CONNECT 2021 - Spring Edition by Mississauga Board of Trade

PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF COVID-19

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RETHINK THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS. Need employees who are agile, creative and resilient? Sheridan students are taught to think critically, collaboratively and differently — skills that can help your business navigate the future.

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CONTENTS ARTICLES

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2021 7

The Importance of Entrepreneurship and Impact Post-Pandemic

Main Street Prepares for a Digital Future

Let’s Build Something Together

18 Thought Leaders Unite for Mississauga!

How MERG is Harnessing Corporate Energy for Social Good

The Story Continues >

The Discipline of Innovation

Canada’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry: Energizing Recovery, Partnering for Prosperity

Three Key Considerations for Terminations in the Covid-19 Era

Is Remote Work Here for Good?

MBOT Business Awards of Excellence

Partnering for Productivity and Savings

38 Covid Vaccines for Canada - A Sad Story 40

The Benefits and Challenges of a Third Party Sale

From Idea Sparks to Flames of Accomplishment >

12 Reasons to Keep Your Windows Server

< RAPID SCREENING FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. PAGE 8

IN THIS

ISSUE

Chair’s Message

Events at a Glance

President’s Message

MBOT Referal Program

The Political Round Up

New Members

FROM OUR CHAIR

DURING TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

KEN TENCER

2021 MBOT Chair Spyder Works Inc.

In December of last year, the Report on Business Magazine, published by The Globe and Mail, announced its CEO of the year in Canada. The winner couldn’t have been a more fitting tribute to business in 2020. In their words, “we decided that our top honour this year wouldn’t go to one executive, but to all Canadian small business owners. It is the ingenuity and resilience of small businesses that we should look to guide Canada through this grim period.”

although these important outlets for the voices of small business have declined, the economy continues to be driven by entrepreneurs and scaling firms who employ the majority of people—not just large firms, but small and mid-size firms too.

That recognition of strength was the rallying cry Canadian businesses needed to unify and bounce back from the uncertainty that surfaced during the pandemic. This “grim period” continues to challenge the forbearance of Mississauga businesses, and with inevitable change on the horizon, we need to commit to a steady and structured approach to our goals. The Mississauga Board of Trade stands firm as a beacon of hope to connect, champion and advance the business community. We have worked hard to be the leading voice for business in Mississauga.

During a time when many of us are working remotely, far from our colleagues and co-workers, learning new and innovative ways to stay connected has never been more important. Our team at MBOT has spent the past year diversifying and building initiatives that support and connect leaders from different industry sectors.

To my disappointment—and the disappointment of my colleagues at MBOT—the voice of small and emerging business in Canada is waning. Some of the pre-imminent publications on small business, including Profit magazine and the Canadian Business Magazine, have closed up shop or shrunk in size. And

For these reasons, I am delighted to see MBOT distribute their Connect magazine through The Globe and Mail in Peel Region.

One such initiative is the Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG), aimed at providing data and insights to MBOT that can aid in the creation of new programs and collaborative opportunities for businesses in our community. MERG began as a question: “What can MBOT do to help Mississauga businesses recover from the impacts of COVID?” Led by our MERG chair, Ellen McGregor and MBOT CEO, David Wojcik, MERG’s solution was to create a panel to play three essential roles for the

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

FROM OUR CHAIR

“STEP UP” business community: to act as part of an oversight committee, to lead a group of companies within their respective sectors and to ensure their own organization provided input to questions they would ask of others. The six sectors that have come together under MERG are Life Sciences and Health Care, Education and not for profit, Professional and Financial Services, Manufacturing, Hospitality-Tourism and Retail and finally, Transportation - Logistics and supply. We had a desire to connect businesses and drive a stronger emergence through the pandemic, and what MERG has done is provide us incredible sightlines toward the types of business and industry that are at play in Mississauga. With MERG, we can understand the needs and challenges of businesses today while helping firms of all sizes come together to help one another to the other side of this pandemic.

“During times of uncertainty, there are really only two reactions we can have: “wait and see” or “step up.” I’ve never been a “wait and see” type of person.” Now more than ever, we need to double down and step up. That’s the philosophy I have instilled into my team at Spyder Works Inc., and it will be the philosophy that guides MBOT into the future. Let’s raise the voice of Canadian business, together. 

What we really hope to do over this next while is CONNECT, whether that is done by providing resources to businesses throughout the pandemic or involving ourselves in advocacy work with Mississauga, Peel Region, and the Provincial and Federal governments. There’s no better example of connection than this magazine distributed more broadly than ever throughout the Peel region. This is something David Wojcik and I have spoken about and wanted to do for a number of years. We want to be the voice of emerging business in our region. But what does that mean? It means that we will listen to the needs and concerns of Mississauga’s business community and take actionable steps toward solutions. We will be a voice in the ear of the government, influencing changes before decisions are made and offering feedback after the changes are implemented. That voice is important, not only for businesses themselves, but for any executive who wants to understand what the state of business is like today, where it’s going and where we can take it.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

FROM OUR CHAIR

2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN MISSISSAUGA

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: • • • • • • • •

Ken Tencer, Spyderworks | Chair Lucie Shaw, Nurse Next Door | Vice-Chair Steve Rhone, Weston Forest Products | Vice-Chair Susanne Balpataky, Speigel Nichols Fox LLP | Past Chair Jim Molyneux, MNP | Treasurer Ellen McGregor, Fielding Environmental Amy Delisle, Keyser Mason Ball, LLP David Wojcik, MBOT-President & CEO (Ex-officio)

DIRECTORS: • • • • • • • • • • • •

France Dube, AstraZeneca Steve D’Agostino, Avega Mary Ann Wenzler-Wiebe, BDC Parveen Dhupar, BTI Brand Innovations Inc. Sameer Sharma, Crown Hotels Adam Nowak, Gallagher Insurance Eileen Waechter, Greater Toronto Airport Authority Linda Kern, Kern Group Janet Wardle, MHI Canada Crystal Reedie, RBC Wade Hall, Sheridan College Andrew Stelmacovich, University of Toronto Mississauga

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

Solange Barcena - sbarcena@mbot.com

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES:

Kelsey Lusk - klusk@mbot.com

Established in 1961, Mississauga Board of Trade proudly serves as a the Chamber of Commerce for the sixth largest city in Canada – the third largest city in Ontario. Mississauga Board of Trade represents all businesses in Mississauga. MBOT’s large, diverse and active membership has made us one of the most vibrant business associations in Canada. As the “Voice of Business” we advocate on policy issues that impact local business at all levels of government, and are influential in helping to shape policy decisions. MBOT also offers a wide variety of valuable business services and professional development programs, networking events and marketing opportunities, to help business grow, prosper, and get connected. PUBLISHER: David Wojcik President & CEO ceo@mbot.com EDITOR: Kelsey Lusk Digital Asset Manager klusk@mbot.com DESIGN & LAYOUT: Katika Integrated Communications Inc. www.katika.com ADVERTISING INQUIRES: advertising@mbot.com PRINTING: Katika Integrated Communications Inc. www.katika.com DISTRIBUTION: Katika Integrated Communications Inc. www.katika.com PHOTO CREDIT: John Goldstein, Andrea Marchant

ADVERTISERS INDEX Blum Brite Space Offices BSC Solutions Group CAPP Exit Planning Group Insuranceland Ipex KMB Law McRae Imaging MERG 6

43 45 45 27 48 32 16 28 23 20

Mississauga Convention Centre MNP Pacific Paving Ltd Quantum RIC Centre RingCentral Sauga 960 AM Sheridan Spyder Works Inc.

13 21 41 37 9 30 14 2 47

701-77 City Centre Drive Mississauga, ON L5B 1M5 T: (905) 273 6151 E: info@mbot.com W: www.mbot.com

mbotontario © 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in part or as a whole, without the prior written permission of the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT). Advertising content and the comments, views and opinions expressed | 2021 ISSUE 2 herein are those of contributorsCONNECT and do not necessarily constitute endorsement by MBOT. Publication Agreement Number 40012444.

