On December 8, 2011, Bill 30, the Ontario Family Caregiver Leave Act (Employment Standards Amendment), 2011, received its first reading.
If passed, Bill 30 will create a new leave providing Ontario employees with up to eight weeks unpaid leave, to provide care or support to family members. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is urging the government to keep its commitment to reduce the corporate income tax (CIT) rate to 10 percent by 2013.
We ask that members assist in this important advocacy campaign by engaging their network on the issue and reaching out to local media. Read the rest of this entry »
On January 1, 2012, two requirements dealing with emergency preparedness came into effect under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Organizations that prepare emergency procedures, plans or public safety information, and make it available to the public must provide that information in an accessible format or with appropriate communications supports, upon request.
In addition, if organizations have employees with disabilities, they must now provide them with individualized emergency response information, if necessary. Read the rest of this entry »
Small- and medium-sized businesses are reminded of the opportunity to participate on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) newly created policy committees.
The OCC is asking Chambers to nominate local businesses who are interested in joining an OCC policy committee. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released its 2012 Pre-Budget Submission.
The submission offers a series of short and long-term recommendations to the provincial government designed to restore our province’s place as Canada’s economic engine. The submission urges the government to concentrate its short term efforts on returning to fiscal balance by eliminating its $16 billion deficit. It also urges the province to capitalize on new areas of growth. Read the rest of this entry »
On January 26th 2012, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Mowat Centre and Leger Marketing, released Emerging Stronger: A Transformative Agenda for Ontario. Emerging Stronger presents a shared economic vision for Ontario.
The report contends that Ontario is well positioned to emerge stronger from the recession thanks in part to its highly skilled and educated labour force and its improved tax environment, both of which give Ontario an economic advantage over its international competitors. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is urging the provincial government to keep its promise to reduce corporate income tax (CIT) rates to 10 percent by 2013, amidst reports that the government is considering delaying the tax reduction.
In its letter to the Hon. Dwight Duncan, the OCC asks the Minister of Finance to commit to implementing its comprehensive tax package in full. Read the rest of this entry »
Bill 119, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008 (proclaimed on January 1, 2012) requires independent operators, sole proprietors, some business partners and executive officers who work in construction to have Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage starting January 1, 2013.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been opposed to mandatory coverage for independent operators and executive officers since legislation was first considered.
The OCC believes that it is important to ensure that in these challenging economic times, legislation and regulation in Ontario do not create further financial burdens on small business operators – particularly in the construction industry as it relates to Bill 119. Read the rest of this entry »
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled two perimeter security plans on Wednesday, December 8, 2011, designed to tighten border security while speeding up travel and trade and aligning regulations between the two countries. These plans follow the commitment made in February 2011 by both leaders to address the concerns of ensuring a safe and efficient border.
The border deal will begin slowly, with pilot projects planned for the coming year for the screening of marine and land cargo. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has submitted its recommendations to the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (also known as the Drummond Commission).
The Drummond Commission will provide advice on how to deliver public services as efficiently as possible while finding cost-savings within the public sector. The Commission will report its findings to the provincial government in time to inform the 2012 Ontario Budget.
The OCC submission provides four key suggestions. We urge the provincial government to:
Jody Lundrigan
Manager, Media and Communications
jodylundrigan@occ.on.ca
416-482-5222 ext 2410
