The Kelowna Chamber is a strong and vocal advocate for our members and the business community in Kelowna and across the Okanagan. As part of our work, we spent the month of July researching and delivering policy recommendations to the province aimed at helping stimulate the economy to counter the impact of COVID-19. We shared our submission with the BC Chamber which has also developed and submitted to the province a three-part plan for economic recovery.
This submission is made up of 54 policy recommendations that focus on competitiveness, innovation, and inclusivity. Province-wide in scope, the plan aims to guide the Province on stimulating BC’s economy through measures that support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Kelowna Chamber was pleased to see our recommendations carried through to the provincial plan such as accelerating efforts to make housing more affordable, fast-tracking transportation infrastructure, and looking for ways to increase our global competitiveness. The Kelowna Chamber believes recovery must include systemic changes that advance economic reconciliation and create equitable opportunities for those across the Okanagan and for all British Columbians.
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Province of BC Introduces New Measures to Enforce COVID-19 Safety |
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Police and other provincial enforcement officers are being given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) orders on gatherings and events.
They will also be able to issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or who respond with abusive behaviour.
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TODAY: Don't Miss Our Townhall with BC's Health Minister, Honourable Adrian Dix |
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Today at 12:00 Noon, Health Minister Adrian Dix will provide an update on current issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and speak to broader Cabinet priorities on health care, the 2020 budget, and the future for our community, our members and the Province of British Columbia.
If you haven't registered yet, don't miss this rare opportunity to engage a senior Minister with the BC Government on key issues impacting everyone in the Okanagan. Minister Dix will also take questions as part of the hour-long conversation; you may submit questions in advance upon registering for the event.
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THIS WEEKEND is #CanadaUnited Weekend - Join the Movement to Support Local! |
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This weekend you are invited to join us and fellow Canadians in celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30. By participating in shopping local, you can be entered to win one of 25-$10,000 prizes. If you are a business that would like to participate in Canada United Weekend, you can download the SMALL BUSINESS TOOLKIT HERE.
Supported by the Canadian Chamber network, Canada United - Show Local Some Love - will also offer relief grants of up to $5,000 to help Canadian small businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
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September Speaker Series Announced: Media's Role in the Age of a Pandemic |
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Have you been flooded within information from the media since the start of COVID-19? While the pandemic dominates most conversations these days, the business community is struggling, however, to find the answers they seek and have become challenged to know who or what to believe.
On Thursday September 24 at 12:00 Noon, we are pleased to be hosting a panel discussion with local media experts where we will explore how individuals, businesses, and the government have been sharing information, the panelist's perspectives on media and their role during a pandemic, and how misinformation and the age of 'the infodemic' have impacted the role of the media and media relations.
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City of Kelowna Property Tax Deadlines Approaching |
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Several months ago, the City of Kelowna along with numerous other local governments extended the deadline for taxpayers to submit their property tax payment without penalty but now that deadline is approaching. Usually city property taxes are due by the start of July, but the City deferred payment for residential taxpayers to August 31st and to September 30th for commercial properties (class 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8).
Property taxes must be paid by the deadline to avoid the 10% penalty. The move was made to provide property owners with extra time, given the financial difficulties some residents and small business owners are facing due to the economic impact from COVID-19. For more information about property taxes, payment options, and more visit their website HERE.
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TONICS Pub Reopens Downtown, Refreshed Menu & Layout |
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As bars and pubs continue to reopen throughout the province, local Kelowna pub TONICS has re-opened their doors with a new look and a refreshed menu after four and a half months of pandemic shutdown. The pub took their downtime to renovate and re-imagine the future of their establishment. Co-Owner Nick Sintichakis expressed that their new elevated pub experience hopes to keep the people of Kelowna coming back to see them after their continuous support throughout the years. |
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CERB Extended, Simplified Employment Insurance Program Announced |
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Last week, the Government of Canada announced that the transition to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, which will become effective September 27, 2020. This program aims to provide income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible.
While the Government prepares for this transition the CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits.
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Applications Now Open for CECRA Extension |
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Effective August 18, businesses who have already submitted a Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) application for the period of April to June can now return to the online portal to opt-in for an extension of either the month of July, or for the period of July and August. No additional documents are required to opt-in for an extension.
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Applications Now Open for Enhanced Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy |
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On August 17, the Canada Revenue Agency opened applications for Period 5 (July 5 to August 1) of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). This is the first period of the enhanced CEWS program, which introduces a sliding scale for subsidy amounts available to the employer, dependent on how much your revenue has dropped. Applications for claim period 6 (August 2 to August 29) will open September 2, 2020.
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Educational COVID-19 Resources from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has partnered with several of Canada’s leading business organizations to develop resources intended to help businesses adapt to the ‘new normal.’ |
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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