JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
Looking Ahead to
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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
features 14
FEATURE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Cap and Trade, the Business Perspective
Art Sinclair
Allan O'Dette
EDITOR:
Heather Hutchings
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COVER STORY
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
The Liberal Party Tax Platform: What it could mean for you
M&T Printing Group PHOTOGRAPHY:
Sabrina Fitzgerald & Maple Tay
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Adamski Photography
FEATURE
New Economic Development Corporation Moving Forward in 2016 Gerry Remers
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FEATURE
ADVERTISING AND SALES:
David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Karen Cross – kcross@greaterkwchamber.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Meet the 2015-2016 Board of Directors
Sabrina Fitzgerald, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, Ian McLean, Allan O’Dette, Gerry Remers, Art Sinclair, Maple Tay CONTRIBUTORS:
Teri Egerdeen and Julie Tedesco ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES: January 22, 2016 for March-April 2016 March 18, 2016 for May-June 2016 July 15, 2016 for September-October 2016 September 16, 2016 for November-December 2016
departments 4 5
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
No Shortage of Opportunity to Stay Connected
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Sabrina Fitzgerald
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Waterloo Region Economic Prospects are Solid for 2016 Ian McLean
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ADVOCACY
Pharmacare Proposal Requires Serious Analysis Art Sinclair
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PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE
Showcasing Greater KW to Young Health Care Professionals Mary Sue Fitzpatrick
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NETWORKING
Autumn Networking
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NEW MEMBERS
October 1 to November 30, 2015 HI-LIGHTING MEMBERS
Hi-lighting New Members who joined in 2015
SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:
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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 519.576.5000 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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message from the chair
No Shortage of Opportunity to Stay Connected BY SABRINA FITZGERALD
There is certainly no shortage of events in the Waterloo Region and the Chamber hosts a high percentage of them. I love meeting new people, and helping them where I can which is only one of the reasons why I attend many events. Like so many of you, networking and connecting with people is really important to me. Chamber events provide endless opportunities for our community businesses (large and small) to meet and chat with associates from all around the region. In the fall I had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. This year it was in Ottawa on the weekend immediately before the Federal election. Needless to say the city was bustling and certainly very politically charged. What I learned from my weekend away listening to endless policy resolutions, meeting many Chamber Chairs and CEOs but also from meeting guest speakers at our lunches/dinners was that the Chambers and Boards of Trade no matter where geographically offer such a great opportunity to new and emerging businesses. We had a speaker, Paul Meek of Kichesippi Beer, founded in Ottawa, Ontario. They are a small craft brewery who also make soda pop under the name Harvey and Vern’s. He shared a wonderful story about the company’s beginnings and where they are today, and thanked the Chamber network for much of his success. Paul’s words of advice for any new or emerging business was to be sure to become members of their local chamber. Not only because it helped them, but rather because the local chamber is there to connect businesses, to provide them with the resources or the people needed to succeed. The Chambers provide connections through networking and benefits to businesses through numerous affiliated member service programs. To connect the dots for businesses starting up or looking for a path, Paul mentioned that the merchant service savings and the fuel card savings alone were enough to justify the cost of their membership, not to mention all the connections they gain through being members and being involved in the events.
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If you’re a member and/or you’ve attended a Chamber event in the past, you know what Paul is talking about. In 2016 we have a great line up of events which can be found on our website at http://greaterkwchamber.com/. If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved, I encourage you to look us up for an event that would suit you and your business. We have a wide array of events to suit all schedules, and attending the Breakfast Networking Event is how I got started with the Chamber, now finding myself at so many more functions. There are so many types – a few of which include Business after 5, Chamber Young Professionals, the Women's Leadership events, the Point of View luncheons as well as premiere events like the Business Excellence Awards Gala, International Women’s Day Breakfast, the 100 Mile Feast, the Energy & Environment Forum as well as the Manufacturing Summit. Further, our Chamber has a great education program, peer to peer groups and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs, and again more information can be found online. We would love to see you get more involved and spread the word about all the great things the Chamber is doing in 2016. Looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming Chamber event and look forward to helping you and your business in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sabrina Fitzgerald CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sabrina is a CPA, CA and tax partner at PwC LLP. She has a passion for working with businesses and owners in the region, to efficiently plan their tax affairs. She is also an avid volunteer in the community.
message from the president
Waterloo Region Economic Prospects are Solid for 2016 BY IAN MCLEAN New trade agreements and the re-focusing of economic development in Waterloo Region are again providing strong prospects for local business.
Waterloo Region and Toronto will further facilitate residential and commercial development, generate travel time savings, and make the region more attractive for business relocation and retention.
The past year started with a high level of optimism originating from a drop in the Canadian dollar, which traditionally leads to increased exports into the American market. Growth in manufacturing, although slower than anticipated, was moderately sustained throughout the calendar year.
On the advocacy portfolio, the new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) and the proposed Cap and Trade system will be the priorities for the upcoming year. Our Chamber has expressed serious concerns with the government’s eligibility requirements as they relate to comparable pension plans currently being offered by employers. Many businesses consider the new plan an unnecessary payroll tax that further adds to the cost of doing business in Ontario.
