T h e M i s s i s s a u g a E c o n o m i c R e s i l i e n c y G r o u p ( M E R G ) i s t h e v e h i c l e t h r o u g h w h i c h s e n i o r l e v e l l e a d e r s f r o m t h e c o r p o r a t e , a c a d e m i c , a n d n o t f o r p r o f i t s e c t o r s c o n n e c t , c o l l a b o r a t e , a n d d e v e l o p p r a c t i c a l s o l u t i o n s a i m e d a t d r i v i n g b u s i n e s s s u c c e s s a n d e c o n o m i c p r o s p e r i t y i n M i s s i s s a u g a
M E R G w a s l a u n c h e d i n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0 w i t h a v i s i o n o f “ C o n n e c t i n g B u s i n e s s f o r a T h r i v i n g M i s s i s s a u g a ” I n i t i a l l y c r e a t e d i n r e s p o n s e t o t h e m a n y c h a l l e n g e s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e o n s e t o f t h e C O V I D 1 9 p a n d e m i c , t h e p r o g r a m h a s s i n c e e v o l v e d i n t o a t r u s t e d f o r u m f o r C E O s f r o m a c r o s s M i s s i s s a u g a ’ s d i v e r s e e c o n o m y t o s h a r e i d e a s , e x p l o r e p a r t n e r s h i p s , a n d c o l l e c t i v e l y b u i l d o u r e c o n o m i c c a p a c i t y
M E R G i s c u r r e n t l y e n g a g i n g 5 7 s e n i o r l e v e l l e a d e r s f r o m M i s s i s s a u g a ’ s m o s t p r o m i n e n t a n d i n f l u e n t i a l p r i v a t e s e c t o r e m p l o y e r s , n o t f o r p r o f i t s , a c a d e m i c i n s t i t u t i o n s , a n d o t h e r s w h o f i r m l y b e l i e v e i n t h e p o t e n t i a l o f M i s s i s s a u g a t o l e a d O n t a r i o a n d C a n a d a ’ s e c o n o m i c r e c o v e r y b y l e v e r a g i n g o u r u n i q u e a s s e t s a n d d e v e l o p i n g i n n o v a t i v e , s c a l a b l e , a n d r e s u l t s d r i v e n s o l u t i o n s t o m e e t t o d a y ’ s m o s t p r e s s i n g c h a l l e n g e s a n d t o m o r r o w ’ s o p p o r t u n i t i e s
Acquisition
Management
business owners and executives,
Do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels recruiting and retaining good people? Listening to our MBOT members and the media, many organizations are stressed and struggling with recruitment and retention. Why is this such a challenge? What caused this employment conundrum?
LUCIE SHAW 2022 MBOT Chair Owner/Managing Director Nurse Next Door Mississauga
Lately, we have been hearing some frequent terms: War on talent, Quiet Quitting, shortage of staff, pay more, 24/7 hiring, skilled labour shortage, developing remote work programs, and the Great Resignation. Why now, are we having these challenges? Was it due to Covid, an aging population of baby boomers, or a change in work life balance? Possibly all these reasons are true.
During the last two years, businesses have had to adapt, make changes, and pivot, all to survive. This chapter on the War on talent is our next test of resiliency.
The Great Resignation has taught us to embrace and adapt to new ways. Many organizations have developed or are developing new ways to attract employees. Options such as remote work programs or enticing skilled
labour to relocate are becoming more prevalent. Others are hiring 24/7 just to be able to engage with potential recruits early in the process. We need to continue to explore new options and opportunities, and ask ourselves, what more can we do as employers?
Our opportunity now, is to adapt to changes happening around us and navigate recruitment and retention strategies. MBOT has many members who can assist you with recruitment, retention, and employment law needs. Stay connected with our Professional Webinars to learn more.
MBOT’s MERG (Mississauga Economic Resiliency Group), is spearheading a one-day event on talent management. It will certainly be an event that you will not want to miss. I look forward to seeing our members at The TALENT ACQUISITION & MANAGEMENT FORUM which will be held on November 30th at the International Centre.
It’s time to refine our strategies and processes and find a way forward. We know the issues, and through our connection with MBOT we all have the support to find new solutions.
significant growth, with access to labour being the only issue holding them back. According to Statistics Canada, the job vacancy rate in the country soared to a new high of 5.9% in June 2022, with Canadian employers collectively looking to fill more than 1 million open positions for a third consecutive month! It is within this context that MBOT developed its 2023-2025 Strategic Direction. The result?
A focused strategy that builds on our strong foundation, supports business growth, and helps to shape a thriving, collaborative, and inclusive economy that is the envy of the world.
I’m particularly proud of our stated values:
• Trustworthiness
Over the past number of months, the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) has been in listening mode. In fact, the MBOT team is always in listening mode- working to best understand our members’ needs in what continues to be a volatile and highly competitive global business environment. If we are to fully deliver on our mission to connect, champion, and advance Mississauga businesses, we must listen, plan, execute, and measure our progress –in that order.
