CONNECT 2021 - Summer Edition by Mississauga Board of Trade

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 3 | SUMMER 2021 7

David Wojcik, MBOT President & CEO, Announces His Retirement

The Business of Mentorship >

18 The Road to Recovery:

Supporting Safe Workplaces Today...

... And a Resilient Life Sciences Infrastructure for the Future

Building Back, Better Together >

The Future of Business is Built on a Semi-Colon;

Major Opportunities for Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Court Rules that “Covid Leave” or Layoff is a Constructive Dismissal at Common Law

Significant Changes to 2021 Trust Reporting Requirements

36 Congratulations 2020 Business Awards

of Excellence Winners!

Netsuite Cloud ERP + NetDynamic = Business Success >

How We Saved a Small Business 42K per Year in Lost Revenue

46 48

People Make the Difference

Was the House Vacant When the Home Owner Moved Out for Medical Treatment?

< celebrating 60 years OF SUPPORTING MISSISSAUGA BUSINESSES IN THIS

ISSUE

Chair’s Message

Events Re-Cap

President’s Message

Upcoming Events

The Political Round Up

MBOT Referal Program

New Members

FROM OUR CHAIR

RETHINKING & REDEFINING

THE

KEN TENCER

2021 MBOT Chair Spyder Works Inc.

Summer has arrived, and with it has come an increase in vaccine distribution across Ontario. As we approach a welcome return to normalcy, important and necessary questions about the future of the workplace have been raised. We at MBOT believe now is the time to rethink and redefine the modern-day workplace—one that places connection, curiosity, and openness at its core. For the past 18 months, we have learned to adapt; creating cozy home offices, relying on Zoom calls and emails to keep us connected, and leaning on WiFi to keep us from total isolation. Companies are having to decide whether we should continue working remotely full-time, return to the office full-time, or opt for a hybrid solution.

But before we decide on the “best” solution, it’s important to reflect on the lessons learned over the course of this pandemic. Some people, we’ve learned, thrive on working alone with no distractions, while others find the human connection offered by the office space to be a welcome reprieve from the isolation of their home offices. We can’t deny that those working remotely full-time struggle to serendipitously connect with their team and can become frustrated by the limits of technology. Everyone is different—everyone has their preferences—and that is important to keep in mind going forward. As corporate leaders and owners, it falls on us to think about and balance what is best for our team, our customers,

and our company culture all within the strict adherence to any ongoing health protocols to keep us all safe and well. Returning to the office, full or parttime, is not just about returning to the physical structure of the office; it is also about the return of human connection. With people craving human interaction more than ever, the return to the office gives us an opportunity to reconnect with our colleagues in a meaningful way. It’s important for employees to have a sense of belonging, to be a part of a community based on shared values. Offices must design their space to evoke collaboration, banter, and insight. Employers can make inoffice days worthwhile by creating occasions for employees to be seen, heard, and celebrated through activities that encourage teamwork, trust, and relationship-building.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

FROM OUR CHAIR

MODERN-DAY WORKPLACE Our return is also our opportunity to bond and connect through in-person conversation, reminding us all of the value of rap sessions that leave us feeling refreshed and inspired. We need to treat the return to the office as the return of human presence, of bouncing ideas off one another during coffee breaks, and of adding a comment on the whiteboard as we pass by. The process of sharing raw ideas, formulating concepts together, and having breakthrough moments has been diminished in our video conferences.

Socializing is good for us, even if we’re introverted at times. As social creatures, we rely on the support of our colleagues to get through tedious, and at times stressful workdays. Chats in the hallway give us a break and a chance to recharge and communicate with our colleagues in a way that doesn’t require computer screens.

Let’s use this return to rethink how we foster relationships in the office, to engage in topics that transcend work, and to take this opportunity to listen to our team members with openness, empathy, and curiosity; and, of course, take every ongoing precaution to remain safe and healthy. 

Virtual meetings have been a necessary substitute to keep projects moving forward, but the best exchanges happen spontaneously when you run into someone in the office or in the lunchroom. In-person interactions are the best way to connect, to foster relationships, and to network. Group dynamics also build energy that virtual meetings can’t always replicate. It’s possible but it’s not as easy or as natural. People need to be celebrated for their success, and being together in an office gives employees a better chance at being noticed and standing out.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

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

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 Globe and Mail PHOTO CREDIT: John Goldstein, Andrea Marchant

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bateman MacKay bdc Bilingual Link Century Audio Visual City of Mississauga CMFG Connected 360° Deloitte Insuranceland Joldon Diagnostics KMB Law 6 Mary Kay

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.

31 27 49 7 23 9 45 41 32 21 29 12

MERG MHI Canada Aerospace NetDynamic Consulting Inc. OACETT Pacific Paving Ltd Pallett Valo LLP Parkland Lifestyle Residences Quantum Sauga 960 AM Sheridan Spyder Works Inc.

20 15 43 47 31 49 45 39 13 2 51

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 3 herein are those of contributorsCONNECT and do not necessarily constitute endorsement by MBOT. Publication Agreement Number 40012444.

EDITORIAL

David Wojcik

MBOT PRESIDENT & CEO,

ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT After almost six years as President & CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade, David Wojcik has announced that he will be retiring from his position effective August 31, 2021.

“David is a very inspiring and actionoriented leader,” says Ken Tencer, Ken Tencer, CEO, Spyder Works Inc. and Chair, MBOT. “He came to MBOT with a very clear strategic vision and

has steadily advanced our advocacy, membership and communication goals. His efforts, especially during the challenge of the past 12 months, have helped MBOT become one of the most vocal, impactful and efficient boards of trade in the country.” Since joining MBOT in 2015, David has significantly strengthened relationships with local politicians, amplified MBOT’s voice through innovative communication channels and expanded membership participation and benefits. His commitment to meeting the needs of Mississauga businesses can be seen in the seamless transition MBOT made to delivering its services digitally when Covid-19 hit last spring. Most recently, he co-created of the Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG), which is uniting a diverse group of CEOs to drive forward a wide range of Covid-19 recovery initiatives. In addition to his many achievements, David is known for his relationship building skills and genuinely approachable style – qualities that have made him a very special leader to MBOT employees and stakeholders. “I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished as a team over the past six years,” says David. “It has been a pleasure working with so many talented people and a true honour to have served the needs of Mississauga businesses.” We’d like to take this opportunity to thank David for everything he’s done to grow MBOT and wish him the very best of luck when he transitions to a relaxing retirement in a few months. 

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

5 TIPS TO

Focus Forward

The last 18 months has been grueling. For staff, front line workers and leaders. We have seen employees move to different companies and different careers, with hopes it will be different. Maybe so, but unlikely. Here are 5 tips to focus forward as we drag the 800 pound pandemic gorilla across the finish line.

1. LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Make a list of your accomplishments and those of your team, over the past 18 months. If you’re still standing, chances are, there have been significant changes to your business. Review each achievement and employ the 20 idea methodology to improve on each one.