MEMBER TALKS

Entrepreneurship THE IMPORTANCE OF

AND IMPACT POST-PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened calls to reimagine how society functions – and innovators are responding. Entrepreneurs are creatively addressing pandemic challenges with solutions that contribute to both economic recovery and social development. Since 2018, Sheridan’s EDGE Entrepreneurship Hub has supported more than 200 startups, cultivating a vibrant community of people who believe entrepreneurship can make lasting change in society, even as we face tough questions about how businesses will survive and thrive post-COVID. Increasingly, our founders are taking up the challenge of a triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) approach. So how do we position changemakers and their bold solutions for success? One way is to ensure more ideas get to the table. Over 60% of EDGE founders are from communities traditionally underrepresented within entrepreneurship, including youth, women and people from racialized communities. Fostering inclusive approaches to entrepreneurship enables the diversity of thought and experience that fuel innovation and generate solutions that benefit our entire community.

RENEE DEVEREAUX

Director of Entrepreneurship and Changemaking at EDGE

Networks are key to supporting emerging founders and fostering the collaboration needed to realize bold visions. EDGE has hosted 270 virtual events since March 2020, many in collaboration with Mississauga businesses like The Kern Group and Meridian Credit Union. Mentoring sessions provide EDGE founders with first-hand insights into the local economy and develop their sales and financial management skills. We’ve also partnered with the Community Foundation of Mississauga to provide social ventures with funding and opportunities to develop their social impact and social finance fluency. This community-based approach is working. EDGE entrepreneurs are embracing today’s complexity and taking action. LinkMentalHealth is an online platform helping users easily connect with therapists – a key resource in a time when mental health awareness is paramount. Bootcamps for Change helps youth experiencing homelessness reach their full potential through physical activity and industry employment – another essential service at a time when youth are struggling. These successful startups, and others percolating in the minds of Mississauga’s entrepreneurs, will contribute to sustainable economic recovery. They also remind us of the creative potential that exists during difficult times. Continued investment in entrepreneurs and startup culture will ensure local businesses – and Mississauga’s innovation ecosystem – continue to thrive.  If you’re eager to work with emerging changemakers, share your expertise and support a triple bottom line approach to economic recovery, connect with EDGE to learn more: edge@sheridancollege.ca.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Rapid Screening FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

It’s the RIGHT thing to do. With vaccines now arriving in Ontario and mass vaccination sites strategically deployed. Who needs testing? Everyone, that’s who. Pharmaceutical companies have gone above and beyond the impossible, bringing a vaccine to market in less than twelve months. Granted, the traditional clinical trials to determine efficacy have been fast tracked but this is not a traditional virus. The solution to this little “devil” required the best of the best in science, epidemiology and leadership to collaborate and deliver an innovative medicine in record setting time. Now that we have the vaccines, does this mean all those measures we’ve had in place to stop the spread of the Corona Virus can now be halted? The simple and loud answer is NO! According to our medical experts, we still need to promote the three known practices to reduce transmission. Wash your hands frequently. Physically distance 2 meters from others and wear a mask. If we all did these three simple things, we would dramatically “plank” the curve. But we are humans and sometimes humans don’t always do the intelligent thing to do, much less the right thing to do.

DAVID WOJCIK

President & CEO Mississauga Board of Trade

Because our human frailty pulls us in the direction of what is easy and fun, we need other measures in place to protect us from ourselves. Screening, testing and vaccines. Here’s the bottom line. Our current roster of vaccines, as miraculous as they are, came to market quickly. Any epidemiologist worth their salt will tell you, beyond a few months, we don’t know how long the vaccine will be effective when injected into humans. Data is being collected along the way. Therefore, until we have definitive data

10 MINUTES - EXPERT GUESTS DAILY PODCASTS COVERING BUSINESS AND POLITICS

SPONSORS:

HOSTED BY PRESIDENT & CEO

DAVID WOJCIK

MBOT.COM / MBOT-RADIO 8

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

to determine effectiveness, we need to continue performing the basic three precautions and employ a screening methodology at the workplace.

2. RAPID ANTIGEN SCREENING METHODS

c. Analyzer Screening Device – Veritor by BD Canada

a. The Smell Test by Dr. Ho.

Screening is like using a Geiger counter to ensure one’s safety, after touring a newly built nuclear power plant - slim chance of exposure, but knowing you’re contaminated could save your own life and the lives of others. Knowing you’re contamination free, reduces stress.

Benefit: Yes, there is such a screening device approved by Health Canada. According to the developers, it is accurate with asymptomatic individuals who lose their sense of smell as a result of COVID-19. It is the least invasive of the Rapid Antigen Screening methods and the cost is very low.

Benefit: A proven analyzer reads the results, eliminating human error. Very fast. A screening result can be obtained in about 15 minutes. Moderately invasive with a shallow nasopharyngeal (up your nose) swab. The cost is more than the visual screening device but less than a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.

Screening our employees is the easiest solution and best ROI we have at the moment to protect our people and our business. Let’s examine the types of screening available and their effectiveness.

1. THE QUESTIONNAIRE Benefit: This is by far the easiest to perform. Whether its a sheet of paper or an electronic form, asking a series of basic questions is better than nothing. Drawback: The business is depending on an employee or visitor to answer honestly. Even if they answer honestly, the answers may not be accurate.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

Drawback: It only works with individuals who lose their sense of smell as a result of the virus.

b. Visual Screening Device – Panbio by Abbot Benefit: Very fast. A screening result can be obtained in about 15 minutes. Moderately invasive with a nasopharyngeal (up your nose) swab and the cost is more than the smell test but less than a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.

Drawback: Requires an investment in an analyzer unit in addition to the individual collection devices.

Which is the best method for your organization? The notes above are by no means an exhaustive list of considerations and you must always consult with professionals to determine the best path for your organization. For a complimentary no obligation F.A.S.T. (Fast Antigen Screening Toolkit), email merg@mbot.com. 

Drawback: Requires an individual with an accurate eye to visually interpret the results on the individual screening device.

MEMBER TALKS

MAIN STREET PREPARES FOR A

digital future Augmented Reality (AR) helps small businesses engage with consumers.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community and will need lots of help to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. With support from some innovative Digital Main Street (DMS) pilot projects, local businesses are finding new ways to engage customers and prepare for a digital future. The Streetsville Business Improvement Area (BIA) was the first in the region to embrace augmented reality (AR) as a technology to help their members engage with the community. With funding from DMS, the BIA was able to partner with the RIC Centre and Vancouver-based ImagineAR Inc. for a pilot project.

LEE ST JAMES

DMS Future Proof Program Lead RIC Centre

show your support to local businesses and win rewards by sharing your favourite business on social media.

Here’s how it works in five simple steps: 1. Download ImagineAR on your Apple or Android mobile device 2. Select “AR Near Me” 3. Choose from several fun AR characters in the scrolling menu, such as the “Love Local” hearts, a dinosaur, lucky leprechaun or a snowman

Mobile AR is the interactive experience of combining digital images with real people, places and things on your smart phone or tablet. If you tried the Pokemon Go augmented reality (AR) mobile game (which has had over 800 million downloads since it launched in 2016), then you know that AR can be fascinating and fun for all ages.

4. Aim your camera and point down and up to scale the AR image on your device and watch your AR creation come to life!

The ImagineAR app brought virtual visits with Santa and a Streetsville Snowman Contest to Mississauga residents looking for fun and safe, socially distanced activities during the extended COVID lockdown.

Now is the perfect time to show your local small businesses some love and have some fun with technology while you’re at it. By using the Imagine AR/AR Near Me option, you can help promote your favourite businesses and support initiatives such as the #mississaugamade local business directory powered by Tourism Mississauga.

The ImagineAR platform offers an engaging experience that includes pop-up rewards, coupons and contests. You can

5. Take a photo or video and save, share with friends or post on social media

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

MEMBER TALKS

The DMS project included production of a walk-thru and try video from insauga.com. https://fb.watch/3YLo1-s9PI/ Interactive heritage walking tours in Streetsville are in the works and will be officially launched this spring. Visit: https://villageofstreetsville.com/ for details. This Digital Main Street Future Proof project was made possible through financial support from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. For over 10 years, FedDev Ontario has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. Digital Main Street is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. A $42.5-million investment from FedDev Ontario and an additional $7.45 million from the Government of Ontario brought together the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, Communitech, Invest Ottawa, and the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association to expand the Digital Main Street Platform in order to support more businesses to go digital as a response to the impacts of COVID-19. The Digital Main Street (DMS) Future Proof program was designed to explore what is possible when technology innovators come together with community stakeholders to help main street businesses recover from the COVID pandemic and be better prepared for future economic storms.

