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BRANTFORD-BRANT
CHAMBER

From the Desk of the CEO...
Welcome to an early Stage 3 of the Provincial Re-opening Plan in Ontario. As the broader business community re-opens, vaccine acceptance continues to climb, but slower than required to allow for a complete and safe re-opening, as public health continues to address the current, and potential, variants of concern.
The Chamber is continuing to work with our Chamber Network on additional business supports from all levels of government, particularly for the retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Of particular interest this week is your opinion on vaccine passports. It is becoming increasingly clear that in the absence of government direction and support, business and travel will demand proof of vaccination for complete access, without which some or all privileges may be withheld.
The Ontario Chamber is advocating for provincial direction on this matter, and your opinion is essential to helping to craft that message. Please take a moment with our poll, and/or reach out with how you are addressing this issue in your business.

Stay Positive, Test Negative, Get Vaccinated.

Dave
Member Opportunities
True North Small Business Grant
Self-nominate your small business for the chance to receive 1 of 3 Grant Prizes of $20,000 cash and over $15,000 in additional prizing.
Customers, employees, and/or general supporters may nominate their favourite small business separately for a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card.

Nomination deadline: August 16th, 2021.
COVID-19 News
Ontario Chamber Network Position on Proof-of-Immunization
On July 16th, 2021 the Ontario Chamber released a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Hajdu, Premier Ford, and Minister Elliott on the Ontario Chamber Network’s position on proof-of-immunization. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce supports a centralized, Canada-wide approach to COVID-19 proof-of-immunization that could be easily used to confirm vaccination status for international and domestic use.

Canadian Borders to Re-Open for Fully-Vaccinated Travelers
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
Ontario Keeping Workers Safe As Province Reopens
The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years. The new Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will improve health and safety awareness to help prevent illnesses and injures by training health and safety representatives of small businesses on how to keep workers safe in the retail, construction, health care, accommodation and food services, and other sectors. Businesses will also be reimbursed for the time the representatives are away from work.

Upcoming OCC Report: Better Budgets: Bolstering the Fiscal Resilience of Ontario’s Municipalities
While COVID-19 has created a uniquely difficult situation for Ontario’s municipalities, it has also exposed the existing weaknesses within municipal fiscal governance. As all levels of government look to balance debt and deficits and economic stimulus and recovery measures, this policy brief identifies 14 recommendations for both the Province and municipalities which can bring immediate and long-term relief to communities across Ontario.
Upcoming Events
Chamber Golf Tournament

Sold Out!

Thank you to all who registered and sponsored the event.

See you on July 28th at Copetown Woods Golf Club!
13th Annual Chamber Trade Show
Are you interested in an affordable marketing opportunity?

An opportunity that showcases what you do, your products & services to the
Brantford-Brant business community?

Dates: September 28, 29 & 30, 2021
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Recovery Activation Program helping local businesses go digital. Click here to learn more and apply
PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Government of Canada Covid-19 Alert App: click here to download
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.
For the most up-to-date provincial & federal programs, take a look at our website.
Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
519.753.2617