Ontario Government Releases Plan to Reopen
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario has released,
which outlines a gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. The plan will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local or regional tailored responses to COVID-19. In the absence of concerning trends, public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted based on the proposed milestones:

  • October 25, 2021 
  • Ontario will lift capacity limits in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination are required, such as restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities such as gyms and where personal physical fitness trainers provide instruction; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and indoor meeting and event spaces. 

  • At this time, the government will also allow other settings to lift capacity limits and physical distancing requirements if they choose to require proof of vaccination.

  • This will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores and medical supplies. 

  • November 15, 2021
  • The government intends to lift capacity limits in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including food or drink establishments with dance facilities.

  • January 17, 2022 
  • In the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care following the winter holiday months and after students returned to in-class learning, the province intends to begin gradually lifting capacity limits in settings where proof of vaccination is not required.

  • Proof of vaccination requirements may also begin to be gradually lifted at this time.

  • February 7, 2022
  • The government intends to lift proof of vaccination requirements in high-risk settings, including night clubs, strip clubs, and bathhouses and sex clubs.

  • March 28, 2022 
  • At this time, it is intended that remaining public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted, including wearing face coverings in indoor public settings.

More Resources:
Federal Government Announces Targeted COVID-19 Support Measures for Businesses

The wage subsidy, rent subsidy and Lockdown Support are set to expire on October 23, 2021. The government is proposing the following changes to business and employee support programs:

  • Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10 per cent and increase the subsidy rate to 50 per cent. The extension would help businesses continue to hire back workers and to create the additional jobs Canada needs for a full recovery.

  • Deliver targeted support to businesses that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available through two streams:
  • Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.

  • Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, would support other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.

  • Applicants for these programs will use a new “two-key” eligibility system whereby they will need to demonstrate significant revenue losses over the course of 12 months of the pandemic, as well as revenue losses in the current month.

  • Businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns will be eligible for up to the maximum amount of the wage and rent subsidy programs, during the local lockdown, regardless of losses over the course of the pandemic. 

  • Extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks. This would extend the caregiving benefit from 42 to 44 weeks and the sickness benefit from 4 to 6 weeks.

  • Establish the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit which would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers should they be unable to work due to a local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.

More Resources:
A STRONG VOICE AT QUEEN'S PARK
We are committed to ensuring government understands the priorities of our business community as we focus on economic recovery and growth.
We need your help. Data driven decision making must be standard protocol. Your submission will be strictly anonymous and confidential. Our collective results will provide a powerful foundation for a business led advocacy agenda.
This Small Business Week we encourage everyone to support and shop small businesses in the National Capital region! Small businesses across Ontario have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 – local businesses have always been there for us and need our support now more than ever. In addition to encouraging people to shop local, here are some ongoing Ontario Chamber Network advocacy and initiatives to help support small businesses:
 



  • Highlighting acute challenges facing small businesses in rural, remote & northern communities such as accessing capital being a longstanding barrier to expansion for First Nations entrepreneurs through Small Business, Big Impact.   

Get Growing: Demystifying Living on the Financial Edge
November 2, 2021 | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Small business owners are entrepreneurs that understand the risks and rewards of starting, building and running their own businesses. The challenges of COVID has tipped the scale on risk side to the point of many businesses facing the financial edge and loss of control. Join financial experts and stakeholders that share membership in your Ottawa Board of Trade as they explore the advantages and pathways that allow financial insolvency to help SME’s navigate the uncomfortable and often complicated process, while discovering some strategic opportunities to start again.
 
Find out the answers to questions around bankruptcy and learn facts that can help you think strategically as you live on the financial edge. 
ICYMI: CATCH A REPLAY OF OBOT'S FALL EVENTS
Small Business Summit

The Ottawa Board of Trade’s Sueling Ching hosts a fireside chat with Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO of BDC. Also, Michael Curran from the Ottawa Business Journal leads a panel discussion called “Growth secrets from the Forty Under 40.”
Talent Summit

The Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal brought together thought leaders to share emerging trends, best practices and how Ottawa’s economic partners are supporting our business community and planning for the future.
CEO Talk

Kinaxis CEO John Sicard was the guest speaker CEO Talk, an event held on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at KIN Vineyards in Carp, Ontario. CEO Talk is a biannual event organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade
Mayor's Breakfast Series

Jacques Fremont, University of Ottawa's President and Vice-Chancellor spoke about the university's economic impact on the national capital region and shared news about upcoming developments in health research.
An Exclusive Offer for your Business and Employees 

Ottawa Board of Trade members can now access exclusive banking offers to help you grow your business and fantastic perks for your employee, including:

  • Members who transfer their services to Meridian will enjoy no-fee daily banking for a year, 30% off service fees, a $200 welcome bonus, and access to market-leading equipment leasing and financing options;
  • Employees of businesses who sign up can access a personal or wealth management banking offer worth over $800.

To celebrate Small Business Month, Meridian is giving $15,000 to an Ontario business that has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and community spirit and they need your help!

Build Your Resources with
Your Ottawa Board of Trade

Did you know as an OBOT member you have access to many member benefits to help you build your resources, enhance your profile, and expand your influence? Each membership investment option offers exclusive benefits designed to help you build your resources and support your business:

  • Savings and Discounts: OBOT members get access to exclusive savings and deals designed to impact your bottom line.
  • OBOT Events: Events and virtual events remain a key way for business leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers to stay connected, updated and explore new opportunities.
  • FREE LinkedIn Licenses: Train and upskill your employees with over 16,000 courses available!
  • Webinars: OBOT has hosted a variety of webinars to help your business stay informed.

Book your G.R.O.W. Member Session with Kassondra Walters, OBoT's Manager, Membership Experience, to learn more about how you can take advantage of your membership!
Advertise with Your Board of Trade

Ramp up your marketing, brand awareness and advertising with OBOT. Members can take advantage of the many advertisement and sponsorship opportunities available to help you Build your Business, Promote your Brand or Support your Community!

For more information please contact: Melissa Howell at [email protected]

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS!

Your Ottawa Board of Trade is a non-profit, non partisan, independent association that exists for the sole purpose of advocating for our businesses and growing community prosperity. Although we are driven by the needs of the entire business community, it is the members who make it possible for Ottawa to have a strong voice of business. And it may never be more important than now. So please join us in saying THANK YOU to our members.
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!