Your Chamber Connection 
August  Newsletter 
Issues & Insights: Corporate Taxes May Be Changing
By Charla Robinson, Chamber President  

The Department of Finance Canada is considering major changes to how corporations are taxed. The proposed rules could have a significant impact on many Canadian businesses: potentially raising taxes, increasing the administrative burden on SMEs and heightening the impact on family-run businesses. 

On July 18, Finance Canada launched a consultation on how "tax-planning strategies involving corporations are being used to gain unfair tax advantages." The document contains proposed policies to close these "loopholes."

Read more... 

Your voice will make a difference. 
Please write to the Government of Ontario today and let them know that you're concerned about the potential impact of changes to our labour and employment laws. 
In Case You Missed It

5 Minutes for Business: The Explosive Debate around Minimum Wage
Now that the Ontario Government is proposing a 30% increase to minimum wage in the next 18 months, in this edition of  5 Minutes for Business,
 Hendrik Brakel, Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, discusses the explosive debate around, are workers better off or does it mean fewer jobs? 
 
2041 Draft Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy Released 
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) have released the Draft 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy for feedback. It outlines a vision, goals and directions to address challenges that are unique to northern Ontario, across all modes of transportation-air, rail, road and marine.
 
The draft Strategy and information about online engagement opportunities to provide feedback are available on the Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy website. Comments can be submitted until September 15, 2017.
 


Working Towards Mental Wellness 

Mental health conditions in the workplace are being diagnosed with greater frequency. Disability claims for mental illness is the fastest growing claim type in Canada. The cost of mental illnesses to the Canadian economy is estimated at over $50 billion annually, with $20 billion of that stemming directly from workplace losses. On average, mental health issues cost businesses almost $1,500 per employee, per year.a couple of paragraphs. 

In Working Towards Mental Wellness: A toolkit for employers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) seeks to illuminate the distinctive character of mental wellness in the workplace, outline the case for action and provide resources for starting this conversation workplaces across Ontario.
Welcome New Members
 
Pl ease join us in welcoming the following companies that join ed the Chamber in August:
 


Member to Member (M2M) Discounts
Our enhanced Member-to-Member (M2M) Discount program facilitates Member-to-Member relationships and encourages shopping locally. This is an excellent opportunity to support your fellow Chamber members and promote your business.

Login to your Chamber Member Information Centre and click on the M2M Deals tab on the left side bar to add a discount for your business and visit our website for a detailed list of offerings. 
 
August Featured M2M Discounts 
25% off first advertising booking- Dougall Media
Free 360 Video Tour - Rent Panda 
Reduced Rental Rates- Spadoni Leasing Ltd.
10% of all Services - Matt Carr Repair 
10% Discount - Christina's Home & Garden 
20% Discount on all purchases- Growers Direct 
Free Delivery within city limits- Rollason Flowers Ltd.

Find out about all M2M discounts by logging into your MIC account


Good News

This month's Good News highlights the following Chamber members:

Daytonas Kitchen & Creative 
Dingwells North America
City of Thunder Bay
Confederation College 
Lakehead University
Ontario Power Generation
Porter Airlines Inc.
Resolute Forest Products
Sovereign Dental
TBT Engineering 
Thunder Bay Airport 
Thunder Bay Border cats
Thunder Bay Counselling
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra 

Upcoming Events
 
September After Business 
Wednesday, September 20th, Port Arthur Curling Club
5pm-7pm
Presented by Skyway Canada 
Sponsored by RBC

NEW! Member Morning 
Tuesday,  September 26th, Acadia Broadcasting
7am-9am
Join us for our inaugural Morning with  Country 105 and  Magic 99.9 in their beautiful offices overlooking the Sleeping Giant. Take a tour of the station, watch the making of the morning show right in front of you, try making a sample commercial, and learn first-hand why radio is such a powerful force for communication. Plus, you'll have a chance to win a $1,500 advertising campaign from Country/Magic!
This event is for Chamber Members only and is free of charge.


Thunder Bay Hot Topic Series & APEX Aboriginal Partnership Exchange
Thursday, October 12th, Valhalla Inn
Thanks to APEX presenting sponsor Tbaytel!
5:30pm - 9:00pm
This Hot Topic session will focus on partnerships between Canadian companies and Aboriginal communities to launch businesses in urban and rural markets. The discussion will explore issues including the creation and alignment of shared goals, team building and management, and resource maximization.
 
'Tis the Season show and shop
Sunday, November 5th, Valhalla Inn
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce a spectacular new event!
Join us for a magical afternoon just as the holiday entertaining season begins. Thunder Bay's leading experts in fine foods, cocktails, fashion, home decor and guesting gifts will delight and inspire thousands of visitors with fashion shows, demonstrations, samples and featured inventory available for purchase.
Click here for exhibitor registration.  

  
NOTICE TO MEMBERS - BOARD ELECTION 

The Chamber's Board election is this fall and the 1st slate of candidates has been approved.  A reminder that additional nominations with 10 signatures will be accepted until Thursday, August 31st. 

 Read the first slate of candidates here 


200 Syndicate Avenue South, Suite 102 | 807.624.2626
[email protected] | www.tbchamber.ca
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