From the Desk of the CEO...
Welcome to 2022!

The Chamber returns to another unprecedented year, buoyed with the annual optimism a new year brings, and tempered by the persistence of the global pandemic.

Please join us in welcoming Paul Bisanti as the 2022 President, with an exciting agenda to enhance our key political advocacy positions and continuing to build on our media channels. Immediately, we will continue to work with the OCC and the CCC on additional targeted supports for businesses impacted by lockdown measures imposed by the province.

Our special projects Shop Local Brantford-Brant and the Rapid Screening Kit program are challenged by our capacity, as the small business community continues to bear the burdens of returning provincial lockdown requirements. We are fortunate to have some remaining supply of kits and have re-opened appointments to pick up first kits or renewals, and look forward to your feedback on the poll question this week.

Dave
Poll: What do you think about the latest Provincially imposed restrictions?
What do you think about the latest provincially imposed restrictions?
It is the proper thing to do right now
Grin and bear it, but I do not agree with it
Completely opposed to more restrictions; we need to move on
Undecided
I have more to say - contact chamber@brcc.ca
Rapid Test Kits
Due to high demand, we have increased our capacity to distribute rapid test kits!
We have added additional pick-up appointments to support local businesses in this stressful time. Appointments are available every Monday-Friday from 12pm-2pm in the month of January 2022. You may order some more kits here.
Please note that supply is limited and may change as demand continues to grow. We are doing everything in our power to accommodate your business the best we can.
We appreciate your patience!

For any additional questions, please reach out to olivia@brcc.ca
Business Supports for Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen
In recognition of the impact the Omicron variant and additional public health measures have on small businesses, the government is expanding the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program.

Eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures. Eligible businesses required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs, while businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs.

A full list of eligible business types will be made available when applications for the program open later this month. To improve cash flows for Ontario businesses, effective January 1, 2022, the government is also providing up to $7.5 billion for a six-month interest- and penalty-free period for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes, supporting businesses now and providing the flexibility they will need for long-term planning.
 
The government is also exploring options for providing further targeted and necessary supports for businesses and workers impacted by the province’s move into a modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, including grants. The government will also continue to call on the federal government to come to table and help us support Ontario businesses and Ontario workers by allowing eligible businesses to defer HST and to enhance supports available to workers affected by current public health measures.

Read the full news release here.
2022 Directory Bookings
Don’t Forget!

Keep your organization’s profile up to date! Our 2022-23 Membership Directory will include contact information for all of our members; keeping the information accurate helps us make sure you’re easy to find and easy to contact!

Please take 30 seconds to review your organization’s profile here!

Contact Greg Evans for more information.
Chamber Events
Register for the 14th Annual MP & MPP Breakfast here.

Save the date for the AGM!

Standby for additional details regarding Covid-19 protocols.
New Member: Ronson Painting!
Ontario Announces Extension of the COVID-19 Period and Paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
The Ontario government is extending its Worker Income Protection Benefit program, which provides paid sick days, until July 31, 2022. Employees can continue to access this paid leave to get tested, vaccinated, self-isolate, or care for a family member.
Under this legislation, employees are entitled to up to three paid sick days, paid at their regular rate, to a maximum of $200 per day. The employee may use this time if they are:

  • under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19
  • acting under an order given under sections 22 or 35 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act
  • ordered to quarantine or isolate by a recognized official body (public health officer, healthcare professional, government, etc.)
  • acting under an employer’s direction to isolate out of concern for transmission of COVID-19
  • providing care to an individual under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19, or ordered to quarantine or isolate as above.

In addition, the province is taking action to protect jobs and businesses by extending temporary changes to the Employment Standards Act that prevent temporary layoffs of non-unionized employees from becoming unwanted terminations, which can trigger payments and force businesses to close. This measure will now be extended until July 30, 2022.



The Chamber is here to help your business navigate public policy and legislation. Click here to email our Advocacy Committee with questions.
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