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Three projects received support in Peel Region between September 2020 and March 2021: • Augmented Reality Walking Tours and Promotions (ImagineAR app, Streetsville BIA, Tourism Mississauga, Tourism Brampton, Brampton Economic Development) • Converting Paper Certificates to Digital e-Gift Cards (PAIY app, Downtown Brampton BIA) • Local Pharmacies as Modern Healthcare Hubs (MedEssist.ca, BookMyShot.com)

RIC Centre, a not-for-profit innovation hub and business incubator serving the Peel Region and Southern Ontario, was selected as the delivery partner for the DMS Future Proof Program for Peel Region. RIC Centre’s focus is to be a dynamic catalyst for tech companies. The team consists of more than 100 expert advisors, industry, academic and government partners. RIC Centre helps companies in Advanced Manufacturing, Internet of Things, Hardware & Software, Cleantech and Life Sciences to commercialize their products and get them to market faster. For more information about these projects, please visit riccentre.ca/digital-main-street or contact Lee St James, DMS Future Proof Program Lead (lee.stjames@riccentre.ca). 

The

THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

political

ROUND UP

Local & Regional THE MISSISSAUGA BOARD OF TRADE IS THE VOICE OF BUSINESS AT THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA AND REGION OF PEEL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

COVID19 RESPONSE Both the City of Mississauga and Region of Peel governments have established support programs and services for business because of the COVID19 pandemic. The City of Mississauga, predominantly through the Mississauga Economic Development Office, has a dedicated portal for business support. Their programs include promotion of the Digital Main Street program, development of economic recovery plans in various sectors of the economy, health, safety and re-openings measures and sector specific resources to assist in business re-openings.

Mississauga By-law Enforcement continues active inspections of businesses and workplaces and although they are adopting a public education approach first, fines are being laid when deemed appropriate. Most offences continue to be community gatherings although workplace outbreaks of COVID have been reported in businesses like manufacturing and warehouse operations. The Region of Peel, which has specific responsibility for public health, has the responsibility for acting on public health directives established by the Province of Ontario. When Peel moved into the “Grey-Lockdown” level in late November 2020, it meant that

many businesses were required to either completely close or have their operations significantly curtailed. This affected social gatherings, retail, restaurant, entertainment, personal care, banquet halls and sports and fitness centres in a very significant way. Peel Public Health is also responsible for the testing for COVID19 and daily reporting on cases and deaths. It is now also the lead for vaccine distribution and administration in the Region.

MISSISSAUGA MADE The City of Mississauga as set up a portal called Mississauga Made. It is an online marketplace developed to promote

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THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

local Mississauga products, businesses, artists, stories, activities, and experiences. To participate in the program go to www.mississaugamade.ca.

MANDATORY MASK WEARING BY-LAW Mississauga City Council passed a bylaw in July 2020 to make the wearing of masks mandatory in all indoor spaces including businesses. The by-law will be in effect until June 30, 2021 and includes hefty fines for non-compliance.

2021 MISSISSAUGA PROPERTY TAXES – A DECREASE FOR BUSINESS The City of Mississauga and Region of Peel set property tax rates for 2021 resulting in a 1.38% increase to commercial and industrial property taxes. However, the Government of Ontario has reduced the Business Education Tax for 2021 by 6.85% which makes up about 50% of the property

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

tax bill. Therefore, Mississauga businesses will see a property tax reduction in 2021.

OUTDOOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS The City of Mississauga recently approved a by-law that will permit some businesses to have outdoor operations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City received several requests for outdoor uses which are not permitted in the zoning by-law. To support Mississauga’s businesses and charitable ventures, the City has decided to permit outdoor retail sales and display and temporary outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments in appropriate zones.

OUTDOOR PATIOS City Council has extended Mississauga’s temporary patio program and amended the Temporary Use By-law to allow restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments to operate their temporary outdoor patios until

December 31, 2021. As part of the extension, these businesses can also install temporary tents/covered areas and heating devices as part of their patios, in accordance with provincial and City regulations, to ensure they can continue to serve patrons during the winter months.

TOURISM MISSISSAUGA The City of Mississauga has established Tourism Mississauga and appointed a Board of Directors to oversee tourism activities in the city. The Mississauga Board of Trade is part of the corporation to ensure the voice of business at large is included in its work. The Corporation is funded through the Municipal Accommodation Tax which is a 4% charge on overnight hotel and motel stays and is remitted to the City of Mississauga. In a typical year, this could yield as much as $10 million of which 50% of that money must be allocated to Tourism Mississauga. More can be found at www.visitmississauga.ca.

THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

provincial government MBOT WORKS VERY CLOSELY WITH OUR PARTNERS AT THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (OCC) ON ISSUES WITH THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT. OUR COMMITTEES WORK HARD LOOKING AT RESOLUTIONS, POLICY DOCUMENTS, GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS ON CONSULTATIONS TO ENSURE THE VOICE OF MISSISSAUGA BUSINESSES IS ADVANCED ON PROVINCIAL ISSUES. MEMBERS OF MBOT ARE AUTOMATIC MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OCC, PLEASE VISIT WWW.OCC.CA.

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT CREATED A NEW PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE FRAMEWORK On November 23, 2020 Peel Region was placed in the “Grey-Lockdown” level for a minimum of 28 days. The Ontario Government moved the entire Province into a lockdown on December 26, 2020 through the issuing of a Stay at Home Emergency Order which lasted until early March 2021 in certain parts of the Province. The Order in Peel Region was lifted in March but the Region has reverted back to the colourcoded system which determines business sector openings and restrictions.

The Bobcat is Back:

COVID VACCINE ROLL OUT The Ontario Government is responsible for the distribution and inoculation on COVID vaccines in the Province. While the Federal Government is responsible for the national procurement of vaccines. Vaccination clinics and locations are determined by the 34 Public Health Units. It is hoped that all Ontarians who wish the vaccine will have it administered by the end of September 2021.

ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT In late 2020, the Ontario Government launched the Small Business Support Grant to provide a grant of up to $20,000 for businesses hardest hit in lockdown zones. This is in addition to a program that provide support for property tax and utility payments.

ELECTRICITY RATES LOWERED IN ONTARIO On January 1, 2021, a portion of electricity costs estimated at approximately 85 per cent of the high cost wind, solar and bioenergy contracts, entered into by the previous government, is being funded by the Province, not ratepayers.

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THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

federal government 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.

COVID19 FEDERAL RESPONSE The Government of Canada has established and renewed several support programs for both businesses and workers to provide financial assistance. The programs most relevant to business are detailed below.

CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY The CEWS is a program designed to cover up to 75% of wages for employees to a maximum of $847 per week and has now been extended to June 21, 2021.

CANADA EMERGENCY BUSINESS ACCOUNT The CEBA is a low interest business loan of up to $60,000 administered by your local bank or financial institution.

CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY The CERS is a tenantdriven rent supplement program that has also been extended until June 21, 2021. The new program provides up to 65% of rent eligible expenses and another 25% for businesses in lockdown regions.

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HIGHLY AFFECTED SECTORS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM The HASCAP was announced in the Federal Economic Statement on November 30, 2020. This is a program designed for the hardest hit businesses. This stream will provide 100% government guaranteed financing for heavily impacted businesses and provide low-interest loans of up to $1 million over extended terms of up to ten years.

CANADA-UNITED KINGDOM TRADE CONTINUITY AGREEMENT Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) have reached a Trade Continuity Agreement to set the stage for a new free trade agreement between Canada and the UK when the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with Europe ends for the UK on January 1, 2021. The new agreement will provide continued access to the benefits of CETA on a bilateral basis, including elimination of tariffs on 98% of Canadian products exported to the UK. The Bill to implement the new trade agreement has been ratified in the Parliament of Canada.