2. EMPLOY A 20 IDEA METHODOLOGY

DAVID WOJCIK

President & CEO Mississauga Board of Trade

This technique was introduced by Brian Tracy years ago. It was ground-breaking and retains it’s creative power today. Record 20 ideas to improve on each one of your accomplishments and select one idea to act upon. The first 6 ideas will come easily. The next six will take some work. The final 8 will be like draining water from a stone. But those final 8 will be where brilliance lies. This is important because you will create countless solutions to improve your business in a world where the average person struggles to create one.

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 3

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

3. FOCUS ON YOUR TEAM

4. BREATHE

5. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

Your team has been through hell and back. Everyone has dealt with some kind of personal struggle and sacrifice. Working from home, when home is a 500 square foot condo….with no balcony…. on the 35th floor. Fear of returning to the office. Fear of not returning to the office. Home schooling children. Accessing aging parents in long term care facilities. Visiting loved ones in hospital. Illness and death. Your team deserves some forward focus. Check in with each of them. As deep in the organization as your can. Ask what’s on their mind. What are their concerns and what do they see in the future? Seek their thoughts. People never cease to amaze me with their resourcefulness and resilience.

I am reminded of a quote from best selling author, David Weiss as he sat with a group of leaders. He posed the question: “Do you think”? Then came the zinger. “Do you think about how you think”? No one had an answer. Over the past 18 months, leaders have been relentlessly focused on the now. We haven’t taken time to focus on the next. We are close to the COVID finish line. It’s time to look up and regain sight of the horizon. Leaders need time to think, ponder, dream and conceptualize. It’s when you set your mind free, you will create the great ideas. There is no “right” time to think. Turn off your phone, mute your computer, shut the door and let your mind wander and breathe.

Leaders are consumed with challenges. Strategic planning, ongoing business, customers and staff. We are so very busy worrying about others and asking how they are, we forget to check in with ourselves. Whoever created the adage, It’s lonely at the top, underestimated how really lonely it is at times. Perhaps every decision you made during COVID, wasn’t the perfect one. But, you made the decision and if it wasn’t the right one, you made another one. Give yourself some credit. It’s been a time of unchartered waters and you survived. Maybe even flourished. An anonymous philosopher said, “anyone can be a leader in good times. It’s takes a real champion to lead through the difficult ones”. And this “one” has been a challenge of historic proportion. 

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

THE BUSINESS OF

mentorship KAREN LEMOINE

Director, Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations Sheridan College

The trials of the past year have shown the importance of civic engagement, and the opportunities that are unlocked when people join forces for the betterment of their communities. For local businesses, community involvement isn’t simply about boosting exposure – it’s a meaningful way to contribute services and resources to meet community needs. But civic pride also means helping every person in a community become their best selves – with no one left behind. Unfortunately, statistics show that our youth – key members of our community, and the future of our workforce – are facing barriers that could keep them from reaching their full potential. The Halton Poverty Roundtable in 2018 showed 13,500 children in Halton live in low-income households. That same year, the Region of Peel revealed that 18% of children in Peel live in poverty. According to Statistics Canada data from 2016, 3,600 youth between the ages of 14 to 24 in the Halton Region weren’t involved in employment, education, or training. That’s why in May, Sheridan College launched Youth Amplified – a suite of community initiatives rooted in a mission to unlock the transformative power of education – and help young people in our local campus communities forge a path to postsecondary studies. Community-wide trends show that populations with higher rates of postsecondary education also enjoy higher rates of 10

positive civic behaviors such as volunteerism, voting, and greater overall employment rates that contribute to higher tax revenues for cities. The bottom line: higher education changes lives and community. The key to Youth Amplified’s success is like that of many local businesses: a focus on connecting deeply with and listening to the needs of our community. Working with youth-serving organizations in Halton and Peel, we’re offering youth mentorship, connections to financial aid and resources, guidance through the postsecondary application process, a window into student life, and more. So far, Youth Amplified programs include partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, Eclypse Youth Centre and Black Boys Code. In 2020 alone, Sheridan engaged close to 200 youth through these outreach programs: youth facing barriers to postsecondary education, and by extension, barriers to the local job market. At Sheridan, we’ll continue listening and learning about the needs of youth in local communities. We know, as business owners, you’re listening too. We invite you to reach out to see how you can contribute. 

Learn more about our existing community partnerships and how you can get involved: karen.lemoine@sheridancollege.ca

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

F.A.S.T. is a FREE easy to use, easy to understand toolkit for businesses who wish to provide antigen screening to protect their employees.

FREE DOWNLOAD

WWW.MBOT.COM/MERG/FAST

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

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. 12

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. Peel Public Health has been the main

operator and coordinator of Mass Vaccinations Clinics throughout the Region and more than 70% of Peel’s adult population has had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. It has also participated in supporting a number of workplace vaccination sites which MBOT advocated for to ensure workers can get easy access to vaccines. In April 2021, Peel’s Medical Officer of Health announced that he would be invoking Section 22 of the Health Protection & Promotion Act to partially or fully close businesses if they had five or more cases of COVID linked to the workplace within a 14-day period. The closures have lasted at least ten days.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

MANDATORY MASK WEARING BY-LAW The City of Mississauga continues to have an indoor mandatory face covering by-law which lasts until December 2021.

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 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 until December 2021.

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. Recently the City of Mississauga and the Board of Tourism Mississauga appointed Victoria Clare as the new Director of Tourism and CEO of Tourism Mississauga. More can be found at www.visitmississauga.ca.

BUSINESS LICENSING FEES Mississauga City Council has approved fee reductions in 2021 for business hardest hit by the COVID pandemic. MBOT had advocated for the fees to be fully waived in 2021 given the significant economic impact to these businesses. Business licences renewal fees will be reduced by 50% for 2021 with a cap of $300 for: Personal Services, Body Rub Parlours, Adult Entertainment, Driving School Services, Restaurants and Related Food Service and renewal fees will be reduced by 25% with a cap of $300 for: Taxi, Limousine and Airport Transportations Services and Tow Truck Services.

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.

CITY SIGN BY-LAW PROVISIONS EXTENDED FOR PORTABLE SIGNS AND SIDEWALK SIGNS To assist with hardships and challenges faced by businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic, Council approved the extension of sign by-law provisions to December 31, 2021. The sign by-law provisions apply to portable signs, including business improvement area boards with sidewalk signs inside planters and on City boulevards within business improvement areas.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

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’S ROADMAP TO REOPEN The Government of Ontario has announced the Roadmap to Re-Open which is a Three Step Process to gradually re-opening businesses and activities throughout the Province. The new program came into effect after the Stay-at-Home Order expired on June 2, 2021. Roadmap to Reopen outlines three steps to easing public health measures, guided by the following principles: Step One An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower,

and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity. Step Two Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity. Step Three Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including

where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness; indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits.