The new Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation (WREDC) becomes operational in January of 2016 under the capable leadership of President & CEO Tony LaMantia. The new organization has evolved through extensive consultations with the business sector and other stakeholders to ensure we maximize economic opportunities in Canadian and foreign markets. The board of the new corporation is exclusively composed of representatives from the business sector, ensuring that strategies and operations align with local priorities and objectives. All major sectors of Waterloo Region are present, including manufacturing, food, financial services, information technology, and educational institutions. Along with attracting new investment into our economy, significant efforts will be directed towards opening new foreign markets and making connections to benefit local businesses. Also, the launch of the WREDC aligns with the new trade agreement between Canada and the European Union where provisions are now coming into effect, and the recent completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which provides significant new markets for businesses across Canada. A report issued early in 2015 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Credit Unions of Ontario indicated that the Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie (KWB) region is creating jobs at a rate that outpaces every other region in Ontario. Economic growth is being generated by exports and business investment spending in manufacturing and high tech. The KWB residential and non-residential construction sectors were very active in 2014, with residential building permits increasing by 14 percent and non-residential 36 percent higher. Major projects include the expansion of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital and LRT. Also, transportation improvements such as the LRT and pending expansion of GO transit service between
Details on the proposed Cap and Trade system have been extremely limited to date, and again concern has been expressed by business organizations throughout the province on adding further government expenses, particularly as we recover from the recession of 2008. In Ottawa, the 2015 federal Budget provided a major incentive to the manufacturing sector through the extension, for ten years, of the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA) on investments into new machinery and equipment. The future success of Canadian manufacturing is highly dependent on innovation and technology for enhancing productivity levels, and for the last eight years the ACCA has been a major asset for increasing sector competitiveness. The new federal government should continue with this program over the next decade as promised by the Harper administration. Overall, prospects for the local economy are strong for many sectors and our Chamber looks forward to working with the business community to ensure we capitalize on emerging opportunities for optimal results.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
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THANK Y YOU OU T TO O OUR DEDICA DEDICATED DICA ATED T SPONSORS SPONSOR F FOR OR HELPING THE CHAMBER C CONTINUE ONTINUE IT ITS S GOAL GOAL OF ELIMINATING ELIMINA IMINA ATING T WATERLOO THE DOCTOR DOCTOR SHORTAGE SHORTAGE E IN W ATERL T OO REGION PLATINUM PLA AT TINUM
GOLD
Ontario Provincial vincial District Distr Council
SIL LV VER SILVER
C H A R T E R E D P R O F E S S I O N A L AC C O U N TA N T S C E R T I F I E D G E N E R A L A C C O U N TA N T S
BRONZE
C OMMUNITY COMMUNITY
INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS
Linda Dancey
SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS
Al Hayes
Karen Mason
Tim Jackson
Ian McLean
advocacy
Pharmacare Proposal Requires Serious Analysis BY ART SINCLAIR An issue that generated considerable media and public attention during the recent federal vote was a national pharmacare program. The election did not resolve the debate and it is clear that discussion will continue across Canada for a significant time frame. The current focus centres on recent reports advocating that prescription drugs should be included in the Canadian medicare system on the same basis as hospital and physician costs. In July of this year, shortly before the start of the election campaign, a group of professionals across academia and the health care system released the report Pharmacare 2020 – The Future of Drug Coverage in Canada. The authors concluded that a universal and accessible plan should be fully implemented and operational by the year 2020. The document contends that a national pharmacare system would save Canadians between $4 and $11 billion annually, a component that generates a high level of support among many constituencies. However the authors also include a recommendation that the federal government should provide 25 percent of the program costs using a number of instruments including corporate taxes, GST and premiums. The issue now becomes determining actual short-term expenses against possible long-term savings. The answers are not clear. The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), in September 2015 correspondence to former federal Minister of Health Rona Ambrose, indicates that if prescription drugs were included in medicare on the same basis as physician and hospital costs an immediate $14.1 billion deficit could be created which Ottawa and the provinces would be forced to correct. The gap between the CLHIA and 2020 on costs is $25 billion, a considerable difference. The CLHIA has also indicated that the current drug system can be reformed by leveraging the market to negotiate lower prices. Bulk purchasing of drugs can lead to major savings and a single government monopoly is not required. Association President Frank Swedlove has stated the life and health insurance industry stands committed to working with governments to obtain the available savings while preserving the benefits from competition and innovation that the private sector delivers to the marketplace.
Furthermore, the current system of approving drugs for reimbursement results in unequal access for Canadians and adds administrative costs across the system. The CLHIA supports the creation of a minimum formulary of drugs that all residents across Canada can access, and will provide an adequate level of coverage for both basic and high-cost specialty products. A resolution supporting a national pharmacare strategy was tabled at the recent 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa. It was defeated by delegates in attendance. At recent Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber candidate forums held in the four local ridings, the pharmacare issue was on the agenda for questions. The responses and positions not only varied among the parties but also the candidates within each party. On September 18 the Liberals issued a release highly critical of the NDP’s commitment to implement, through $2.6 billion over four years, a national pharmacare program. A quote from current Minister of Immigration John McCallum noted that “by siding with Stephen Harper to avoid a deficit at all costs, Mulcair can’t possibly pay for his multi-billion dollar promises like pharmacare. His promises sound good but there is no substance behind it.” During the recent federal election campaign, veteran political analyst Tom Walkom called pharmacare one of the most important health care initiatives in decades. Therefore it is critical for Ottawa to analyze all options and impacts before reforming the current system which all stakeholders including provincial health ministers agree needs change.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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perspective on health care
Showcasing Greater KW to Young Health Care Professionals BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK With the generous investment and support of corporate and municipal partners, the Chamber Health Care Resources Council is able to oversee a number of ongoing programs throughout the year to attract new family physicians to serve the health care needs of the community. The most significant program is our annual Family Medicine Resident Weekend when we host first, second and third year family medicine residents and their partners interested in practice and employment opportunities in Kitchener-Waterloo-Woolwich. In November we celebrated our 17th year of showcasing the community to these young health care professionals. During their three-day community visit, the residents toured Grand River Hospital and the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk and discussed practice opportunities with local family physicians while their partners toured our rural and urban communities and explored employment opportunities. The family medicine residents and their partners also met some high profile business and community leaders and learned more about the region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.
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They were guests at a special luncheon hosted at Communitech. In the high tech environment, our visitors enjoyed Kennedy’s famous Waterloo County fare while Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia, Director of the eHealth Centre of Excellence at the Centre For Family Medicine gave them an overview of the local, leading-edge eHealth initiative that has now been introduced across WaterlooWellington and has been expanded into other LHINs in Southwestern Ontario. Along with our major corporate and community partners, the Chamber extends special thanks to this year’s resident weekend supporters who added the special touches that thoroughly impressed our guests: the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel for their fine food, service and accommodation; Communitech for hosting our visitors; Innocente Brewing Limited for their gift packages and their brewery tour and tasting; Sun Life for their gift packages and Kitchener Rangers jersey and tickets; Airways Transit for the shuttle service; Brentwood Livery for the top notch transportation and Kennedy’s Catering for a delicious taste of Waterloo County fare.
perspective on health care
After the weekend, all of the residents and their partners expressed their appreciation for the wonderful hospitality and for well organized and informative events. Many residents expressed their interest in further exploring local practice opportunities before they finish their residency this summer. Members of the Family Physician Liaison Task Force, co-chaired by Al Hayes of WalterFedy and Lana Hillier of Deloitte, are to be congratulated for hosting another exceptional weekend. Their support and personal involvement and that of Chamber board members and local business and community leaders made it especially warm and welcoming for the visiting residents and their partners.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Sue Fitzpatrick Mary Sue is Vice President Family Physician Resources and Health Advocacy.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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networking
Autumn Networking
GUESTS AT THE 100 MILE FEAST, A TASTE OF SPAIN
INTRIGUE MEDIA BOOTH HAVING SOME FUN
GUESTS ENJOYING THE RECEPTION AT THE 100 MILE FEAST
THE REGION OF WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & SUNWING BOOTH
MARINA & KEVORK GARABETIAN AND LOREN CANNING
KW HUMANE SOCIETY GIVING AWAY CUPCAKES
POINT OF VIEW LUNCHEON WITH BDC’S MARY ANN WENZLER-WIEBE
KATE’S KOOKIES WITH DELICIOUS SAMPLES
Photography by Adamski Photography
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THE 100 MILE FEAST'S 2ND COURSE FEATURED CELERY, MARTIN’S APPLE AND THORNLOE CALABRESE-STYLE BLUE CHEESE, CHIVE CREAM AND ONTARIO RED CURRANT “PAINT”
networking
Autumn Networking
HOSTS ANDREW COPPOLINO & MIKE FARWELL
DESSERT – RIOLA SOUS VIDE ONTARIO PEARS, UNDER THE KILT WALNUT MERINGUE AND CRÈME CHANTILLY
CARAMEL FLAN, JEWELS
OXFORD LEARNING BOOTH – READY TO EDUCATE
MANULIFE CLASSIC LPGA BOOTH
STEVE INNOCENTE PROVIDING BREWS!