A perfect storm of labour shortages, supply chain delays, runaway inflation, and a nationwide housing supply crisis have heightened the level of business uncertainty in our community. Of course, the resulting impacts are not evenly felt across all industries, with many smaller businesses and those in the “hardest hit” sectors continuing to rebuild revenues and climb out of their pandemic-induced debt burden. Meanwhile, others are experiencing
• Inclusive Spirit and Diversity
• Innovative and Entrepreneurial
• Member-Driven
Over the next three years, we will be focused on 4 overarching priorities:
1. Optimize Our Advocacy and Government Relations Offering to Enable Business Growth and Competitiveness
2. Advance Our Value Proposition Through Targeted Programs and Connecting Diverse Membership Segments
3. Be the Champion for Economic Leadership Through Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
4. Build Financial Capacity to Drive Organizational Growth and Impact
We hope you find that the above values and priorities align with your own values and needs, and we look forward to realizing our shared goals together.
I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to MBOT’s Board of Directors, our amazing staff team, and our incredible members and stakeholders for contributing many thoughtful ideas and perspectives to inform our new strategy. Learn more about MBOT’s 2023-2025 Strategic Direction at: www.mbot.com/strategicdirection
Anyone can create a website, rent a truck and call themselves a mover.
Unfortunately, the list of people who have been scammed continues to grow.
Low quote | The price is below market rate. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Phone quote | The mover doesn’t want to visit your home or office. A legitimate mover will conduct an in-person consultation or a virtual tour and provide a written estimate and contract.
Web quote | An online calculator or mobile app cannot be relied upon to provide an accurate quote. Every move is unique.
Insurance | Inadequate insurance protection. Always obtain insurance details in writing with the offer.
Contract | You don’t see the contract until moving day. A professional mover will provide the contract up front.
No logo | The truck shows up without a logo and the moving crew isn’t in uniform. A professional mover takes pride in its appearance and that of its employees.
Use the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) to find a reputable mover. This independent organization grants the Certified Canadian Mover designation to companies that meet certain high standards. Visit www.mover.net
Consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the provincial government’s Consumer Beware List.
Obtain written estimates and compare rates with the competition.
Beware of scammers who use BBB and CAM logos on their website. Always verify the mover’s certifications and stated affiliations.
GUY
Regional Manager, Client Diversity for BDC in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces BDC Advisory Services
The labour shortage is one of the most critical issues facing many Canadian businesses. It can stymie business growth and innovation, delay order fulfilment and leave your team overworked and frustrated.
A great solution exists that many business owners aren’t taking full advantage of: improving the diversity of their team. Recruiting in underemployed groups—such as new immigrants, minorities, Indigenous people, younger and older workers—results not only in a broader pool of potential candidates.
A diverse and inclusive workplace has also been linked to higher financial returns, innovation and business resilience. Diverse companies are also more likely to be able to tap into a greater variety of markets. The numbers consistently prove the business case for diversity.
• Companies with strong gender diversity in their executive teams are 25% more likely to have aboveaverage profitability, according to a McKinsey study.
• Businesses with high racial and ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to enjoy superior profits.
And yet, only 18% of Canadian entrepreneurs say they plan to recruit immigrants to deal with labour shortages. This is a significant missed opportunity.
We need to recognize that Canada’s population is changing. By 2032, immigrants will account for up to 80% of population growth. Businesses that act early will be best positioned to seize the opportunities.
What can you do to improve diversity? Here are tips we recommend to our clients at BDC.
1 Review hiring practices to be sure your company is reaching the widest possible candidate pool and doesn’t inadvertently exclude excellent workers. Also focus on diversity in management.
2 Ensure onboarding and retention are welcoming to all recruits. This could include updating workplace policies, offering training and appointing mentors.
3 Increase supply chain diversity. This can not only broaden your supplier pool. It can also lead to lower prices, bring innovation and make your business more resilient to supplier disruption.
4 Bring in outside help. Work with agencies that help immigrant jobseekers or an outside consultant to improve your diversity efforts. Also consider creating an advisory board with diverse voices; this can bring new ideas and access to fresh markets.
Diversity may be just the secret sauce you need to accelerate your company’s growth and innovation. Diversity has never been more important for Canadian businesses. Be sure you’re taking full advantage of the opportunities it can bring.
Municipal elections are scheduled for October 24, 2022 to elect the Mayor, Members of Council and School Board Trustees. Those elected will take office on December 1, 2022 for a four year term.
Both the City of Mississauga and Region of Peel have returned to basically a “preCOVID” system of operations for most programs and services. Some meetings continue to be on a hybrid or online system and some services that converted to completely online service will continue indefinitely
Mississauga City Council has approved an extension to both the temporary patio and temporary outdoor business programs until December 31, 2023. These program extensions will allow Mississauga restaurants and bars to continue using their patios and other outdoor businesses to use outdoor spaces as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is very likely that Council will decide to make these exemptions permanent after the October 2022 municipal election.
The City of Mississauga is conducting a formal review of its Official Plan and Policies as required by law. The Mississauga Board of Trade continues to advocate for the protection of important employment lands in the city to ensure they are not lost to future residential development.
The City is also reviewing and updating its Development Charges By-law, Community Benefits by-law and Parks Plan/Payment in lieu of Parkland policy. Each of these revenue tools for the City of Mississauga are required for new developments and designed to fund important infrastructure related to the developments.
