The idea of Rapid Antigen testing is all over the news now and we are in the process of preparing for our first order here... if you're interested in participating, click here now and complete the interest survey and we will be responding with details on what you need to do next.
Please note - these tests do NOT replace the current screening survey and if an employee answers "yes" to any of those questions, they should go to the regular testing centre.
These tests are geared to ensure people with no symptoms
Results take about 15 minutes and you have to determine how and where people will wait for them.
Last week, Anthony Callaghan and I attended the OCC AGM & Conference - virtually of course - and we breezed through the 37 policy resolutions in record time. Included were issues for the construction, charities and education sectors that we received input from you for our vote... while one issue regarding construction did pass with a 2/3 vote, we know the submitting chamber will be seeking further guidance from the OHBA, the request to to increase tax credits for charitable donations (Ontario has the lowest rate in the country) was passed and the ask to increase public institutions "heads in beds levy" was withdrawn. If you would like more information on the various policy resolutions submitted and what the Ontario Chamber will be pushing forward at Queen's Park, please see them here
2021 Policy Compendium The Belleville Chamber also submitted a policy resolution regarding the need for public institutions to support local vendors. While this may only be a first step to changing legislation that does not permit RFQ/RFPs to favour a vendor based on their location (and there may be some good reasons for that), it is important to remember there is a real positive economic impact when you can choose local. Local busing companies are fearing they will lose everything through this process and in other cases, local vendors are excluded from even bidding based on pre-qualifying criteria. Either way, the conversation to be more inclusive to local companies will now be on the agenda at Queen's Park and our Government Affairs committee was instrumental in moving this forward through input from our members. We also co-sponsored issues regarding high water levels, and the need to support students entering essential worker fields such as construction, health & child care (rather than the government providing bonusing programs that do not benefit private companies).
Other things to note below - our own AGM is coming up on May 28th! I know these are so much fun but we're inviting you to join us for lunch if you like (as we've done for past events) though if you just want to attend for the important stuff, no purchase is required.
Read the article about Lisa Hallsworth, recognized as one of Canada's Top Women in Safety through her work with Rillea Technologies - you may remember when they joined us about a year ago to explain how to sanitize and disinfect effectively - so we extend our congratulations to her on this notable achievement and recognition.
And while last week may have been Mental Health Awareness week, as we languish through this lockdown, I certainly am more aware than ever how I struggle with my state of mind and trying to stay positive. Meta is pulling together a great day in early June to help reboot Mental Wellness in the Workplace - which has been particularly difficult to manage when so many are distanced from each other working from home and the sense of team we benefit from when we see each other daily - see below for registration details.
On that note, it looks like we're going to have some beautiful days ahead, and while we certainly wish we could enjoy them on a patio or a golf course, get your gardening done or come up with a great idea for the Belleville Sign Wars...
check out who's already in the game!