SAMPLES OF INNOCENTE
THE MAGICAL TEAM AT MULROONEY & ASSOCIATES
CHEF LORI MAIDLOW PREPARING THE BDC LUNCHEON AT THE CROWNE PLAZA JAY & NATALIE AISSA WITH MINTO & ERIC SCHNEIDER
SALAD!
Photography by Adamski Photography
F E B R U A R Y 6 & 7, 2016
10AM–5PM
BINGEMANS CONFERENCE CENTRE
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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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new members
October 1 to November 30, 2015 A.J. Power Company
Bonfire Interactive Ltd.
FlightPath Charter Airways Inc.
KEV Software Inc.
Management Consultants Alison Power, President 948 Atlantic Blvd Waterloo, ON N2K 4L5 Email: alisonpower@rogers.com Phone: (519) 503-3081
Internet & Technology Products & Service Andrew Wilgar, Director of Client Relations/Partner 113 Breithaupt St, Suite 100 Kitchener, ON N2H 5G9 Email: hello@gobonfire.com www.gobonfire.com Phone: (519) 500-9208
Aircraft Charter, Rental & Leasing Service Nolan Kiely, Account Manager 4A-4881 Fountain St N, Hangar 33 Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 Email: info@flyflightpath.ca www.flyflightpath.ca Phone: (519) 648-9712 Fax: (519) 648-9713
Software - Accounting Momin Khan, Project Manager 1167 Caledonia Rd, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M6A 2X1 Email: momink@kevgroup.com www.kevgroup.com Phone: (866) 891-9138 Fax: (866) 891-9139
Angelica Pinto - Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc. Brokerage Real Estate Brokers & Agents Angelica Pinto, Sales Representative 83 Erb Street West Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2 Email: info@angelicapinto.com www.angelicapinto.com Phone: (226) 988-3696 Fax: (519) 489-2772
Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club Golf Courses Jim Maraschiello, President 5700 Rd #86, RR1 Ariss, ON N0B 1B0 Email: proshop@arissvalley.com www.arissvalley.com Phone: (519) 824-1551
AVS Machine & Tool Inc. Machine Shops Rudy Varga, President/Owner 66 Rankin St, Unit 1 - 3 Waterloo, ON N2V 1V9 Email: rudy@avsmachineandtool.com www.avsmachineandtool.com Phone: (519) 746-1345 Fax: (519) 746-2946
Axonify Educational Programs Carol Leaman, CEO 460 Philip St, Suite 300 Waterloo, ON N2L 5J2 Email: cleaman@axonify.com www.axonify.com Phone: (519) 585-1200
Blind Ambition Blinds Gretta Kilpatrick, Owner 7-25 Industrial Drive Elmira, ON N3B 3K3 Email: grettakilpatrick@gmail.com askgretta.com Phone: (519) 741-1750
Blyth Academy Schools - Academic - Elementary & Secondary Pat Shaw, President 146 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C2 Email: charmain.emerson@blytheducation.com www.blytheducation.com Phone: (416) 960-3552
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Cornerstone Courier
Freshii
KW Basketball Club
Courier Service Lindsay Harding-Phimister, VP Sales 219 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3B3 Email: lindsayh@cornerstonecourier.com www.cornerstonecourier.com Phone: (519) 741-0446
Restaurants James Barnett, Franchise Partner 255 King St N, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V2 Email: jbarnett@freshii.com www.freshii.com Phone: (519) 954-5551
Sports Associations & Organizations John Thompson, CEO Waterloo, ON Email: sstj99@gmail.com www.cbltickets.com Phone: (519) 884-4050
H.P.M. Wildlife Control
datademons Inc.
Wildlife Control Hans Malthaner, Project Manager/Wildlife Technologist PO Box 6173 New Hamburg, ON N3A 2K6 Email: hans@hpmwildlifecontrol.ca www.hpmwildlifecontrol.ca Phone: (519) 465-3690
Courier Service Paul LeBlanc, Owner 7B-871 Victoria St N Kitchener, ON N2B 3S4 Email: paul@kwdelivery.ca www.kwdelivery.ca Phone: (519) 807-2816
Computer Software Justin Wheeler, Director 221 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, ON N1S 1N6 Email: chamber@datademons.com www.datademons.com Phone: (877) 423-3282
Dematic Ltd. Material Handling Equipment Ginny Smith, Office Manager 609 Kumpf Dr, Suite 201 Waterloo, ON N2V 1K8 Email: virginia.smith@dematic.com www.dematic.com Phone: (226) 772-7300 Fax: (226) 772-7301
E Craftsmen Corporation Manufacturers Blaine Gray, VP Sales & Marketing 73 Schaefer Street Waterloo, ON N2L 4C4 Email: bgray@ecraftsmen.com www.ecraftsmen.com Phone: (519) 884-2210 Fax: (519) 884-2211
Farm Boy
Imminy Inc. Immigration Recruitment Carlos Saavedra, CEO/Co-Founder 151 Charles St W, Suite 100 Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6 Email: info@imminy.com www.imminy.com Phone: (519) 404-1535
Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. Internet & Technology Products & Service Brian Halk, Director of Marketing 435 King St. N, Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z5 Email: bhalk@intellimec.com www.intellimec.com Phone: (519) 745-8887 Fax: (519) 745-9774
Jeff Sheppard - Re/Max Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd. Brokerage
Grocers Jim Empey, Customer Engagement Manager 385 Fairway Rd S, Unit 2 Kitchener, ON N2C 2N9 Email: fairwaystoremgr@farmboy.ca www.farmboy.ca Phone: (855) 347-1007 Fax: (613) 247-8731
Real Estate Brokers & Agents Jeff Sheppard, Sales Representative 180 Weber St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 2B2 Email: jeff@wrliving.com www.waterlooregionliving.com Phone: (519) 496-3904
First Mate Real Property Solutions
Real Estate Brokers & Agents Keith Bridge, Sales Representative 180 Weber St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 2B2 Email: keith@bridge2homes.com www.bridge2homes.com Phone: (519) 589-3181 Fax: (519) 888-6117
Property Management Patrick Collins, Co-Owner Kitchener, ON Email: pat@firstmate-rps.com Phone: (226) 789-0984
Keith Bridge - Re/Max Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd. Brokerage
KW Delivery
Let's Get Organized Organizing Specialists Holly Kassik, Professional Organizer 55 Northfield Dr E, Suite 326 Waterloo, ON N2K 3T6 Email: info@letsgetorganizedsolutions.ca www.letsgetorganizedsolutions.ca Phone: (226) 647-2177
Max TV Media Digital Media Erik Kehat, CEO 158 Limestone Crescent Toronto, ON M3J 2S4 Email: info@maxtvmedia.com www.maxtvmedia.com Phone: (416) 548-7422
Nasira Nasim CPA Accountants, CPA-CA Nasira Nasim, Partner(Sole) 302 - 40 King St S Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 Email: nasira@nasimaccounting.ca www.nasimaccounting.ca Phone: (519) 716-7615 Fax: (226) 240-9156
Neurovative Technologies Inc. Life Sciences - Medical Devices Iman Shafieloo, CEO 656 Colby Dr, Unit 201, Waterloo, ON N2V 1A2 Email: ishafieloo@neurovative.com www.vibrant.me Phone: (226) 220-1503
new members
October 1 to November 30, 2015 Never Forget Photo
Prima Payments Corp.