COVID VACCINE ROLL OUT Getting people fully vaccinated is the key to business re-openings and economic recovery. Mass vaccination clinics have been highly successful in the Region of Peel through the support of the Ontario Government through vaccine supply and logistics.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

THE POLITICAL ROUND UP

ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT/TOURISM & TRAVEL SUPPORT GRANT

up to three paid sick days during the COVID pandemic which would be reimbursed to the employer through the WSIB. To participate in the program, go to Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit | Ontario.ca.

The Government of Ontario created these programs as a direct result of the work of MBOT and the Ontario Chamber Network to provide direct support of up to $40,000 to businesses hardest hi by the COVID pandemic. They also provided a portal to apply for relief for property taxes and electricity costs for small businesses. Details on all the Government’s programs are at www.ontario.ca.

WORKPLACE EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGNS

WORKER INCOME PROTECTION BENEFIT The Ontario Government created a program to allow for workers to take

The Ontario Government has launched a series of education and enforcement campaigns to ensure businesses across the province are taking the necessary steps to keep employees, consumers and the public safe. These campaigns support the current efforts of police, municipal by-law officers, and public health inspectors to educate businesses and enforce the COVID-19 health and safety requirements. Officers will be asking employers to produce their workplace safety plans.

The Government also made changes to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Act to protect employers from unexpected premium increases due to COVID claims while maintaining an increase to the maximum earnings cap for worker benefits.

FAST ANTIGEN SCREENING TESTS AND PROVINCIAL ANTIGEN SCREENING PROGRAM MBOT has been involved in creating and administering the FAST and PASP programs to assist business and their employees to participate in COVID rapid testing at their places of business to keep workplaces healthy and safe. More information on these programs and how to participate is at www.mbot.com.

“TO PROVIDE VALUE TO OUR CUSTOMERS, AND TO PUT QUALITY AND SAFETY IN THE SKY.” At MHICA this is our mission, we stand by it!

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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

CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY

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. Access to the programs is available at www.canada.ca.

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 September 25, 2021. However, the amount of the subsidy will continue to decrease from June 2021 until the program is ended.

CANADA RECOVERY HIRING PROGRAM This program provides a subsidy of up to 50% of eligible salary or wages. It would be available to eligible employers who have experienced qualifying revenue declines so they can hire more workers, increase workers’ hours, or increase wages. This support affords businesses with certainty that they can take on the extra costs needed to rehire and be ready to return to growth. The Hiring Program is designed to interact with the Wage Subsidy. The programs overlap so that, as Wage Subsidy rates gradually decline, eligible employers would still be able to receive the maximum support from the Hiring Program this summer if they hire more workers or increase workers’ hours or wages. This will make it easy for businesses to quickly hire new workers and do so at a pace that works best for them, as different jurisdictions reopen their economies at different paces.

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. It was due to expire on June 30, 2021 but may be renewed. If the loan is fully repaid by December 31, 2022, up to $20,000 of the amount will be forgivable.

HIGHLY AFFECTED SECTORS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM This is a program designed for the hardest hit businesses, including those in sectors like tourism, hospitality, hotels, arts, and entertainment. This stream will provide 100% government guaranteed financing for heavily impacted businesses and provide lowinterest loans of up to $1 million over extended terms of up to ten years. It has been extended until December 31, 2021. 

CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY The CERS is a tenant-driven rent supplement program that has also been extended until September 25, 2021. The new program provides up to 65% of rent eligible expenses and another 25% for businesses in lockdown regions but will also decline in support from June to September 2021.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL

ORDER AT MBOT.COM

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:

SUPPORTING SAFE WORKPLACES TODAY … Free workplace rapid screening toolkit and testing devices

Mississauga Economic Recovery Group

Recovery has many facets and will look different for every business. One consistent theme though, regardless of your industry or the size of your business, is keeping employees safe by keeping Covid-19 out of workplaces. Continued hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing are key, but is there more that can be done? The Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG) was founded by the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) specifically to help Mississauga businesses recover from the impacts of Covid-19. Early conversations amongst MERG’s 50 member CEOs identified a key recovery opportunity: workplace rapid antigen testing. This idea led to the Fast Antigen Screening Toolkit (F.A.S.T.), a free, easy-to-use, easy-tounderstand online toolkit MBOT has created for businesses who wish to provide antigen screening to protect their employees.

“We saw an opportunity to meaningfully help businesses who want to take steps to protect their employees but are overwhelmed with all the information out there,” says David Wojcik, President & CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade. “It was exciting to be able to take a MERG idea and use MBOT resources to turn it into a real-time, useful product that will directly help businesses in Mississauga and beyond.”

What is F.A.S.T. F.A.S.T. is a free online toolkit available to all interested businesses. It includes all the information you need, in one place, to implement a rapid screening program in your workplace. The resources in the toolkit are customized based on your business’ location and will be updated as recommendations from regional health authorities evolve. F.A.S.T. includes best practices, resources and templates for all phases of an employer-led rapid screening program, including: • Planning – things to consider before getting started • Communication – talking to your employees about this program • Personal Protective Equipment – what you need, where to get it, how to dispose of it

• Screening Devices – overview of options and where to get them • On Site/Remote Screening Options – set-up options and screening frequency • Positive Screening Result – reporting results, managing a positive test, return-to-work guidelines “We worked closely with Peel Health, suppliers and other experts to make it as comprehensive and user-friendly as possible. As far as I’m aware there isn’t another toolkit like this out there,” says David. “I’m so proud that MBOT was able to develop and produce this world-class resource within just a few months.”

Free Antigen Screening (Testing) Devices In addition to the toolkit, MBOT is distributing the province’s free rapid test kits which are available to small and medium-size organizations with less than 150 employees. The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade along with The Ontario Chamber of Commerce. MBOT expects to distribute thousands of free kits over the coming months. 

Get your FREE F.A.S.T. toolkit and Rapid Test Kits: www.mbot.com/merg/fast-antigen-screening-toolkit

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL

… AND A RESILIENT LIFE SCIENCES INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE Taking the lead on building a national vision and strategy One of the greatest learning opportunities of the pandemic is in Canada’s life sciences sector. Canada incurred multiple vaccine sourcing issues, putting us behind other countries. But reliance on foreign suppliers does not have to be our future. “We have a choice,” says Jane Chung, President, AstraZeneca Canada and MERG Sector Leader – Life Sciences & Healthcare. “We can keep doing things the same way we’ve always done them, or we can learn from the lessons of this pandemic. We need to rebuild our pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply capacities and reshape healthcare delivery with critical life sciences investments so that Canadians will have first access to medicines and first-class medical services in the future.” The Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG) has brought together some of the best minds in the life sciences private sector. For these CEOs, making Canada a go-to choice for investment in assets, talent and research through a connected, aligned life sciences ecosystem, is the only option. Sam Ricchezza, strategic advisor with McMaster Innovation Park and past President, North America with Bora Pharmaceuticals, has stepped up to lead the charge on developing a national vision and strategy for Canada’s life sciences and healthcare sector. “Sam is eminently qualified to take on this leadership role,” says Ellen McGregor, CEO, Fielding Environmental

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

SAM RICCHEZZA IS LEADING THE CHARGE ON BUILDING A NATIONAL LIFE SCIENCES AND HEALTHCARE STRATEGY.

and Chair, MERG. “He has a wealth of knowledge and contacts, he has the patience to work with the myriad of stakeholders involved and most importantly, he’s deeply passionate about this issue. He is the puzzle master who is going to help put all the pieces together.”