The City of Mississauga has announced the creation of an Innovation District called “IDEA Mississauga” that will include an innovation centre to be built in Square One with an opening planned for Fall 2022. However, IDEA Mississauga does not represent one specific location in Mississauga – rather, it represents the city’s entire ecosystem made up of industry, government, education, and providers of space and programs that support innovation.
Mississauga has also committed to work with Lakeview Partners Developments to establish an Innovation District complex on their lands abutting Lake Ontario.
The City of Mississauga is moving forward with Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) to help get more affordable housing built across the City. IZ is a tool that allows the City to require affordable housing units for certain new housing developments. Mississauga’s IZ policy, approved by City Council in August, will apply to larger scale developments with over 50 ownership units (or 3,600 square metres of residential area). Once built, the new units will be required to remain affordable over time. At this time, only developments in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) are subject to the by-law.
The Region of Peel Public Health Department is looking into establishing Supervised Consumption Sites for individuals to attend and safely take drugs in a regulated site. At this stage, the Region has identified the Cooksville area of Mississauga as a potential location for one of the sites. Peel Public Health continues to consult with stakeholders and no final decision is expected until early 2023.
A Provincial Election was held on June 2, 2022 resulting in a re-elected Progressive Conservative majority Government led by Premier Doug Ford.
A new Cabinet was named with many familiar faces returning to previous portfolios including Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Economic Development Minister Victor Fedeli and new associate Ministers of Housing and Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. Parliamentary Assistants to the Ministers have also been named.
As in previous years, MBOT looks
Following the June 2, 2022 election, the Ontario Legislature returned in August 2022 to pass the budget legislation and deal with other matters that were time sensitive.
Through the Working for Workers Act 1 and 2, the Ontario Government has enacted several worker protection regulations which employers should be concerned about. These include:
• require workplaces that are at risk of a worker opioid overdose to have naloxone kits
• paying the minimum wage to anyone employed in the “gig” economy
• establishing a “disconnect” policy for workers
With the re-election of the Ford Government in Ontario, plans for the development of Highway 413 are full speed ahead. MBOT expressed its support for the development of another much needed west-east transportation corridor particularly for goods movement through the Region of Peel. The Government has publicly said that future Highway 413 will not be tolled.
MBOT MEMBERS ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCC) WHICH IS THE NATIONAL VOICE OF BUSINESS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. MBOT STAFF AND COMMITTEES EXAMINE ISSUES AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE CCC AND PROVIDE MISSISSAUGA’S INPUT. MORE INFORMATION ON THE CCC IS AT WWW.CHAMBER.CA.
The Public Health Agency of Canada along with its provincial counterparts continues to monitor trends in COVID across the country and to make recommendations to Government. At this time, agencies appear satisfied with
the levels of COVID and no need for a return to drastic measures that would affect businesses. A push to continue to administer vaccinations as well as booster shots continues as one of the most effective ways of combatting COVID.
The Federal Government has wound down all COVID related support programs like the CERB and CEWS given the “back to normal” situation across most of the country.
The Government of Canada has established the Canada Digital Adoption Program to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize their full potential by adopting digital technologies. The $4 billion program is an investment of $1.4 billion in grants and advisory services to SMEs from the Government of Canada and up to $2.6 billion in loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada to help businesses cover the costs of implementing new digital technologies. For more information go to www.ic.gc.ca.
Locally in Ontario, the program is being administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. If you have any additional questions or would like to participate in the program, please contact them at cdap@occ.ca.
The Chamber of Commerce Network across Canada has stepped up to help Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees to Canada particularly those who wish to find employment. MBOT has more information on how businesses can help on its website at www.mbot.com.
These issues continue to be monitored very closely by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and others on their impact to business in both the short and longer terms. Affordability issues continue to be front and centre for most Canadians which impacts economic growth and jobs. The Bank of Canada continues to raise interest rates which is causing some concern among business about its ability to access capital in a costeffective manner.
The Government of Canada has made a number of announcements related to operations under its control at Canada’s airports. Lack of staff at agencies like the Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and the significant increase in travel with less COVID restrictions have led to consider delays and operational challenges for Mississauga’s Toronto Pearson Airport. The agencies have been hiring additional staff and the pressures seem to be easing.
You love and respect your parents’ after all they are the ones who nurtured you from the time you came into the world until you decided to go out and spread your wings. Your love for them is strong and unquestionable and you only want what is best for them.
You aren’t alone if you’ve recently heard a friend declare in a high pitched, distressed voice; “I’m the worst daughter (or son) in the world!” We hear this often from caregiving children who feel like they should be doing more. Caregiving is stressful – managing medical records, preparing meals, providing transportation. Balance these responsibilities while maintaining a career and caring for your own family leaves little room for taking care of personal needs.
Families do not see a clear cut solution so they keep piling on responsibilities and are vulnerable. Family caregivers are usually sons, daughters or close friends who will act as Power of Attorney.
Aspects of their lives may suffer including:
• Work (taking days off, lower productivity, higher turnover)
• Family (less time for maintaining other relationships)
• Incredible guilt if their loved one passes away and the last months of their life was stressful and spent caregiving instead of creating happy memories.
Family caregivers should consider the following:
Plan early for future care needs
Do not wait until there’s a medical emergency or a difficult diagnosis to seek out private and public services available in the community.