Strategy Global Inc
Photo Booths David Wilk, President 3 Oakwood Ave, Kitchener, ON N2H 6G7 Email: info@neverforgetphoto.ca www.neverforgetphoto.ca Phone: (888) 501-0199
Merchant Services Arnold Radford, CEO 74 McGowan Street Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Email: arnold@primapayments.com www.primapayments.com Phone: (519) 279-4155 Fax: (519) 279-4154
Telecommunications-Consultants Kevin Kuch, Diector of Sales 428 Timbercroft Crescent Waterloo, ON N2T 2J1 Email: kevin@strategyglobal.ca www.strategyglobal.ca Phone: (519) 884-8254
Realty Executives Infinity Inc.
Lawyers Kelly Griffin, Lawyer 675 Queen St S, Suite 100, Kitchener, ON N2M 1A1 Email: kellygriffin@sutherlandmark.com www.sutherlandmark.com Phone: (519) 725-2500
NexGen Marketing Group Marketing Consultants Lori McCrae, Chief Marketing Officer 22 King St S, Suite 300, Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 Email: lori.mccrae@nexgenmarketing.ca www.nexgenmarketing.ca Phone: (519) 279-0168 Fax: (519) 664-0363
Oxford Learning Eastbridge Tutoring Allison Bourke, Director 370 Eastbridge Blvd, Unit 8 Waterloo, ON N2K 4P1 Email: eastbridge@oxfordlearning.com www.oxfordlearning.com Phone: (519) 746-9000
Real Estate Cheryl Sarnavka, Broker/Owner 180 Columbia St W, Unit 1A Waterloo, ON N2L 3L3 Email: cheryl@therealtyden.com www.therealtyden.com Phone: (800) 336-8037
Moving & Storage Brandee Arasim, General Manager 144 Charles Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H7 Email: chris_heimpel@uhaul.com www.uhaul.com Phone: (519) 744-5227
Sutherland Mark
Restoration 1 Kitchener
Sweetwater PM Inc.
Fire & Water Damage Restoration Aron Pinto, General Manager 4 - 565 Trillium Drive Kitchener, ON N2R 1J4 Email: aron@restoration1.ca www.kitchener.restoration1.ca Phone: (519) 505-4785 Fax: (519) 489-2772
Real Estate Investments Annmarie Bordin-Kuch, Real Estate Investor, Wealth Creation 428 Timbercroft Crescent, Waterloo, ON N2T 2J1 Email: annmarie@swinvesting.ca www.swinvesting.ca Phone: (519) 884-0752
the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre
Paul Eichinger
RVG London
Honorary Members Paul Eichinger, c/o MTE Consultants Inc. - 520 Bingemans Centre Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 3X9 Email: peichinger@mte85.com Phone: (519) 743-6500
Entertainment Moris Pieve, Owner Kitchener, ON Email: rvg@rvglondon.com www.rvglondon.com Phone: (519) 601-8040
PlacesMobile, Inc
Honorary Members Sandra Stone, c/o Ivanhoe Cambridge II Inc./Conestoga Mall, 550 King Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 5W6 Email: Sandra.Stone@ivanhoecambridge.com Phone: (519) 886-5500
Marketing Consultants Jim Hilker, President 255 Burns Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Email: jim@placesmobile.com www.placesmobile.com Phone: (607) 227-1367
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Kitchener
Sandra Stone
Charitable & Community Organizations Eric Pierni, Executive Director 177 Albert Street Waterloo, ON N2L 3T4 Email: glebecentre@wlu.ca www.glebecounselling.ca Phone: (519) 884-3305
The Paragon Group Engineers Micah Jarvis, President 596 Black Oak Crescent Waterloo, ON N2V 1A5 Email: mjarvis@theparagongroup.ca www.theparagongroup.ca Phone: (519) 589-1580
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Waterloo Moving & Storage Brandee Arasim, General Manager 585 Colby Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 1A1 Email: sherry_grundstrom@uhaul.com www.uhaul.com Phone: (519) 888-0880
U-Save Wholesale Flooring Floor Materials, Sales and Contractors Lisa Groothuis, Manager 1248 Victoria St N Kitchener, ON N2B 3C9 Email: lisa@usaveflooring.ca www.usaveflooring.ca Phone: (519) 585-1500 Fax: (519) 585-0075
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Safety Consultants & Training Jennifer MacFarlane, Key Account Manager 5110 Creekbank Rd, Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1 Email: nicole.hopkins@wsps.ca www.wsps.ca Phone: (905) 614-1400 Fax: (905) 614-1414
theeventfilm.com | 519.580.7691
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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feature
Cap and Trade, the Business Perspective BY ALLAN O’DETTE Coming out of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris at the end of last year, the global landscape is quickly evolving. With China’s decision to launch a national cap and trade system in 2017, and the United States launching the Clean Power Plan, jurisdictions around the world are moving ahead with policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As Ontario moves forward to address climate change through a cap and trade system, businesses want to be part of the conversation. Ontario’s business community understands the need to take action on climate change. If designed correctly, the Province’s cap and trade system could provide significant economic and environmental opportunities. If designed poorly, however, we could see the opposite. That is why, last September, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released Clean Profits: Pricing Carbon and Embracing the Economic Potential of Cap and Trade. The report identified important priorities for government to design a system that maximizes benefits while minimizing costs. To do so, we drew on the expertise of the broader business community, which has considerable experience in jurisdictions that presently employ carbon pricing policies. Throughout the design and implementation of cap and trade, certainty and transparency will be critical. Without knowing how cap and trade will impact their bottom line, businesses looking to invest in Ontario face an ambiguous decision-making environment. According to the most recent data available publicly from the Government of Ontario, the province contains close to 150 large emitters. We don’t know how much revenue the government will collect from those companies, how that revenue will be calculated, or how the consumer will have to absorb those new costs. As such, among our recommendations is for government to conduct an economic analysis of the proposed cap and trade system. The results of an economic analysis would be foundational in helping Ontarians understand the costs and benefits of the proposed system.
