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Your Weekly Roundup of News

July 5-9, 2021

In This Issue:

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.

Resources and Funding Opportunities

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

Re-Opening of Local Food Infrastructure Fund - July 12th!
On Friday, the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced a top-up of $10 million for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, which will re-open for applications on Monday, July 12. With this additional funding to address pandemic-related food security pressures, the Fund is supporting $23 million in projects in 2021-22. The Fund supports community-led projects that strengthen food systems and help to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk Canadians. More details.

CFIB Business Operations Guide
To help your business survive these uncertain times, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has compiled all the answers and tools you need–all in one place. The Guide addresses your most pressing concerns and is customized to your province's specific regulations. It contains:

Updates on relief programs
Posters and templates, including a/an: operational plan, compliance checklist, 'We're Open' poster
Best practices for your business
Answers to your more frequently asked questions

Whether you are a CFIB member or not, you can get a copy of this Guide. Click here to get the Guide.

How to Use the New Federal Hiring Subsidy
On July 6th the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) held a webinar in which special guests from the Canada Revenue Agency explained how this new program compares to the CEWS, how to get the most out of both subsidies, who is now eligible and what you need to apply. The recording of the webinar is posted here is on the CFIB YouTube page.

Insurance Support for Small Businesses
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has posted a recorded webinar from June 10th about how IBC is helping small businesses in challenging times. The webinar recording highlights updates provided by their team of experts and special guests from IBC. The session covers key topics including: Updates on federal COVID-19 relief programs and information and tips that can help you secure insurance coverage. Click here to watch the webinar.

New Online Certification Program for Construction Workers
The Ontario government is investing over $1 million to help the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) offer 300 construction workers free, online and flexible training for leadership roles such as site supervisors, lead hands, forepersons and superintendents. The new virtual initiative, called the Supervisor Micro-Certification Program, will offer training modules in topics such as health and safety compliance, coaching and mentoring, negotiation, performance evaluation and scheduling. Designed for ease of access, even from mobile devices, this training can be completed at a convenient time and location from anywhere in the province. The Supervisor Micro-Certification Program will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Over time, CLAC will expand course offerings so that emerging supervisors can gain additional support and information. For more information on the virtual training project and how to apply, contact Colin de Raaf, CLAC Director of Training at (519) 653-3002 x 5565 or cderaaf@clac.ca.

Helping People with Disabilities Find Jobs
The Ontario government is investing over $380,000 in a free, virtual program led by Career Services Brockville to prepare up to 160 people with disabilities for careers in food and hospitality. Through this program, participants will develop both sector-specific and transferable skills to safely prepare them for work. The virtual reality training sessions will be provided in person through partner agencies in Kingston, Ottawa, Niagara and Brockville, with participants doing their sessions between September 27, 2021, and March 15, 2022. All participants will be supported by Career Services Brockville to find further training and jobs. Some will also receive paid job placements with local employers, with wage subsidies for up to 100 hours. To apply, participants can contact Career Services Brockville or their local school board, Ontario Disability Support Program or local employment service provider.

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

Strengthening Accountability of Municipal Council Members - The Ontario Government is seeking input on how to strengthen accountability for municipal council members. Consultation closes July 15.

Defining Elder Abuse - This week the federal government announced the launch of consultations with experts, stakeholders and Canadians on a definition of senior abuse. Consultation closes July 22.

Modernizing Privacy in Ontario - The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is consulting on proposals to improve privacy in Ontario. Consultation closes August 3.

Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Federal 2022 Budget - The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance has launched its Pre-Budget Consultations in advance of the 2022 budget. Submissions can be made to the Committee until August 6.

Making Health Care More Accessible for People with Disabilities - Submit feedback to the Ontario Government on the recommendations for proposed standards to help make health care in hospitals more accessible for people with disabilities. Consultation closes August 11.

Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan - The Ontario government has released a discussion paper for public feedback that will inform the province's first transportation plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Ontario government is seeking public input on ways to achieve our vision, including: collaboration, coordination and new ways of working together to align our actions; new and innovative approaches to policy solutions and program; and, new ways to partner, procure and deliver infrastructure. The deadline for providing feedback is August 28th.

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.

Environmental Contribution of Agriculture - The House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food is looking for input on the environmental contribution of agriculture. More details.

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

Over Half of Ontario Adults Now Vaccinated with Second Dose
This week the Government of Ontario announced that more than half of all adults in Ontario have now received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. To date, more than 78 per cent of adults aged 18 and over have received at least a first dose and more than 51 per cent have received both doses. The vaccine rollout continues to reach all individuals aged 12 and over with first and second doses, while the province prepares for Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen.