Seek professional legal and financial guidance
Encourage mom and dad to seek the advice of a Lawyer for Wills and Power of Attorney and a Financial Planner to fully understand their situation and ensure their wishes are met.
Focus on being the son or daughter
Focus on doing things that you love to do together. It’s also important to encourage your family members aging at home to remain engaged in their community and spend time with friends.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
Family caregivers should be aware of how various services in the community can alleviate caregiving responsibilities. Options like home care are flexible and can be a great first step for resistant parents.
It is important to plan ahead for the needs of aging parents because when their health begins to deteriorate, it is so important that time spent together is of high quality. How do you do this? To the best of their ability and together, recall activities from the past they enjoyed and grasp those opportunities to revive excitement and quality time shared. After all, age shouldn’t be simply coped with, it should be celebrated!
Recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (Ontario) (the “Act”) prohibit employers from entering into an employment contract or other agreement with an employee that is, or that includes, a non-compete agreement. A non-compete agreement is defined as “an agreement, or any part of an agreement, between an employer and an employee that prohibits the employee from engaging in any business, work, occupation, profession, project or other activity that is in competition with the employer’s business after the employment relationship between the employee and the employer ends.” This prohibition on non-compete agreements came into effect on December 2, 2021.
It is not possible to contract out of this prohibition, and except for the exceptions noted below, if an employer contravenes the new legislation, the non-compete agreement is void. Following the introduction of the amendments, employers have asked whether existing non-compete agreements are still enforceable. Agreements entered into before October 25, 2021 are not affected by the amendments; however, they are still subject to common law restrictions on their breadth and scope.
The Act provides two exceptions to the general ban on non-compete agreements. Firstly, where an
individual sells his or her business and post-closing agrees to become an employee of the purchaser, noncompete agreements are permissible. Secondly, non-compete agreements are permitted with employees who hold executive positions. This includes high ranking individuals such as chief executive officers and other chief executive positions.
While the legislation is geared towards protecting the rights of employees, these changes also intend to provide additional clarity to employers which, in turn, will allow for effective planning and informed decision-making. Despite good intentions of the legislation, we anticipate more disputes to come respecting already heavily litigated non-compete agreements. It should be noted that the new legislation does not mention non-solicit or confidentiality agreements, which are still permitted, subject to common law restrictions and principles.
We have yet to see what impact these amendments will have on certain unique business arrangements, for instance, where an employee is also a shareholder of their employer.
Ontario is the first province to legislate a prohibition on non-compete agreements. It will be interesting to see whether other provinces will follow Ontario’s lead.
If you offer products, services or even just content on your website or social media pages, you most likely also want a return on your investment of time and often hundreds or thousands of dollars spent on building your brand and reputation around your trademarks (e.g., names, slogans or logos).
Trademarks act as a shortcut for your customers, viewers and/or users to distinguish you from the rest of the market. As you use your trademarks, they gain recognition and people start developing a loyalty to your brand.
When you start your business or website, you are likely starting out small, whether that be a particular city or country, or a niche product or service. What trademarks allow you to do is to expand your presence in the market more easily.
For example, you may have started your restaurant in one city but after experiencing some success you may want to open up new restaurants in different cities and even countries. Of course, you may not be able to or want to run all those separate restaurants yourself. So instead, you can license or franchise the rights to use your trademarks to someone else in exchange for a royalty (e.g., a percentage of net sales).
Entering into a co-branding partnership with another company is also a great way to expand your market and increase the value of your trademarks.
Whether you are looking to exit a particular market or looking to pivot, you can sell the exclusive rights to use your trademarks as a whole or limited to particular market sectors. Trademarks can also be used as collateral to receive funding from investors or financing from banks.
Potential buyers may be one of your business partners, a competitor, or someone who is looking to enter into your market and want to sell products or services under your trademarks. Since potential buyers may be hardest part of selling a trademark, there are also websites you can use like the U.S. Trademark Exchange or even EBay to list your trademark for sale, license or auction.
But before you can sell or license your trademarks, you need to make sure you actually own the exclusive rights to them by filing trademark applications in each country you intend on using them.
Please contact us by email at trademarks@kmblaw.com to learn more or to begin the process of making money with your trademarks.
This article is provided for general information purposes and should not be considered a legal opinion. Clients are advised to obtain legal advice on their specific situations.
Canada is one of the lowest emission natural gas producers in the world*
*Desjardin Capital Markets
What natural gas means to Canada?
An essential part of Ontario’s energy mix representing 31% of total end use energy*
* Canadian Energy Regulator
This means electricity or heating for: Homes Industry Restaurants And more
Affordable and abundant
A reliable base load power source
What can Canadian natural gas do for the world?
Lower world emissions by displacing coal and the use of other higher-emitting fuels abroad
Provide energy security when the world needs it most
We produce a lot of natural gas in Canada, generating clean energy the world needs now and in the future. Recent global events have certainly magnified the need. Many European countries are struggling to meet their energy demands and facing worrisome shortages, especially heading into winter months.
Canada is eager to help. Whether we’re shipping our liquified natural gas to other countries – a capability Canada is working towards – or sending gas across North America to power the lives of many, we’re proud to produce energy people can feel good about using.
As Ontarians, you can feel good, too.
