On March 28th, the Government of Ontario released its 2018 Budget, A Plan for Care and Opportunity. The following is a summary of key highlights from the perspective of Ontario’s business community released in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights concerning Hamilton:

1. While the term and catchment area “GTHA” has been used by Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario for their “Big Move” strategy to invest in the B-Line LRT and Go Transit Upgrades,  businesses in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area will be getting a new $100 Million Jobs and Prosperity Fund program specifically dedicated to them.

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This Rapid Policy Update is offered in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

On March 19^th, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, delivered the Ontario government’s speech from the throne. 

The throne speech, delivered ahead of next week’s budget and just months before the next election, focused on the theme of “care.”

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The OCC and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is seeking feedback on the Provincial Bill 203, the Pay Transparency Act, 2018. The Bill is part of Government’s efforts to address the pay gap for women and other underrepresented groups of workers. We’re seeking input from employers on the bill, so the OCC can accurately represent your views.

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An Important Message on Proposed Steel Tariffs

Over the last three years, we have been working with our colleagues in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network and the Canadian Steel Producers Association to address unfair market practices and steel being dumped into Canada by non-market producers. 

The steel industry is the backbone of the Hamilton economy, supporting almost 10,000 direct and over 30,000 indirect jobs in our community.

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On February 27th, the Liberal Government released their 2018 Federal Budget. See below for a summary (courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce) on the impacts it will have on Canadian businesses.

Tax Treatment of Passive Investment Income

Last year’s proposals by the Finance Department had caused significant concerns amongst the business community.

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February 21st, 2018: The Government of Ontario is proposing The Fairness in Procurement Act, 2018, would, if passed, allow Ontario to take responsive and proportional action to discriminatory government procurement practices by U.S. subnational jurisdictions.

Buy American policies in the U.S. at the state level could restrict or inhibit Ontario-based businesses from participating or succeeding in certain state government procurement contracts.

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