AUGUST 2021
Chamber at a
Glance
In This Issue A Message from the GM
Brandon's Hidden Gems 5 Labour Laws Every Business Should Know About
A RETURN TO NORMAL-ISH W ith declining COVID numbers, increasing
representatives
and
stakeholders
to
schedule
vaccination rates, the easing of restrictions
meetings has been made easier when travel time
and reopening of businesses who have long
can be eliminated.
been shuttered, it seems we are on a path to something that resembles normalcy, and
Our
the
popular, with many requests to continue with the
excitement
is
palatable!
Patios
are
filling up, theatres are now open, and larger wedding
celebrations
and
sporting
events
on-line
format
coffee
even
after
series
we
has
been
transition
to
extremely
in-person
events.
have been given the green light.
Mark Your Calendars 09.03.21
First Friday Coffee
09.09.21 Annual General Meeting 09.28.21 Luncheon w/ Jay Grewal
"I will have plenty of air-fives and elbow bumps to share."
At the Chamber we are moving forward with planning for a return to in person events, and after a year and a half of virtual only events and on-line meetings, I am excited to connect
with
members
and
reunite
CAROLYNN CANCADE
with
colleagues face to face. While I am not sure we’ll be shaking hands quite yet, I will have plenty
of
air-fives
and
elbow
bumps
to
share.
And so, we are planning to offer both virtual and face
to
face
options
this
fall
to
hopefully
leverage the best of both worlds. The return of We have learned a lot during COVID and
our
some of the adaptations we adopted will be
business
with us for awhile yet. Virtual events and
trending issues. We also hope to highlight some
meetings
have
made
us
more
luncheon
series
interests,
will
local
feature success
speakers stories
on and
accessible,
of our member businesses with some Business
inclusive and efficient. For the Chamber, we
After 5’s. Our in-person events will look a little
have been able to engage with members we
different as we follow current health restrictions
didn’t normally see at our in-person events,
and incorporate measures to ensure the safety
and the accessibility to government
of attendees and our staff.
cont'd pg 8.
MEET THE FACES OF Local BUSINESS MEMBER SINCE 2016
What is your favourite part of your job? Helping people grow their own cannabis plants! We
GROWERS N' SMOKERS
love
The
What is a product or service your organization provides that people might not know about? We help people get their medical prescription for
President 1150 19th Street | Unit A
people
start
and
improve
their
plant
What is the most challenging part of your job?
GROWERSNSMOKERS.COM Rick Macl
helping
growing strategies and their plants.
cannabis. When doctors will not do their paperwork.
Brandon, Manitoba R7B 2M4
We have helped thousands of people gain access to
(204) 717-9333
consume cannabis for for medical reasons.
biggest
challenge
is
trying
to
convince
people
that we are not doing anything illegal.
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber? We wanted to bring legitimacy to the business. Being a member helps promote what our business is. We were also the first cannabis business accredited by
rick@growersnsmokers.com
the Better Business Bureau.
MEMBER SINCE 2016
situation. For example, we have worked/are working
CUTTING EDGE CONSTRUCTION LTD
PO Box 50066 | Brandon SE Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7E4 (204) 728-1278
info@cuttingedgeltd.ca
on
projects
in
Nunavut
where
everything
must
planned out and shipped up well ahead of time. Tools and building materials are extremely expensive there, and
some
materials
must
be
flown
in.
We
need
schedule
if/when
issues
arise.
We
love
a
good
challenge.
What is a product or service your organization What is the most challenging part of your job? provides that people might not know about? Finding more skilled labour to create more crews We are certified Greenstone ICE Panel installers. We energy-efficient
buildings
last
longer
to
strategize, adapt, and innovate to keep the job on
CUTTINGEDGELTD.CA
believe
be
to
keep up with demand.
and
have longstanding benefits for both the customer and the environment.