Natural gas plays an essential role in Ontario, accounting for 31% of total enduse demand for all sectors. Ontarians rely on natural gas to produce electricity, cook their meals, and heat and cool their homes and businesses, among other uses. Your industries rely on it, too, ranging from agriculture
and fertilizers to manufacturing and transportation.
With our clean natural gas, Ontario produces goods in a world where emissions matter. Likewise, we need your goods, such as trucks, trailers, drill bits, chemicals, pumps, electrical components, and more, to help the natural gas industry thrive.
Consider Tourmaline’s recent experience with Tenaris and its Canadian manufacturing operations in Ontario. Calgary-based Tourmaline is Canada’s largest natural gas producer. In 2021, we purchased nearly $60 million of steel goods from Tenaris while Tenaris consumed approximately $10 million of natural gas. And that’s just one example of many.
Now, whether you rely on our natural gas for everyday living or to power your business, here’s why you can feel good about using our energy.
Natural gas is the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon. Plus, industry has made
tremendous strides in improving its environmental performance. Canada is one of the most sustainable natural gas exporters globally and we’re dedicated to continuously lowering emissions, reducing land impacts and conserving water. In 2021, Tourmaline achieved our 25% methane-reduction target three years earlier than planned. Our vision? To produce the cleanest natural gas in the world.
Natural gas is also a reliable way to provide back-up supply for the electrical grid, filing the gap when intermittent renewables such as wind and solar aren’t available. For all those reasons and more, we call natural gas the great enabler – an energy source making life, business and progress possible.
To learn more about how we’re producing energy Ontarians can be proud to use, visit www.sustainability. tourmalineoil.com
Nobody told us homecare in Ontario would be easy, and they didn’t have to. Our sense of duty was born out of a growing need in the province for more trusted and reliable homecare providers that deliver what individuals, especially seniors truly wanted: independence, empowerment, and control of their own life.
From first-hand experiences and a thorough investigation of the current landscape of homecare in Ontario, we knew there must be a better way.
And so, our journey began. A team of like-minded, senior professionals with deep experience in the retirement services industry, health care services, shared services, logistics and customer service, we spent many months searching the continent and the globe, drawing inspiration from key success features of homecare models from
around the world and applying our senior healthcare and business experience in determining how such features would work in Ontario. Inspiration came from as far as Buurtzorg in the Netherlands, the highly successful Dutch homecare provider praised for its innovative operating model, demonstrating the importance of self-managing teams and client empowerment.
After almost a year of research and collaboration, our team landed on a care model that organizes layers of care around the client solution at the center. While there are many advantages designed into our model, one primary benefit is that it prioritizes the relationship stakeholders have the client and the specific service being provided, while minimizing the role that hierarchical relationships between stakeholders play. This ensures the client is always central focus.
In early 2022, Neighbourhood Care Canada was established to provide a full suite of services to empower individuals with the care and support they need. For seniors, it means the ability to thrive in the comfort of their homes as they age and live the lives they have always known.
Today, we credit much of the success of our care model to the thousands of hours our team poured into research homecare around the world, and the application the age-old fundamental service principle of client-oriented design to homecare that ensures our care solutions have the greatest positive impact on our clients’ and their families’ lives.
& Management Forum will convene business owners and executives, corporate CEOs, government, and notfor-profit organization representatives for a timely and important dialogue about the most effective strategies for meeting our shared workforce challenges.
Employees are often cited by business organizations as their most valued asset, contributing to their overall growth and success. So, what are businesses to do when acquiring the right talent (skilled and unskilled) in a timely manner becomes increasingly difficult?
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have magnified a problem that existed pre-pandemic and has also put a spotlight on workplace culture, evolving models of remote work, and upward pressure on compensation across a variety of industries and roles.
We’ll share ideas and best practices in a highly interactive program and debate potential solutions that would position Mississauga a model of success in what is clearly a highly competitive and uncertain business environment.
Evolving models of hybrid work
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Building a sustainable talent pipeline
CEO Panels/Roundtables on talent strategies
Networking and collaborative opportunities
MACKINNON
Senior Manager
Partners in Project Green at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
The pandemic dramatically affected the way we do business, interact with each other, and operate as a society. It gave us a taste of what global disruptions can to do local economies and provided lessons we can apply to future challenges, such as the climate crisis. Impacts from climate change are increasingly making themselves felt, affecting supply chains, human health and infrastructure. This leaves us with a pressing question:
Join Partners in Project Green for an interdisciplinary forum discussing resiliency and regeneration, and what that means for the next stage in business sustainability.
Along with thought provoking keynote speakers, actionoriented breakout sessions will provide roadmaps to resiliency
• Financing Net Zero – committing to reducing your impact is a start, but how do you pay for it?
• Building a Climate Resilient Business – how do you know what your climate risks are, and how to mitigate them?
• Leading the Way through Social Impact – how do we support employees and communities in the transition to a clean and just economy?
Being back in person provides opportunities to connect with like minded professionals on these important topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with innovative technology & service providers and network with other participants.
To learn more, visit partnersinprojectgreen.com/fall-forum.
For Sponsorship and Exhibitor inquiries, please contact Ozit. Bittner@trca.ca.
Ticketing is open. Space is limited.
