Policy Updates & News 255 results

City of Hamilton Lobbyist Registry: An Introduction

· by Huzaifa Saeed

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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Media Release: Hamilton and Ontario Chambers Urge Governments To Harness the Power of the Sharing Economy.

· by Huzaifa Saeed

SHARING ECONOMY WILL DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IF GOVERNMENTS MOVE QUICKLY AND BOLDLY: ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPORT

Hamilton, AUGUST 25, 2015: In a new report, Harnessing the Power of the Sharing Economy, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce have called upon governments to move quickly and boldly to ensure that Canada and Ontario realize the full potential of the sharing economy.

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Hamilton Light Rail Transit Project: Next steps and our commitment.

· by Huzaifa Saeed

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring a successful implementation of the B Line Light Rail Transit project in Hamilton. This follows our history of being proponets behind the business case for LRT in Hamilton.

Today at City of Hamilton General Issues Committee meeting there was the presentation of a senior staff report on their recommended strategy for LRT implementation.

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Rapid Policy Update: Ontario formally announces Ontario Retirement Pension Plan.

· by Huzaifa Saeed

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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Media Release: HAMILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND PROVINCIAL CHAMBER ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF RISING ELECTRICITY COSTS ON BUSINESS

· by Huzaifa Saeed

HAMILTON, July 8th, 2015: A new report from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and 40 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, calls on the Government of Ontario to tackle the impact of rising electricity costs on the business community. After extensive stakeholder consultation, the report makes five recommendations that government and energy agencies must take to curb rising costs and keep businesses in the province.

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Pan AM Games 101: A Primer for Businesses and Organizations in Hamilton

· by Huzaifa Saeed

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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Media Release: OCC AND HAMILTON CHAMBER PART OF EMPLOYER COALITION URGING GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THE ECONOMY AND JOBS UNDER NEW PENSION PLAN

· by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, JUNE 3rd, 2015: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and a coalition of major Ontario employers are calling on the provincial government to broaden its definition of a comparable pension plan under the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP). In a letter addressed to Premier Kathleen Wynne, a coalition of more than 150 organizations are today urging the government to expand its definition of pension plan comparability to include capital accumulation plans, including (but not limited to) Defined Contribution plans.

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Job Posting: Membership Manager

· by Whitney Eames

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Manager will be taking maternity leave in August 2015. This opening is available initially on a contract basis to cover her absence, but could evolve into a permanent position if market conditions support.

Please click here for a description of the posting.

Please direct applications and inquiries to Whitney Eames at w.eames@hamiltonchamber.ca

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Media Release: Local Business Leaders Press Provincial Government on Regional Issues

· by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, MAY 27, 2015: Local business leaders from Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) chambers of commerce and boards of trade met with Ontario cabinet ministers on Monday to discuss key issues impacting the regional economy.

In a wide ranging discussion held at Queen’s Park, business and government leaders touched on three priority areas: solving gridlock and improving transit, planning for growth and infrastructure, and promoting economic growth across the region.

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Media Release: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce applauds the Province of Ontario’s $1.2 Billion Capital Investment Light Rail Transit system and new GO Station in Hamilton.

· by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, May 26th, 2015: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is overjoyed by this morning’s announcement by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne that the Province of Ontario has committed to funding approximately $1.2 Billion in the City of Hamilton to cover 100% of the capital costs of the B-Line Light Rail line and a new GO Station at Centennial Street.

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Christoph Benfey

Photography By
Reg Beaudry

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Orbital