The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is changing the way employer premiums are determined. While in some respects the Proposed Preliminary Rate Framework marks a positive change from the existing rate setting process, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is concerned that the new rate framework could increase the premium rates paid by employers and, subsequently, the cost of doing business in the province.

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As of August 1, 2015, the City of Hamilton has implemented a lobbyist registry. The Registry is designed to allow members of the public to know who is contacting the City’s officials regarding lobbying activities. Registering for the Lobbyist Registry is required for anyone contacting City Councillors, their staff and any member of the City of Hamilton’s Senior Management Team on subject matters.

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Today, the Government of Ontario responded to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) call to revise the comparability rules under the proposed Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP). The changes announced today will expand the comparability rules under the ORPP and extend the plan’s phase-in period.

Key Details of the Announcement

1. Businesses who offer a Defined Contribution (DC) plan with a total combined contribution rate of 8%, where at least 4% is contributed by the employer, will not have to pay into the ORPP. 

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The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has rounded up a series of resources created by the City of Hamilton and Pan AM Organizers in the following blog post.

When: July 10th – 26th 2015

What:The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games.

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Job Description: Bay Area Economic Summit Event Scribes and White Paper Research Assistants (4 Positions in total). June 2^nd 2015. Paid Opportunity.

Hosted by the Hamilton and Burlington Chambers of Commerce.

Background

What is a Chamber of Commerce?  Chambers of Commerce are membership associations representing the voice of the business community and major public sector institutions.

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The Government of Ontario recently announced that it is adopting a province-wide cap and trade system as part of its strategy to reduce Ontario’s impact on climate change.

In response, the Ontario Chamber Network has provided government with a written submission outlining the principles that the Ontario government should incorporate into the design of the system to mitigate the impact to the business community.

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The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) quarterly Regulatory Update summarizes what employers need to know about the latest changes to the regulatory environment for businesses*.

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, as part of OCC’s network is actively engaged on the topics below and would welcome your feedback or concerns to educate our advocacy efforts.

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The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has submitted two pre-budget submission documents to the municipal and provincial government over the last month. The submissions highlight our recommendations to the respective elected officials on the priorities of the Chamber.

1) Provincial Pre-Budget Submission: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce submitted our pre-budget submission outlining our membership’s provincial priorities to Finance Minister Charles Sousa as part of their public consultation process.

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