March 9, 2023
News for the Business Community
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International Women's Day 2023
Accelerating Progress on Gender Equality: Insights on What You Can Do to Make Change Happen

The last three years of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a disproportionate impact on women, from business owners, mothers and providers to employees and frontline care workers.
The time is now for organizations to commit to making meaningful progress towards gender equality. The adoption of leading and emerging practices, programs and policies to support the retention and advancement of women in your organization can help you get there. Members of our Council for Women’s Advocacy have weighed in on some practices that you could adopt to advance the conversation in your organization.
International Women's Day Lunch 2023
"It's incredible how words can soothe you, from a total stranger, words you never knew you needed to hear."
-- From a chamber member, IWD Lunch 2023
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated women entrepreneurs for International Women's Day March 8th at Anthony's Italian Grill with guest speakers Stacy Taylor of Little Things Canning Company, Victoria Cleary of VC Athletic Therapy & Bracing, and Chantal Van Hoof of Starz in Motion Dance Studio. We heard inspirational stories of the lessons learned, insights, trials and (sometimes hilarious) tribulations from these women who started their businesses from scratch.
This event was powered by the Startup Women's Fund. We'd like to thank Startup Canada, Scotiabank and UPS for their support. Through this sponsorship, we could provide 2023 memberships with the chamber for Winterfell Stables (door prize winner), and the not-for-profit Women's Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County, Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre, Boy's and Girl's Club of Pembroke.
Deadline to apply for the one-time top-up to the
Canada Housing Benefit is March 31, 2023
 
There’s still time for eligible Canadian renters to apply for a tax-free payment of $500; the application deadline of March 31, 2023 is fast approaching.
 
The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit was introduced to help lower-income renters who are most affected by the rise of inflation and struggling with the cost of rent. Since we launched the new benefit on December 12, 2022, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has provided rent support to over 600,000 individuals and families who are most affected by rising cost of living. 

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023. The quickest way to apply for the benefit is through CRA My Account. While you wait for your security code in the mail to arrive, you can still access the limited services to apply for this benefit right away. Applicants can also sign in to their My Service Canada Account to securely access CRA’s My Account without having to sign in again or revalidate their identity.
 
Another way to apply is through the online application form, which allows you to submit an application without using CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account. However, changes to personal and banking information will not be permitted using the online application form.
 
If you prefer not to apply online, call us at 1-800-282-8079 to complete your application with an agent. If you apply through CRA My Account or by phone, and are signed up for direct deposit, you can get your payment within 3 to 5 business days.
Free webinar for Indigenous peoples:
Register to learn about benefits and credits!
 
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting a free webinar for Indigenous peoples. Learn about the benefits and credits you could be eligible to receive by doing your taxes, even if you have no taxable income. Topics include:
 
  • Simplified tax forms for Indigenous peoples
  • Canada child benefit (CCB) and GST/HST credit
  • Canada dental benefit and one-time top-up to the Canada housing benefit
  • Disability tax credit (DTC) and child disability benefit
  • Northern residents deductions, tax-exempt income and Northern service centres
  • Ways to do your taxes, free tax help, and other CRA services
 
During the webinar, you will be able to ask questions in writing and we will provide answers. Spaces are limited, so make sure to register for the webinar in advance! If you are an organization that provides services to Indigenous peoples, we encourage you to register your organization and share the event details with your clients. 
Township of Laurentian Valley Mayor's Breakfast
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Township of Laurentian Valley invite our business community to breakfast. Join us to hear from Mayor Bennett and to discuss our shared goals toward growing the economy of the township and supporting small business.
Chamber Adventure for Business and Fun!
Tuscany is the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. This stunning 09-day tour will offer you the opportunity to discover the extraordinary countryside of Tuscany.

Expand your business network with our connections to Chambers of Commerce in the region, purchasers and distributors. Learn from culinary experts, artisans, and owners. Make this an adventure for both business and pleasure!
Limited time offer! Let Elavon meet or beat your current payment processing rates. If Elavon is unable to match your current rate or provide you with a better rate, you will receive a $250 Visa gift card. 
Chamber of Commerce member businesses are invited to advertise their events in our online community calendar.
Membership Has its Rewards