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.

Ontario News

Stage Three Here We Come!
With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve and the provincewide vaccination rate surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, the Ontario Government has announced it is moving the province into Step Three at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021.

Step Three of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:

Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 100 people with limited exceptions;
Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;
Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted with physical distancing;
Indoor dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect;
Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to open subject to a maximum 50 per cent capacity of the indoor space. Capacity for indoor spectators is 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less. Capacity for outdoor spectators is 75 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 15,000 people, whichever is less;
Indoor meeting and event spaces permitted to operate with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect and capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, (whichever is less);
Essential and non-essential retail with with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;
Personal care services, including services requiring the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;
Museums, galleries, historic sites, aquariums, zoos, landmarks, botanical gardens, science centres, casinos/bingo halls, amusement parks, fairs and rural exhibitions, festivals, with capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity indoors and 75 per cent capacity outdoors;
Concert venues, cinemas, and theatres permitted to operate at:
- up to 50 per cent capacity indoors or a maximum limit of 1,000 people for seated events (whichever is less)
- up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum limit of 5,000 people for unseated events (whichever is less); and up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum of 15,000 people for events with fixed seating (whichever is less).
Real estate open houses with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres; and
Indoor food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs and restobars, permitted up to 25 per cent capacity or up to a maximum limit of 250 people (whichever is less).

Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step Three.

Please view the regulation for the full list of public health and workplace safety measures that need to be followed.

Ontario Launches iGaming Ontario Agency
Taking a key step toward creating a safe, regulated and competitive online gaming market to help protect consumers and provide more choice while ensuring a level playing field for new businesses, the Ontario Government has announced the establishment of iGaming Ontario. The new agency, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), will conduct and manage the new online gaming offerings in the province. Governed by an interim Board of Directors, iGaming Ontario will enter into commercial agreements with operators who meet rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protections and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence.

Statement from Minister Fedeli Monthly Employment Release by Statistics Canada
Today Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following statement in response to today’s monthly employment release by Statistics Canada:

“Employment in Ontario increased by 116,900 in June. With an increasing number of people getting vaccinated and continued improvements in key public health and health system indicators, we are seeing the results of our efforts in the fight against this pandemic. As of July 8, 78 per cent of the 18+ population in Ontario had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with more than 51 per cent having received their second dose. As restrictions are safely and cautiously lifted, more and more businesses are reopening, which means more and more Ontarians are returning to work. Our government will continue to do whatever it takes to defeat this virus and ensure workers can get back on the job safely. Thanks to the efforts of Team Ontario, we are making tremendous progress in our vaccine rollout and our Roadmap to Reopen. Every careful step we take now brings us closer to the end of the pandemic and on the road to a full economic recovery.”

Federal News

Impact of COVID-19 and IBD in Canada Report Released
On Wednesday, Crohn's and Colitis Canada released their Impact of COVID-19 & Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada report, summarizing their collective learnings over the past year and a half. Over the past year, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research has included understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with IBD:, such as: determining if certain medications make a person more susceptible to the virus or severe COVID-19; if people with IBD are generally at greater risk; and to make specific recommendations to the IBD community to allow those living with these diseases to make informed, personal risk assessments during the pandemic. This report highlights the physical, mental, and health systems impact of COVID-19 on the entire spectrum of the IBD community, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and pregnant people with IBD. It is also a valuable resource that summarizes the past and future of IBD care. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the health care community need to respond, adapt, and effect change rapidly, but as indicated in the report, this change is paving “the way for a transformed and enhanced model of IBD care and will bring about reflection on our readiness for future challenges of such magnitude as the COVID-19 pandemic.” Did you know? Over 300,000 Canadians live with IBD and that number is expected to rise to 400,000 by 2030.

Pay Equity Act Coming into force August 31, 2021
The Federal Government has announced that it will bring the Pay Equity Act into force on August 31, 2021, and that the final Pay Equity Regulations are now available in Part II of the Canada Gazette. The Pay Equity Regulations will support the implementation of the Pay Equity Act, together ensuring that workers in federally regulated workplaces receive equal pay for work of equal value. Once in force, employers with 10 or more employees will have three years to develop and implement their proactive pay equity plans. The Pay Equity Commissioner will be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Act and its Regulations and she will continue to work closely with federally regulated private- and public-sector workplace parties to provide support and guidance on the implementation of this proactive pay equity regime.