Partners in Project Green, a program of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in partnership with Toronto Pearson, is a non-profit member-based community of leaders advancing environmental action and economic prosperity across the GTA. Comprised of businesses, government, institutions and utilities, PPG helps businesses lower operational costs while integrating environmental and social responsibility into their business models.
How can Mississauga businesses prepare themselves to thrive in the coming years?
Acclaimed creators of Cavalia and Odysséo bring their latest masterpiece to Mississauga
After raising its White Big Top throughout the Greater Toronto area over the last decade the creators of Cavalia are ecstatic to return to Mississauga, this time not with their four-legged stars - but instead, with millions and millions of lights!
illumi - A Dazzling World of Lights is making its debut in Mississauga this September. The extraordinary light show is the first of its kind in the GTA market and the largest light, sound, and multimedia show in the world.
Kids and adults alike are captivated as they gaze up at the 47-metre-tall Tree of Lights, a multimedia display standing as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Then they embark on a spectacular outdoor journey on foot through 13 magical universes across a 600,000-sq-ft site, equivalent to ten football fields! Located near the intersection of highway 407 and Hurontario Street, illumi is brought to life by cutting-edge programming technologies, high-definition projections, jawdropping state-of-the-art animatronic creatures, thousands of light structures, and over 20 million brilliant LED bulbs.
“We are incredibly excited to call Mississauga the new home of illumi and spark the imagination, curiosity, and emotions of people of all ages across Ontario and beyond,” said Normand Latourelle, Creator and Artistic Director of Cavalia. “We are deeply proud of the immersive worlds we have created – all with the intent to bring people together to experience joy and wonderment in a unique, magical, and mesmerizing setting.”
Mr. Latourelle chose Mississauga because of his previous success in the area, its central and convenient location, as well as its ease of access to welcome visitors from across the province, country and the world. In 2017, Mississauga was proud to host Odysséo - the largest Big Top show in the world - and Latourelle extended their stay four times due to high demand.
illumi brings more than lights to Mississauga, including significant and positive economic impact, job opportunities and a unique adventure for corporate gatherings. illumi offers visitors a magical experience for an unforgettable outing filled with light, music, laughter, and out-of-this-world selfies.
The Canadian entertainment company is proud to be working with Tourism Mississauga and expects to bring 600,000 visitors to experience the first edition of this oncein-a-lifetime spectacle. “We are very excited to have illumi coming to Mississauga, and are happy to welcome audiences from near and far, ” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Tourism Mississauga. “This event is the first of its kind in Ontario and will be the City’s newest and largest major attraction. illumi is one more great opportunity for visitors to come, stay for the weekend, take in the lights and see all that Mississauga has to offer.”
For a seamless and memorable group experience, businesses are benefitting from many perks, including a dedicated point of contact, access to a private VIP illumi dome for a private cocktail reception, and most importantly – memories to last a lifetime.
All the lights are here, and Mississauga is shining brighter than ever.
Senior Coordinator,
Greening Corporate Grounds Credit Valley ConservationA successful business is often built on the combined efforts of many staff with different expertise. From talent acquisition specialists to supply chain logisticians, each employee plays a focused role in moving a product or service to market.
Although sustainability is critical to business success and longevity, unless sustainability is your business, you may not have the dedicated staff or budget to move sustainability goals forward. Identifying appropriate projects and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are dedicated programs like Credit Valley Conservation’s Greening Corporate Grounds (GCG) to help MBOT members and businesses in Mississauga access the tools, funding and guidance they need to turn ideas into on-the-ground action. Here’s how.
Through its partnership with the City of Mississauga and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Partners in Project Green, GCG provides Mississauga businesses with a free property assessment to identify sustainable landscaping and stormwater management opportunities. Each assessment includes detailed project recommendations and an action plan to share with stakeholders and set you on the path to success. Eligible projects can help businesses qualify for a credit on their stormwater charge.
GCG staff work closely with their colleagues in restoration and external contractors to help participants implement a variety of sustainable landscaping projects on their properties, like converting grass to meadow or forest, managing existing woodlots or re-establishing a degraded or buried creek. Restoration teams can also help businesses take advantage of the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program and the Forests Ontario 50 Million Tree Program.
When CRH Group Canada wanted to enhance wildlife habitat along their lakeshore property, GCG worked with their green team to secure funding from the federal Habitat Stewardship Program. Together, with in-kind and financial contributions from CRH, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics University of Guelph and CVC’s Tree Planting Program, they created a twohectare migratory bird flyway.
The federal government has recently increased funding availability for natural capital projects like sustainable parking lot retrofits, tree planting and blue roofs. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Intact Foundation also offer funding for climate change adaptation projects. These funds are often accessible to businesses that have shovel-ready projects supported by a partner organization, like Credit Valley Conservation.
GCG and its partners can help you identify, implement and fund your sustainability projects. Join us in taking the lead in corporate landscape sustainability that supports Sustainable Development Goals like climate action, life below water and life on land. Connect with us at gcg@cvc. ca or cvc.ca/gcg to find opportunities for you and your business.
Partnerships can provide the financial support and technical expertise you need to transform your sustainability vision into reality.
Sustainable landscaping and low impact development projects on your property can make rainy days worth celebrating. They help direct rainwater down into the ground, reducing pooling and potential flooding. They can also help you reduce your stormwater charge. Learn how with Greening Corporate Grounds.
