From the Desk of the CEO...
The Chamber is excited to safely welcome members to the Annual Open House tomorrow from 5-8pm at The Rope Factory Event Hall. Please register in advance for the event for contact tracing purposes, vaccination policy, and current event capacity safety protocols in place. Donations to the Brantford Food Bank will be accepted at the door. Thank you to The Cooperators for sponsoring this event.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff will be working on our 2022 Membership Directory, the January InTouch Magazine, our 2022 Events Calendar, finalizing our year end, as well as continuing the Rapid Testing Kits program and the Shop Local Brantford-Brant campaign. Please consider allocating a portion of your time and holiday spend to seeking out unique gifts and services from our local business community.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Dave
Chamber Events
Please join us for our annual Open House, in partnership with the Rope Factory!

Pop in and help us celebrate the Holiday season with a bit of holiday cheer. Refreshments and food will be served, including coffee provided by Seventh Coffee Company. Come hang out at the Photo Booth, provided by Pynx Productions. 

Amazing door prizes provided by: Advantage Group, Beauty Barn Spa, Big Smoke Burger, Brantford Flight Centre, Enbridge Gas Inc., Millards, Modo Yoga Brantford, Myra's (Best Western) and Translations Paris Traductions.

We are thrilled that Shaun Mulrain will be entertaining our guests with some holiday tunes. 

Non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations will be collected in support of our local food bank.

Covid-19 Protocol will be in place, guests will need to show proof of double vaccination and photo ID upon entry. Please register here.
Advertise in the Chamber Membership Directory
Don’t forget to book your advertisement in the 2022-2023 Membership Directory! 

For more information about how to secure your space, call Greg Evans at 226-387-2991 or email [email protected]
The Hydrogen Economy
Friday, December 10, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 
Low-carbon hydrogen is a win-win for the climate and Ontario’s economy. It can be used to store energy and reduce emissions from heavy industry, long-distance transportation, and heating systems. Further, global demand for hydrogen is expected to blossom as its commercial viability is proven – providing Ontario with a promising export opportunity.

On Friday, December 10, join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) to learn how businesses in Ontario are developing and using hydrogen – and how the government is supporting them.

Join for an exciting panel conversation on the Hydrogen Economy for the second Sustainability Seminar as part of the Ontario Climate Action Series!

Register here.
Royal Assent for the Working for Workers Act, 2021
On December 2, 2021, the Working for Workers Act, 2021 received Royal Assent. The Employment Standards Act, 2000 has been amended:

Written policy on disconnecting from work
Employers that employ 25 or more employees on January 1 of any year must have a written policy on disconnecting from work in place by March 1 of that year and provide a copy of that policy to employees. “Disconnecting from work” is defined in the ESA. A transitional provision establishes that employers that meet the 25-employee threshold on January 1, 2022 have until June 2, 2022 to meet the new requirement to have a written policy in place.

Non-compete agreements prohibited
Employers are prohibited (with some exceptions), from entering into a non-compete agreement with an employee. “Non-compete agreement” is defined in the ESA.  This prohibition does not apply to non-compete agreements entered into before October 25, 2021.

A system for licensing requirements of temporary help agencies and recruiters
On a date to be set by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, amendments that establish a system for the licensing of temporary help agencies and recruiters will come into force. 

Amendments to the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009
The Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 (EPFNA) has been amended:
Knowingly using recruiters charging unlawful fees prohibited
There is a new prohibition against using the services of a recruiter where it is known that the recruiter has charged an unlawful fee to a foreign national. There is also a new provision for joint and several liability for the repayment of unlawfully charged fees.

If you need help understanding your responsibilities and rights under the ESA, you can:
  • Visit Your guide to the Employment Standards Act at Ontario.ca/ESAguide
  • Call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551 or TTY (for hearing impaired) at 1-866-567-8893. Information is available in many languages.

If you need help understanding your responsibilities and rights under the EPFNA, you can:
  • Visit the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals home page at Ontario.ca/EPFNA
You Can't Touch This: The Intangible Assets Debate
On December 1, 2021, the CPA Ontario released its whitepaper – You Can’t Touch This: The Intangible Assets Debate. Such assets increasingly serve as drivers of economic growth and innovation across all sectors. The report delves into the conversation around intangibles and asks accountants to consider what role they must play in this space. 

Objectives:
  1. To highlight the growing role of intangible assets to Ontario’s economic growth and development
  2. Support and amplify messaging from the CPA Ontario
 
This Chamber Network Toolkit includes:
  • Social media calendar
  • Social copy for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn channels
  • Remember to tag @OntarioCofC & use the hashtag #ONChamberNetwork
  • Newsletter Insert
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