Dear Business and Community Leaders,

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province. The emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks. NEWS RELEASE.

We are all increasingly frustrated with changes to lockdown measures as well as the vaccine rollout. We continue to work with our colleagues across the province to call on all levels of government to quickly vaccinate Ontarians as well as clarity around what warrants changes in lockdowns. Please see the Ontario Chamber statement.
 
Our Ontario Chamber Network is calling for all levels of government to work together to inoculate Ontarians as frustration continues to grow amongst our business community amid the third wave. Our business community is frustrated seeing our Southern neighbours being inoculated while we wait. The lack of vaccine supply means fewer vaccines in arms. Delays in distribution are heavy blows to businesses going through further restrictions and lockdowns. The lack of clarity around what warrants changes in lockdowns adds to this growing frustration in Ontario.

The increased numbers and burden on our health care system is concerning. We have been advocating on the premise that public health relies on a robust the economy. And we cannot pave the path to recovery without first controlling the virus, particularly with new strains aggressively spreading across Ontario. We need to get the virus under control so businesses can stay open for critical summer months. Therefore, we are:

  • Calling for clear communications: We continue to call for clarity on concrete milestones that trigger lockdown or extension. Clear and consistent communication and guidelines will be critical determinants of the success of the plan. There is no easy on or off switch for employers; the lack of predictability and clarity in government decisions makes it difficult for businesses to plan effectively and invest in the necessary infrastructure for a safe re-opening.

  • Calling for vaccine deployment & distribution: The sooner the population is inoculated, the sooner we can restart the economy. Businesses will be critical in supporting public awareness, logistical capabilities, and best practices. We are calling on the government to leverage private sector to support vaccine distribution and deployment.

The Ottawa Board of Trade continues to work with Chambers across Ontario on specific recommendations for changes to the framework. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, we will stay focused on sharing access to funding, programs and new opportunities to connect, learn and shape the future of our business community.

I would like to thank Dr. Etches and the team at Ottawa Public Health for their hard work, vigilance and collaboration with our business community. They have been at the forefront of the Ottawa fight against COVID for a year and have engaged with us every step of the way to ensure we are making the right decisions at the right time. We especially appreciate the communication and transparency of our Ottawa situation.

What we know is that the increased transmission of the virus is largely due to personal settings and employee to employee interaction at workplaces. We urge you to follow the recommendations of our health officials and encourage others to do the same. The future of our businesses depends on it.

Yours truly, Sueling

Sueling Ching | President & CEO |Ottawa Board of Trade
CALL TO ACTION
THE OTTAWA REAL ESTATE MARKET
NETWORKING AND EXPERT PANELS
APRIL 8, 2021 | 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Complimentary for members of BOMO and OBoT Members

COVID-19 will forever influence almost all aspects of our lives, including the use of real estate. At the one year mark of the pandemic, what is the state of the Ottawa real estate market and how does Ottawa look as a place to invest. Our experts break down both the impact and forecasts stemming from a year like no other. Join us for a one hour webinar, preceded by a 30 minute networking opportunity for landlords and tenants to discuss the issues and opportunities we are facing together. Thank you to our partners at BOMA OTTAWA for this important event.
‌
EXPERT PRESENTATIONS & PANELS
APRIL 20, 2021 | 8:00 am to 9:30 pm

Join us for a prognosis on the state of Canada’s economic health with the announcement of the first official budget the federal government has issued in two years. Live broadcast includes:
 

You cannot miss this lively and engaging discussion economic health of our country
and what it could mean to you, the National Capital Region and Canada.
CITY-BUILDING SUMMIT: OTTAWA NEXT
APRIL 30, 2021 | 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tickets are $50+ HST for OBoT Members and $75+ HST for Future Members

Business and community leaders have a profound opportunity and responsibility to rally around a vision for the future of Ottawa that will impact our city, our region and our country. Join the conversation at a half day conference exploring the concept of city building, place branding, planning and economic development. Agenda includes valuable networking, inspiring keynotes, expert panels.
PUBLICATION LAUNCH
APRIL 12, 2021 | 5:00 pm
The Ottawa Board of Trade is proud to launch the spring edition of Capital Magazine featuring women in leadership, businesses, and organizations breaking through glass ceilings while confronting the barriers of Covid-19. Read their inspirational stories to learn what makes Ottawa a great place for women making their mark on our global economy. Thank you to Terry, Stephan, Melanie and the whole team at gordonGROUP for ongoing partnership in this important initiative.
NOW OPEN: Summer Student Wage Subsidy Applications

The Ottawa Board of Trade has partnered with Magnet to bring the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) to employers. Businesses can take advantage of
 
  1. Reimbursements for Winter 2021 placements. Did you hire a post-secondary student for paid work experience between Jan-April 2021? You could be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 - deadline is April 15 2021.
  2. Summer 2021 applications are now open! Are you looking to hire a student for Summer 2021? Eligible employers could receive up to $7,000 for new placements! Businesses can apply online to receive wage subsidies for eligible student placements between the months of May-August, 2021.

FUNDING IS LIMITED - If you are considering hiring a student for the Summer semester, we encourage you to start your application as soon as possible! 
USE YOUR VOICE!
YOU COULD WIN $250 FARM BOY
GIFT CERTIFICATE

This is your opportunity to share your priorities and perspectives on the health of your industry with policymakers, politicians and business advocates.
We will explore the impact of COVID on business confidence and how the regional economy can
“build back better.”
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.
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!