Hello everyone,
As we move into the holiday break and into another period of uncertainty, we are reflecting on the past year and feeling a little bit of deja vu. While 2021 was filled with ups and downs, I do of course want to thank you all for being here - without your engagement as members, we can't continue doing what we do in support of the local business community.
Since May, close to 50,000 rapid screening kits have been distributed through our program to help keep workplaces safe. This past two weeks saw record numbers distributed through CWCC to the businesses of Wellington County. The order form is currently closed due to our holiday break and no remaining inventory, but will reopen in 2022 after the province restocks our supply. For updates and the order form click here.
Following the public health restrictions announced last week, both the federal and provincial governments made announcements yesterday regarding financial supports for businesses. There are details below in the news section. While supports for businesses are welcomed, the timelines and limited extent of the supports may still be insufficient. We will continue to urge all levels of government to expedite relief delivery and programs. We'd like to see long-term planning and enhanced business supports to manage current and future variants of concern, as travel advisories and public health measures continue to impact business competitiveness and consumer confidence.
We continue to plan for 2022, with optimistic views and our fingers crossed, for an array of hybrid events, new & refreshed programs, and many opportunities to connect with us, with each other as members, and with the community. Stay tuned early in the new year for the confirmed plan for Mayor's Breakfast, the official launch of Awards of Excellence, and more!
Please note, the office will be closed and our team will be enjoying a holiday break from December 23 at noon through to January 3. Merry Christmas to all, and we look forward to connecting in 2022!
Sally
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January 26, 2022
Mayor's Breakfast
virtual participation options available
February 10, 2022
CWOW Speaker Series Lunch
February 11, 2022
Networking Night
at the Guelph Storm
February 23, 2022
Biz Breakfast
March 30, 2022
Biz Breakfast
May 31, 2022
Awards of Excellence Gala
*more details to come*
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Other Government & COVID19 Related Updates |
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Government Temporarily Expands Access to Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced the federal government’s intention to temporarily expand eligibility for key support programs to ensure Canadians are protected and workers and businesses get the help they need to sustain them through new and necessary public health restrictions. Expanded programs include the Local Lockdown Program (for employers subject to capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more) and Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (providing $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly affected by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown, and who have lost 50 per cent or more of their income as a result). More details here.
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State of Emergency Declaration will remain in place
Following the lead of the County of Wellington and in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, the State of Emergency in Centre Wellington will remain in place. “In early November we were hopeful that we were on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Warden/Mayor Kelly Linton. “Due to the spread of the OMICRON variant in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, and its uncertainty, the County’s State of Emergency will remain in place. I continue to urge all residents to get vaccinated, get their booster shoots as soon as they are eligible, and continue to follow guidance from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.” Read more here
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Ontario Announces Extension of the COVID-19 Period and Paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
Two extensions have happened under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA):
- The “COVID-19 period” has been extended to July 30, 2022
- The availability of paid infectious disease emergency leave has been extended to July 31, 2022
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Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses
Rebate program cuts property taxes and energy costs; New cash flow supports providing up to $7.5 billion for businesses, including those affected by Omicron restrictions
The Ontario government is introducing new supports for many of the businesses that are most impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant. These supports include a new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program and a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes. Read more here
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Canada Summer Jobs 2022
Application period for employers open from December 16 to January 25. This year, CSJ 2022 is targeting the creation of up to 100,000 full-time summer job opportunities for young people. This represents a 40% increase from pre-pandemic targets. Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding now until January 25, 2022, to hire young Canadians next summer. Full-time job placements will take place during the summer of 2022. More info here
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Ontario Cutting Wholesale Alcohol Prices to Support Restaurants and Bars
The Ontario government is supporting businesses impacted by the pandemic and continuing to provide choice and convenience for consumers by cutting LCBO wholesale prices for bars and restaurants, enabling curbside pickup of beer, wine and cider from licensed grocery stores, and freezing the basic beer tax rate. Read more here
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Keeping Workplaces Safe: Open Letter from Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health
With cases of the Omicron variant increasing throughout the province, AMOH Dr. Tenenbaum has written an open letter to businesses throughout our region. The letter can be found here
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Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has issued a Letter of Instruction requiring remote work for workers where reasonably possible
Effective Monday December 20, 2021, and until further notice unless otherwise specified, Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, instruct all owners, operators and persons responsible for a business or organization to enable remote work for workers where possible. Please see the full Letter of Instruction for detailed definitions and instructions.
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Province Making It Easier to Buy Made-in-Ontario Food
The Ontario government is investing $1 million annually to promote locally grown food and support the economic growth and success of the province’s agri-food sector. Up to $100,000 is available for marketing projects that encourages Ontarians to buy fresh, locally grown and made agri-food products. Read more here
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Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
400 Tower St. S., Fergus | 519.843.5140| www.cwchamber.ca
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