Policy Updates & News 274 results

NAFTA Negotiation, Round 6 Updates (January 22nd-28th, 2018)

January 31, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

January 31st, 2018: NAFTA talks successfully passed the critical round 6 in Montreal as the three countries moved closer towards a renewed and modernized agreement over the past week. However, several issues remain unresolved and a number of radical proposals from the Trump Administration remain unresolved. The three countries have two additional rounds of negotiation planned on the books, if the agreement isn’t resolved before the Summer, many experts believe that negotiations will enter a hiatus until the conclusion and outcomes of the Mexican Federal and US Midterm elections.

Media Release: Further Offset Measures Needed in Upcoming Budget to Keep Ontario Competitive The Ontario’s Chamber Network calls for tax reform, smart spending to support Ontario businesses

January 16, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 – Today, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) provided the Ontario government with 11 recommendations for the upcoming provincial budget that will help businesses manage costs and secure the province’s competitive advantage. The submission, presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, calls on the government to implement taxation reforms and smart infrastructure and transportation spending to maximize growth and benefit all regions of Ontario.

Resource Guide: Canada and the CETA (Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) and what it means for businesses

December 15, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Earlier this Fall, Canada and members of the European Union signed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The agreement is comprehensive in its coverage and potential new market opportunities for businesses in Canada. For example, before CETA’s entry into force, only 25 percent of EU tariff lines on Canadian goods were duty-free.

Federal Small Business Tax Proposal: Minister clarifies some clauses, Senate report advises a cancellation, to go in effect 1.1.18

December 15, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

On Wednesday, December 13th, the Department of Finance and Minister Bill Morneau released a final set of clarifications for the Federal Small Business Tax Proposals. As previously covered, these proposals will have a significant impact on businesses that have come to rely on income splitting amongst family members and passive income investment back into the corporation in order to save for retirement, capital upgrades or other downturns.

Special Event and Policy Report Launch December 6th: “Fair & Open Tendering – The Public Costs of Restricted Procurement in Ontario”

December 4, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, December 6th, 2017: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce to support the launch of a new independent economic analysis report by Hamilton-based Think Tank Cardus and University of Toronto Professor of Economics, Dr Morley K Gunderson titled “Up, Up and Away: The Impact of Restrictive Municipal Tendering in the Province of Ontario”.

Rapid Policy Update: Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Releases it’s Election Platform

November 29, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

In October, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce network released Vote Prosperity, a platform for the 2018 provincial election campaign. The release of our platform nine months prior to the election was intended to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to address the most important issues to business within their own platforms.

Rapid Policy Update: Ontario’s Next Long Term Infrastructure Plan

November 29, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

On November 28th, the Government of Ontario released the province’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (LTIP) entitled Building Better Lives: Ontario’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan 2017. The plan sets forth a vision for Ontario infrastructure planning and investment and is a key interim step in meeting the requirements of the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015 (IJPA).

Rapid Policy Update: Ontario Fall Economic Statement 2017

November 16, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

On November 15th, 2017, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa announced a Fall Economic Update. This blog post with content support from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce highlights announcements relevant to businesses.

The fall statement forecasts real GDP growth of 2.8 percent in 2017, up from 2.3 percent in the 2017 Budget.

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Releases Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster Video

October 30, 2017 · by Whitney Eames

Resource Designed to Educate Stakeholders on Game Changing Regional Initiative

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is a leading member of a regional consortium committed to building an advanced manufacturing supercluster in Southern Ontario. The goal is to set global benchmarks in the world of Industry 4.0 by combining our region’s manufacturing prowess with its strengths in areas of technological expertise such as artificial intelligence, process automation and digital connectivity.

Steering Through Change: A Handbook to Help Ontario Businesses Understand and Manage their Human Resources strategies with Bill 148

October 24, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and management-consulting firm, MNP, have released a comprehensive handbook (Steering Through Change) to help Ontario businesses navigate the new costs and regulations associated with Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act.

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