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Your Weekly Roundup of News

August 23-27, 2021

In This Issue:

Federal Election 2021

Leaders Debates Set for September
French-language debate - September 8 from 8-10 p.m.
English-language debate - September 9 from 9-11 p.m.

Party Platforms
Conservative Party of Canada - Secure the Future
New Democratic Party - Ready for Better
Liberal Party of Canada - Slated to be released September 8th

Although the Liberals have not yet released their full platform, snippets of the platform have been posted on the Liberal Party of Canada website. These include their plans such as:

Extending the Canada Recovery Hiring Program
Housing for Everyone
Better Care for Seniors
$10 A Day Early Learning and Child Care
Launching an Arts and Culture Recovery Program

Elections Canada Cancels On-Campus Voting Program
Elections Canada announced this week that it has suspended its Vote on Campus program; the program allowed students to cast a special ballot at a location on campus, meaning they could vote in whatever they consider to be their home riding, from anywhere in the country. According to Elections Canada spokesman Matthew McKenna, the decision "to not provide polling stations on campus was made last year. Setting up these stations requires lengthy planning that is not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic and with a minority government where an election could be called suddenly."

Resources and Funding Opportunities

Have questions or are interested in applying for any funding opportunities? Contact Pathway Group's Associate Grant Manager

Social Finance Fund
The Government of Canada has issued a call for wholesalers who will act as financial intermediaries for the Social Finance Fund. This is an important step as nonprofit social enterprises and co-operatives await the launch of the fund. No further details were released on the (non-repayable) Investment Readiness Program Round 2 (renewed for $50 million over two years in Budget 2021). We expect a call for proposals for social enterprises soon after the election and hope that the federal government will enable IPR recipients to carry forward funds on March 31.

National Indigenous Guardians Network
The Government of Canada has announced $340 million over five years to support Indigenous-led conservation, including by scaling a pilot program to create the First Nations National Guardians Network. The intent is to enable Indigenous leadership and facilitate Nation-to-Nation relationships, including with communities, foundations, and businesses.

Government Consultations

Have questions or interested in preparing a submission?
We can help! Contact Pathway Group's
Director of Research, Policy and Communications

Featured Consultations

Proposed Changes to Grains Act, Livestock/Livestock Products Act and Farm Product Payments Act
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is proposing changes to the programs which govern the buying and selling of beef cattle and grains and oilseeds in Ontario - the Grains Act, the Livestock and Livestock Products Act, and the Farm Products Payments Act. Provide your comments by August 30th.

CRTC Seeks Views on Establishment of 3-Digit Number for Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Services
The CRTC is inviting all interested persons to comment on whether there is a need for a three-digit number, such as the 9-8-8 three digit code in the United States, for a national mental health crisis and suicide prevention service. The CRTC is examining the advantages, challenges and costs associated with the deployment of this three-digit number. Comments must be submitted no later than September 1.

Improving Labelling on Natural Health Products
Health Canada is proposing to amend the Natural Health Products Regulations to introduce requirements that would improve the labelling of natural health products so that information is clear, consistent, and legible for consumers and is in alignment with rules that have already been established for comparable non-prescription drugs. Consultation closes September 4.

Proposed changes to the Feeds Regulations
As part of the process to modernize the feed regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Feeds Regulations, 1983. Consultation closes September 10.

Amendments to Farm Products Marketing Act
The Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission are proposing amendments to regulations within the Farm Products Marketing Act. Comments due September 13, 2021. View the proposed amendments here.

Province Seeks Feedback to Improve Transportation in Eastern Ontario
Ontario has launched an online survey to gather input on regional transportation needs and priorities in Eastern Ontario. Feedback from the survey will be used to help develop a long-term plan that will improve the transportation network in the region. The survey will remain open for six weeks until September 23, 2021.

Engagement on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
The Government of Canada is consulting Canadians on how to improve the lives of Canadians with disabilities. Your feedback will support the development of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Provide your comments by September 30th.