Building a Comprehensive, National Life Sciences Strategy: It’s Complex The Life Sciences industry is a large, complex ecosystem made up of many interrelated parts, from research and development, manufacturing, distribution and transportation, hospitals, community health partners and pharmacies to name just a few. It is also guided by strict policies and significant regulatory oversight from numerous federal and provincial ministries. “We have a unique opportunity here to align all parties, including government and its policy decision-making processes, as well as the public, behind a common vision and values-based goals for the future of healthcare in this country,” says Sam. It’s early in the strategy development process but it’s already clear that there is a collective aspiration to help make Canada one of the top health and biosciences hub in the world. A vibrant, resilient top-to-bottom ecosystem benefits everyone, including improved health outcomes for Canadians. That’s a powerful vision. “The time is now,” says Sam. “MERG has brought us together and helped connect the dots at an opportune moment in time. We now have a case for change, momentum and critical mass. Sometimes you need to make a bold move if you want to effect change, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” 

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Building Back

Better Together DONNA HESLIN

Manager Entrepreneurship & Innovation City of Mississauga

Change is inevitable and due to the impacts of COVID-19 we have seen more change than many of us could have anticipated, and in a very short time. Businesses large and small have struggled to adapt just to keep their doors open. Although the pandemic allowed certain businesses to thrive, many others have been brought to their knees. One of the silver linings throughout this time, is the remarkable collaborations that have developed within the Mississauga business community. Many of these partnerships already existed, but the numerous restrictions and closures forced us to be creative and to work together even more closely to provide the much needed supports to our community. The City’s economic development, tourism and culture divisions joined forces to develop MississaugaMade, a platform that highlights our local artists and businesses and encourages

our residents to #ShopLocal. The Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC) quickly transitioned to run training and webinars online and collaborated with the RIC Centre, U of T Mississauga’s ICUBE and Sheridan’s Edge to host networking events and an online marketplace to support our start-up community. MBOT has been an outstanding partner in advocating for our business community, especially for those businesses hardest hit by the ongoing closures. In addition, we continue to build and strengthen ties with our local co-working spaces, newcomer centres and innovative industry partners. These partnerships are essential to help our businesses and entrepreneurs launch, grow and rebuild. With vaccines in our future, how do we move forward? Building on these strong partnerships, MBEC is looking to re-envision its support of our entrepreneurial community. Mississauga is a large, rapidly growing

city, and we have all the essential building blocks right here to take our innovative businesses to the next level. We will continue to enhance our programming and supports to ensure that entrepreneurs have the tools to launch successfully and that businesses looking to grow have everything they need and know where to find it. This fall we will be launching a new website that provides a clear map of the entrepreneurial supports available in Mississauga and will provide a concierge-style service to help find the right tools at the right time for your business. Mississauga is beginning to move into recovery-mode and we will do this by engaging these essential partnerships to ensure we are able to build back stronger together. For more information on the City’s economic recovery initiatives visit: https://www.thefutureisunlimited. ca/covid-19/mississauga-economicrecovery-initiatives/ 

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The Future of Business is Built on a Semi-colon; THE ETHOS OF A 30-YEAR-OLD ORGANIZATION

KEN TENCER Spyder Works

The ethos of Spyder Works is the semi-colon; used to connect two interdependent ideas that are closely related in thought. We leverage this ethos to drive sustainable growth for our clients; creating clarity and developing strategic insights to foster business opportunities.

In our first book, the 90% Rule®, John Cardoso and I applied this personal belief to a model for business growth. The 90% Rule is a straightforward philosophy that challenges organizations to best understand what they are already good or great at; this becomes the “90%.” From there we ask, “What’s the next 10%?” What is the next product, service or process improvement that will create a continuously engaged customer base, strengthen your brand and grow your business? The 90% Rule is a positive approach to identifying opportunities for change: It is both a celebration of the many successes achieved together in the past and, since you are never more than 90% of the way “there,” it is a challenging process that demands a commitment to continuous improvement. Spyder Works Inc. is now nearly 30 years old. I joined near its midway point, 17 years ago. At that time, the firm had gained traction as a respected branding and design firm. But the world around us was changing. The nature of brand had evolved from graphic elements to human attributes such as brand voice, character and personality. Additionally, design—the process of imagining what could be—had transitioned into the discipline of design thinking; a human-centric approach to solutioning challenges that flipped the lens of business from “me-centric” to “customer-centric.” Recognizing these changes, it was obvious that Spyder needed to adapt to be best positioned for the future. We embarked on a change process that closely reflects a different form of AI, Appreciative Inquiry. It is an approach to organisational change that follows

four stages: discovery, dream, design, and destiny.

The Discovery Stage Too often, agents of change begin from a place of fear or an unfounded source of “eminence” which translates into immediate resistance. Frankly, most of the businesses that we have built ourselves or consulted to are good businesses that rightfully recognize change as an opportunity to better meet the future. AI provides the positive (re) engagement and understanding that we are all in this together. In our company’s case, we had a successful practice. But we recognized that, alone, a design thinking practice was not able to support our goal to drive sustainable growth. Design thinking successfully helps identify humancentric opportunities, but it does less to address how to best take advantage of them. Success is the recognition of an opportunity followed by its prosperous commercialization. We rallied our team around our thinking and engaged in a process to meld human-centric thinking with successful business commercialization. The result was a platform that we call design-driven strategy, which focuses on developing a sustainable growth strategy—a human (or customer)-centric perspective that supports the delivery of products and services in a way that clearly addresses your customers’ needs and wants. While this “change” may seem semantic, it is not. Many ideation processes start with what “We” want to bring to market. Frequently, I remind companies that the change is not for or about you, it is for your customer. Successful CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

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change needs to bring added value to the customer in a way that makes their lives “easier.” After all, it is the customer that is writing the cheque, not “We.” The bottom-line is, change is more effective when the change agents begin with a positive, customer-centric perspective.