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In addition, some businesses will need assistance transitioning to the new system. Both Quebec and California offer free allowances to help reduce the initial cost of compliance for industries that would be particularly impacted by a carbon price, and Ontario should do the same. The cement industry in British Columbia provides a cautionary tale of what happens when transitional support is unavailable. When B.C.’s carbon tax was introduced in 2008, cement imports accounted for less than six percent of supply. As the cost of the carbon tax increased, cement imports grew to over 40 percent. Domestic cement production was replaced by cement from jurisdictions without carbon pricing policies—a poor economic and environmental outcome. Finally, the cap and trade system must be implemented alongside other GHG-reducing policies that reflect the different sources of Ontario’s total emissions output. According to Environment Canada’s latest National Inventory Report, industrial emissions contributed 28 percent of the province’s total emissions in 2013; a significant amount, but not the whole story. That year, the transportation and building sectors contributed 35 percent and 19 percent of emissions, respectively. What is the government’s plan to reduce GHGs from these sectors? Meeting the province’s targets will require emissions reductions from all sources. In this context, our message is clear: businesses need to be part of a solution that achieves the government’s environmental goals while fostering positive economic outcomes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allan O’Dette Allan is President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
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hi-lighting members
Hi-lighting New Members who joined in 2015 Apex Occupational Health and Wellness Your trusted advisor for Occupational Health and Wellness, offering knowledgebased medical and regulatory guidance and quality employee health solutions. Working with clients, Apex designs and delivers services that integrate easily into company operations, engage employees for increased program participation, and provide a cost-effective return on investment.
Clifton Kok LLP Legal Counsel Serves clients in four areas of practice: CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL LAW (for all business and non-profit organizations); ESTATES LAW (including estate planning and administration); REAL PROPERTY LAW (including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and development, particularly of condominiums); CONDOMINIUM MANAGEMENT LAW. Contact us today.
s2e Technologies Inc. From landmark solar projects to developing smart sustainable and net zero energy communities, S2E assembles a dynamic team specifically tailored to their client’s goals and objectives. From origination through execution and beyond, S2E leverages experience, expertise and leading-edge technologies to help deliver the most economically and ecologically beneficial clean and sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit www.s2etech.com
AVS Machine and Tool AVS Machine and Tool is a well-established machine shop in Waterloo. We have been providing our customers with high quality, precision custom machining for 30 years. We specialize in rush orders and do small quantities as well as large orders. Our highly skilled machinists are masters in turning and milling of all forms of steel, aluminum, plastics etc. We manufacture parts for the automotive, pharmaceutical, food processing industries just to name a few. We pride ourselves on quickly responding to quotes and having our parts delivered on time. AVS is a leader in custom precision machining in the KW area, family owned and operated by Rudy Varga.
Heart to Home Meals
Apex Occupational Health and Wellness 1601 River Road East, Unit 102 Kitchener (519) 896-3330 info@apexocc.com www.apexocc.com
Clifton Kok LLP Legal Counsel 12 Northumberland Street Ayr (519) 632-9755 mkok@cklegal.ca www.cklegal.ca
s2e Technologies Inc. 1440-2 King St. North PO Box 547 St. Jacobs (519) 664-3636 info@s2etech.com www.s2etech.com
AVS Machine and Tool 66 Rankin Street Waterloo (519) 746-1345 rudy@avsmachineandtool.com www.avsmachineandtool.com
Heart to Home Meals
Proper eating habits of seniors is a worry for many in our community, from family members to healthcare professionals. Caring service, 150+ delicious frozen ready options and free delivery are the core services Heart to Home Meals offers to seniors.
1277 Bridge Street, Unit #3 New Dundee (519) 696-3773 ann.blais@hearttohomemeals.ca http://www.hearttohomemeals.ca
Jeff Wemp Photography
Jeff Wemp Photography
Jeff Wemp Photography provides commercial photography services with an emphasis on products, events, and architecture including real estate. My mission is providing clients with images that help them stand out. Let’s meet and discuss how I may help you.
Kitchener jrwemp@gmail.com www.jeffwemp.photoshelter.com 226-868-0583
Dirt and Snow Dirt and Snow is a year round property maintenance business serving the TriCities and surrounding area. We provide landscape maintenance (lawn cutting, spring/fall cleanup, flower bed maintenance, etc.) and snow removal. For the spring of 2016 we are offering a free 3 hour spring cleanup to new clients who sign up for our weekly lawn cutting.
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Dirt and Snow Trevor Jacobs, Director of Operations (519) 502-7101 trevor@dirtandsnow.ca www.dirtandsnow.ca
hi-lighting members
Hi-lighting New Members who joined in 2015 DEPTH Training Inc
DEPTH Training Inc DEPTH Training Inc. is a local business established to change the lives of the members of the Waterloo Region. Our services include athletic development, SHREDCity (KW’s best fitness and nutrition program), Personal Training, Physiotherapy and Massage therapy.
Chevreau Consulting Limited– We have an eye for safety
2-483 Conestogo Rd. Waterloo p. 226.748.9494 e. info@depthtraining.ca www.depthtraining.ca
Chevreau Consulting Limited
Call CCL today to develop a Safety Management System to protect your workers and your business by using these essential elements in your Safety Management System: • know your H&S Legal Obligations; •identify your significant workplace hazards; • create written policies, practices and procedures; • train your workers and monitor, communicate and enforce your system.
KW DELIVERY KW Delivery provides dependable courier solutions and logistical support to a wide variety of customers. Our foundation is based on exceptional customer service. We customize solutions to meet your specific needs all while treating your customers as our own. Professional, customer focused and cost competitive. WE DELIVER YOUR WORLD YOUR WAY.
55 Northfield Drive East, Suite 148 Waterloo (519) 635-0574 gchevreau@sentex.net www.cheavrau.ca
KW DELIVERY 7B-871 Victoria Street North Kitchener (519) 807-2816 paul@kwdelivery.ca www.kwdelivery.ca
PC Core
PC Core
PC Core is a one stop computer store for your home, office and business solutions. We do sales & service of major brand PCs. Being a local business we provide better and faster solutions for your everyday computing needs.