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber? We believe the Chamber is a great way to connect
What is your favourite part of your job?
with
We pride ourselves on being able to adapt to any
improve our business and our community.
other
business
owners
and
work
together
Roadmap of Chamber Activity
Get ready for a great year with the Chamber! October 2021 Small Biz Week (Oct 18-22, 2022) HR Conference
December 2021 Annual Holiday Luncheon Support Local Initiatives
September 2021 Event season starts: we are planning on in-person and virtual
November 2021
events for 2021-
Black Friday
2022
Update your contact information!
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
02
to
"The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them." -John Maxwell
MEMBER SINCE 2020
We also do free audits for every first time customer.
INTRITECH DIGITAL MARKETING
What is your favourite part of your job? Interacting with clients! Talking, meeting and having coffee is great.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
INTRITECH.CA
From back:
Finding more skilled labour to create more crews to keep up with demand.
Tapiwanashe Magwati & What is a product or service your organization Emelio Brown provides that people might not know about? Managing Partners
We
are
about
to
launch
a
all-in-one
marketing
(204) 520-1111 or (204) 922-2243
platform
called
“IntriTech
Marketing
Hub”.
It
is
a
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber? We believe the Chamber is a great way to connect
info@IntriTech.ca
centralization location to do all of your marketing. It
with
@intritech.ca
works with many applications you work with: email
improve our business and our community.
other
business
owners
and
work
together
to
marketing, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
MEMBER SINCE 1993
What is your favourite part of your job?
YWCA BRANDON What is the most challenging part of your job? THE WESTMAN WOMEN’S SHELTER
The connection created with staff, the community and people we help each day.
Covid-19 and changing restrictions has been the most challenging. We have faced many staffing and funding changes during the pandemic.
Jennifer Beard Westman Women's Shelter Manager 148 - 11th Street BRANDON, MB R7A 4J4 (204) 571-3680
wwsmgr@wcgwave.ca
YWCABRANDON.CA
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber?
What is a product or service your organization provides that people might not know about?
YWCA Brandon is a member of the Chamber to create
We
provide
Futures
to
challenges
a
counselling
couples yet
can
who not
service are
called
having
afford
or
Peaceful
January 2022 (Jan 18-20, 2022)
continue
relationships
with
the
businesses
not
have
February 2022
[Would you like to be featured in one of our upcoming publications? Contact Alix: 204 571 5344]
April 2022 Board Nominations
Roster Book Chamber Award Nominations
June 2022 Indigenous People's Day Chamber Golf Tournament President Changeover
Events Info
Ceremony Renewal Season Starts
Curious about all of our upcoming events and how we plan to keep the safe? Contact us today: 204 571 5340
March 2022
May 2022
International Women's Day
Chamber Annual
(March 8, 2022)
Holiday Luncheon
Annual Awards Ceremony
Celebration
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
who
help support our organization.
relationship
do
benefits to pay for counselling.
Manitoba Ag Days
and
03
CANADIAN LABOUR LAWS Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
Author: Vexxit Staff | December 09, 2020 | 5 min read
Navigating Canada’s labour laws can be
each region. Because these laws influence
fraught
with
and
how you operate your small business, here
subtle
nuances,
small
is an overview of the five most common
business
jurisdictional
obstacles
leaving
owners
many
pondering
compliance.
2
employment standards:
Learn the top five Canadian labour laws
1. Hours of Work
every small business should know.
Across the board, the standard work hours
1 owners across Undeniably, small business
are 8 hours in a day and 40 hours in a
the country are the backbone of Canada’s
week (or 7.5 hours a day and 37.5 hours a
economy, contributing significantly to the
week), to a maximum of 48 hours in any
country’s
According
given week. During these hours, employees
Economic
are entitled to a 15-minute break in the
to
economic
Innovation,
Development
prosperity.