Book your free property assessment. Visit cvc.ca/gcg.ca
“I have been part of the Amica family for over twelve years. I love interacting with seniors as there are always great life lessons to be learned. In my spare time I like to listen to music and enjoy baking – my butter tarts and cinnamon rolls are always a hit at our Amica charity bake sales! My most favourite meal is brunch!
- Robert, Community Relations Director, Amica Erin Mills
“I have always loved working with seniors ever since my first job as a server in a Retirement Residence at age 16. Older adults are so interesting and many of them have led fascinating lives. I find it so rewarding to help seniors and their families. My family and I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, kayaking, scuba or skiing we love it all! I enjoy all vegetarian foods, but I especially love Thai food!”
- Jade, Community Relations Director, Amica Erin Mills
As Community Relations Directors for Amica Erin Mills, our responsibility is to support and guide seniors and their families so that they are equipped with the knowledge and information to make the best decision for themselves and their loved ones.
We offer a safe place to talk about your unique needs and personalized solutions.
Call us today for a conversation. Jade or Robert at 905-816-9136
a rainy day at the office a reason to celebrate.
can
down from here!
At Amica Erin Mills, the day is yours. So you get to share it with whomever you want. Host your family for an elegant Sunday dinner, play poker with the girls, or get to know someone new. Together we’ll create a senior living experience that’s all yours, including personalized, professional care that evolves to meet your needs, even as those needs change. And, like quality time with the ones you love, that never gets old.
You’ve seen previous stories in Connect that leaned into post pandemic response, recovery and renewal. This article makes the case for corporate contribution to your employee’s quality of work life, by inviting them to enjoy creative experiences.
MIKE DOUGLAS Executive Director Mississauga Arts CouncilBell Canada started what the pandemic has accelerated, which is the broad awareness of the importance of one’s mental health. Mental health is health. Professional performance has always been linked to mental health, but now you see stories about mental health challenges in nearly every newscast.
Work consciousness is undergoing a sea change. The trend lines point to a more holistic creative experience of work, and fortunately now there is an Arts for Business Directory to help identify creative activities and entertainers that are diverse, compelling, therapeutic and fun!
The profound power of creative experiences can grow pride in oneself and loyalty to the company, and even spark surprise and delight amongst your staff. If you wish to entertain your teams, or inspire people with their own surprising creative achievements, where would you turn?
The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) answers those questions with a gift for all members of the Mississauga Board
of Trade. We’re providing a free Arts for Business Directory, populated by trusted professional artists of all kinds with skills, track records, cost certainty and links to their works.
About your Arts for Business Directory: bit.ly/ArtsforBusinessDirectory
Every artist in this curated collection of creatives is available for corporate events and team-building activities on any scale. Whether you’re looking for a mural to change the way employees see your firm or entertainment for your company barbecue, seeing art and making art brings employees together in a shared creative experience.
Browse the directory for ideas and refer to the clickable social media icons on their page, as well as their direct contact information, to see if there’s a fit for you.
If you hire an artist from the directory, please let us know! We’re happy to share your experience and tag you on MAC’s social media channels to an audience of 25,000+!
Get your Arts for Business Directory at bit.ly/ArtsforBusinessDirectory!
If you need assistance, contact Mike Douglas at mike.douglas@ mississaugaartscouncil.com.
companies – higher prices have translated into dramatically higher revenues. That’s in addition to ultra-low pandemic-era interest rates that made capital expenditures very affordable for businesses looking to expand operations to meet a heightened consumer demand.
While the pandemic proved primetime for companies that move goods, today’s economy emphasizes liquidity.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shocked Canada’s economy in early 2020, the impact was not just severe, but widespread.
Not surprisingly, transportation prices soared in the two years since March 2020. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis says ocean shipping prices rose by about 600%. Air freight went up by 50%.
CWB’s Arjun Uppal says freight rates rocketed within Canada, too.
“Rates between Toronto and Montreal have gone up as much as two to three times, depending on what is being shipped,” says the Mississauga-based Uppal who specializes in supporting transportation sector clients in his role as a business development manager for CWB Equipment Financing.
By and large, freight rates have been good news for transportation
These days, however, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Interest rates are on the rise, increasing the cost of borrowing and undermining companies’ ability to expand or buy new equipment.
Ani Modi, a CWB commercial business development manager based in Ajax, says business owners are realizing that attractive rate scenarios are a thing of the past – at least for now. “People are quickly recalibrating, and some are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to further expansion,” says Modi, adding there is a sense that people want to focus on their core business and look for solutions to ride out what could be a rough route going forward.
The good news is that many companies will be doing so from a position of financial strength.
For example, Uppal points out that his transportation clients funded pandemic-era expansion by borrowing at longer-term fixed rates, insulating them from rate shocks in the medium term. He notes that equipment prices
in transportation have also inflated by at least 20% to 50%, which means used equipment has maintained its value.
CWB clients realize the difference – and the benefits – of working with an expert team dedicated specifically to business owners.
“A transportation customer came to us looking for liquidity not to do more capex, but to prepare for the worstcase scenario and better handle whatever lies ahead,” says Uppal. “We helped them unlock the equity in the equipment and other acquisitions they made a couple of years back by giving them a new facility and extending their amortization.”
