COVID-19 Updates
Ontario Makes COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Mandatory for
High-Risk Settings

To protect vulnerable patients and staff in settings where the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 and the Delta variant is higher, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a directive mandating hospitals and home and community care service providers to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees, staff, contractors, students and volunteers, and for ambulance services to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for paramedics.

The vaccination policy must be effective no later than September 7, 2021, and at a minimum will require individuals to provide proof of one of three things:

  • Full vaccination against COVID-19;
  • A medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or
  • Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session

Individuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing

To support the return to school plan, the Ministry of Education intends to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly-funded school board employees, and staff in private schools as well as for all staff in licensed child care settings for the 2021-22 school year, with rapid antigen testing requirements for staff who are not immunized against COVID-19.

Vaccination policies will also be implemented in other higher-risk settings like:

  • Post-secondary institutions;
  • Licensed retirement homes;
  • Women’s shelters; and
  • Congregate group homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities, children’s treatment centres and other services for children with special needs, and licensed children’s residential settings


Ontarians can book their vaccination appointment through the provincial booking system and participating pharmacies. Community organizations, community leaders, faith leaders, or employers in Ottawa can find more details on how to request a mobile vaccination team here. 
Ontario Pausing Exit from Roadmap to Reopening

In response to evolving data around the Delta variant and based on the recent experiences of other jurisdictions, the government, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is pausing the exit from the Roadmap to Reopen.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts continue to monitor the data to determine when it is safe to exit the Roadmap and lift the majority of public health and workplace safety measures currently in place.
Canada moving forward with a proof of vaccination
for international travel

On August 11, 2021 the Government of Canada announced that secure and standardized proof of vaccination is being developed in partnership with provinces and territories to facilitate travel outside of Canada. It will provide border officials with a factual account of your vaccination history so they may assess whether you meet their public health requirements and determine any public health measures you may need to follow.


For more resources, tools, and savings to help your business
visit ottawanext.ca
Free POST Promise Toolkits Available For First 1,000 Ottawa Businesses who Make the Promise

To help restore consumer and business confidence the Ottawa Board of Trade has partnered with the City of Ottawa to launch the POST Promise Campaign. When people see the POST Promise logo, they can have confidence that a business is doing what it can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The first 1,000 Ottawa businesses to make the promise will receive free POST Promise posters and window decals! Use these toolkits to show your support for your employees and customers.

Don't forget to post your promise on social media using the hashtag #POSTPromise and tag the Ottawa Board of Trade so we can share your commitment to safety!
Ottawa SMEs Don't Miss Out - Order Your FREE
Rapid Test Kits Now
Have you ordered your FREE rapid test kits yet?

We're excited to see vaccination rates on the rise. Despite this we must continue to diligently follow public health protocols to help slow the transmission of new variants while herd immunity is being achieved. Rapid test screening can provide an additional layer of protection for workplaces.

Help keep businesses open, employees safe, and curb the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
This is our shot to be #TogetherAgain
This is your shot to win larger-than-life prizes

Get vaxxed, get rewarded. This Is Our Shot is giving away thousands of incentives at vaccination clinics and online. Share this post, tag @thisisourshotca and register at rewardsforchange.ca for a chance to win
1 of thousands of incentives across Canada.
2021 Nominations Now Open!

Have you nominated your business yet? This important awards program was designed to recognize excellence, innovation and success in our business community. These highly anticipated awards span many sectors and areas of business, representing the diversity of our economy.
 
Deadline to submit your nomination is Friday, September 24, 2021.
 
Recipients will be honoured in November 2021. Details forthcoming.
Honouring outstanding residents of Ottawa

The Order of Ottawa recognizes the professional achievements and outstanding service of exceptional Ottawa residents. This prestigious civic award honours up to 15 of Ottawa’s most deserving individuals each year. Any resident of Ottawa who has made a significant contribution in a professional capacity that has been of benefit to our community may be nominated.

The deadline for nominations is September 10, 2021
Are You a FAN of Shopping Local?

FanSaves is a free, easy-to-use platform that helps you take savings and supporting local businesses to a whole new level. Did you know OBoT members get access to EXCLUSIVE savings? Use your unique code to unlock exclusive deals and give your employees full access to all available discounts. Become a fan of the Ottawa Board of Trade and start saving today!

Looking to post a deal to FanSaves? It's easy! In a few simple steps, you can begin offering and promoting Exclusive Deals, Public Deals and Flash Deals.
Upcoming OBoT Events
Business After 5
September 16, 2021 | October 18, 2021 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Keep the day's momentum going with an after business hours virtual networking experience! Grab your favourite 5 o'clock beverage and settle in for some casual conversation with Ottawa's business community. Catch up with familiar faces and meet new people!

Have you experienced the eSAX Virtual Networking platform? This is not your typical breakout room networking! 

We can't wait to see you!

To sponsor future Business After 5 events please contact kassondra.walters@ottawabot.ca
Weekly on Thursdays 

Introducing new 20 minute member strategy sessions with our Manager, Membership Experience! Share your business goals and learn how your member benefits can help you to nurture your business' growth.
August 23, 2021 | 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Register today and learn how you can maximize your membership with the Ottawa Board of Trade!
THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS!

Your Ottawa Board of Trade is a non-profit, non partisan, independent association that exists for the sole purpose of advocating for our businesses and growing community prosperity. Although we are driven by the needs of the entire business community, it is the members who make it possible for Ottawa to have a strong voice of business. And it may never be more important than now. So please join us in saying 
THANK YOU to our members.
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!