In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.

This is a collaborative email to share information that applies to our Memberships at large, sent on behalf of the Grimsby Chamber, Lincoln Chamber, and West Lincoln Chamber.

October 18 - 24 | BDC Small Business Week
BDC Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for over 40 years. Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network and celebrate the people building businesses across the country.

The West Niagara Chambers of Commerce will be hosting a virtual joint event on Tuesday, October 20 in celebration of BDC Small Business Week.

Stay tuned for more details in the invitation coming later this week!
Government of Canada
Applications Open for Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

Many people are still being impacted by COVID-19 and require temporary income support. To ensure that Canadians continue to have the help they need the Government of Canada has introduced three new benefits, delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).  

On Monday, October 5, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, opened the application process for the CRSB and the CRCB. Applications for the CRB will be accepted as of October 12, 2020.  
Speech from the Throne

The Speech from the Throne opens every new session of Parliament. The Speech introduces the government’s direction and goals, and outlines how it will work to achieve them.

On September 23, 2020, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the second session of the 43rd Parliament and outline the government’s agenda.

The Throne Speech included several items of interest for businesses and employees, including:

  • The Government will launch a campaign to create over one million jobs, restoring employment to previous levels.
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended to Summer 2021.
  • The Government will scale Youth Employment and Skills Strategy up to provide more paid work experiences next year for young Canadians.
  • The Government will eliminate remaining barriers between provinces to full, free internal trade.
  • Over the coming months, the EI system will become the sole delivery mechanism for employment benefits, including for Canadians who did not qualify for EI before the pandemic, including for the self-employed and independent workers for short-term commitments.
  • This fall, in addition to extending the wage subsidy, the Government will take further steps to bridge vulnerable businesses to the other side of the pandemic by:
  • Expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account;
  • Improving the Business Credit Availability Program;
  • And introducing further support for industries that have been the hardest hit, including travel and tourism, hospitality, and cultural industries like the performing arts.
  • The Government will make a significant, long-term, sustained investment to create a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system.
  • The Government committed to supporting women and Black and racialized entrepreneurs.
Government of Ontario
Minimum Wage Increase

Effective as of October 1, 2020, minimum wage in Ontario has increased by $0.25 per hour. The new rates are:

  • General minimum wage - $14.25
  • Student minimum wage - $13.40
  • Liquor servers minimum wage - $12.45
COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces

As per the Stage 3 Orders (Ontario Regulation 354/20) businesses are required to screen any workers and essential visitors that enter the workplace. A screening checklist and additional details can be found here.

The Niagara Region has developed materials to help businesses communicate screening measures, including:
Click here to access additional posters and resources.
Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Rights for Parents of School-age Children

As we begin the 2020-21 school year, many parents in Ontario have questions regarding their right to take emergency leave from work.

Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, an employee is eligible to take an unpaid, job-protected emergency leave if they are not performing the duties of their position for specified reasons related to COVID-19. This includes people who are providing care or support their children because of a matter related to COVID-19.

This also applies to parents if their child’s school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19. It also applies to parents who choose not to send their child to school or to child care out of fear the child would be exposed to COVID-19.


If you need help understanding your employment standards rights and responsibilities, 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.
  • Get advice from a lawyer.
  • To learn more about COVID-19, employers’ responsibilities and job protections available to employees, visit Ontario.ca/COVID.

From the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development  
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
WSIB Financial Relief Repayment

To help reduce the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ontario businesses, WSIB provided the opportunity to defer premiums due between March to August 2020. While businesses may choose to make deferred premium payments at any point, to help further support businesses during this difficult time, repayment is not required to begin until January 2021.

All businesses that chose to participate in the financial relief package will have until June 30, 2021 to repay deferred amounts, interest-free. Deferred amount payments can be made in one or multiple installments between January and June 30, 2021.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Webinar

October 15 at 1:00 pm: Business During Pandemic: Discuss Sales Development & The Small Biz Trends
In partnership with Salesforce

Join Laura Norman, Senior Director of Marketing for Essentials and SMB, and Adam Kirsh, AVP SMB Commercial Sales Canada at Salesforce as they discuss and examine key insights into how SMBs are navigating business during the pandemic.

Discussion topics include:

  • How a growing number of SMBs are preparing for future crises by adopting technology to help digitize customer interactions
  • How a pandemic and racial injustices affect their motivations, challenges, and goals
  • How digital transformation in driving business resiliency
  • How SMB leaders are planning for recovery and growth post-COVID-19
Contact Your Local Chamber
Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director

Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director

West Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director

This email was sent by on behalf of the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce, which consists of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. You have received this email because you subscribed to our newsletters; your email address will not be shared and will be used only for these updates.
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