The Dream Stage After realizing that design-thinking on its own was not the answer to sustained corporate growth, our dream for Spyder Works quickly coalesced. We saw the opportunity to create a business consultancy for midmarket organizations seeking to drive sustainable growth by using our unique form of design-driven strategy. We chose the mid-market because we recognized that with the quickening pace of change, companies were scaling into mid-market companies faster than ever, and we understood their need for a consultative partner to support their unique needs. Also, my first business grew from start-up to mid-market size quite rapidly. Upon achieving midmarket status, I found that there were no organizations that I could turn to for support in thinking about my next steps for growth. There were some brilliant “single-shingles,” but their scope was limited. I also found consultancies built to support large organizations that purported to be able to support midmarket companies but, in practice, I felt that they couldn’t properly support me. Their solutions were developed to support companies with hundreds, if not thousands, of directors and vicepresidents alone, and my company only had four at the time.

team to achieve each benchmark along the way. Addressing the elements of change individually: We needed content. This was arrived at by outlining the Intraprise° series of four books that were to be released every three years, including The 90% Rule, which I outlined above, and Cause a Disturbance, a book about applying the fundamentals of innovation to solve organizational challenges and drive sustainable growth. We also needed easy, bite-sized ways for both our team and the market to understand and engage with our evolving platform. This meant that each step had to be measured. Quantum leaps are very challenging, so we approached our change through smaller, measured steps. Working with a public relations specialist and a social media firm, our goal was to create a conversation around the “why” of our change process. In my experience, simply telling the audience is disengaging. Creating a conversation built on common interests, challenges or pain-points is an unobtrusive way to say that we understand and that we have a solution that we can work through with you.

Finally, we needed to build a culture and a team that shared our values of passion, resilience, integrity and savage curiosity. One of the things that we recently introduced at Spyder Works is a learning component. Each year, everyone on the team needs to take a course. However, we did not dictate curiosity. There are no guidelines as to what type of course other than it must build newfound or improved skills. Classes have ranged from social media to pottery design, service design and my doctorate in human ingenuity, innovation and intrapreneurship. Ideas, opportunities and strategies need to have a common thread, which is why we truly believe that the semicolon is the best ethos for sustained growth. This doesn’t mean that your ideas can’t be aggressive, progressive or breakthrough. It simply means that they need to provide a logical build from past to future. Or in our case, an ethos that seamlessly moves clients from thinking to doing and monitoring. Reach out to me at ktencer@spyder. works if you would like to chat more about change, transformation or purposefully leading your company forward. 

The Destiny Stage Bringing about such a change or transformation is best approached as a series of discrete changes. We have found that the bigger the dream, the more incremental step-changes are required. So, we engaged the team in what was literally a ten-year dream of creating “credibility” as thought leaders for growing mid-market organizations. This required content, engagement, a conversation and a carefully crafted

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Major Opportunities FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS

JAMOHL RUTHERFORD

Rising incomes and growing populations to help sector grow 15.6% by 2025 The pandemic has caused enormous disruption for Canadians and the business community. Much of the hospitality industry, such as restaurants, has been especially hard hit. One bright spot is food and beverage manufacturing. This sector rebounded faster than other manufacturers and benefitted from Canadians buying more groceries and eating at home. What’s more, the coming years present tremendous opportunities for producers to expand in Canada and abroad as the economy recovers, according to a new BDC report on the sector’s outlook. ONE BILLION PEOPLE TO JOIN GLOBAL MIDDLE CLASS Food and beverage manufacturing is expected to grow 2.4% in 2021, a further 4.5% next year and a cumulative 15.6% by 2025. Fuelling the growth are increasing incomes and populations in Canada and worldwide. Canadians’ disposable income is expected to climb 14.5% by 2025, while the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, including one billion people joining the middle class.

Thanks to the industry’s favourable outlook, investment by food processors is forecast to return to pre-crisis levels ahead of overall business investment. TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES At BDC, we are having exciting conversations with companies about how to take advantage of the coming opportunities. We have the privilege every day of supporting entrepreneurs with flexible financing, our expert advisory service and free tools and resources at bdc.ca. Many businesses are planning investments in equipment, new product lines and expanded facilities. Entrepreneurs are also seeking out expertise to help them with strategic planning, operational efficiency and food safety certification. STRATEGIES TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES Here are three of the top strategies we recommend: •

Adapt products to changing preferences: Consumers are increasingly demanding higherquality, locally sourced and ethical

BDC

products. Businesses that adapt can sell to this quickly growing market. •

Adopt new technology: Canada’s food processors lag other countries in tech adoption. Labour shortages and competitive pressures will require us to invest more in order to increase productivity and remain competitive. This includes investing in automation, smart manufacturing and digital marketing.

• Consider your exporting strategy: Investing in market research is essential to exporting success. Also look at how to diversify exported products and trade partners. Canadian food and beverage manufacturers are in an excellent position to grow and export. Companies that take the right steps now have fantastic opportunities in coming years. Jamohl Rutherford, MBA, is leader of BDC’s small business team in GTA West (Mississauga, Halton Region and Etobicoke).

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Here for what’s ahead. BDC understands your business reality. As the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, we provide the financing and advisory services you need to plan your path to the future.

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Court Rules that “COVID Leave” OR LAYOFF IS A CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL AT COMMON LAW

JONATHAN N. BORRELLI LL.B.

Employment & Labour KMB Law

When the pandemic first hit, employers had no choice but to make difficult decisions to layoff some or all employees. Changes to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act permitted employers to place employees on unpaid leaves of absence if COVID affected their business. This would give employers time to recover and recall the employees to work at the right time, without terminating their employment.

to the Employment Standards Act including the adding of a special leave of absence. Employees who are not performing their duties because of a reduction or elimination of their hours due to reasons related to COVID-19 are considered to be on a new jobprotected leave of absence. That leave of absence is currently set to end on July 3, 2021 (though the government has twice extended this deadline).

Ontario’s Superior Court has now had a chance to analyze these decisions, and the news is not good for employers.

The changes to the law allow employers to place employees on this unpaid leave and not have the leave be considered a termination under the Employment Standards Act.

The Court has confirmed in two separate cases that unilateral COVIDrelated layoffs can be terminations through constructive dismissal, under the common law. A flood of litigation in the courts is sure to follow in the wake of these important decisions.

Overview of the Law In response to the pandemic, the Ontario government passed changes

The Coutinho Case In the first case released by the Superior Court (called Coutinho v. Ocular Health Centre Ltd., 2021 ONSC 3076), the employer placed the employee on the special leave of absence in May 2020 in accordance with the Employment Standards Act. The Employer argued they followed the changes in the Employment Standards Act and had not terminated the employee.

The employee, in turn, argued that they were constructively dismissed from their employment and thus entitled to full common law reasonable notice of termination as a result. The Court found that the newest changes to the Employment Standards Act apply only to those determinations under that law itself, and it does not affect an employee’s rights to pursue a common law remedy in the courts. For this employee, since they had not agreed to be laid off in an employment contract, the Court ruled that the employer did not have a right to unilaterally lay off the employee, and the employer had in fact terminated the employee. As a result, the employee was entitled to wrongful dismissal damages.

The Ristanovic Case In another case decided by the Superior Court (called Ristanovic v. Corma Inc., 2021 ONSC 3351) the employer’s supply chain was significantly disrupted in January 2020 and the employer was forced to lay off employees.