Science
and
Canada,
small
businesses
morning
and
another
in
the
afternoon.
employ more than 8 million Canadians or
There is a little flexibility if an employee
roughly
private
agrees to work more than these hours to
labour force. That’s a staggering number,
meet the needs of your business and will
but
be properly compensated. Best to verify
70%
it
also
of
Canada’s
comes
challenges,
with
total
a
multitude
including
labour
of
law
complexities. Navigating Canada’s labour laws
can
obstacles many
be
fraught
and
small
compliance.
with
subtle
Part
III
owners
of
or
if
flexibility
within
your
province.
leaving
pondering
Canada’s
labour
paid
the
minimum
each
obligations
minimum
wage,
and
non-
wage
province
per
sets
generally
it
hour.
its
own
differs
for
unionized workers in Canada. While these
employees 18 or older and students (those
federal
under 16 years of age). When it comes to
labour
working
in
laws
cover
Canada,
they
all
employees
are
primarily
overtime
pay,
the
usual
rate
in
every
focused on federally regulated employees
Canadian province is 1.5 times the hourly
(railways,
rate of the employee. Generally, overtime
transportation,
broadcasting,
etc.). A whopping 85 to 90% of Canadian
pay
employees
exceeds
fall
under
provincial
labour
commences 40
after
hours
the
per
employee
week.
In
some
laws. In other words – both federal and
provinces, employees can take time off as
provincial governments have the power to
compensation for overtime worked instead
create labour and employment laws that
of pay.
could
impact
employer.
your
Which
obligations
laws
apply
as
all
When
your business operates within.
employer for 12 months, they are entitled
standards
are
similar
within
an
employee
receive
The
two
number
has
weeks of
paid
vacation.
vacation
overarching
goal,
however,
is
to
The
protect
general
standard
but
there
number
are
of
some
both employee and employer rights in the
provincial differences. When it comes to
workplace.
public and statutory holidays, employees
These
laws
also
level
the
playing field for all employers requiring all
a
they
different work
the
on the holiday, they are entitled to receive a premium on top of their daily wage.
4. Leaves of Absence Employees
are
entitled
to
request
and
circumstances.
absence
can
be
These
paid
leaves
or
of
unpaid
depending on the length of the leave or the
arrangement.
requesting
a
Common
leave
of
pregnancy/maternity bereavement. COVID-19
leaves,
light
pandemic,
territories
have
associated adding
In
with
public
reasons
absence
of
all
or
recent
provinces
leave
health
illness, the
amended
for
include
and
the
rules
entitlements,
emergency
leave.
With this type of leave, employees under medical treatment,
investigation, subject
to
supervision isolation
or
or
other
3 closures are entitled to school or daycare unpaid leaves of absence without fear of job loss.
days
years an employee works for you. This is a
region.
the
an
typically
each
with
paid
with
differences
to
increases
of
been
each province, but be aware – there are specific
on
if
family member, including childcare due to
down to your industry type and the region
Employment
holiday day
or those providing care and support to a
3. Annual Vacation & Public Holidays
to
the
measures that prevent them from working
an
comes
for
upon)
holiday. If an employee is required to work
unusual
Employees across Canada are entitled to
Although
employers
off
(agreed
leaves for personal reasons, life events, or
2. Minimum Wage & Overtime be
time
take several types of job-protected work
laws regulate the rights, restrictions, and of
applies
jurisdictional
nuances,
business
how
Some provinces allow employees to take
5. Termination Notice & Pay Canadian employees dismissed
employment from without
being
laws laid
proper
protect off
or
notice
or
compensation.
are entitled to have time off on that day.
to meet the minimum rights defined by
cont'd on pg. 8 CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
04
BUSINESS FUNDING PROGRAMS BRANDON ECONOMIC RESTART PROGRAM (BERP) August 16, 2021 - Until funds deplete. The
BERP
was
developed
to
stimulate
investment
by
Brandon
businesses
negatively
impacted during the COVID pandemic in strategic operational areas that position them to not only rebound but grow.
