Advocacy Update There are many updates on the Chamber's advocacy efforts this month, so we compiled a list for you to read here.

Business Insight Survey Results: COVID-19 Restrictions To help inform our conversations with the provincial government and better represent the interests of the Saskatchewan business community, we asked our members not only how their business is doing, but how owners and staff are doing and what is needed from our government to keep businesses going in the current environment. Click here to view the results.

SCC Staffing Update The SCC is pleased to report we have hired Mykensie Kendrick as our new Director of Research and Policy Development. She comes to us from the Ministry of Environment where she has worked in various areas on term positions. Mykensie has a biology degree from Queen’s University and a Masters in Public Administration from Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. We have also contracted with Kristin McKee to do specific policy work on a part time basis. Kristin was previously with the Chamber from 2006 to 2017 in full-time and contract work terms and is a policy expert and talented writer.

Student Work Placement Program The Chamber is excited to announce that we are connecting businesses of all sizes and industries with young talent through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)! Use the simple platform to receive up to $7,500 in wage subsidies when you hire a student. Learn more.

COVID-19 Exposure Control Plans Mandated for All Businesses In order to limit exposure to COVID-19, all employers are required to develop and implement an exposure control plan for their workplace. Section 85 of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations specifies the informational elements that must be included in your exposure control plan. Click here for more information.

COVID-19 Resources for Business The Chamber is continually updating our COVID-19 resources page as current support programs are updated and new resources become available. Click here for our list of resources to assist your business during the pandemic.

Canada's Fall Economic Statement - What You Need to Know The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has released a statement addressing the Government of Canada's 2020 Fall Economic Statement. There are plans for targeted support for the sectors most impacted by the pandemic (including tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and the air sector), the enhancement and extension of certain subsidies, and more. Click here to read the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Rapid Policy Update on the FES. Click here to read Grant Thornton's summary of the FES.

Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) provides eligible businesses with financial support for training that helps them adjust to the impacts of the pandemic by addressing increased health and safety requirements, adapt business models or adopt innovative practices for the safe re-opening of a social distancing economy. Training must support trainees that are existing employees of the business. Employers are reimbursed for 100% of approved training costs up to $10,000. Review the program eligibility criteria and read more here.

Tourism Saskatchewan Launches Clean It Right Training for Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Businesses Clean it Right is a convenient online training tool to help businesses reduce the spread of COVID-19 and regain consumer confidence. The training enhances existing cleaning practices by helping employees understand the significance of cleaning and disinfection procedures and demonstrates a commitment to providing employees and customers alike with a clean and safe environment. Learn more.

Enough Already - Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Enough Already, a multi-stakeholder coalition determined to address and prevent workplace sexual harassment in Saskatchewan. Enough Already is committed to working with government, business, industry associations, unions, and community organizations to make workplaces throughout Saskatchewan safe for everyone. Enough Already provides free training and resources to employers, employees, as well as employment coaching. Learn more.

Indigenous Awareness Training January 2021 Dates Our Indigenous Awareness Training webinars, led by SCC Director of Indigenous Engagement Nick Crighton, are designed to inform members of the business community about the culture and history of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan. Current courses range from Level 1 to Level 3 with advanced courses offering an in-depth look at HR practices and cultural traditions. Register you and your team today for our January sessions: Level 1: Module 1 - January 12 Module 2 - January 14 Module 3 - January 19 Module 4 - January 21 Level 2 - January 26 Level 3 - January 28 Presented by our Exclusive Training Sponsor, Nutrien.

Register Now for the SaskTrade Virtual Showcase January 25 – 28, 2021 Want to hear the most current information on industry trends and new technologies? Learn more about Saskatchewan’s supply capabilities and innovation from 20 live-streamed webinars taking place at the SaskTrade Showcase. Click here to register for free.

Partnership to Expand Use of Western Canadian Plant Proteins Protein Industries Canada has announced a project and outside partnership focused on developing new plant-based protein products and ingredients that will be sold to markets in Western Canada and Asia. Learn more.

BASF reveals $14 Million Transformation to Regina Crop Protection Production Facility BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions (BASF) unveiled today its modernized formulation, packaging and distribution facility in Regina, Saskatchewan. More than $14 million was invested in facility transformations, making it the division’s single biggest agriculture infrastructure investment in the last decade. Learn more.

DEEP Achieves Outstanding Flow Results in Horizontal Well Test & Tom Kishchuk Appointed COO DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. has announced the results of the Border-5HZ horizontal well. This is the deepest horizontal well in Saskatchewan's history and the first 90° horizontal fluid production well in the world to be drilled and hydraulicallly stimulated for geothermal power generation purpose. Learn more.

EECOL Electric and SafeBox System Named 2020 Innovation Award Winner by IMII EECOL Electric and SafeBox System was named the 2020 Innovation Award winner by the industry members of the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). The Innovation Award winner was selected for the first time this year from among those innovative supply chain companies chosen to participate in IMII’s DEMOday on December 1st. Learn more.

12 Days of Indigenous Business The Chamber is currently running a social media giveaway campaign to encourage Saskatchewan to not only shop local, but to shop Indigenous too. We're highlighting some of Saskatchewan's finest Indigenous-owned businesses and giving away gift certificates to encourage spending at these businesses this holiday season and beyond. Some of the giveaways are still active, so head to our Facebook and Instagram pages to participate. You can also visit the Indigenous Business Directory to discover more Indigenous-owned businesses.

Indigenous Small Business Grant SREDA’s SOAR program provides grants of up to $5,000 to promising Indigenous small business owners launching or growing their business in the Saskatoon Region. SOAR is delivered in partnership with the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce who will provide networking and advisory support to SOAR participants. Learn more.

How can we help your business? Email us, call us or drop by and let us know about the challenges your business faces.

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