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The long service employees argued that their employment had been terminated because they did not agree to be laid off in any contract of employment they had, despite the fact that the pandemic was a serious interruption in the employer’s operation. The employer argued that there is an implied term in any employment agreement that where an unprecedented event (such as a global pandemic) occurs, an employer should be permitted to temporarily lay employees off without terminating their employment. The Court stated there were no reasons to treat a COVID layoff differently than any other situation that an employer may find itself in. For the Superior Court, the law prohibiting unilateral temporary layoffs was clearly a termination of employment. The Court disagreed with the employer and did not apply the “force majeure” idea into this specific employment contract. The Court mentioned the

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changes to the employer’s operation (in January 2020) happened before COVID had evolved into a global pandemic, and the layoff letters did not justify the layoffs on an emergency or global economic disruption. As a result, the employee was entitled to wrongful dismissal damages.

Takeaways for Employers While these two important cases may be appealed in the future, they currently reinforce the notion that employers have no automatic right to lay off employees unless it is specifically written into a valid employment contract. Even with the newest changes to the Employment Standards Act, or on the eve of a global pandemic, an employer must proceed with caution if they are forced to stop an employee’s work and be aware of the liability associated with their actions. There are valid and fair ways for employers to manage their workforce in order to reduce this liability.

An employer in Ontario can place employees on temporary unpaid layoffs for up to 35 weeks within a 52-week period without triggering termination – but only when it is established properly. In the meantime, we recommend that employers review their contracts and policy manuals regularly to keep up to date with changes in the law. When in doubt, obtain advice from an employment lawyer before making any significant changes to an employee’s job. 

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

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Significant Changes TO 2021 TRUST REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Annual T3 Trust Income Tax and Information Returns (T3) will be required for the majority of trusts, including those trusts which may have never previously filed. The Federal Government has proposed legislation that significantly expands trust-reporting requirements. The purpose of the legislation is to assist the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in properly assessing income tax liabilities for trusts and their beneficiaries, in addition to increasing transparency regarding beneficial ownership for trust taxation years ending on or after December 31, 2021. Initially proposed in 2018, this legislation has yet to become law. However, the Federal Government confirmed its intention to proceed with these measures in the 2019 Federal Budget. This change is significant because many trustees may never have been required to file a tax return for their trust, especially trusts created for an estate freeze. For taxation years ending on or after December 31, 2021, the new trust reporting tax measures will require most trusts to file a T3 Trust Income Tax and Information Return (T3) every year.

Additional Trusts that Will Require a Return The new legislation will require a Canadian resident trust to generally be required to file a tax return for taxation years ending on or after December 31, 2021. All trusts that are express trusts or, for civil law purposes, all trusts other than a trust established by law or by judgement will also have a requirement to file.

VINAY KHOSLA Tax Partner Bateman MacKay

Some specific types of trusts and trusts that only hold assets of certain types, with a total fair market value that does not exceed $50,000 throughout the year, are exempt from this filing requirement.

have to report the following for each person who is a trustee, beneficiary, settlor, or protector:

Specific Reporting Requirements

• Address

Trusts that are subject to the new reporting requirements will be required to report information for most parties involved with the trust. Each trust will

• Jurisdiction of Residence

• Name

• Date of Birth

•

Taxpayer identification number (i.e.: social insurance number, business number, trust account number, foreign taxpayer identification number).

These changes represent the most significant changes to trust reporting requirements in years and bring with them additional penalties for non-compliance. All trustees need to be aware of their new reporting requirements. If you have any questions about new trust reporting requirements, winding up a trust, or if you may benefit from a trust, please contact us. 

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EDITORIAL

Congratulations

2020 Business Awards of Excellence Winners!

On April 15, 2021, the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) hosted a special virtual event to celebrate its 2020 Business Awards of Excellence winners. These awards recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations whose outstanding leadership and business excellence give Mississauga its pulse. Congratulations to the more than 120 nominees and all of this year’s deserving winners!

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Jay Mandarino of CJ Graphics Inc.

Winner: MHI Canada Aerospace Inc.

Jay Mandarino is the President & CEO of CJ Graphics Inc., the world’s most awardwinning printing and communication solutions company, with over 6,500 awards. Jay founded his company in 1980 during his last year of high school. Today, CJ Graphics Inc. includes 35 companies operating out of a state-of-the-art quarter million square-foot facility in Mississauga. Under Jay’s leadership, CJ Graphics has won 70 Bennys (the highest honour from the most prestigious print competition in the world) and his business success has earned him a spot on Profit magazine’s list of 100 Most Profitable Companies in Canada. Jay is an active Board member of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, donates his time to over 50 events a year, is a partner of several school boards and donates his time speaking frequently at high schools empowering youth. In 2008, he opened CJ’s Skatepark. Its mission is to engage and empower all children in the community including atrisk youth and those with special needs through recreation, development and mentoring in skateboarding, scooter riding and in-line skating. In recognition of his many philanthropic contributions, Jay has received the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, the Order of International Ambassadors Medal and the Mississauga Board of Trade’s Sam McCallion Award for Community Involvement. 36

MHI Canada Aerospace, Inc. (MHICA), a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company, is a Tier 1 manufacturer of major aircraft structures and assemblies. Pre-Covid, MHICA was 700 highly-skilled employees strong working on Bombardier aircraft in a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facility and a supply chain and logistics centre in Mississauga. “Our values are to be a motivated community to our employees and citizens, to always be highly engaged in what we do, to innovate, to collaborate and to be accountable to each other, our organization and our community,” says Janet Wardle, MHICA’s President & CEO. “At MHICA, we truly live and breathe these values every day, and that makes it a great place to work.” MHICA and its employees live these values everyday. Recently, employees led an effort to use the company’s 3D printers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) for local hospitals. MHICA embraces their diversity everyday and ensures inclusivity along with their values. They proudly celebrate the diversity of their employees by hanging the flags of the countries their employees represent in the cafeteria. With the contined support of their parent company in Japan, Mississauga and its employees, MHICA will continue the Canadian Aerosapce legacy.

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EMERGING BUISNESS LEADER AWARD

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Alykhan Jadavji of Habib Canadian Bank

Winner: Camp Tournesol Inc. & the Brouillet Academy

Alykhan Jadavji is the Vice President, Retail Banking at Habib Canadian Bank. He is a key member of the management team, responsible for leadership of the retail branch network for the Canadian arm of the bank. Alykhan is a member of the Board of Directors of the Darling Home for Kids in Milton and is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Palette Foods – Blue Elephant, an importer of authentic, high-quality, award-winning Thai foods and ingredients. “It’s an honour to receive this award,” says Alykhan. “It means a lot of have my accomplishments recognized, and it encourages me to continue working hard and contributing to Mississauga.”