Consultation on Proposed Luxury Tax
Through this consultation process, the Department of Finance is seeking feedback on the design of the proposed Luxury Tax. Provide your comments by September 30th.

Boosting Charitable Spending in Our Communities
The Government of Canada, through the Department of Finance, is launching consultations with stakeholders on potentially increasing the disbursement quota and updating the tools at the Canada Revenue Agency’s disposal to enforce the disbursement quota rules, beginning in 2022. The government will also be consulting with representatives from the charitable sector through the Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector, which provides advice to the government on important and emerging issues facing registered charities. Full details can be found in the related background paper. Stakeholders are invited to provide their comments by September 30, 2021.

Call for Proposals - Public Infrastructure
The federal government has announced an open and competitive call for proposals under the Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) to strengthen the development and use of community-level data and research, supporting more evidence- and results-based approaches to public infrastructure programs and investments in cities, rural and remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. More information about the Research Knowledge Initiative, details on eligibility, and how to apply may be found on the Infrastructure Canada website. An online applicant portal will be available as of September 1, 2021, and applications are due by October 25, 2021, 23:59 PDT.

Both the Ontario Government and the Federal Government both have websites dedicated to listing their current consultations on proposed changes to regulations. Click on the appropriate logo below to access the consultation portals for each level of government.

Ontario COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Eligible groups can use Ontario’s vaccine booking system to find out how to schedule an appointment, or can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line number at 1-833-943-3900. For general inquiries, individuals can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488 or TTY service is also available by calling 1-866-797-0007
Find out if you live in a hot spot community by visiting Ontario’s website for a list of designated postal codes.
Visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a pharmacy offering a COVID-19 vaccine and to book an appointment.
For up-to-date information on the populations currently eligible for vaccination and instructions on how to book an appointment when you are eligible, visit Ontario’s vaccine webpage.

If you or someone you know are looking to receive your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, GO-VAXX bus mobile clinic is on the move. No appointment is needed. Learn more: http://Ontario.ca/vaccinebus

Ontario News

Chamber Issues Guidance for Businesses on Proof-of-Vaccine Protocol
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released this week a proof-of-vaccination framework to support reopening plans for Ontario private sector businesses. The Vax-Pass Tenets outlines five guiding principles for private sector businesses to adopt in the development of their independent proof-of-vaccination frameworks in the absence of a domestic system. According to the Chamber's news release issued on Tuesday: "Implementing proof-of-vaccination will incentivize more people to get vaccinated, allow businesses to safely reopen and mitigate against the risk of further lockdowns. Public health restrictions, such as capacity limits, could then be modified accordingly based on the lower risk involved with close contact among fully vaccinated individuals, achieving the dual purpose of safe community engagement and productive economic recovery."

HOWEVER...

Late on Friday, the Government of Ontario announced that COVID-19 vaccination passports would be coming to Ontario 'within weeks!'

Multiple media reported Friday afternoon that sources have indicated that Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet are debating the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine “passport” type of certification for Ontario. The possibility of a vaccine passport for Ontario was first reported by Global News. According to the media outlet, "[a] government source not authorized to speak publicly told Global News on Friday that members of Ford’s cabinet are currently considering a proposal. The source said a final decision hasn’t been made and that there is no consensus yet. They said some cabinet members are opposed to a vaccine passport. The development came after another source told Global News the program, if ultimately approved, could be announced as soon as the week of Aug. 30." The Toronto Star further reported it also spoke with a a senior government source on Friday, who indicated that no specific date has been set for the passport system to go into effect but the goal is to have it ready “within weeks" and that the plan will go to cabinet next week.

REMINDER - Vaccine Policies for High Risk Settings Due September 7th
Last week the Government of Ontario mandated COVID-19 vaccination policies for “high-risk settings” and has paused the exit from the Provincial Reopening, meaning the Step Three restrictions remain in place for the foreseeable future. The vaccine directive requires organizations to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy, effective no later than September 7, 2021, covering:

Employees, staff, contractors
Students
Volunteers

Individuals subject to the policy must provide proof of one of the following:

Full vaccination against COVID-19,
A medical reason for not being vaccinated, or
Completion of a vaccination education session

Individuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination will be required to undertake regular testing.

