURCES
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO APPLY: Canada United Small Business Relief Grants
Local businesses from all over Canada can now apply for a Canada United Relief Grant of up to $5,000. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is being managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other chambers and partners to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.

If awarded, a relief grant may be used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), renovate physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines, or develop/improve e-commerce capabilities for your business.
Think Small and Aim High With Canada Post’s Small Business Digital Event Series 
The Think Small, Aim High event series is designed to support small businesses as they recover and work towards a new business-as-usual. In this three-part online series, Canada Post experts, industry experts as well as small business owners will provide insights and tips on how small businesses can establish their business online, optimize their operations and create effective marketing campaigns. You can learn more about this program HERE.
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