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Amgen Canada Inc. Amgen applies science and innovation to help fight serious illness and dramatically improve people’s lives. An early pioneer in biotechnology, their therapies have helped change the practice of medicine. Amgen Canada has been headquartered in Mississauga since 1991 and employs over 400 people in Canada. “We’re committed to creating an environment where staff are treated fairly and equitably, where they can thrive and develop, do exciting and innovative science and dramatically improve patients’ lives,” says Brian Heath, Vice President & General Manager, Amgen Canada Inc. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are interwoven into everything Amgen does, with a commitment to promoting and maintaining an inclusive high-performing culture. The company offers a range of programs including flexible work hours, summer hours program, the Wellbeats App promoting healthy lifestyle, an annual staff appreciation day and company paid volunteer time. “We’re proud to be part of Mississauga’s future and we will treasure this award, which belongs to each and every Amgen employee,” says Brian.

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“For the past 20 years we’ve created a safe place for thousands of youth to experience French outside of the classroom, discover French culture and the importance of a second language,” says Martine Brouillet, Founder, Camp Tournesol Inc. and the Brouillet Academy. Camp Tournesol is the leader in French summer camps in the GTA. Since 2001, they’ve run French day summer camps, French overnight camps and out-of-province trips for more than 25,000 campers. In 2017, Martine established a sister company, the Brouillet Academy, which complements the hands-on experiential learning provided by Camp Tournesol with a more academic and structured environment all year round. “I am so proud of our success,” says Martine. “This started as a passion project and has grown into a thriving business, thanks to the support of my family and my entire team.”

NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: The Mississauga Food Bank The Mississauga Food Bank is the central food bank in Mississauga. Through its network of over 50 agencies including neighbourhood food banks, pantries, and meal and snack programs, the food bank distributes food for almost five million meals each year to vulnerable children, seniors, families, and neighbours in Mississauga. “It’s inspiring to be part of something that is truly a community effort,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO at The Mississauga Food Bank. “I proudly accept this award on behalf of every supporter, our valued agencies and partners, every volunteer and all our staff members.” The demand for emergency food in our community continues to rise, and the economic impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. The Mississauga Food Bank will continue to work and advocate for policies to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry. 37

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

Winner: iS5 Communications Inc. Founded in 2012, iS5 Communications Inc. (iS5Com) is a global provider of integrated services and solutions, and manufacturer of intelligent Industrial Ethernet products capable of withstanding the harshest environments. They serve 420 end-users in the untility, transportation, industrial, surveillance and defence industries in 42 countries around the world. Demand for iS5Com’s products, which are capable of withstanding the harshest environments, is higher than ever. Meeting customers needs during Covid-19 has required revamping its supply chain and finding completely new ways to reach their customers around the world. “We are proud to represent the City of Mississauga on an international level and look forward to years of growth ahead,” says Jonathan Azarcon, Executive Vice-President, Marketing & Customer Success.

SAM MCCALLION COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Century Audio Visual Mississauga-based Century Audio Visual (Century AV) strives to be different, to be inventive and push barriers. They also strive to give back to the community in which they operate. “We have made it a pillar of our business for over 25 years to be responsive to our community’s needs,” says Colin Tyler, President, Century Audio Visual. “We have a long history of supporting many Mississauga organizations through donations of AV services for events, financial contributions and giving of our time.” With the pandemic came increased need and Century AV stepped up. In particular, Colin and his team provided expertise to help Feed Mississauga (a sub-organization of ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas) run successful social media fundraising auctions, through financial donations and volunteering – Colin has personally delivered more than 1,000 meals!

BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD

Winner: Surgically Clean Air Inc. Since 2010, Surgically Clean Air has been making workplaces safer and cleaner with high-quality, medical-grade air purification systems. Organizations around the world are choosing these systems to keep their clients and staff safe during Covid-19. Surgically Clean Air’s proven technology was originally developed for aerosol contaminant control in the dental sector, which has the harshest indoor air quality. Their units feature an exclusive six-stage technology that not only filters air, but actually sterilizes it. Based in Mississauga and proudly Canadian, Surgically Clear Air has been recognized as a fastest-growing company by the Financial Times, Report on Business, and Growth 500. “We’re beyong thrilled to receive such a prestigious award,” says Chris Fernando, Sales Director. “We’re proud to represent the City of Mississauga and look forward to years of growth ahead!”

CLEAN & GREEN AWARD

Winner: Ecosystems Informatics Inc. Ecosystems Informatics Inc. (ESI) is a Mississauga-based, innovation-driven, clean technology company whose goal is to provide information to help leaders make better sustainability decisions. They are helping make our world a better place by enabling real-time environmental decisionmaking. One example of ESI’s innovation is the canAIry, a first-ofits-kind, compact, easy-to-use, mobile pollution monitoring system, developed in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, that is currently being used to track pollution levels on Mississauga streets. With COVID-19, ESI’s technology is also being used to help identify potential local hotspots based on patterns in air pollution. “We’re honoured to be recognized for the work we’re doing to ensure a good life for us today and for generations to come,” says Shirook Ali, Founder & CEO, ESI.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL

NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Little Rose Cookie Co. In a year like no other, Stephanie Urlando’s Little Rose Cookie Co. has grown from a home kitchen one-woman operation, to a thriving nine-person corporation. Stephanie opened Little Rose Cookie Co. storefront in Streetsville last March to rave reviews… just a week before the world closed down. In addition to figuring out how to safely operate during a pandemic, she overcame a number of challenges in growing her new business over the past year. Today, Little Rose Cookie Co. produces thousands of cookies each week and has been featured in The Toronto Sun, Blog T.O. and on Kiss 92.5. “I am so grateful for our amazing community that has supported us since day one,” says Stephanie. “I also need to thank my friends and family for helping me realize my dream and to my incredible team – the business wouldn’t be what it is without you!”

As we congratulate this past year’s winners, it’s actually time to start thinking about the 2021 Awards of Excellence! Do you know a Mississauga business that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them or yourself! Details can be found on www. mbot.com. The deadline for nominations is August 31. Winners will be announced at our event in November 2021.

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TITLE SPONSOR:

A BOARD O UG A

BUSINESS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

ADE TR

MISSI SS

EDITORIAL

2021

NOMINATE AN MISSISSAUGA BUSINESS!

2021 Business Awards of Excellence 11 CATEGORIES Submit your nomination online at:

mbot.com/awards 40

#mbotawards

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

NETSUITE CLOUD ERP + NETDYNAMIC

= BUSINESS SUCCESS

CHRISTOPHER KIM

Founder/CEO NetDynamic Consulting Inc.

