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Your Weekly Roundup of News

August 16-20, 2021

In This Issue:

Ontario Launching New Digital Business Registry

On October 19th, Ontario will launch a new digital business registry. The new registry will offer businesses and not-for-profit corporations a quicker and easier way to complete registrations, filings, and other important transactions online. Learn more here about the registry.

Federal Election 2021

Leaders Debates Set for September
Mark Your Calendar! The federal leaders debates have been set. The French-language debate will be held on September 8 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and the English-language debate will be held on September 9 from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Both debates will take place at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

Elections Canada - Ways to Vote
Elections Canada has released the rules for voting in the federal election. Advanced voting will take place from September 10 through September 13. Deadline for voting by mail is September 14. To check if you are registered to vote and other information about going to the polls, visit the Elections Canada website.

Conservatives Release Full Election Platform
On Monday, Conservative Party of Canada leader, the Hon. Erin O'Toole, released his party's full platform. The 160-page election platform document can be viewed online here.

Last week the NDP released it's full election platform: Ready for Better

The Liberal Party of Canada election platform is not slated to be released until September 8th.

Resources and Funding Opportunities

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

Funding Now Available for Agri-Food Innovation
The Innovator Stream of the Agri-tech Innovation Program is now accepting applications. Funding eligibility will include targeted, specialized, high-impact projects that pilot or demonstrate cutting-edge technology. Projects will require collaboration between at least two agri-food businesses, organizations and agri-food technology providers or developers. Information, program guidelines and application forms are available as of August 19, 2021 for the Innovators cost-shared stream. Eligible applications will be assessed using a merit-based review process once the intake closes.

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

Community Parks and Recreation Survey
Parks and Recreation Ontario is collecting information about how Ontarians feel about parks and community recreation and want to know what you think. Have your say and complete their survey here.

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.

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

COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Mandatory for High-Risk Settings
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a directive mandating hospitals and home and community care service providers to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees, staff, contractors, students and volunteers, and for ambulance services to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for paramedics.

The vaccination policy must be effective no later than September 7, 2021, and at a minimum will require these individuals to provide proof of one of three things:

Full vaccination against COVID-19;
A medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or
Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session.

According to the news release issued by the Ontario Ministry of Health, "[i]ndividuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing. These settings will be required to track and report on the implementation of their policies to the provincial government. This is similar to the vaccination policy requirements currently in place for long-term care homes."

Vaccination policies will also be implemented in other higher-risk settings such as:

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.

Third Shot of COVID-19 Vaccine to be Available to Vulnerable Populations
Ontario has also announced, "based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, the province will begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to those at highest-risk, providing them with an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. This includes:

Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants);
Patients with hematological cancers (examples include lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) on active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy);
Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab); and
Residents of high-risk congregate settings including long-term care homes, higher-risk licensed retirement homes and First Nations elder care lodges.

Locations and timing for third doses will vary by public health unit and high-risk population based on local planning and considerations, with some beginning as early as this week where opportunities exist." According to the government backgrounder, "[i]ndividuals in these groups can receive their third dose at a minimum of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program."

Ontario Approves COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Turning 12 this Year
The Province has announced that effective August 18th, all children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 will be eligible to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Prior to this change, those with late year birthdays had to wait until they turned 12 in order to be eligible to get a vaccine. Currently, Pfizer is the only approved vaccine in Canada for children. Parents can book their appointment through the provincial booking system, through their public health unit, or pharmacies, or can walk-in to vaccination clinics across the province.

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

AMO Conference 2021
The annual AMO Conference was held this past week from August 16-18. Held entirely online, the 2021 conference featured more than 40 speakers, sessions and workshops, reflecting the broad scope of municipal responsibilities. As part of the conference, municipal delegates took part in more than 425 delegation meetings with provincial ministries. At this year’s AMO conference, Ontario renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AMO, marking the 20^th anniversary of the MOU, which provides the foundation for collaboration between the province and municipalities.

Premier Ford helped kick-off the Conference recognizing the efforts of municipalities and with a promise to continue to help local governments overcome pandemic-related obstacles. His thoughts were echoed by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark who also took to the virtual stage to address AMO 2021 delegates. At the conference Minister Clark announced "Ontario is providing an additional $307 million to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep people safe. This investment builds upon the $765 million dollars of the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) announced in 2020-2021, for a total support to municipalities of over $1 billion."

Premier Doug Ford, Minister Clark and additional Ministers, Associate Ministers and Parliamentary Assistants held virtual meetings with hundreds of municipal officials during the Conference. During these meetings, they reaffirmed its commitment to work in partnership with municipalities to strengthen communities and support vital public services. Following the Conference, the Province issued the following news release about its commitments.

The Premier's speech can be read online here or viewed on the Premier's YouTube channel.

Minister Clark's speech can be viewed on the Government of Ontario's YouTube channel.

MPP Removed from PC Caucus
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls has been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Nicholls announced Thursday afternoon at a news conference at Queen's Park that he, together with his wife, made the decision not to get the shot for personal reasons; Nicholls will now sit as an independent. As reported by CBC News: "In a statement Thursday, Premier Doug Ford said MPP Nichols "failed to provide a legitimate reason for exemption from vaccination. "As a consequence, he is no longer a sitting member of the PC caucus and will not be permitted to seek re-election as a PC candidate," the statement said. Nicholls was one of two Tory legislators facing a Thursday evening deadline to show proof of vaccination or a medical exemption. Ford said Scarborough Centre MPP Christina Mitas will remain in caucus because she provided a statement of medical exemption signed by a physician. The statement also says Mitas will take "additional precautions" while carrying out her duties as an elected representative."

A day after the move, the Canadian Press reported on Friday that the Ontario New Democrats want MPP Nicholls to be replaced as deputy speaker at Queen's Park. Opposition house leader Peggy Sattler wrote to her government counterpart on Friday asking for a meeting to discuss "next steps" to replace Rick Nicholls.

Federal News

United States Extends Travel Restrictions
The United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel across its land and ferry borders with Canada and Mexico until September 21; the United States land border with Canada, which has been closed for non-essential travel since March 2020, was set to lift on Saturday. The United States has been dealing with a fourth wave of COVID-19, driven by the Delta variant. The decision does not impact air travel. Canadian officials allowed fully vaccinated Americans to drive into the country for leisurely reasons earlier this month.

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

IPAC 2021 National Conference
August 23-24
Hosted by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada
IPAC 2021 will take place virtually from Ottawa-Gatineau. This event, IPAC's 73rd annual conference, will bring together officials from all orders of government, academics and students, community leaders, and private sector professionals from across the country eager to share promising practices, learn new knowledge, and network virtually. This year's main themes revolve around: Governance and Policy-Making; Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples; Technology and Service Delivery; and, An Inclusive and Enabling Workforce. The virtual conference will feature the following keynote speakers: the Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C. and Janice Charette, but also has quite an expansive list of speakers, you won't want to miss. Register here.

NEW - Blue Box Update
August 24
Hosted by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Join the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Continuous Improvement Fund, and Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority for an update on The Blue Box program. There will be presentations from prospective Producer Responsibility Organizations to assess program impacts. Register here.

AAFC Canada Stakeholder Meeting
August 25
Hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
AAFC is hosting a COVID-19 information sharing call with stakeholders. The next call will be held on Wed Aug 25, 2021 at 12 pm EST. If you would like to participate, please email aafc.roundtable-tableronde.aac@agr.gc.ca

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.

NEW - 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!

NEW - 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.

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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