Ontario Releases the 2021 Fall Economic Statement
- Protecting Our Progress
- Investing $342 million, beginning in 2021-22, to add over 5,000 new and upskilled registered nurses and registered practical nurses as well as 8,000 personal support workers. In addition, Ontario is investing $57.6 million, beginning in 2022-23, to hire 225 nurse practitioners in the long-term care sector.
- Investing an additional $548.5 million over three years to expand home and community care. This funding would support up to 28,000 post-acute surgical patients and 21,000 patients with complex health conditions every year.
- Investing $12.4 million over two years starting in 2021-22 to continue rapid access to existing and expanded mental health and addictions supports.
- Providing an additional $72.3 million over three years to increase enforcement capacity in long-term care homes, including doubling the number of long-term care home inspectors across the province by 2022-23. This will make Ontario’s inspector to long-term care homes ratio the highest in Canada.
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Building Ontario
- Investing approximately $2.6 billion in 2021-22 in support of the Ontario Highways Program, which features more than 580 construction, expansion and rehabilitation projects. As part of the Highways Program, the government has committed funding to build and advance the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413.
- Working in partnership with Northern and First Nation communities to create jobs, unlock critical minerals and bring economic prosperity to Ontario’s North, committing close to $1 billion to support the planning and construction of an all-season road network, as well as other projects that will provide a corridor of prosperity for the remote First Nations in the Far North.
- Investing an additional $3.7 billion, beginning in 2024-25, to build an additional 10,000 net new long-term care beds and upgrade 12,000 existing beds.
- Investing $30.2 billion over the next 10 years, to build, expand and enhance hospitals, a historic commitment to ensure people can get the care they need in their communities.
- Doubling the government’s annual investment in the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund program from $1 billion to nearly $2 billion over the next five years, providing certainty and predictability to 424 small, rural and Northern communities so that they can build and repair roads, bridges, and water and wastewater infrastructure.
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Working for Workers
- Proposing to increase the general minimum wage to $15 per hour effective January 1, 2022 and to eliminate the special minimum wage rate for liquor servers by raising it to the general minimum wage.
- Investing an additional $90.3 million over three years starting in 2021-22 in the Skilled Trades Strategy. Key initiatives include creating a skilled trades career fair as well as enhancing the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program.
- Proposing to extend the Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit to 2022, which would provide an estimated $275 million in support to about 240,000 people, or $1,150 on average.
- Proposing a new temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022, which would provide an estimated $270 million to help over one-and-a-half million families further discover Ontario.
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Ontario Chamber Network Reacts
to the 2021 Fall Economic Statement
The Government of Ontario is taking reasonable steps to support healthy communities and economic development across the province as we emerge from the pandemic. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Ontario Chamber Network, and Ottawa Board of Trade welcome the government’s focus on investing in healthcare, infrastructure, and skills.
However, ensuring a robust and inclusive economic recovery will not come immediately, particularly in absence of clarity and predictability for business. Further supports for business are still required because workers and the economy at large are better off if business prospers. Specifically, we would like to see the Province address businesses and sectors impacted by the unplanned minimum wage increase and Ontario’s labour crisis.
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A STRONG VOICE AT QUEEN'S PARK
As we work towards recovery, it's important the government understands the needs of our business community. 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.
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OTTAWA LEADERS BREAKFAST
With the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Finance Minister of Ontario
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November 18, 2021
7:30 am | Brookstreet Hotel
Join us for an in-person event designed to give you a safe networking opportunity. Start your day with a warm cup of coffee shared with Ottawa business leaders. Then enjoy a captivating fireside chat with the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Finance Minister of Ontario. Space is limited.
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Don't miss Ottawa's biggest celebration of local business! The BOBs!
The annual Best Ottawa Business Awards celebrates Ottawa's history of innovative, ethical and profitable businesses, and recognizes its entrepreneurial spirit.
This is a year like no other. The health and economic crisis has forced businesses to adapt and endure. Join us on November 25 at 8 PM as we
celebrate the excellence in our community.
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Join Mayor Jim Watson, the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal for the Mayor's Breakfast on November 29 for an in-person Mayor's Breakfast!
Start your morning with a cup of coffee and hot breakfast at 7:30 AM, followed by a lively conversation with RoseAnne Archibald, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Get your tickets today! Space is limited.
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ICYMI: Get Growing Series
Demystifying Living on the Financial Edge
The Ottawa Board of Trade SME Council has launched Get Growing, an educational series for business owners! Missed the first session? Catch a replay of Demystifying Living on the Financial Edge to find out the answers to questions around bankruptcy and learn facts that can help you think strategically as you live on the financial edge.
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$2,500 Digital Transformation Grant Extended!
The deadline to apply for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant from Digital Main Street has been extended until November 23rd (or until grant funds are exhausted). The program will provide funding for training, advisory support, and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking increase their digital capacity. Don't miss the chance to digitally transform your business!
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Exclusive Offer for Board of Trade Members
Everyone enjoys good savings, right? Take advantage of the purchasing power that membership in the Ottawa Board of Trade offers! With an extensive selection, shop items like office supplies, technology, furniture and print and promotional products.
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Members Save on Ottawa Board of Trade Events
Did you know members get discounted ticket prices for Ottawa Board of Trade events? Events and virtual events remain a key way for business leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers to stay connected, updated and explore new opportunities. Get connected with your Ottawa business community at an upcoming OBOT event!
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KEY RESOURCES WITH THE CLICK OF A BUTTON!
Our OBOT team works closely with stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally to bring our local businesses the best information, events, resources and support.
Get all the details through the RESOURCES tab on your OBOT members only portal. Check out our How-To Guides to help you maximize your membership and market your business with fellow members. Check back often to stay updated!
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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.
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