COVID19 VACCINES

doses of various COVID19 vaccines. Several MBOT company members are part of these vaccines. Canada has also secured the most diverse portfolio of vaccine candidates of any country in the world, with agreements for up to 429 million doses from seven leading candidates. Health Canada has approved three vaccines for use in Canada - the PfizerBioNtech, Moderna and Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccines.

CANADA-US RELATIONS On January 20, 2021, US President Joe Biden was sworn into office ushering in a new approach to Canada-US relations. The President and Prime Minister Trudeau held a face to face meeting in late February 2021 and members of both Cabinets have held similar bi-lateral meetings. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on this new relationship. “No relationship in Canadian foreign policy is more important than our partnership with the United States, whether it is on economic or security issues. The Roadmap announced by Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden is a welcome reprieve from the past four years, and the business community is eager to usher in the next phase of the relationship between the two countries.” 

The Government of Canada has committed to purchase millions of

EDITORIAL

As a customer-focused organization, we believe in honesty, fairness, and integrity. We combine the strength of a global group with the diversity and passion of our local teams to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions for our building and infrastructure customers. Come join our team today!

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL

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EDITORIAL

THOUGHT LEADERS UNITE FOR MISSISSAUGA!

HOW MERG IS HARNESSING CORPORATE ENERGY FOR SOCIAL GOOD

Mississauga Economic Recovery Group

Just six months ago, the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT), launched the Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG) to focus on Covid-19 recovery efforts. Since then, a group of top CEOs have been actively collaborating in service to a powerful shared vision: Business Uniting for a Thriving Mississauga.

that will benefit many Mississauga businesses, as well as more targeted opportunities within each of its six sector groups. Already, MERG has prompted numerous MBOT initiatives and is in the process of scoping out infrastructure, talent, and capital opportunities that will drive forward safe reopening plans.

“Helping Mississauga businesses is one of our top strategic priorities this year, and MERG is our innovative solution that will move us from ideas to action,” says Ken Tencer, CEO, Spyder Works Inc. and Chair, MBOT.

“MERG is providing MBOT with unprecedented industry insight, generation of ideas, opportunities for collaboration and access to expertise,” says David Wojcik, MBOT President & CEO. “Things are happening – really exciting things to help Mississauga businesses get back on track – and they are happening because of MERG.”

MERG taps into executive insight, data, relationships and ideas to explore both large-scale, far-reaching initiatives

MERG SECTOR MEMBERS COLLABORATING

Scoping opportunities to increase access to markets, talents and capital that will strengthen and de-risk Mississauga businesses 18

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EDITORIAL

The Power of MERG in the Words of Sector Leaders “This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with leaders from all industries – people I wouldn’t usually cross paths with. Yes, I contribute, but I’m also learning a lot. This sharing of knowledge makes us all better equipped to deal with the challenges ahead of us.” - Paul MEO, President, NTN Bearing Corporation Canada MERG Sector Leader – Manufacturing, Advanced & Traditional

Some of the MBOT initiatives that are underway thanks to MERG’s input: • Coordinate with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on robust Vaccination Support Council plan that leverages the logistics capabilities of Mississauga businesses. • Launch Fast Antigen Screening Toolbox (F.A.S.T.), a program to provide local businesses with the tools and best practices to conduct onsite rapid screening where and when they need it. A pilot with three Mississauga businesses is already underway! • Explore strategies to access and leverage Essential Talent, including redistributing surplus talent and expanding the talent pool of essential skills that Mississauga companies need. • Support smaller businesses by Sharing Knowledge and Business Tools and potential coaching. • Education and Advocacy Efforts to help government understand the impacts and costs of COVID on specific sectors (check out the #supportmississaugarestaurants social media campaign) and championing opportunities to increase investment in Mississauga. •

Coordination with Toronto Region Board of Trade to support the Pearson Employment Area Pilot Zone project to gather and share best practices for safe and responsible operations in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain organizations during the COVID pandemic.

“It’s inspiring, it’s propelling to see all the ideas and actions that have already been generated by this group. There’s a palpable positive energy. It’s also clear that MERG is helping unlock something fundamental in all of us: the “want” to make a positive difference for others. Members are connecting and committed to help Mississauga flourish and by so doing are creating a model for other cities to adopt,” says Ellen McGregor, CEO, Fielding Environmental and Chair, MERG.

For more information or to get involved with MERG, visit www.mbot.com/merg  CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

“Whatever we do, I’m in, because we’re focussed on helping Mississauga businesses survive and ultimately thrive. We’re thinking both short term and long term, industry-specific and holistically, big business and small business. This is all about creating a better Mississauga and Canada.” - John McKenna, President, McKenna Logistics Centres MERG Sector Leader – Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain

“I’m really, really impressed with how quickly things are happening. It seems like after every MERG meeting, MBOT is doing something – creating a social media campaign, setting up meetings with government officials, connecting people, getting questions answered.” - Jane Chung, President, AstraZeneca MERG Sector Leader – Life Sciences & Healthcare

“Organizations are facing vastly different questions, concerns and issues in this dynamic business environment. MERG is bringing us together with a shared sense of purpose to help Mississauga businesses succeed.” - Jim Molyneux, Regional Managing Partner, MNP MERG Sector Leader – Financial & Professional Services

“The work MERG is doing reminds me of the saying: If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. But in this case, it’s up to us. We have to speak up, we have to push forward, we have to take a leadership role to help businesses survive and thrive.” - Sameer Sharma, President, Crown Group of Hotels MERG Sector Leader - Hospitality, Tourism, Entertainment & Retail

“One of the most surprising, amazing, positive things coming out of the pandemic is that organizations are stepping up and working together like never before to help other businesses, our communities and Canadians.” - Dr. Alexandra Gillespie, Principal, University of Toronto Mississauga & Vice President, University of Toronto MERG Sector Leader – Education & Not-For-Profit

EDITORIAL

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL

The path ahead

The local business landscape has transformed under a new global reality, and with it comes infinite opportunities. Supporting the communities where we work and live, MNP is committed to helping business leaders adapt. Prepare for what comes next, with customized solutions to guide your way forward. Jim Molyneux, Regional Managing Partner, Peel Region 416.626.6000 | jim.molyneux@mnp.ca CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

MNP.ca

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THE

Story Continues As the days of late March and early April unfolded it was becoming clear that COVID was going to have a material impact to McRae. I remember the exact day, April 10, my mind become singularly focused on one question.

How was McRae to survive? For McRae and the community at large, the best answer was masks because they were so hard to find. We immediately began to manufacture fabric masks for essential workers and the public. We also partnered with BYOM.ca and their network of artists and started designing and manufacturing some beautiful masks that helped the artists who were suffering and local charities who now needed different fundraising mechanisms.

BOB MURRAY McRae Imaging

Fortunately, our masks were well received and McRae started to build a reputation as a local manufacturer of quality masks. Fast forward to summer, The Como Foundation was seeking a mask manufacturer and had become aware of McRae’s newfound reputation in masks. The Como Foundation wanted to create a new kind of mask with a special transparent lens to help the hearing impaired and improve accessibility for those that need to see facial expressions. McRae and Como successfully worked together to create the mask they had envisioned. In addition, McRae received an Ontario

Together Fund Grant and invested in more sewing and cutting equipment to increase production for the new Access Masks. Continuous development has led McRae to make a 100% Canadian, 3 layer mask having an outer layer of 100% polyester, a middle layer filter of spunbond nonwoven polypropylene and an inner layer of 64 gm polypropylene with nose wire and earloop adjustors. These extremely breathable masks provide excellent filtration while being comfortable for extended periods of use. McRae’s masks are machine washable while maintaining an ongoing comfortable fit. McRae will continue its efforts to maintain high quality and efficient mask production while striving to innovate new products to keep the Canadian and Global communities safe. If you are interested in purchasing customer corporate 3 layer masks for your employees or would like more information about McRae. Please contact sales@mcraeimaging.com or call 906-569-1605. 

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This mask has a great story • • • •

Safety Comfort Fit Custom Design Giving Back

To learn more about our 100% Canadian made masks

Model: Carla Rojas Photo Credit: Fia Darroch

www.mcraeimaging.com

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The Discipline of Innovation Navigating the four market stages to become a market maker.