Increase to Old Age Security Payment
This week the Federal Government announced the highest quarterly adjustment to existing OAS payments since July 2014 and also confirmed that the Government of Canada will deliver the $500 one-time payment to older seniors, announced in Budget 2021, during the week of August 16, 2021. According to the government news release: This summer’s one-time payment of $500 will support older seniors’ higher expenses, and will apply to 3.3 million seniors who are eligible for the OAS pension in June 2021 and were born on or before June 30, 1947. No action is required by seniors, who will automatically receive the payment if they are eligible. In July 2021, OAS benefits will automatically increase 1.3%, bringing the maximum monthly OAS pension amount to $626.49, up from $618.45.

Over the coming year, the increase is worth up to $96.48.The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances will also be adjusted for inflation. Budget 2021 also included a permanent increase of 10% to the OAS pension, to be implemented in July 2022 for seniors aged 75 and over. This will provide an additional $766 to full pensioners over the first year, and will be the first permanent increase to the OAS pension since 1973, other than adjustments due to inflation. It builds on measures to support all seniors, which include restoring the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS to 65 from 67, strengthening the Canada Pension Plan for future retirees, increasing the GIS for single seniors, raising the GIS earnings exemption and reducing income taxes for all Canadians.

Upcoming Events

July Events

2021: A Year of Economic Recovery - with RBC
July 13
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Growing vaccination rates have allowed countries to reopen. Consumer and business confidence has improved, teeing up economic growth to accelerate in the second half of the year. Moderated by our Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Policy, Trevin Stratton, we will discuss:

Inflation: picked up in the spring and the key question for the Bank of Canada is whether this will prove temporary or have more staying power.
Labour market conditions: are much improved but challenges remain for those hardest hit by the pandemic.
U.S. economy is on a strong recovery path: what will this mean for Canadian exports and business investments?
What’s the outlook for interest rates and Canadian dollar over the next 18 months

Register here.

NEW - De-risking the Technology Procurement Process
July 14
Hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade
As businesses travel the digital transformation journey, it’s crucial to make the right choices about what technology to buy, how to source, and who to work with. During the procurement process, supply risk is a major challenge that can have negative consequences for the business if not properly managed. Technology sellers often face challenges securing business especially from the public sector. Small-and-medium sized businesses can provide innovative solutions, quality service and value for money. But how can they be one step ahead in the process and win contracts? Key takeaways: How to source and procure the right technology in a way that significantly reduces risks; Overcome barriers to the public sector procurement practices; Build the right systems to future-proof your business. Register here.

Blue Box Regulation Webinar
July 15
Hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
On June 3, 2021, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks released the final blue box regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 that makes producers of products and packaging fully responsible for managing their products at end of life. The regulation is accompanied by a Transition Schedule that identifies when producers are responsible for transitioning local blue box programs to producer responsibility. To support the regulation, changes were also made to the Ontario Regulation 101/94: Recycling and Composting of Municipal Waste. The regulations, along with the Transition Schedule, can be found on the Environmental Registry posting. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks will host three online webinars to review key aspects of the regulations, the process for transitioning local blue box programs to producer responsibility and take questions from participants. If you are interested in attending, please email the ministry at RRPB.Mail@ontario.ca and request which session you wish to attend.

Future of Fundraising Events
July 15
Hosted by Charity Village
Based on data collected from hundreds of Fundraising Professionals, Industry Experts, Influencers, and Donors, this session will go over key trends, insights, and strategies that you need to know to stay ahead, raise funds and engage your donors moving forward into 2022.

Planning for Economic Recovery
July 15 (sessions also being held August 26, September 23, October 28, 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.

NEW - The Competitiveness of Ontario's Cities
July 21
Hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and KPMG Canada for a timely discussion about the competitiveness of Ontario’s cities in a post-pandemic era and the launch of our latest policy report, Better Budgets: Bolstering the Fiscal Resilience of Ontario’s Municipalities. Register here.

Food Day Canada
July 31
Celebrate Food Day Canada with fresh and delicious, locally grown and produced Canadian food. Food Day Canada is a great day to connect the food we eat with the land we live in. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue with friends and family or dining at a local restaurant, Food Day Canada invites all Canadians to show their passion for fresh, Canadian food. Share your food photos on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram using the hashtag #FoodDayCanada or #CanadaIsFood.

August Events

Planning for Economic Recovery
August 26
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.

September Events

Aerospace and the Space Economy
September 8
Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Part of the Chamber's Executive Summit series. Registration not open yet. Stay tuned!

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

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!

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. Stay tuned for more details!

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

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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