The planned harmonization of the Ontario Retail Sales Tax (RST) with the Federal GST is the most important measure available to stimulate economic recovery and ensure Ontario’s prosperity, says the Smart Taxation Alliance, a coalition of business leaders representing a broad section of Ontario’s economy.

Ontario will significantly reduce business costs by the billions of dollars, which will stimulate new investment, jobs and competitive prices in the years to come. The alternative is to continue with Ontario’s high tax threshold, plagued with a costly and inefficient RST which adds billions of dollars to the cost of doing business, which is ultimately paid by the consumer. Clearly the status quo is not an option for the Smart Taxation Alliance.

Positive impacts of a single sales tax, when combined with other personal and business tax reforms will include:

• Cutting the marginal effective tax rate on new investment in half, thereby increasing both domestic and foreign investment in Ontario;
• Encouraging business investment in Ontario and the creation of jobs;
• Cutting in half the red tape suffered by businesses in Ontario in the collection, remittance and auditing of sales taxes, for an estimated annual savings of $500 million;
• Removing layers of embedded taxes in goods and services throughout Ontario valued at roughly $5 billion;
• All economic sectors contributing equally to revenue generation in the province; and,
• Increasing competitiveness of Ontario business, particularly those who export their goods and services.

The Smart Taxation Alliance includes the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, AGS Automotive Systems, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors, Canadian Manufacturer’s & Exporters Ontario, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Council of Ontario Construction Associations, Certified General Accountants of Ontario, Gennum Corporation, Information Technology Association of Canada, Ontario Automobile Dealer Association, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Ontario Trucking Association, Railway Association of Canada, Retail Council of Canada, TD Bank Financial Group, TELUS, Toronto Automobile Dealer Association and the Toronto Board of Trade.

“The tax rate on business investment in Ontario had put us at a disadvantage next to our peer jurisdictions in the US and Canada. As of July 1, Ontario will be far better positioned to become a magnet for investment and innovation. This is why we need tax reforms, most importantly, sales tax harmonization.”

Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

“Transforming the province’s sales tax regime with HST is sound tax policy. It strengthens Ontario’s supportive tax environment and improves regulatory efficiency which enable Ontario businesses to compete successfully.”

Winston Woo, Director, AGS Automotive Systems

“CME has advocated for the HST as it will make us better prepared to compete and win in the global marketplace. The move to a harmonized tax will help companies improve productivity, create jobs, grow the economy and enhance Ontario’s standard of living.”

Ian Howcroft, Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Ontario

“Ontario’s vehicle manufacturers export 85% of their production and continually compete against assembly plants globally to win new investment and production mandates. The HST, coupled with other tax changes such as corporate tax reductions and the elimination of the capital tax, are critical to the industry’s long term competitiveness and our ability to retain tens of thousands of high skilled jobs for Ontarians.”

Mark Nantais, President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association

“As we prepare for successful transition to the new harmonized sales tax, it’s important to remember the positive attributes that HST will bring, particularly in support of the small business community. HST will help fuel a stronger business investment climate in Ontario, create jobs and accelerate Ontario’s recovery.”

Doug Brooks, CEO, Certified General Accountants of Ontario

“The HST is crucial to both the short-term recovery and the long-term prosperity of Ontario’s manufacturing sector. The implementation of the HST was a much-needed first step to help make Ontario manufacturers more competitive, to encourage investment and innovation, and to safeguard Ontario manufacturing jobs.”

Richard Paton, President, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

“Progressive economies are embracing the competitiveness of valued added tax structures. Ontario’s economy and the construction industry have a lot to gain from the HST. Tax savings for construction businesses will be significant to our members and that means more well-paid new jobs to help build the new Ontario’s prosperous future.”