SAQUIB VALI Spyder Works Inc.

You know their names well: Apple, Shopify, Johnson & Johnson, P&G. Their total market capitalization dominates the stock market, and for good reason. What differentiates these companies from their competition is that they are Market Makers: companies that have mastered not just the art but also the discipline of innovation and used it to establish their dominance in the market.



There’s a difference in how you behave, how the market perceives you and how you lead.



And nowadays, everybody wants to be a Market Maker! After nearly 30 years, Spyder has helped hundreds of products, brands and companies be just that, across many sectors and dozens of countries. And we have done so as a discipline; powered by process, resilience and perseverance. 24

In this four-part series, I will be sharing the insights I’ve curated over 30 years of experience. For this blog, we will delve into the four Market Stages and the path to becoming a Market Maker. There’s a difference in how you behave, how the market perceives you and how you lead, depending on which stage you’re in. So, let’s get started.

Market Challenger As a market challenger, there are three areas you should focus on to maximize benefit: your strategy, your strengths and your history. At the challenger stage, you’re the new kid on the block. Consumers and competitors alike will look at your company with a lot of skepticism. At this point, your best option is to lead with a well thought out strategy and vision, which provides your team with a clear sense of direction. Another key element to overcoming the challenger stage is by playing to your strengths. By showing CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

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customers that your company thrives on a certain area of expertise, you make yourself more credible within the market.

to customer satisfaction and separates you from the competition.

Finally, you should highlight your history as a company. By showing your record of performance, you demonstrate in a concrete way why you deserve to be in the business—why you should stay.

There is a constant tension between future growth and stagnation that you must be wary of at this stage. If you do not take advantage of your status as a market disruptor, you run the risk of reverting back to a market challenger.

• • • •

Expectation: Enter, adjust course & become deliberate with Strategic Intent Customer Perception: Skepticism Lead with: Vision & Strategy Behaviour/Culture: Agility, listen

Expectation: Introduce technology as a key differentiator Customer Perception: Delight Lead with: Hyper innovation Behaviour/Culture: Agility, listen

Market Maker

Market Player Before anything else, the only way you can truly become a market player is if you have a sufficient number of offerings to satisfy a sizeable share of the target market. Now that you’ve asserted yourself as a market player, you have the confidence, money and heft to create the room for investment and come up with a type of market disruption.

Once you’ve introduced a disruption that gains traction in the market, you earn the right to be a market maker. As a market maker, you become a leading voice in your industry. You understand how the consumer thinks, and you are ahead of the pack when it comes to determining where the market is going to move to next.

And it’s not that you haven’t been thinking about becoming a disruptor since the beginning, but you have now earned your way into the disruptive stage.

• • • •

Expectation: Expand offerings to satisfy the market Customer Perception: Acceptance Lead with: Flawless execution Behaviour/Culture: Dissatisfaction with status quo

Market Disruptor Once you become a market player, you need to make the move to becoming a disruptor. This occurs when you develop a new technology, product or process that contributes CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

Expectation: Establish as a category thought leader Customer Perception: Trust Lead with: Thought leadership Behaviour/Culture: Dissatisfaction with the status quo

Here’s the kicker. When you feel like your company has arrived at a suitable place in the market, it has not. During the Market Player and Market Maker stages, you have to be resolute in not being satisfied with the status quo. If you don’t pivot to becoming a disruptor—if you don’t invest in innovation with a sense of urgency— there is a high chance that you will slip back into being a Market Challenger. Reach out to me at svali@spyder.works if you’d like to talk more about becoming a Market Maker and maximizing your company’s potential for future growth.  25

MEMBER TALKS

CANADA’S OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY:

Energizing Recovery,

PARTNERING FOR PROSPERITY

Why does that matter to people in Ontario?

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCERS

It matters because the industry’s multi-million-dollar supply chain is nation-wide. Canada’s oil and natural gas industry works with innovators, service providers and manufacturers across the country. Despite challenges against the oil and natural gas sector in recent years that have rippled through the economy (even before the pandemic), outside of Alberta, Ontario remains the largest supplier to Canada’s oil sands industry. Major services contracted in the Mississauga region include equipment, chemicals and engineering. Dollars spent in Mississauga amounted to almost 15 per cent of the oil sands’ total spend in Ontario, with 218 local suppliers and contracts totalling $275 million in 2016-2017. In January 2021, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) forecasted a small uptick in capital investment within the upstream energy industry, signalling the beginning of economic recovery for Canada with natural gas and oil as one of the primary recovery drivers. And that bodes well for workers in Ontario.

The year 2020 was certainly challenging, especially the impact of COVID-19 that caused a collapse in natural gas and oil investment in Canada to the lowest level in a decade, in turn leading to lost jobs and economic opportunity.

The oil and natural gas sector can help Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery. With the right set of policies, the sector could create 120,000 new jobs, attract up to $20 billion in new investment and increase government revenues to $7.5 billion annually to fight the deficit and fund social programs, all with an emphasis on clean technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fresh water use and other environmental impacts. And those benefits are Canada-wide. Collectively we have the innovation, high standards for safety and environmental performance, and technological expertise to be the world’s energy supplier of choice. Canada can provide reliable, affordable and responsibly produced energy that will get Canadians back to work. To illustrate the point, CAPP has created two short videos (you can also go to www. context.capp.ca and search the video library): • Ontario supply chain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAqQeZawr-8&t=9s • Validere Technologies - https://context.capp.ca/articles/2020/video-validere Support for the oil and natural gas sector means jobs and positive economic growth in Ontario. Find out more at www.capp.ca 

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

MEMBER TALKS

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

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Three Key Considerations FOR TERMINATIONS IN THE COVID-19 ERA

ALEXANDER BOISSONNEAULEHNER KMB Law

COVID-19 has a devasting impact on many businesses and forced personnel reductions. While every termination is unique, and there are many considerations that an employer should canvass with an employment lawyer before carrying out a termination, these are the three most frequent issues I have encountered in my practice of advising employers regarding contemplated terminations during COVID-19:

decisions released during the pandemic confirmed that most termination clauses in employment contracts are written in a manner that is unenforceable.1 Almost every employment contract that has crossed my desk have “for cause” termination language. While this language used to be conventional, it has the effect of rendering the termination clauses in the employment contract unenforceable.

1. Your employment contract may not be as ironclad as you think

2. The impact of COVID-19 on employment opportunities may lead to greater exposure

Employment contracts often set out an employee’s entitlements upon termination. However, a series of court

Employers who do not have enforceable termination clauses in their employment

We Continue To Grow!

Welcoming Our Newest Members

TED LAAN Counsel - Civil and Commercial Litigation, and Family law

MANPREET KAHLON Associate Partner - Residential Real Estate

DANIELLE HARRISON

BOTA McNAMARA

Associate - Residential Real Estate

Associate Partner Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Restructuring

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contracts are typically exposed to liability for what is known common law notice of termination. The notice or pay to which a terminated employee is entitled is determined by a number of factors relating to the employee’s characteristics (length of service, age, and position) and the market forces at play (the availability of similar employment). Our courts have recognized that the impact of COVID-19 on employment opportunities may have the impact of increasing an employee’s entitlements upon termination in certain industries.2

New S how E ver y T ues day A weekly update on what's happening in the world of business and politics

3. Employer’s duty of good faith in termination applies to terminations carried out by video-conference Employers must be cognizant of their legal duty to exercise good faith during the employee’s dismissal. This obligation entails being candid and forthright, fair and reasonable, and sensitive with the employee.3 Employers could face litigation if the manner in which the termination is carried out breaches these principles. Accordingly, it is advisable for the employer to have a conversation with the employee being terminated rather than simply advising them of their termination over email. While in-person termination meetings are generally preferred, this may not feasible in light of COVID-19. Video-conferencing is the next best option. It is a medium that allows the employer to convey their decision with empathy, and provides the employee the opportunity to share their thoughts. It is important that the employer ensure that the video-conference technology is working and that there are no audio issues before getting to the subject at hand. Employers should also be mindful that there is a greater likelihood that the employee may record the discussion than they would if the termination meeting was being carried out in-person. An employment lawyer can assist businesses implement enforceable employment contracts and explore strategies to reduce liability arising from the reduction in available work. Should you have any questions regarding this article, terminations, or any other employment issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or any members of KMB’s Employment Law Group. 

Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc., 2020 ONCA 391, Sewell v. Provincial Fruit Co. Limited, 2020 ONSC 4406 2 Yee v Hudson’s Bay Company, 2021 ONSC 387 3 Wallace v. United Grain Growers Ltd., 1997 CanLII 332 (SCC), [1997] 3 SCR 701 1

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

2 MINUTES - EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

MEMBER TALKS

Getting back to moving forward Message. Video. Phone. All in one intuitive platform.

Whether in office or online, RingCentral provides MBOT members exclusive access to the digital tools needed to boost productivity in Canada’s post-pandemic world.

RingCentral Office® for independent business owners A single unified phone system

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Up to a 25% discount on RingCentral Office Terms apply

Let’s talk! Call: 800-378-8110 Visit: go.ringcentral.com/MBOT

© 2021 RingCentral, Inc. All rights reserved. RingCentral and the RingCentral logo are registered trademarks of RingCentral, Inc. Other third-party marks and logos displayed in this document are the trademarks of their respective owners

SCAN ME

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IS REMOTE WORK

here for good? ASHLEY MOREAN

Canada’s forced experiment with remote work has revealed a few surprises. Productivity is up. Overhead costs are down. And employees are often happier.

Clearly, workers will return to our shops, facilities and offices—but maybe for only part of the workweek. Tasks that can be efficiently managed remotely—phone-calls, emails, video conferences—might stay remote. Experts are calling this new scenario “hybrid-remote.”

3. Falling Overhead

Strategic Industry Alliances Partnership Manager RingCentral

So whether your business transitions to “hybrid-remote,” or goes “full WFH,” here are five sure-fire benefits:

With fewer folks in the workplace, businesses cut down on expenses. Less need for space, so lower rent. Lower equipment and utilities costs— which leads to reduced insurance and maintenance costs. Then there’s little things (that add up) like: coffee, drinks and snacks, along with office supplies and cleaning products. Major corporations are reporting 30% savings on non-real-estate costs alone.

the majority of Canadians opt for a “hybrid-remote” work/life balance—inperson some days and remote other days.

1. More effective meetings Studies show that with the right team leadership and reliable video conferencing tools, virtual meetings compete head-to-head with in-person ones. Meeting objectives stay focused. Files and data are seamlessly shared. And all voices are heard.

2. Rising productivity Remote workers feel empowered when management trusts (and not monitors) them. Commute time becomes quality time, letting employees work at optimal hours. One study found remote productivity adds a full day’s work, with fewer sick days and a 50% decrease in attrition.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

4. Cooler than the watercooler Collaboration platforms (like Workspace or GLIP) make staying connected with co-workers fun. They’re more efficient than email chains and more engaging than group messaging. Plus, teams can share videos, jokes and personalized memes—injecting empathy and humor into daily interactions.

Empower your business for whatever’s next

5. Happier Canadians

Maybe you’ll keep workers remote. Maybe you’ll adopt the emerging “hybrid-remote” model. Or maybe you don’t know yet. No matter what, learn more about the leader in allin-one, global cloud communications: RingCentral.

Canadians are known for their sporty outdoor enthusiasm. So no surprise they enjoy the extra hours remote work affords them. In fact, survey and after survey confirms that, moving forward,

Take advantage of our mbot partnership. Call: 800.378.8110 email: MBOT@ringcentral.com visit: https://go.ringcentral.com/mbotavega-discount.html. 

FROM OUR CHAIR

CONNECT | 2020 ISSUE 2

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

EVENTS AT A

Glance

Virtual Professional Development Series THRIVING IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL DISRUPTION PT. 1: THE POWER OF THE GIG ECONOMY ELIZABETH EISS

DECEMBER 2, 2020

FOUNDER & CEO ResultsResourcing.net

SERIES SPONSOR

2020 mbot members annual general meeting (agm) VIRTUAL EVENT DECEMBER 9, 2020 ELLEN McGREGOR CEO, FIELDING ENVIRONMENTAL, CHAIR OF MERG

MBOT event RESTAURANT POLITICIANS TOWNHALL DECEMBER 18, 2020

MBOT event PERSONAL SERVICE SHOPS TOWNHALL JANUARY 7, 2021

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

From the Corner Office VIRTUAL FIRESIDE CHAT WITH RONNIE MILLER - PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ROCHE JANUARY 12, 2021 SPONSORS

MBOT Webinar WHAT TO DO IF COVID19 AFFECTS YOUR BUSINESS FEBRUARY 5, 2021 HER WORSHIP MAYOR BONNIE CROMBIE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA

DR LAWRENCE LOH MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH REGION OF PEEL

ALEKSANDRA ALLEN MANAGER, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND PLANNING, MISSISSAUGA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Good Morning Mississauga (GMM) WITH SPECIAL GUEST: HAZEL McCALLION FEBRUARY 10, 2021

ZEL’S A H G N ATI CELEBR HDAY! T R I B H 100T

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MBOT Webinar THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS HOSTED BY EDY HADDAD AND AMANDA BROWNE FEBRUARY 23, 2021 SPONSOR

EDY HADDAD

AMANDA BROWNE

Virtual Professional Development Series THRIVING IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL DISRUPTION PT. 2: SALES 4.0 FEBRUARY 25, 2021 DAN VAN DAMME

SERIES SPONSOR

ACCOUNT STRATEGIST MICROSOFT RELATIONSHIP SALES LINKEDIN

2021 Virtual Mayor’s Annual Address HER WORSHIP BONNIE CROMBIE, MAYOR OF MISSISSAUGA MARCH 2, 2021 TITLE SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

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TITLE SPONSOR

Planning Committee Chair:

Tyril Froese, MNP

Judging Committee Chair:

Alice Bolton, MNP

SUSANNE BALPATAKY - SPEIGEL NICHOLS FOX LLP SHELDON BORGES - PRISM CARE CORPORATION ANN BOYD - MISSISSAUGA CONVENTION CENTRE ED BREEN - NIGHTINGALE CORPORATION AMY DELISLE - KMB LAW PARVEEN DHUPAR - BTI BRAND INNOVATIONS INC. ESA PARA ESANANDA - BATTERYSONIC INC. SAM FROST - BERESKIN & PARR LLP THERESA GREER - HEART HOUSE HOSPICE CAMERON GROOME - MICROBIX BIOSYSTEMS INC. HANAN HADDAD - HILTON MISSISSAUGA MEADOWVALE PAUL HAINER - INSURANCELAND INC. PETER HAWKINS - MELLOHAWK LOGISTICS INC. CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ - JD FACTORS ANNE KENNEDY - PALLETT VALO LLP JAMES KENNEDY - HYNEK FINANCIAL GROUP SHARI LYNN LADANCHUK - BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PEEL

LARRY LALL - THE MECC CORNERSTONE ANDY LOGES - HILTON MISSISSAUGA MEADOWVALE ANNE MARIE PEIRCE - THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MISSISSAUGA SUE QUINN - KAMP K-9 INC. DR. LISA RAMSACKAL - INNOVA INTEGRATED WELLNESS CENTRE STEVE RHONE - WESTON FOREST JOANNE RIVARD - RIVARD CONSULTING SURINDER (SAM) SHARMA - POWER SAVING SYSTEMS INC. DAVID SHAW - NURSE NEXT DOOR LUCIE SHAW - NURSE NEXT DOOR KEVIN SHERWIN - THE RIVERWOOD CONSERVANCY AMOS SINGH - A&O CONTRACTING SOPHIA SNIEGOWSKI BEGIDZHANOV - MUSKET TRANSPORT YIANNI SOUMALIAS - CLOSING THE GAP HEALTHCARE COLIN TYLER - CENTURY AUDIO VISUAL LTD. KEVIN VARMA - MNP

