Apply Now: Canada United Small Business Relief Fund Accepting Additional Grant Applications
Supporting local business has never been more important and will be integral to moving Canada’s recovery forward. We’re pleased to share some great news about RBC’s Canada United campaign, of which the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is a proud founding partner.
Last week, the federal government announced a $12 million contribution to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, enabling many more businesses across Canada to receive a grant of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the national chamber network, will start taking new applications from small businesses as of 12 PM CST, Monday, October 26, 2020.
“Small businesses are at the heart of Canada’s communities and we know that, over the last several months, they have been faced with mounting challenges due to the pandemic,” said the Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade for the Government of Canada. “Like so many others organizations, companies and associations, the Government of Canada is proud to support Canada United and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting small and local businesses so they are well-positioned for recovery and growth in the months to come.”
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MBiz The Voice of Business
Fostering a dynamic economy and vibrant communities – making Manitoba the best place in which to live, work, invest and raise a family – has long been the mandate of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
In line with that mandate, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCOC) and the Winnipeg Free Press have joined forces to publish an exciting bi-annual magazine highlighting the many inspiring success stories of entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the province.
MBiz also shines the spotlight on the vital role played by community and regional Chambers of
Commerce in fostering economic development. Noteworthy and informative reports from members of the MCOC’s 10,000-strong network allows them to share achievements with every region of Manitoba, making MBiz a recognized and compelling business tool.
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Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Top 5 Recommendations: MCC Looking for Short-term Support and Long-term Focus in Provincial Throne Speech
On October 7, the Pallister government will outline their focus for the province as we move forward in addressing the challenges created by COVID-19.
Unfortunately, the Speech from the Throne has to follow last week’s financial projections for 2020-2021, in which Finance Minister Scott Fielding estimated that Manitoba will show a deficit in excess of $2.5 billion as a result of lower tax revenues and higher costs as a consequence of the pandemic.
While it is clear these are unprecedented times and the current government will continue to face tough challenges moving forward, MCC will be looking for measures to support struggling businesses and grow the Manitoba economy. Here are our top five recommendations:
- Create a funding stream to provide retroactive cost relief for small-and medium sized businesses to reimburse a portion of costs related to COVID-19 compliance and prevention (e.g. Plexiglass shields at cash register, floor marking stickers, hand sanitizer and dispenser stations, protective masks, temporary or permanent alterations to workspaces and related engineering designs, etc.) Approval for a grant would not be contingent upon whether or not a business owner had received other COVID-19 funding (federal or provincial).
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Manitoba Government Removes PST From Personal Income Tax Return Preparation
Manitobans no longer have to pay the provincial sales tax when they get their personal income tax returns prepared, Finance Minister Scott Fielding.
“We are keeping our Budget 2020 promise to remove the sales tax from the cost of getting help and advice to file income taxes,” said Fielding. “Our government wants to bring Manitobans some extra relief come tax time and let them keep more of their hard-earned money.”
The exemption takes effect immediately. Manitobans will no longer be charged the seven per cent retail sales tax on the price of getting a personal income tax return prepared – a service that can cost hundreds of dollars. Fielding expects the change to save Manitobans nearly $5.5 million per year.
The minister noted this exemption builds on other steps taken to provide tax relief for Manitobans as part of the $2,020 Tax Rollback Guarantee, such as:
- the continued indexing of the Basic Personal Amount and personal income tax brackets;
- reducing the sales tax rate to seven per cent from eight per cent;
- removing the sales tax from will preparation;
- removing the sales tax from home and commercial property insurance; and
- reducing vehicle registration fees.
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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention 2020
The Assiniboia Chamber attended The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Convention on October 26th and 27th. This year due to the pandemic it was held virtually. During the two days we heard from political and industry decision makers and debated over 60 policy resolutions. We are proud to be part of a Canadian network representing over 200,000 member businesses, a strong voice advocating for business communities across Canada.
To view parts of the AGM:
An updated policy book will be available soon on our website.
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Amazon Announces First Operations Building In Manitoba
The Manitoba government is proud to welcome Amazon Logistics to the province, Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“The Manitoba government has worked hard to create a good business environment where companies want to grow and create jobs,” said Eichler. “Manitoba is a great place to do business and we thank Amazon for its investment and for showing confidence in our economy.”
Amazon plans to open a new delivery station in the Inkster Industrial Park, northeast of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. The 113,000-sq.-ft. site is set to launch in 2021.
“We are excited to continue our growth in Canada with our first Manitoba delivery station in Winnipeg,” said Tushar Kumar, regional director, Amazon last mile logistics operations for Amazon Canada. “This new delivery station will allow us to provide fast and efficient delivery for customers, and provide hundreds of job opportunities for the talented local workforce.”
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Winnipeg Mayor Bowman Says He Won't Run For Re-election In 2022
Bowman, first elected in 2014, says he never planned to be a 'career politician' Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman announced he will not seek re-election in 2022, giving two years' notice to anyone thinking about running for the office.
At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Bowman said he never planned to be a "career politician," and he wanted to give business and community leaders in the city time to decide whether they want to put their names on the ballot.
"The community, having that benefit of time, I know will do a great job in elevating the next leader in Winnipeg's 44th mayor," he said. "I'm thinking about the long-term interests of the city."
Bowman was first elected in 2014 and was returned to power in 2018.
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