Organizations affected include home and community care settings as well as hospitals. They must track and report on implementation of this policy to the Ontario government, similar to requirements in place since July 1 for long-term care.

COMING SOON - Vaccine Policies Required for Other High Risk Settings
The Government of Ontario will be announcing a similar policy - with dates to be announced - will be implemented shortly for other “higher-risk settings” including:

Post-secondary institutions
Licensed retirement homes
Women’s shelters, and
Congregate group homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities, children’s treatment centres and other services for children with special needs, and licensed children’s residential settings.

Federal News

Federal Election Policy Recommendations - Ontario Nonprofit Network
This week, based on what they heard from the sector, the Ontario Nonprofit Network has identified four key policy recommendations. Below is a summary of the recommendations, read the full document here.

1 - Stabilize the nonprofit sector to ensure its critical infrastructure remains strong for rebuilding Canada

Allocate direct investment in nonprofits and charities to ensure organizations can carry on their work, effectively transition programs and business models to meet needs in the recovery, and prepare to take advantage of future opportunities.

2 - Establish a home in government for the nonprofit sector

Establish a home in government that takes a cohesive and strategic approach to coordinating policy and engaging with our diverse sector, as a partner rather than a service provider.

3 - Partner with nonprofits for better community-led solutions

Build and expand a Canada-wide licensed child care system with the nonprofit – including nonprofit cooperatives – and public sectors exclusively;
Prioritize procurement from local social enterprises, co-operatives, and nonprofit organizations;
Tailor the design of the Social Innovation Strategy and the Social Finance Fund to embed an equity lens.

4 - Create multiple pathways for women to grow and thrive in women-majority sectors and occupations to advance gender equity

Include strategies for sectors that are traditionally overrepresented with women, like the nonprofit sector, in the National Action Plan for Women in the Economy;
Prioritize the care economy in rebuilding Canada and ensure care work is decent work;
Modernize Employment Insurance to reflect women’s current and anticipated labour market realities.

B.C. Announces Vaccine Card for Indoor Gatherings and Events
The Government of British Columbia announced this week it is implementing a new vaccine card system designed to prevent unvaccinated people from gathering in settings likely to allow the spread of the virus. As reported by the Toronto Star, starting September 13, residents of British Columbia "will need to prove through the vaccine card that they have one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to access certain specified locations and events. Come Oct. 24, they will need to have received their second dose of vaccine at least a week earlier. The locations are the same as those that were restricted for all people under B.C.’s health measures prior to the vaccination campaign. They include: indoor sporting events, indoor concerts, indoor dining, nightclubs, high-intensity fitness centres, organized gatherings such as weddings and recreational classes and activities. The card will not be used for access to retail stores, faith services, health services, or grocery stores." Quebec and Manitoba have already announced similar programs.

Stay Connected with Pathway Group

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Through our social media pages we delivery timely and reliable information about breaking news and current affairs, government information, important upcoming events, consultations, and matters of interest to our followers. We also help to share important updates and information from our followers.

Upcoming Events

August Events

Ontario Blue Box and Circular Materials
August 30
Hosted by the Retail Council of Canada
On June 3, 2021, Ontario filed a new recycling regulation for paper and packaging which will transition Ontario’s curbside Blue Box recycling system to 100% producer responsibility, meaning that producers will be physically and financially responsible for the system rather than sharing responsibilities with municipalities. This new regulation sees a material shift in the price charged for end-of-life recycling of paper and packaging. In addition, the regulation sets up a new competitive landscape wherein producers will have the ability to select a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to help meet regulatory responsibilities, including material collection, reporting and more. To support you in understanding the regulation, key transition timelines, and to speak to the non-profit PRO, RCC is hosting two information sessions (August 30th and September 21st). Register here.