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Acara Solutions Achēv Air Riderz Adventure Park Alphavima Technologies Inc. Amcor Rigid Packaging Amgen Canada Inc. Benelux Tek Group Inc. Camp Tournesol Inc & the Brouillet Academy Canada Mortgage and Financial Group Cap-Thin Molds Inc. Cedric Millar Integrated Solutions Inc. Centre for Education & Training Century Audio Visual | Diahlie Smith Century Audio Visual | Colin Tyler CJ Graphics Inc. CJ’s SKATEPARK Closing the Gap Healthcare Coalition for Persons with Disabilities Community Living Mississauga Connect4Life ContactPoint 360 Core Therapeutics Physiotherapy Costco Wholesale Country Charm Mennonite Furniture Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub Danby Products Limited Do Re Mi for Kids Inc. Ecosystem Informatics Inc. Electronic Recycling Association EllisDon Corporation Facility Plus Farnham + Company Chartered Professional Accountants Feed Mississauga (Twas the Bite before Christmas Foundation)

Global Shipping Solution Inc. Gripple Canada Inc. Gullcan Enterprise Inc. Habib Canadian Bank/Blue Elephant Canada | Alykhan Jadavii Haywood Hunt and Associates Inc. HS & Partners LLP I.T. Mission Inc. iCent Insuranceland Inc | Paul Hainer IRIS R&D Group Inc. iS5 Communications Inc. Katika Integrated Comm. Inc. Kintetsu World Express Canada Inc. (KWE Canada Inc.) KMB Law Leda Restoration/EMRG | Andrew Hawkins Lift North America Little Rose Cookie Co. MAD Elevator Inc. Malicki Sanchez, Barristers and Solicitors MARK Designs MHI Canada Aerospace Mind Surface Inc. | Matthew Gray My Women Support MYC Graphics Inc. National Tire Distributors Nightingale Corp. Nurse Next Door Nurse Next Door | David & Lucie Shaw OEIS Security and Investigation Pacific Paving Ltd. Peel Children’s Aid Foundation Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts RhythmQ Inc.

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CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

OPINION EDITORIAL

Covid Vaccines for Canada

A Sad Story

LIBERAL GOVERNMENT PHARMACEUTICAL POLICY HAS FAILED CANADIANS AT OUR TIME OF GREATEST NEED

PAUL LUCAS

(retired) President and CEO GlaxoSmithKline

As the CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Canada (GSK) for 16 years, now retired for nine, I was deeply involved in the production and distribution of the Canadian vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, working collaboratively with public health and other government officials. All the vaccine for that pandemic was produced in the GSK factory in Quebec City. The campaign, after a few initial snags, was a tremendous success. The vaccine was developed, rolled out and injected into millions of Canadians in just several months.

million citizens — less than 10 per cent of the population. Many other countries have received significantly more vaccine on a population-adjusted basis. The question is: Why is Canada not able to acquire more vaccine early?

I felt compelled to write about the current vaccine supply situation when federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Leblanc erroneously stated on CTV’s Power Play that we don’t have any domestic vaccine production in Canada because “GSK closed its facility during the Harper years.” In fact, that facility is still operational and manufactures much of Canada’s annual flu vaccine.

Successive Liberal governments, including this one, have created an unfavourable environment for investment and commercial success for innovative pharmaceutical companies in Canada. They have made it very difficult for Canadian CEOs to attract investment to Canada despite many attempts by the industry to work with governments to do so. They have made no effort to work with the innovative industry to encourage a partnership that could deliver tremendous value to the health-care system and the economy and give Canadians early access to new medicines and vaccines.

As of this writing Canada ranks tenth in the world in COVID vaccine doses administered per 100 population. This is surprising considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently stated that “We are better on vaccines than just about every other country.” The provinces have worked out their logistics issues and are not the problem. The problem is clearly that the federal government is not able to procure significant doses of vaccine until April. Canada will receive 1.2 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine by the end of January and six million doses by the end of March. That will allow the vaccination of approximately three

Is it because the Liberal government has virtually no relationship other than as a buyer and regulator with the only organizations that could possibly produce a vaccine quickly and in sufficient quantities, the global innovative pharmaceutical industry?

Not surprisingly, the industry has gone elsewhere to invest — to places like the U.K., the U.S. and the EU where that positive environment does exist. They are all performing better than Canada on early vaccine acquisition. A senior public health official in Israel recently stated that one of the reasons that country was able to acquire large quantities of doses was its good relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

OPINION EDITORIAL

This unfavourable environment has its roots in the Trudeau government of 1968 and the effective elimination of pharmaceutical patents. That lead to the hollowing-out of the innovative industry and the emergence of a genericcompany oligopoly that was supported by successive Liberal governments. The Mulroney and Harper governments supported the innovative industry by improving the patent landscape but Canada only partially recovered and to this day does not have globally competitive patent protection. The negative trend continues even now with the imminent implementation of a punitive pricing regime through new federal (Patented Medicine Price Review Board) regulations. One now has to ask: where are the generic companies when we badly need innovation? Liberal government pharmaceutical policy has failed Canadians at our time of greatest need. Is Canada unable to acquire early vaccines because the federal government was late negotiating contracts with companies as it attempted to acquire domestic supply by funding three or four opportunities,

When it comes to vaccine supply Canada should be in the same position as these other leading countries. Instead, we are three to four months behind. How many more people will die in this pandemic who wouldn’t have if the federal government had done a better job acquiring more early doses? How many more businesses will fail? How long will the lockdowns go on? Months matter in this struggle. Days matter. Unfortunately, Canadians are paying a steep price.

“When it comes to vaccine supply Canada should be in the same position as these other leading countries. Instead, we are three to four months behind.”

including collaboration on the CanSino vaccine from China, that frankly had virtually no chance of succeeding? Or is it because Canada may not have been willing to pay a per-dose price that would have ensured significant early supply? Or, finally, is our initial supply small because Canada provided little to no funding for the development of the vaccines, unlike the contributions made by the U.S., U.K. and Germany? Operation Warp Speed in the U.S. contributed $12 billion to support accelerated development and manufacturing. It should be no surprise that the U.S. now has large quantities of vaccine.

Moving forward, Canada should start preparing for the inevitable next pandemic by establishing a constructive partnership between the federal government and the innovative pharmaceutical/life sciences industry. Canada needs to position the sector as one of our strategic industries — which, incredibly, it currently is not. The government needs to build a policy platform that will make Canada globally competitive in attracting innovation and investment. Part of that investment has to be domestic pandemic vaccine manufacturing capability. There should be no excuses next time. 

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BILL BLACK

President / Exit Planner Exit Planning Group

The Benefits

Depending on what type of business you have, what your key employees are like, the current market, and your array of potential buyers, business owners may have a long list of candidates to whom they might sell their business. One of the first options owners often consider is to sell the business to an unrelated third-party buyer. This option can allow an owner to receive the largest sum of money for their business in the shortest amount of time. Let’s review some of the perks and drawbacks to selling your business to a third-party purchaser.

THIRD-PARTY SALES PERKS: MONEY For some business owners, third-party sales are most appealing because of the potential payoff. Unlike family members or key employees, outside buyers may have the funds to pay for ownership in full. This can mean that you won’t have to accept a promissory note (or at least it may be a smaller part of the deal) or rely on business performance after you have gone. There are a few caveats, however. First, to receive a maximum payout, you must have your business in order. This means beginning to install crucial Value Drivers that many buyers look for in a business. This often requires the help of several

OF A THIRD

different advisors, so be sure to start building that team of professionals sooner rather than later. Second, most business owners understand that they probably won’t receive billion-dollar offers for their businesses. But often, business owners will fall into the trap of believing that their businesses are worth more than an objective buyer will pay. There are two things that you can do to avoid this temptation: 1. Get a professional appraisal. Many owners want to use an industry rule of thumb or their own personal estimate of value when pursuing a third-party sale. This can hurt you in the long run because an incorrect estimate of value can leave you under the false impression that you don’t have to continue building business value. You can obtain an accurate, professional valuation from a certified business valuation specialist. 2. Get help finding qualified buyers. Even when owners have businesses that have maximum value, they can struggle to find the right buyer for their businesses. Buyers are rarely charitable with what they’re willing to pay for business ownership, and negotiating the right deal often requires professional help. Your “deal team” may need to include market research, deal marketing, auctioning, offer management, negotiation, legal positioning, and/ or tax analysis expertise. It’s a good idea to start identifying those team members early. Though money is a common reason owners look to sell to third parties, it’s far from the only reason. Another popular reason owners like third-party sales is how much time they can save.