4396 King Street E, Unit #5 Kitchener (519) 653-9500 asad@pccore.ca www.pccore.ca
Graphic Knack
Graphic Knack
Graphic Knack provides leading and unique business branding solutions to small/medium size businesses and start-ups. From concept to completion G.K. uses a 7 stage strategic approach to provide affordable packages. Packages include creative direction, graphic design, consulting, marketing and web services.
P.O. Box 6148 New Hamburg (519) 496-2767 acs@graphicknack.ca www.graphicknack.solutions
Flowt K-W
Flowt K- W
Break through to a whole new level of wellness. Discover a mind-body experience unique to sensory deprivation tanks. Learn firsthand the multiple benefits from resetting both your brain and body. Book your float on our website or Facebook page.
550 Parkside Dr, Unit B3 Waterloo (519) 577-2022 mark@goflowt.com www.goflowt.com
The People Initiatives Group Inc. The People Initiatives Group provides a full range of Human Resources services to the Waterloo and Wellington Regions and specializes in the following: 24/7 phone support at no charge; Assistance with unique and challenging situations; Performance Management Process; Developmental Coaching; Small Business HR Support
The People Initiatives Group Inc. Steve Caron, Principal (519) 807.2447 scaron@thepigroup.ca www.thepigroup.ca
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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cover story
The Liberal Party Tax Platform: What it could mean for you BY SABRINA FITZGERALD & MAPLE TAY The newly elected Liberal government has promised to implement a number of tax initiatives. The timeline to these changes are expected to be January 1, 2016. The tax initiative that is gaining the most attention is perhaps the changes announced with regards to personal tax rates. The Liberal government has pledged to decrease the second lowest personal tax rate from 22% to 20.5%. The decrease will result in approximate tax savings of $671 for those who are in this tax bracket. This decrease will be in conjunction with the increase in the personal tax rate on incomes over $200,000 from the existing rate of 29% to 33%. For individuals who are donors, charitable donations made after 2015 that exceed $200 will be eligible for a tax credit of 33% to the extent that the individual has income that is subject to the new 33% personal income tax rate. Amongst the tax changes promised, significant ones include reversing several of the Conservative government’s recent tax initiatives. The Liberal government suggests cancelling the Family Tax Cut, which has effectively allowed income splitting for couples with minor dependent children, reducing their tax bill by up to $2,000. This ability to income split only came into effect in 2014. The Liberal government has promised to roll back the additional contribution room of the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The contribution limit was increased from $5,500 in 2014 to $10,000 in the 2015 Federal Budget. There are also ways to income split through a prescribed rate loan arrangement to lower-income family members. This could essentially shift investment income and capital gains to them, and will be taxed at their lower marginal rates. Given that the current prescribed rate is relatively low at 1% (4th quarter 2015), the tax savings from this could be significant with the increase in personal tax rates. There will also be a new Canada Child Benefit, which will replace the three current child benefit programs in place - the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) and the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS). The new single Canada Child Benefit aims to build on the existing CCTB and NCBS while replacing the UCCB entirely. The existing UCCB is not income-tested, which means that it entitles all Canadian families with dependent children under the age of 18 to receive a benefit. The new Canada Child Benefit will be income-tested and tax-free. The benefit of $6,400 per child under the age of 6, and $5,400 per child from the age of 6 to 17 will be reduced as family income rises above $30,000.
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Another major change on the personal side will be the limitation to deduct employee stock option benefits. The Liberal government has proposed to limit the amount of stock option deduction that could be claimed to up to $100,000. A stock option benefit occurs when employees exercise their stock options with a fair market value higher than the exercise price. The current rules under the Income Tax Act (ITA) allows for an individual to deduct 50% of that benefit from their income, provided that specific criteria has been met. The Liberal government has recognized that the stock option plan is a useful compensation tool for start-up companies. Hence, they have provided the ability for employees to have up to $100,000 in stock option gains before being subjected to the limitation. It has recently been announced that any changes will not be retroactively implemented and therefore grandfathered. Existing plans should still be eligible for the deduction. On the corporate side, the Liberal government has maintained the promise from the 2015 Federal Budget to reduce the small business tax rate from the current 11% to 9%. This will be done over four years, starting from 2016. Further, the Canadian Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) investment income surtax will be increasing from 6 2/3% to 10 2/3%, raising the overall tax on investment earned in a CCPC by 4% for taxation years ending after December 31, 2015 (pro-rated if necessary). Part IV tax will also increase for dividends received after December 31, 2015 to 38 1/3%, with a corresponding increase to the dividend refund rate on taxable dividends paid by corporations after December 31, 2015. There are other tax initiatives that the Liberal government has mentioned, including but not limited to eliminating the education and textbook tax credits, annually worth up to $60 and $10, respectively; retaining eligibility to the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement at the age of 65 and introducing a Seniors Price Index to increase these payments for rising costs; removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new capital investments in affordable rental housing; enhancing the flexibility of the RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan; restoring the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations tax credit; as well as enhancing existing tax measures to generate more clean technology investments.
cover story
This is a summary of the Ontario rate changes:
This is a summary of the Canada-wide rate changes:
For more information please contact Sabrina Fitzgerald, Partner at PwC, or Maple Tay, Senior Associate at PwC, 519-570-5700.
Š 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the Canadian member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. Disclaimer: This article was originally released as PwC Tax Insights from High Net Worth/Private Company Services, Issue 2015-43. This content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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events
Mark Your Calendar January 20, 2016
January 21, 2016
Libro Chamber Young Professionals Speed Mentoring Event
MNP LLP Networking Breakfast Series presents Speed Networking
5:30-7:30pm at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo Members: $5 includes HST General Admission: $10 includes HST
7:15-9:00am at Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Member: $28 General Admission: $40 Title Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
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January 26, 2016 Manulife Chamber Academy – Facebook and Twitter: What You Need to Know in 2016
January 20, 2016 Point of View with Dan Herman 11:30am-1:30pm at Holiday Inn, Kitchener-Waterloo Member: $40 General Admission: $50 Join us as Dan Herman, DEEP Centre co-founder, reviews how Canada stacks up against its global competition and what can and should be done to help Canadian companies more effectively innovate, commercialize and compete.