Both Modi and Uppal emphasize it’s vital for business owners to deal with a financial partner that’s tailor-made to support their needs – including helping them navigate challenging environments like high interest rates.
“There are not many institutions who understand business owners as thoroughly as we do,” says Modi. “We can be creative with our solutions and be quite a bit more flexible.”
B.A. (Hons) LL.B, Barrister and Solicitor
Babel Immigration Law
In July 2022, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship resumed draws from the Express Entry pool of candidates. Since then, we have seen semi-regular draws from the pool for all categories - including Federal Skilled Workers, Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominees and Federal Skilled Trades. However, with the CRS Points remaining high, it is unlikely that many applicants in the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades groups have been invited unless they are also in Canada with job offers from Canadian employers.
The rounds of invitation have been steadily climbing in number. However, these are small numbers and if the Minister continues to invite smaller groups of applicants, it could still be a long time before many highly qualified candidates are invited to apply.
While it is much delayed, we now have a temporary public policy in place to address the impact on International Students and Post-Graduate Work Permit (“PGWP”) holders from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lack of Invitations To Apply (“ITA”) for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Eligible international graduates with postgraduate work permits that are or will be expiring within the allowable time frame may be eligible to apply for an extension that would provide for an additional open work permit for 18 months.
public policy will be in effect until December 31, 2022.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through October 23, 2022. Under these flexibilities, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date for requests or notices issued between March 1, 2020, and October 23, 2022 for the following types of requests:
• Requests for Evidence (RFE)
• Continuation to Request Evidence
• Notices of Intent to Deny
• Notices of Intent to Revoke
• Notices of Intent to Rescind
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status and
• Motions to Reopen certain N-400 application
On July 22, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its policy manual to provide further guidance on supporting evidence for a petition for an O-1A non-immigrant of extraordinary ability with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
An O-1 visa is a non-immigrant (temporary) worker visa granted to an alien of possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This additional guidance will help petitioners and applicants to strengthen their requests for this highly discretionary work permit, and also adds transparency to the assessment process by USCIS.
When asked “What is HouseLife?”, the easiest answer has always been “We take care of stuff”Your stuff, your client’s stuff, your parents’ stuff, your grandparents’ stuff, your kids’ stuff.
HouseLife offers turnkey support for all things “house”: Decluttering, Depersonalizing, Donations, Auction Management, Repairs, Refreshes, Packing, Disposal, Staging, Estate Clearing Services, Moving Management and Settling in Services.
The cornerstone of our business is the Senior Downsize. Assisting Seniors with the process of fitting 40+ years of a much-loved home into an 800 square foot condominium or retirement suite. Not for the faint of heart! Our crew is often tasked with the challenge of explaining that a loved dining room suite purchased after years of penny pinching and enjoyed over a multitude of family milestones, will now collect pennies on the dollar or “won’t sell at all” and it may be best to donate.
55–89-year-olds represent 30.5% of Ontario’s population, over 4.5 million residents. A little more than 90% of these residents reside in their own private homes. With the onset
and move to greener, often smaller, pastures that offer more disposable income and less for their extended family members to manage. What this has meant to sellers and realtors is the need to “manage and off-load stuff” to get the residence on the market as quickly as possible with a listing that appeals to the broadest buyer possible. Competition is fierce – name a time when anyone wanted to pay the highest price! Image sells.
With a free consultation, HouseLife will quickly assess and manage what is needed. Perhaps a portable storage unit, perhaps a disposal bin (or two), a truck for donations and or temporary storage to ready for an auction. Will repairs, painting, new light fixtures be needed? Not a problem, we have a crew to see to it. Will the house need to be staged or will the homeowner’s own furnishings work? Again, not a problem, all crew members are trained to watch for the gems and pack away the items we would not use while creating a floor plan that will work to present the home to its best photographic advantage. Offering our own full inventory of soft furnishings, decorative items and artwork plus a wonderful array of current furnishings, we will get the home ready to stand out among the online world we now shop from.
Launched 8 years ago, HouseLife has grown to cover from Durham Region to Wentworth County. Fully bonded and insured, we help people “take care of their stuff” no matter their needs. Please check us out at www.houselife.ca or drop me a line at heather@houselife.ca or call me 647 544 7667.
All-Risks Insurance Brokers Port Credit
BoomerangFX
BorderWorx Logistics Inc.
Boston Scientific
Botembe Tulloch Group Inc.
Camrost-Felcorp Inc.
CIBC Partners
Co-operators
Digital Estate Media
Illumi
Mckinnon Contracting Mississauga Pest Control
New Creations Mississauga East
NICO Cargo Services
(Legal Name NICO Consultants Ltd)
PB Staffing Solution
Pulsar Enterprises
Purolator
Rihaan Patel Films Inc.
Roshel Inc.
Royal Pharma Inc.
Salvation Army Mississauga Community & Family Services
Stratejm Inc.
Symcor Inc.
The Business Expo
TWI Foods Inc.
There are many reasons to go digital; save space, save money, save the environment, and many more. But no matter your reason, we are here to help.
With a suite of easy and affordable solutions plus offers such as free trials and consultations, we will make sure your business’s digital transformation is as quick and painless as possible. Visit us at canon.ca/GoDigital to get started today!
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