Ian Cunningham, President, Council of Ontario Construction Associations

“The OGCA has recognizes and appreciates the value of a single tax system to our industry and the positive effect it will have. The Ministry’s cooperation in addressing our concerns regarding the implementation of the HST and its effect on the tender process and ongoing projects shows that this bold endeavor will improve the business climate in Ontario. “

Clive Thurston, President, Ontario General Contractors’ Association

“Modernizing our sales tax system is an essential step in driving growth and infrastructure investment in this province. As builders of both provincial and municipal infrastructure, our businesses -and in turn the taxpayer – will recognize the benefits of reducing the administrative burden through the simplification of our tax structure.”

Rob Bradford, Executive Director, Ontario Road Builders’ Association

“Modernizing the way Ontario taxes business inputs by harmonizing the provincial retail sales tax and the multi-jurisdictional vehicle tax with the GST, will help stimulate investment in new, more productive, safer and more environmentally-benign equipment. And, since trucks are responsible for moving about three-quarters of Ontario’s trade with the United States, it will ultimately help to improve Ontario’s economic competitiveness leading to more jobs and greater prosperity.”

David Bradley, President and CEO, Ontario Trucking Association

“By simplifying the province’s tax structure the HST will take costs and double-taxation out of our business, and thousands of other businesses across the province. That will make Ontario a more attractive and competitive place to do business, encouraging innovation and price reductions for consumers and exports.”

Robert McFarlane, Executive Vice-President and CFO, TELUS

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A dozen companies are recognized each year by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). The winners are raising the bar in terms of innovation, export diversification, talent development, growth and community support.

“Each and every day companies in this province are putting Ontario on the world map and yet so many of their success stories go untold.” says Len Crispino, President and CEO of the OCC. “This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the companies who excel in terms of creativity, drive and passion for doing business in Ontario.”

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

OBAA

• ICAO Award for Corporate Governance
• Desjardins Award for Large Business
• RBC Royal Bank Award for Small Business
• Innovation – Technology Award

OGTA

• HSBC Award for Innovation – Exports
• Export Development Canada Market Expansion Award

Over 200 companies have been recognized since its OBAA began in 1983. Past winners include Silicon Knights, The Gladstone Hotel, Inniskillin Wines Inc., Linamar Corporation, Research in Motion and COM DEV International Ltd.Self nominations are accepted. All nominations will close on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Awards will be presented at a gala event which will be attended by approximately 1,000 business and political leaders at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Monday, September 20, 2010.

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Robson was named the Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award winner at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting and Convention in Windsor over the weekend. The Award recognizes a manager of a local Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade who demonstrates excellence in chamber management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service.

“Chamber management inherently requires a commitment to community advancement and prosperity,” explains Len Crispinio, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, “but the Gillespie Award recognizes an individual who, like the award’s namesake, goes well beyond the daily requirements of the position. Keitha certainly has achieved that standard. Her leadership has benefitted the Timmins community, as well as the chamber network across Canada.”

For 12 years, Robson has served as manager of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. In her role as manager, Robson has led the Chamber to exceptional growth. Starting with a staff of just two in a single-shared office with a membership of just 350, Robson has grown the Chamber to a thriving staff of four employees with a membership of 760. The Chamber is now able to provide more programs and services and has been a strong advocate on behalf of its members.

Robson’s nomination was supported by many individuals within the Timmins region, who have attested to the true dedication of her work. She volunteers within the community serving on a number of local committees and Boards. Robson serves as Treasurer for the Foster Family Association of Timmins. She serves as co-chair for the promotion of the 100th anniversary of the City of Timmins.

No stranger to recognition, Keitha has previously received The James Carnegie Award for Leadership in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and The Manager of the Year Award from the Chamber Executives of Canada.

“It’s no surprise to the board members and volunteers of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce that Keitha has won this award. She has dedicated many years to supporting Timmins’ business community and the community at large. Anyone in our community who has worked with Keitha is well aware of her strong work ethic, ingenuity and leadership ability,” stated Fred Gibbons, 2009-2010 President Timmins Chamber of Commerce

The Timmins Chamber was also presented with an award for innovation on the weekend. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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“To be recognized by our peers in the chamber network for our advocacy initiatives is a tremendous honour of which we are extremely proud,” commented Sonny Jelinek, Chair of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. “Advocacy is one of our most important mandates and we take our role as the voice of business for the Oakville community very seriously.”