8:00-9:30am at Kitchener Public Library Member: $20 General Admission: $25 Facebook and Twitter have dominated social media marketing for the better part of a decade. Attendees will be guided through what has changed at Facebook and Twitter recently and how you can continue to leverage their power and reach, to grow your business. Title Sponsor:
Insurance is the last thing business owners think of when times are good. But, when there’s a claim it’s their first call. You should have the best coverage possible. Get an expert opinion on your commercial insurance needs.
insure@erb-erb.com 1.800.265.2634 www.erb-erb.com 20
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events
February 2, 2016
March 1, 2016
Home Hardware Business After 5
Manulife Chamber Academy – Developing a LinkedIn Strategy for Personal and Business Use
5:00-7:00pm at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre Member: Complimentary General Admission: $10
8:00-9:30am at Kitchener Public Library Member: $20 General Admission: $25 LinkedIn remains one of the most important social networks for professionals and business owners. In this seminar session you’ll discover how to better connect with other professionals in order to build lasting relationships and also learn how to start utilizing LinkedIn’s growing number of uses to build your business’s brand and reach more decision makers.
Title Sponsor: Media Sponsor:
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February 18, 2016 Business Excellence Awards Gala
March 4, 2016
6:00-10:00pm at Bingemans Member: $175 Member Table of 8: $1400 General Admission: $200 General Admission Table of 8: $1600
International Women’s Day Breakfast
The region’s premier networking Gala event with over 900 attendees presents 12 awards to Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community.
7:00-9:00am at the Crowne Plaza Member: $30 General Admission: $35 Join us to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in our community and around the world. Watch the website for speaker announcements! Title Sponsor:
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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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feature
New Economic Development Corporation Moving Forward in 2016 BY GERRY REMERS
TONY LA MANTIA
Economic development will be receiving a new stimulus in the coming months, as the new CEO of the WREDC makes his move from Toronto to Waterloo Region. The WREDC Board has worked diligently over the past six months to identify and hire someone with significant strengths in economic development. We are extremely pleased to announce that Tony La Mantia has accepted the position.
The Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation was formally incorporated this past summer – with bylaws and MOU’s in place between the eight municipalities (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich and the Region) and the corporation. We hired Odgers Berndtson to undertake our CEO search last July. They received over 200 applications for the role, interviewed 50 applicants and narrowed down the list to 11 very qualified candidates. Our CEO search committee, lead by Charlie Cipolla, conducted in- person interviews with 6 of these candidates and narrowed the field down to the top 3 for the final stage – in which the candidates presented their action plan for their first 6 months at the helm of WREDC. Tony’s very strong background in economic development, his extensive government and business contacts and his superior interpersonal skills won him the role. Tony’s career spans more than 25 years of experience in large public sector organizations as well as private sector growthoriented companies. He is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister, Investment & Industry Division for the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. He has helped lead the Ministry in both attracting investment to the Province and in working with industry and regional stakeholders to grow existing anchor companies including
Cisco, Open Text, Toyota, and Ford. Tony has held responsibility for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and the new Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which support local businesses in Ontario. His private sector experience includes executive-level roles with innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the technology and mining sectors. Tony also has a strong personal connection to the region. He is a proud graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Honours BA, Coop program and has played an active role in mentoring and employing students. His start date is January 4th, 2016. As a side-note, Canada's Technology Triangle will officially wind down its operation at the end of calendar 2015. WREDC will be taking over the current location and lease and will continue working with the core CTT business development team. Jane Black, a WREDC board member, very graciously accepted an interim volunteer CAO role with WREDC to ensure we have as smooth a transition to the new corporation as possible. The board is looking forward to working with Tony in the coming years to continue to accelerate our Region’s economic prosperity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gerry Remers Gerry is CEO of Christie Digital Systems Canada. He is also Chair of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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feature
Meet the 2015-2016 Board of Directors
BACK ROW (L - R): MARK CHRISTENSEN, NEIL HENDERSON, BARBARA FENNESSY, JEFF MACINTYRE, STEPHANIE SOULIS, JASON KIPFER, PATRICK KLANN, RICK FILSINGER FRONT ROW (L - R): ROSA LUPO, CAMERON KOZLOWSKI, KELLY MCMANUS, IAN MCLEAN, SABRINA FITZGERALD, PAUL EICHINGER, RENATA RUSINIAK, JAN VARNER ABSENT: KATHRYN ALLAMBY, RENE GATIEN, MICHEÁL KELLY, TED MCKECHNIE
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583 King St. N. WATERLOO
245 Edinburgh Rd. S. GUELPH
(519) 772-1127
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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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sponsor profile
MNP Builds Presence in Kitchener/Waterloo MNP entered the Kitchener/Waterloo marketplace in 2010 when the partners of the independent firm of Collins Barrow in the Region of Waterloo merged with MNP. The firm grew rapidly as demand for services increased in the region and in October 2014, the firm relocated to new, larger offices in Northwest Waterloo between Highway 85N and Parkside Drive. The MNP team in Waterloo now numbers 11 partners and more than 50 team members offering a full suite of accounting, tax and consulting services. The growth of MNP locally has been driven by the vibrant business community in the region and clients’ evolving needs for additional services as they expand beyond local borders, often times into international markets. They call on our partners as trusted advisors with the breadth of expertise and networks we can draw on to help clients achieve their personal and business goals: MNP is focused on the mid-market across numerous industry sectors including technology, real estate, agriculture, healthcare professionals, transportation, manufacturing and food and beverage processing.
MNP’S NEW LOCATION ON NORTHFIELD DRIVE, WATERLOO
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At MNP, it all starts with a relationship. This is how the firm began. In 1945, when our founders sat down in Brandon, MB, and discussed their ideas and vision, they set an example for the firm they would establish. One focused on entrepreneurial values that focus on providing the best, most effective services for clients’ benefit, while supporting the communities we work and live in.
At MNP, it all starts with a relationship. Since that humble beginning, MNP has grown from a small prairie firm to a leading national accounting and business consulting firm with locations from Vancouver Island to Montreal. MNP is one of the fastest growing accounting and business consulting firms in Canada, with 80 offices across the country and a staff of more than 3,500 employees. Being able to offer
sponsor profile
national reach with a local perspective has been key to the firm's growth in the last decade, but the cornerstone to our success has always been a deliberate strategy to provide the highest quality and breadth of services to our clients so they can achieve their goals. Senior partner-led teams who add value by working directly with clients at the local level have also catalyzed the company's rapid growth. As a partner-owned organization, all partners are empowered to make immediate decisions to allow them to be highly responsive to clients' needs in an economic environment that often demands quick action. MNP's values impact every decision we make and action we take. We exemplify integrity in all we do. We are entrepreneurial, perform to the highest quality standards and insist on quality client service. Our partners and senior professionals are hands-on. Friendly and collaborative, we roll up our shirtsleeves and work with our client's teams through every step of a project
MNP's values impact every decision we make and action we take. We walk the talk of having an organizational culture and values founded upon an unwavering commitment to our people, both clients and team members, which is seen in MNP being voted one of Canada’s Best Employers ten years in a row. MNP is quite simply a fun and rewarding place to work and do business, where authentic relationships, an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy balance between home and work life are at the core of how we run our business. We carefully guard our
culture and as a result, we have low client and employee turnover and are attracting some of the brightest professionals in our industry. MNP also makes supporting local businesses and events in the communities we operate in a top priority. Our corporate commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate is a value exemplified in the firm’s strategic plan.