September Events

Federal Election - Leaders Debate - French Language
September 8
The French-language debate will be held from 8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)

Federal Election - Leaders Debate - English Language
September 9
The English-language debate will be held from 9:00-11:00 p.m. (ET)

Grain Farmers of Ontario - Annual General Meeting 2021
September 14
This year the 2021 Grain Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on September 14, 2020 starting at 8:30am until 2:00pm via Zoom. Register here.

Aerospace and the Space Economy
September 15
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
We will be diving into the new golden age of aerospace and space exploration that is unfolding before our eyes, including how the biggest players are finding the incredible talent required to launch it, and how Canada can seize the opportunity. Space has become accessible like never before: from digitally connecting our planet in unprecedented ways to whole new worlds of resources to mine, extraordinary scientific discovery and vacations that were once purely the realm of science fiction, humankind is poised to venture out into the cosmos. But getting there requires new ways of thinking, the brightest minds, advanced aerospace development and a high-tech talent pool like the world has never seen. Check out the agenda and register online here.

Legal Bootcamp - How to Start & Grow Your Business
September 15
Hosted by Enterprise Toronto
This webinar is for entrepreneurs early in their business venture. It will be helpful for those that haven't launched yet, as well as those that have been in operation for under 3 years. Register here.

2021 Emerging Leader's Community Day
September 16
Hosted by the Ontario Environment Industry Association
ONEIA's Emerging Leaders Network is hosting its second annual Community Day on September 16th, in partnership with the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Are you an up-and-coming professional in the environment and cleantech sector (with less than 10 years of work experience) who is looking to grow your network and meet others across a range of organizations? Register here!

Canada's Innovation Corridor Summit
September 21
Hosted by the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area and Waterloo Regions
Regional connectivity and collaboration fuel success in the modern global economy. Canada’s Innovation Corridor is anchored by the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Waterloo regions – a high growth economic zone in Southern Ontario defined by a dense cluster of advanced manufacturing and technology firms. The long-term goal of the summit is to inform and drive transformational actions that shape the corridor’s future as a world-class region measured by talent, productivity and quality of life. Learn more and register here.

Ontario Blue Box and Circular Materials
September 21
Hosted by the Retail Council of Canada
On June 3, 2021, Ontario filed a new recycling regulation for paper and packaging which will transition Ontario’s curbside Blue Box recycling system to 100% producer responsibility, meaning that producers will be physically and financially responsible for the system rather than sharing responsibilities with municipalities. This new regulation sees a material shift in the price charged for end-of-life recycling of paper and packaging. In addition, the regulation sets up a new competitive landscape wherein producers will have the ability to select a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to help meet regulatory responsibilities, including material collection, reporting and more. To support you in understanding the regulation, key transition timelines, and to speak to the non-profit PRO, RCC is hosting two information sessions (August 30th and September 21st). Register here.

Planning for Economic Recovery
September 23
Hosted by the International Capital Market Association & International Economic Development Council
How can you build capacity for economic recovery? It starts with a sound planning process to engage key stakeholders to assess your community’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Developing and updating a recovery plan helps a community mitigate risks and speed recovery after economic disruptions. ICMA and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) have developed a new training course in partnership with FEMA: “Planning for Economic Recovery.” Filled with examples of successful economic recovery strategies, this interactive webinar offers opportunities for small group discussions and peer learning. Register here.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ethics: a Trustworthy Tech and Tech Adoption
September 30
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As AI becomes more prominent across the globe, building trustworthy AI systems is paramount and many key considerations such as explainability, safety, transparency, inclusiveness, and value alignment – should be top of mind. While AI applications provide a magnitude of opportunities, they also come with many challenges. Responsible AI approaches require a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks that are associated with the use of AI technology. This webinar will take a closer look at how crucial Trustworthy AI is to the widespread adoption of AI. It will consider how products and services addressing Responsible AI and Digital Ethics help organizations reduce data and algorithm bias, increase the transparency and explainability of their AI decision-making processes, ensure legal compliance and ethical alignment with their values, and improve overall AI governance. Registration not open yet. Stay tuned!