The Oakville Chamber recognized the need for a strategic plan for economic development and over a 24-month period worked with the Oakville Town Council to make this issue a priority. With the Council’s support, the efforts by the Chamber significantly contributed to:

• The creation of a comprehensive 10-year Economic Development Strategy;
• $150,000 in funding over 24-months for tourism and marketing promotion;
• Funding for the resources required to execute the new strategy.

“The persistent work on the part of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce will have a positive long-term impact on the success of the Oakville business community,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The Advocacy Award was one of several presented to chambers for excellence in leadership, programs and services. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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The Reverse Industrial Trade Show turned the traditional concept of trade show upside down by putting the potential buyers behind the booths while the potential vendors become attendees of the show. The show successfully brought together about 25 large purchasers in the Sarnia-Lambton area with small and medium businesses with products to sell.

“The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce found an innovative way to help its members connect, ensuring that more economic activity is generated right in Sarnia, leading to greater job creation and investment,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

In conjunction with the Tradeshow the chamber was able to run a seminar series focusing on topics pertinent to the exhibitors and tradeshow attendees.

The Award was one of several presented at the conference for chamber programs and services, and advocacy efforts. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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Each year the chamber sends out a kit containing the information every member needs to know about their chamber Membership. For 2009-2010, the chamber decided to do something a little different: instead of giving members printed copies of information, they created a USB-drive with interactive digital documents and hyperlinks to important membership info. Members are also able to use the USB to save and store their own files, making it a paperless, or ‘green’, tool. Due to its portable nature and keychain format, the toolkit brings membership info to members’ fingertips.

In the past, printed kits have been expensive and time-consuming to assemble. With the use of USB drives, the chamber cut down on both expense and time in 2009 by providing all the relevant information electronically to members of the chamber.

“The Timmins Chamber of Commerce has found a format for something every chamber produces, that provides great value to their members while at the same time, being environmentally and economically responsible.” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “This is just the kind of innovation that could be adopted by other chambers of commerce and boards of trade in our membership throughout the province.”

By changing to a USB drive the TCC was also able to make the membership kit more interactive with a video message from the chamber president, Fred Gibbons, as well as drive more traffic to the website by embedding hyperlinks into the stored documents. This progression to a more technology based kit was met with great praise by the chamber membership and is under consideration for the 2010-2011 Membership kit.

“We’re elated that we’ve created an award-winning Membership Kit,” stated Art Pultz, Timmins Chamber of Commerce board member and Marketing & Communications Committee chair. “It’s important to our committee that we find new, innovative and effective ways to communicate with our members. And we realize that in this age of ‘information overload’, giving members information and a tool is a great way to deliver the information they need.” According to Mr. Pultz, the Marketing and Communications Committee is already fast at work planning the evolution of the 2010-11 membership kit.

Chamber manager Keitha Robson was also honoured at the awards presentation with the prestigious Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award for excellence in chamber leadership. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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Ms. Wideman received the Richard Dolphin Community Service Award at the OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention in Windsor on the weekend. The Award recognizes members from local chambers of commerce and boards of trade who demonstrate excellence in volunteerism within the community and chamber network.

“Communities could not function without volunteers, and in Ajax-Pickering Joan Wideman is more than a volunteer, she is a community mentor, role model and cheerleader,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Joan has given unselfishly of her time and talent to lead Ajax-Pickering efforts to create a stronger and greater community and has been instrumental in heightening the Board of Trade’s effectiveness and profile.”

Ms. Wideman has been an active member of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade since 1985. She has served in various roles including 1st vice president, Chair and two consecutive terms as President. As well, her leadership of the Government Relations Committee has been instrumental over the years in helping the Board maintain its status as a relevant and active advocate for business at all levels of government. She has worked extensively on issues that affect the Ajax-Pickering business community, including the local hospital expansion, provincial health-care, emergency preparedness and lobbying for improved transportation and infrastructure in the region.