MNP is quite simply a fun and rewarding place to work and do business. But giving back to the community is more than just a strategic goal; it is actually the way that hundreds of MNPers live their lives. MNP continues to support local initiatives across Canada in their efforts to make our communities stronger. MNP’s Waterloo office is proud to support a range of activities and organizations, including the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Series, the Grand River Hospital and the Kitchener Blues Festival as well as supporting numerous other community initiatives. In addition to the firm’s support, many of our team members personally support and participate in leadership roles in the community. For the future, MNP is on our way to become the pre-eminent, full-service accounting firm and business advisory firm in Canada. But for us, it’s not about becoming the largest. It’s about continuing to serve our clients’ evolving needs, having the resources, having the talent and physically being in their market, be they rural or urban, while retaining our cultures and values. That has been the secret to the firm's past success and will continue to drive the future of MNP.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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member notables
MEMBER NOTABLES New President and Board at KWAR Charlotte Zawada of RE/MAX Twin City in Kitchener was recently elected as President of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors (KWAR). Ms. Zawada has been a director of KWAR since 2012 and is joined by officers Mark Wolle, Royal LePage Wolle Realty as Past-President, James Craig of CBRE as 1st Vice President, Tony Schmidt of Howie Schmidt Realty as 2nd Vice President and Executive Officer Bull Duce. New directors this year are Ginger Whitney of Whitney & Company Realty Limited and David McIntyre of McIntyre Real Estate Services Inc. Returning directors include Jane Gardner of Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Eric Klimstra of Royal LePage Grand Valley Realty, Colleen Koehler of RE/MAX Twin City Realty, and Brian Santos of Peak Realty.
Local Companies Recognized for Outstanding Corporate Culture Three local businesses were among the organizations recognized in the annual Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital. The awards designate 40 winners across four categories. Manulife and Open Text were recognized in the Enterprise category while the Cowan Insurance Group was one of ten winners in the Mid-Market competition. Submissions for the awards are evaluated on vision and leadership, recruitment and hiring for fit, cultural alignment and measurement, retention, rewards and recognition, organizational performance and corporate social responsibility.
Local Kitchen Designer named in Top 30 Under 30 Benjamin John Ouellette of Casey’s Creative Kitchens in Waterloo was recently named one of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) Top 30 Under 30 winners for 2016. He was selected out of hundreds of nominations across North America and will receive his award in a special presentation at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show from January 19-21, 2016 in Las Vegas. Benjamin is a graduate of the Fanshawe College Interior Design program and has been working at Casey’s Creative Kitchens Waterloo showroom for five years. He can be contacted at 10-283 Northfield Drive East in Waterloo or online at caseyscreativekitchens.com.
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member notables
MEMBER NOTABLES St. John Ambulance Celebrates 75 Years of Service For over seven decades the Kitchener-Waterloo St. John Ambulance organization has been helping members of the local community live safer lives by providing first aid training and volunteer services. To celebrate their 75th anniversary they are utilizing a public awareness campaign across social media. The message We Do That is highlighting all of the invaluable services St. John delivers through 200 volunteers in our community. Anyone interested in supporting the campaign can use the hashtag #wedothatkwsja. St. John Ambulance is a not for profit, charitable organization that uses the proceeds from first aid training and product sales to support volunteer programs. Donations help ensure equipment, ambulances and uniforms are available and well maintained.
Goliger’s Travel Plus – 30 Years in Business Founded in 1986 by Peter and Linda Vanderheyden in Waterloo, Goliger’s Travel Plus has grown into one of the largest independently owned travel agencies across Canada. They now operate 12 branches in Southern Ontario with over 150 dedicated staff possessing superior knowledge of leisure, corporate, group and destination wedding travel. Their success originates from dedicated agents, company commitments to service and community involvement, and numerous industry awards including admittance to Air Canada’s prestigious Circle of Excellence. Congratulations and thank you for your service to Waterloo Region.
Grand River Hospital Receives Donation for Emergency Department A $2 million gift from Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis will enhance care to emergency patients and those with complex medical needs at Grand River Hospital. In honour of this gift, the emergency department will be named the Lazaridis Family Foundation Emergency Department. The first two projects supported by this donation are a new rapid access clinic to assist patients with complex needs to quickly receive the required care, and the launch of an emergency department information system to move patient documentation into a fully digital form to improve care processes. Grand River Hospital is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals and provides innovative and quality care to over 700,000 residents across Waterloo Region and Guelph/Wellington, including emergency department services to 65,000 patients annually.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016
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Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.
CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE
CHAMBER PATRON
12@12 Chamber
TITLE SPONSOR
CHAMBER TRUSTEE
MEDIA PARTNERS 30
WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Academy
Delivering Outstanding Value and World Class Service in
Waterloo Region Our tteam Our eam h has as su successfully ccessfully e executed xecuted tthe he ffollowing ollowing transactions transactions on on behalf behalf of of o our ur cl clients ients iin n
2015
OFFICE LEASE O FFICE L EASE 230 The Boardwalk, Waterloo W aterloo 9,000 9 ,000 SF
LEASE IINDUSTRIAL NDUSTRIAL L EASE 6 75 Davenport Davenport Road, Road, 675 W aterloo Waterloo 4 3,795 SF 43,795
L AND SA LE LAND SALE 2480 Homer Homer Watson Watson Blvd, Blvd, 2480 K itchener Kitchener 4.95 Acres Acres - SOLD SOLD 4.95
INDUSTRIAL LEASE LEASE INDUSTRIAL 500-540 Jamieson, Jamieson, 500-540 Cambridge 18,500 SF 18,500
O FFICE L EASE OFFICE LEASE 1 80 Northfield Northfield Drive, Drive, 180 W aterloo Waterloo 1 6,000 SF 16,000
L AND SA LE LAND SALE 30 Pi nebush Rd, Cambridge Pinebush 3 5 Acres Acres - SOLD SOLD 35
IINDUSTRIAL NDUSTRIAL SALE SALE 1 180 80 Sh Shearson earson C Cres., res., Cambridge 1 12,448 2,448 SF
R ET TAIL PL RETAIL PLAZA SALE AZA SA LE 1 90 St. A ndrews St. 190 Andrews St.,, Cambridge 1 3,022 SF 13,022
U rban R edevelopment Urban Redevelopment 8Q ueen Str eet, K itchener Queen Street, Kitchener 4 0,000 SF - SO LD 40,000 SOLD
For more please call 519-585-2200 F or m ore iinformation nformation p lease c all +1 5 19-585-2200 cushwakewr.com cushwakewr .com
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