THIRD-PARTY SALES PERKS: TIME Studies and surveys by a range of organizations consistently report that the majority of business owners want to exit their businesses within the next 10 years. While a typical plan to build up and sell a business can take 5–10 years to create and implement, the right strategies may reduce the time it takes to transfer ownership by pursuing a third-party sale. Although there may seem to be quite a few advantages to a third-party sale, there is one major drawback to consider.

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and Challenges

PARTY SALE

THIRD-PARTY SALES DRAWBACK: TAINTING THE MARKETPLACE In terms of third-party sales, one negative factor is that owners can taint the marketplace. Tainting the marketplace can happen if you put the business on the market for sale, then pull the business off the market without selling it. When buyers see that an owner failed to sell the business, it can serve as a black mark on that business, regardless of why the owner takes the business off the market without selling. Tainting the marketplace is frequently a result of business owners desiring the two perks of third-party sales (maximum money and minimal time), failing to get a proper business valuation, and rushing the business out to market because they are ready to leave.

To avoid this problem, follow a disciplined approach to prepare your business, prepare yourself, understand the market, clean up potential problems, and set your expectations, all well before you make your first move toward the sale process.  W.R. (Bill) Black, CExP™, CFP®, CEA®, CIM® President / Exit Planner bill.black@exitplanninggroup.com www.exitplanninggroup.com Member of the BEI Network of Exit Planning Professionals™ The information contained in this article is general in nature and is not legal, tax or financial advice. For information regarding your particular situation, contact an attorney or a tax or financial advisor. The information is provided with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, tax or financial advice. We are Members of the BEI Network of Exit Planning Professionals™

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Flames

FROM IDEA

Sparks

TO OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

BREE RANIERI

Co-Founder & CEO Cotalent

Leaders at every level aspire to deliver results for their organizations. The tall order is knowing how to move IDEAS to ACTION to RESULTS. The pandemic has created additional pressures to generate new ideas and move to results faster than ever before. As the revered Stateswoman, Golda Meir said, “Fan tiny inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” For over 20 years as a senior leader and as an expert in executive coaching, strategy and organizational change, I have been helping leaders “fan” ideas. And the great news is that you can harness this power in your organization. Here’s how.

Engage the Right People Today’s business challenges are too complex for any single leader to have all the answers. Leaders must gather different perspectives to generate and build out ideas. Listen actively, connect people, adopt feedback and give due credit. Your job here is to be the catalyst for lighting the match and gathering with others to fan the flame.

Define Purpose and Outcomes To move from spark to a working fire, you need to clarify the “why” and “so what.” This starts with zeroing in on what matters and aligning on a common purpose or vision. Ask yourself: where is there passion to make a difference?

Create a Supportive Culture Effective leaders show humility, create a sense of ownership, and promote transparency. It is the idea and the build of the idea that matters, not who came up with it. Candid feedback and speaking about the real issues will not dampen the idea flame but give it fuel.

Develop a Plan Tackling a large challenge is best done by breaking it down into “bite sized” pieces. It’s easy to get paralyzed here when you may not have all the information. Forward movement enables you to gain traction.

Ensure Alignment Effective leaders frequently cross-check for alignment. It is imperative to stay connected and ensure everyone has been heard and agreement has been reached as you progress.

Adjust and Keep Forward Momentum Effective leaders review what is working, what is not, and embrace corrective actions where needed. Maintain focus, learn and grow and celebrate successes – these are the keys to keep your fire burning bright. Fanning flames to create fire isn’t always easy in organizations, but with an open mind and a commitment to forward momentum, it is entirely possible. Now go build your fire!  CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL

Photo: Woodworking Canada

Blum Canada expands distribution of hardware solutions with an automated warehouse in their new Mississauga head office Iris Sharofi, Blum Canada’s new General Manager together with the new Management Team in Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain are working together to bring a visionary approach to drive operations and sales towards exceptional growth with intelligent technology.

Within the new 61,000 sq. ft. building you’ll find an automated warehouse with three storage and retrieval machines and 6,300 pallet locations. The 24 metre-tall, automated pallet warehouse provides approximately 41,000 sq. ft. of additional space. In addition, a new showroom to be launched in early May 2021, will bring an interactive experience from learning about Blum’s history, product demonstrations, hosted events, trainings, and so much more. The comfortable, modern and open concept layout of both the showroom and office area is inspiring and inviting to all visitors who can learn more about innovative cabinet solutions.

Iris Sharofi General Manager Blum Canada Ltd.

Despite the current pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions the company has achieved steady growth in the last year. As a leader in their industry, Blum is well positioned to support their distribution channel and direct customers, in addition to the increased demand in kitchen renovations to strengthen market share. Blum manufactures hinges, drawer systems, and other related fittings for the kitchen cabinet and furniture industry and employs 43 people across Canada. To learn more about Blum Canada, visit www.blum.com or E-Mail: info.ca@blum.com to contact a Blum representative. CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 2

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12 Reasons

TO KEEP YOUR WINDOWS SERVER Here are 12 benefits that a Windows Domain Controller Server can provide: 1. Central management and control of security settings for all computers on the network.

BILL BOISVENUE

President BSC Solutions Group Ltd.

2. Ability to create network-wide rules, such as requiring unique and complex passwords. 3. Ability to set network-wide password expiry policies. 4. Lockout of user accounts after a set number of failed log-on attempts to prevent potential cyber criminals gaining access to your network. 5. Users can be configured to allow easy log-on to any computer and have their settings follow them. This eliminates the need to perform any special setup for a user on a specific computer.

More and more, we encounter organizations that would like to eliminate their servers and move all their data to “the cloud”. On the surface, this sounds very appealing as a simplified and cost-effective approach. It can indeed work well for some very small organizations with perhaps 5 or fewer computer users. If that doesn’t describe your business, there are a great number of benefits you are missing out on, or will lose, if you eliminate your Windows Server(s) entirely.

Most businesses require a central management Windows Server referred to as a Domain Controller. A Domain Controller runs what is called Active Directory, which authenticates and authorizes all users and computers on the network. Traditionally, this server has been physically located at the business premises, however, this server or service could be hosted in the cloud.

11. Re-direction of My Documents to the server for central backup of individual user files currently stored on their C drives.

Ability to set all computers to lock their screens after a set period of time and require a password to unlock. This helps prevent others from easily viewing what’s on your screen or from accessing your computer while you are away.

7. Ability to disable accounts immediately for exiting employees. 8. Automatic installation of network printers on computers as soon as they join the domain. 9. Central Management of network printers including print jobs, allowing the ability to pause, purge or restart any print job stuck in the queue. 10. Central file sharing. Store documents on department or company-wide file shares.

12. Group settings for Chrome or Microsoft Edge to ensure access to specific websites that require special settings. With all the central management and security benefits of a Domain Controller, a Windows server should be considered a required component of your network. As for understanding what data and applications might be best managed in the cloud versus at your premises, there are many options and factors to consider. For expert advice on such topics, contact BSC Solutions Group Ltd. www.bscsg.com 

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When you’ve reached all your goals, you have to be ready for the next plateau. To delight your customers you always have to be doing things better, faster and different. For more than 25 years, Spyder Works has been a leading business consultancy for mid-market organizations and intrapreneurs, globally. We develop design-driven strategies to help our clients move past their time-consuming “front burner” issues and develop clear, implementable steps into the future. Working in partnership, we challenge our clients to see their business from the customers’ perspective and transform this learning into better ways of communicating, working and engaging opportunities for growth. Because in business, there’s no finish line, only starting gates. Contact us at info@spyder.works or visit www.spyder.works Small Steps. Epic Journey.

CONNECT 2021 - Spring Edition

Articles inside

Is Remote Work Here for Good?

MBOT Business Awards of Excellence

The Discipline of Innovation

The Benefits and Challenges of a Third Party Sale

The Importance of Entrepreneurship and Impact Post-Pandemic

From Idea Sparks to Flames of Accomplishment