Maximum one time grant of up to $2,500. Applications will be evaluated on a first come first serve basis until available funding is depleted. To learn more, contact Economic Development Brandon: (204) 729 2132
BRANDON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT July 19, 2021 - September 30, 2021
BACF’s granting program reaches out many communities throughout the entire Westman 2830A Unit 2 Victoria Ave. Brandon, MB R7B 3X1
Region,
and
all
projects
and
programs;
from
the
arts
and
culture
to
community
development, education and recreation, environment, senior services, social services and
laurak@bacf.ca
youth programs.
bacf.ca
The first
requirement
is
grants
are
awarded
to
Canada
Revenue
Agency
registered
charities only, never directly to individuals or non-registered not for profit organizations. To learn more, visit this website: http://bacf.ca/grant-guidelines/
HEALTHY HIRE MANITOBA PROGRAM July 13, 2021 - September 30, 2021
The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program was first announced in late June to help privatesector businesses reopen while encouraging employees to get fully vaccinated.
Under the Healthy Hire Manitoba Program, local employers can apply for up to $50,000 in provincial support to help cover the wages of new employees who can attest they have been vaccinated, intend to be vaccinated or are unable to be vaccinated. To learn more, visit:
In addition, employers that are participating in a different government program may
forms.gov.mb.ca/healthy-
also receive funding from Healthy Hire Manitoba to hire additional employees.
hire-manitoba/
TOURISM REBATE INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TRIP) Reopening late August 2021. “TRIP”
or
Tourism
Rebate
Incentive
Program,
is
designed
to
encourage
Manitoba
residents to take a staycation and experience all that our beautiful province has to offer between July 31 and August 16. Book your getaway, then submit qualifying receipts to receive up to a $100 rebate on a one-night stay at an eligible accommodation, or
To learn more here:
tripmb.ca
book a hotel-designed stay & play package for a $150 rebate.
Taking in Manitoba’s unique sights? Access a rebate for 50% off admission fees at 30 Email: help@tripmb.ca
participating Manitoba “Star Attractions”.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
05
BRANDON den Hid Gems
FEELING LIKE YOU WANT TO BRANCH OUT? CHECK OUT SOME OF THE COOL STUFF OUR MEMBERS ARE DOING!
assiniboine cove Part of the Brandon’s Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan, “Back to the River", Brandon Riverbank Inc., in partnership with the City of Brandon will start the work on "Assiniboine Cove"
We asked the Chamber of Commerce Board Members about some of Brandon's best kept secrets... check it out.
what was previously the west pond, but is now connected to the river— a paddling area and launching spot for canoes and kayaks.
"Butter chicken at Chili Chutney"
LEARN MORE @ riverbank.mb.ca
destination: small biz Three local business owners are bringing their services together to create a unique offering and experience in Brandon's east end, merging home and garden products, landscaping services, boutique floral services and artisan foods and coffee. Now open for business - go check it out before the summer ends!
LEARN MORE @ greenspotbrandon.com
moonlit canopy After the Covid-19 pandemic hit our world, McPhail Travel owners made a local focused pivot! They developed Moonlit Canopy. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors without forgoing the comforts of home. Moonlit Canopy is a place to disconnect, experience starry nights and wild landscapes. The domes are installed on wooden platforms, elevated off the ground for 100% nature-friendly approach creating an unparalleled experience with a sense of profound connection to people and nature.
LEARN MORE @ moonlitcanopy.com/ourstory
walking tours
"Vanish Skin Clinic & Beauty Bar" "This whole emergence of food trucks and new cuisine has me really excited" "My evening workout crew at Rocked Community Fitness" "lattes from h coffee are incredible" "The caramel knots at Blue Hills Bakery" "How many volunteers we have working for charitable groups and organizations" "the assiniboine food forest is magical in any season"
Want to learn more about the history of our downtown buildings? The street cars that used to carry people all over the city? The businessmen and others that shaped Brandon into what it is today? Join the BGMA for the Brandon and Downtown History Walking Tours! Tours take approximately 40-50 minutes. Space is limited, so call the BGMA to save your spot or if you would like more information!
LEARN MORE @ brandongeneralmuseum.ca CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
"I think Brandon is too small to keep anything secret so I’d have to just say that we have some fabulous restaurants that people should drive out here to try!" 06
SEPTEMBER EVENTS LINEUP
*Please note that all dates, times, speakers and topics are subject to change.
FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE - IN PERSON! 9:00am - 10:00am | September 3, 2021
Join us as we meet up again in person! Share some coffee and reconnect with the Chamber network at our legendary networking event. These mini events are an excellent opportunity for you and your business to meet with new and existing clients.
1043 Rosser Avenue | FREE | Registration Required
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1:00pm - 2:00pm | September 9, 2021
Please join us virtually for our Annual General Meeting which is open to all members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
ZOOM | FREE | Registration Required
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON WITH JAY GREWAL 11:30am - 1:00pm | September 28, 2021
As the first female CEO in Manitoba Hydro’s history, Jay Grewal knows the opportunity she has to inspire through leadership, and thrives under the pressure.
Major Sponsor: Sunrise Credit Union Stay tuned for more details! All dates, times and speakers are subject to change. Stay in touch at
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | AUGUST 2021
brandonchamber.ca
07
Chamber at a Glance is published twelve times per year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Avenue | Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 Phone: (204) 571-5340 | Fax: (204) 571-5347 info@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca BOARD OF DIRECTORS
cont'd from pg. 6 When terminating an employee, you need to give them written notice, termination pay instead of notice or a combination of both. An employee is obligated to work until the end date specified on the notice. The amount of notice or pay received will depend on how long an employee has been with you. Every termination will undergo a process and should be based on applicable law.
You also need to keep records of each employee. Canada’s Ministry of Labour employment standards officer, as well as provincial labour boards, expect employers to have documented
Barry Cooper | President Heritage Co-op
records on each employee. Whether maintained by you or an authorized representative (payroll
company
or
accountant),
they
need
to
be
readily
available.
Violations
of
the
Tanya LaBuick | Vice-President CW2 Construction Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co.
Employment Standards Act can result in monetary penalties or worse – jail time. As a small
Jaime Pugh | Secretary-Treasurer MNP LLP.
Canada’s labour laws is the fact that they are constantly changing. While there is plenty of
Spencer Day | Past President Progressive Westman
business owner, you’ll also need to abide by several other laws and regulations that govern employment in Canada, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment Equity Act and the Human Rights Act. Further compounding the complexities associated with
information available, it’s always best to seek professional advice to ensure you stay on the right side of Canada’s employment laws.
Want
to
learn
more
about
our
affinity
Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor
Client
E
Vexxit?
Ottenbreit
Engagement T
Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd.
partner
Yanik
Manager
204-998-9058
yanik.ottenbreit@vexxit.com
cont'd from pg. 1
Andrea Epp Epp Law Office
As we all move into this next stage of the pandemic, you will also need to re-evaluate the
Chris Finley Mazergroup
Perhaps you changed to products or delivery models that have proven to be more lucrative;
changes made, keeping those that have worked well and ditching those that have not.
or perhaps remote work has reduced the need for office space. The road to recovery will be a long, difficult journey for many businesses who have worked diligently and sacrificed so
Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Ryan Jacobson Affordable Storage Brandon Forbidden Flavours Roastery Meredyth Leech Leech Printing Ltd. Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Lois MacDonald Alternative Landscaping Ltd.
much to curb the spread of COVID. For those, they just want the opportunity to get back to work and do what they do best. We are pleased to have worked with the City to develop the Brandon Economic Restart Program (BERP) to help those Brandon businesses most negatively impacted during the pandemic, by providing funds to support strategic operational areas that will help position them to not only rebound but grow. (To see if you are eligible, visit
http://economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/berp). Even as things seem to be returning to normal, COVID will be with us indefinitely. We will need
to
continue
to
adapt
protocols
and
precautions
to
keep
ourselves
safe
to reopen, so please be kind to one another.
Aida Tahhan Aida's Catering CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager Erin Houck Events & Program Coordinator
Carolynn Cancade General Manager | The Brandon Chamber of Commerce gm@brandonchamber.ca
Who We Are: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon
Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations Jordan Horkey Office Coordinator
while
strengthening customer confidence. There will be varying levels of comfort as things continue
business from the grassroots level.
Our Mission: To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.