October Events

Canadian Cannabis: A Growing Economic Sector at Home and Abroad
October 6
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Part of the Chamber's Executive Summit series. Registration and more details to come. Stay tuned!

Manufacturing 4.0 - The Light Blue Revolution
October 20
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As the manufacturing sector is increasingly moving from blue collar to white collar and embracing the light blue realm, the wealth and magnitude of where the next generation of technology, transformation, people and opportunities could take us is exponential. This webinar will have a closer look at the advanced manufacturing sector and its increasing trends toward the development and adoption of innovative technologies to create new products, enhance processes and establish more efficient and cost-effective ways of working, thereby improving competitiveness of the manufacturing sector on a global scale. Registration not open yet. Stay tuned!

Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Virtual Conference 2021
October 20-22
Hosted by the J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, University of New Brunswick
This conference focuses on diverse and inclusive approaches to advancing entrepreneurship and driving economic and social recovery across sectors and countries – and adopts a comparative and international perspective in addressing topics related to entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. Researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, administrators, students, policy makers and all interested in advancing entrepreneurship and small business are invited to participate in this great gathering. Learn more.

Save the Date - Ontario East Municipal Conference
October 20-21
Hosted by the Ontario East Economic Development Commission
This annual event will be held in a virtual format. More details to come.

Nonprofit Drive Conference 2021
October 27-28
Hosted by the Ontario Nonprofit Network
Two days of vital collaboration and connections to explore solutions to public policy opportunities alongside nonprofit leaders from across the sector, with our keynote speaker. Register here!

2021 Ontario Tourism Summit
October 26-27
Hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
The virtual Summit welcomes tourism professionals from around the province to gather, share, and collaborate as we rebuild Ontario's tourism industry. This year's summit is about RESPECT, COLLABORATION and REBUILDING our future. Join us as we recognize all the innovation, re-embrace the foundation and collaborate together - Google, Deloitte, Canadian Live Music Association, Global Payments are just some highlights of speakers lined up for this year's event. More details and registration.

Planning for Economic Recovery
October 28
Hosted by the International Capital Market Association & International Economic Development Council
How can you build capacity for economic recovery? It starts with a sound planning process to engage key stakeholders to assess your community’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Developing and updating a recovery plan helps a community mitigate risks and speed recovery after economic disruptions. ICMA and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) have developed a new training course in partnership with FEMA: “Planning for Economic Recovery.” Filled with examples of successful economic recovery strategies, this interactive webinar offers opportunities for small group discussions and peer learning. Register here.

November Events

Environment Industry Week
November 1-5
Hosted by the Ontario Environment Industry Association
Save the Date! Environment Industry Week will be taking place November 1-5, 2021. This year it will include a special 30th Anniversary Celebration for ONEIA on November 4th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Registration and more details to come. Stay tuned!

Building from the Ground Up: Position Our Communities as Leaders of Post-COVID Recovery
November 24
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Part of the Chamber's Executive Summit series. Registration and more details to come. Stay tuned!

December Events

Digital by Default: The Future of Digital Healthcare in Canada
December 8
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
2020 marked the year when virtual care and the adoption of digital health platforms went from being extremely rare to digital by default. Once viewed as a complementary part of care, telehealth has increased significantly and has the potential to evolve into a long-term trend, expanding access to essential health services and healthcare delivery. This webinar will take a closer look at the acceleration and advancements of digital healthcare since the beginning of the pandemic and will discuss the future of health innovation as it pertains to digital adoption and implementation in our Canadian healthcare systems and the challenges and opportunities for all players involved. Registration not open yet. Stay tuned!

Planning for Economic Recovery
December 9
Hosted by the International Capital Market Association & International Economic Development Council
How can you build capacity for economic recovery? It starts with a sound planning process to engage key stakeholders to assess your community’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Developing and updating a recovery plan helps a community mitigate risks and speed recovery after economic disruptions. ICMA and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) have developed a new training course in partnership with FEMA: “Planning for Economic Recovery.” Filled with examples of successful economic recovery strategies, this interactive webinar offers opportunities for small group discussions and peer learning. Register here.

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