Of special note, it was Ms. Wideman’s leadership in 2006 that helped implement a plan to rebuild confidence and trust within the Board membership.

“Her strength is clearly in operations and she knew exactly what steps needed to occur to rebuild the board’s standing after experiencing a financial crisis. It is this operational bent, as well as impeccable attention to detail and unwavering integrity, that makes her sought after to sit on various boards within our community,” explains Kathy McKay, Executive Director of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.

Ms. Wideman also volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Rouge Valley Health System and serves as Corporate Secretary for the Durham West Arts Centre. For Ms. Wideman’s extensive volunteer work, she has been presented with the Civic Volunteer Award by the City of Pickering, Business Person of the Year in 2006 awarded by the Board of Trade and received the Rotary Club of Pickering’s first-ever Community Leadership Award in 2002.

The Richard Dolphin Award was among several awards presented to chambers for their leadership and innovative programs and services, including the Chair’s Award presented to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for its Eco-Business Program.

The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, health care, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy. To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go to www.apboardoftrade.com.

“The View” was launched in partnership with the London Free Press in October, 2009, and was designed to keep the London business community more informed and engaged on issues and events shaping their bottom line. The section highlights a variety of topics pertinent to chamber members and the business community at large and invites the community to identify its own hot button issues.

“The View is a great example of how the chamber and local media can work together to raise the profile of issues affecting the business community,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership has helped businesses in London and the surrounding area stay engaged and informed about issues that have an impact on what they do.”

In addition to the columns contained in the weekly section in the paper, London Chamber members get the additional benefit of reduced advertising rates in the section. “The View” is just one way that the London Chamber of Commerce has been able to distinguish itself from other businesses organizations in London.

The Chair’s Awards were among several awards presented to chambers for their leadership and innovative programs and services. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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The Burlington Chamber organized a series of seminars to help businesses deal with the unique challenges posed by the economic downturn. The series was a direct response to calls for help received by the chamber from its members. Members were looking to the Burlington Chamber for guidance on how to run their companies during difficult times. A total of ten seminars were offered, one-per-month from January to October, 2009. The seminars were offered at no charge to make them available to as many members as possible.

“2009 was a difficult year for many businesses in Ontario but the economic uncertainty seminar series developed by the Burlington Chamber is exactly the kind of leadership companies have been looking for,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The seminar series was very well received by members with most events running at full capacity. The seminars resulted in the renewal of many members and based on the success of the series, the Chamber ran a similar series to help members with the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax.

The Chair’s Awards were among several awards presented to chambers for their leadership and innovative programs and services. The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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TORONTO

The Board of Trade gathered the expertise and knowledge of several qualified members to form an Environment Task Force two years ago to find ways to raise environmental awareness among the Board’s member businesses. The task force developed the Eco-Business program, launched in 2009, to create a way to inspire businesses to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint and recognize them for making that effort. The program identifies practices that can easily be applied by local businesses through a simple template checklist that helps companies evaluate their impact on the environment and their conservation efforts.

“This program is simple but effective and demonstrates the excellent leadership shown by the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade in its community,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “It is the responsibility of all sectors and all businesses big and small, to adopt environmentally responsible practices, while at the same time those practices can help businesses save money. So it’s a win-win situation.”

Twenty-five members have been recognized through the program and received an Eco-Business Certificate. The program has also sparked the interest of many other companies and inspired some to join the Board of Trade in order to participate in the Eco-Business Program.

The Chair’s Awards were among several presented to chambers for their leadership and innovative programs and services, including the Richard Dolphin Award presented to Joan Wideman of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for excellence in volunteerism.

The OCC Annual General Meeting and Convention is the main policy-setting conference of the chamber network in Ontario.

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The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, health care, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy. To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go to www.apboardoftrade.com.