YOUR NETSUITE ERP CONSULTANTS FOR CONTINUED BUSINESS GROWTH! Is your business operating on a cloudbased software? If so, chances are you are using the world’s #1 cloud ERP software, Oracle NetSuite. If not, it’s time to make the switch. Mainly since several businesses have reaped benefits in terms of cost-savings and efficiencies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The real question though is, how can you make the most of your NetSuite investment and use the all-encompassing software to its full potential? While choosing NetSuite for your business is only halfway to ERP heaven, the key to a successful implementation rests in choosing the right consulting team and customizing NetSuite to fit your business needs. This ensures seamless organizational harmony, a crucial endeavour to make sure you satisfy the needs of all stakeholders and meet long term business goals. NetDynamic Consulting Inc. is an Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner and your leading NetSuite specialists, providing cloud-based business management and software solutions. Established in 2018, with over 150 years of NetSuite experience, we’re focused on unlocking

the full value of your NetSuite investment and maximizing your business’s ability to run more efficiently and profitably. Every company is different and one solution never fits all. Every business has unique models, processes, operations, and goals. And so, every software implementation needs to follow a proven methodology. When implementing NetSuite, deep expertise is required to customize elements to fit your unique business requirements. This helps eliminate unintended consequences that will waste time, cause frustrations, and decrease the software’s effectiveness. NetDynamic provides your business, access to a dedicated team of CPAs and MBAs with extensive NetSuite experience. We also offer custom NetSuite solutions across multiple industries like wholesale distribution, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and logistics to name a few. As a NetSuite Alliance Partner, we deliver expertise in revenue management, multi-book accounting, user acceptance testing, go-live support and 3rd party software integrations. From launching the NetSuite accounting

system for start-ups to managing global subsidiary businesses, our key services include NetSuite implementations and managed services. Our exclusive product packs range from consolidated invoicing & payments, billing schedules, CRM and e-commerce solutions to the 360-degree ATS system. Aligning your business for continued success, our products and services encompass all business functions in one system of truth. With the pandemic, several companies are migrating to cloud-based ERP systems to seamlessly manage their operations in this new normal. And with hundreds of successful engagements, NetDynamic is perfectly positioned to work with you in implementing or enhancing your NetSuite instance. Our team of certified NetSuite consultants have a passion for translating business into NetSuite through innovative solutions - A team of advisors you can fully trust for your NetSuite investment. Connect with us for a Free Assessment of your ERP system and let’s embark on a dynamic journey to elevated business operations with NetSuite and NetDynamic. Reach us at 1888-232-3319. 

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

HOW WE SAVED A SMALL BUSINESS

42k per year in lost revenue I was invited to an Accounting firm to discuss their current technology. . I had only been there for short period of time and started noticing the overwhelming amount of email notifications they were all getting. I made a comment during the meeting, “you all receive a lot of emails” as their phones were getting continuous notifications. I could feel how annoyed everyone was with all the constant notifications. I paused the current conversation and asked; if they could wave a magic wand and immediately solve a technology problem that’s driving them crazy, what would it be? The Managing Partner replied and said the number of emails we get are insane and it’s impossible to keep up with. I dug a bit more with some probing questions and found that the (expensive) Senior Staff Accountants who review the client documents, send majority of their documents internally via email all day long causing a ton of wasted time troubleshooting versioning issues and tracking where the latest version was. The Firm’s Managing Partner was really frustrated, seeing all that wasted of time and inefficiency. He’s a smart guy and knew there was a better way, but they just didn’t have the time or skills to figure it out. He was busy charging $350 per hour for his services.

AMIT BIRK

President Connected 360 Inc

They already had the technology to make this process more efficient, faster and less prone to errors, they just needed to start using it. I wrote out some high-level numbers on the back of some scrap paper just to highlight the raw costs associated with this seemingly insignificant problem. They have 5 Senior Staff Accountants, who report spending greater than 12 minutes a day searching for files in their emails. Ten minutes a day multiplied by those 5 Senior Staff Accountants sums up to 60 minutes a day and in a 5-day week, that’s a total of 300 minutes. That equates to 1200 minutes per month, which translates to 20 hours of wasted time a month, just from this one problem. Now, let’s say that the billable rate of the Senior Staff Accountant is $175. Therefore, the 20 hours of wasted time at a billable rate of $175 per hour equals $3500 per month! That’s an outstanding $42,000 a year! So, what did we do to save them from this financial chaos? We set up and trained the staff to use applications such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to facilitate and foster team collaboration and reduce email chatter. In addition to improving efficiency, we helped solve a problem that has a potential cost of $42,000 , proving how much value IT solutions can add to any business. 

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

CONNECTED

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Book a tour today! Contact Grace at 905-820-8210

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CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

People Make The Difference LET OUR CERTIFIED MEMBERS SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY AND GROWTH

CHERYL FARROW CAE, MBA OACETT

By now, we have heard all of the catchphrases to describe facets of this challenging year. This rings especially true in Peel Region, where businesses deal with many restrictions due to higher per capita COVID-19 cases per week. As of this article, Peel is experiencing a downward trend, along with the rest of the Province, which is an excellent sign that the trigger will be pulled shortly to jumpstart the economic recovery. One of the keys to this recovery is people, particularly the talented individuals who drive economic growth in Mississauga. As the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) continues with its great work with the Mississauga Economic Recovery Group (MERG), I felt it was essential to spread the word on how our members play a key role in driving some of the much needed economic recoveries. The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) is the certifying body for more than 25,000 engineering technology and applied science professionals in Ontario, with close to 3,000 members in Peel Region alone. Our certified members span 15 disciplines and provide critical services and, in many cases, have been essential workers during this pandemic. Our tagline, “Our Certification Your Success,” illustrates how OACETT certification drives professional excellence. When I became the Chief Executive Officer of OACETT last fall, our professional association was dealing with the same kind of challenges that businesses, both small and large, across Mississauga were facing. In a short period, I started to understand OACETT’s certification program and how it benefits companies by adding a layer of additional resilience and expertise to employees and employers.

This year, OACETT launched its much anticipated corporate 360 Partnership Program, which is designed to help support the business needs of companies that employ technicians and technologists. The program support includes: • helping you recruit top talent, • boosting your brand exposure, and • increasing your business engagement by connecting with more than 25,000 professionals in the engineering technology and applied science fields. One of my main priorities on behalf of our members is to continue building a relationship with the business community throughout Ontario to spread the word about the value of hiring certified engineering technology professionals. Through the great work of MBOT, I am certain there is a plan to accelerate the rebirth and growth of the economy in Mississauga. As our members continue to do their part to drive success within public and private businesses in Mississauga, I look forward to engaging with MBOT members and providing any support we can to reach our shared goal of moving forward and prospering. For more information about OACETT or our 360 Partnership Program, visit www.oacett.org. 

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MEMBER TALKS

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

WAS THE HOUSE VACANT WHEN THE HOME OWNER MOVED OUT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT? Was the house vacant when the home owner moved out for medical treatment? But what happens when there is damage to the property while away? The recent decision in Gregson v. CAA Insurance, addresses such a scenario and the conclusion reached was that the house had been vacated and therefore, there was no coverage for property damage, which occurred during that time period. The Plaintiff, who sustained water damage to her house in March 2017, had not been living at the property when the property experienced a crack in a water pipe. The Plaintiff had stopped living in her house in October 2016 and moved between the hospital and a retirement home. In March 2017, after the water damage, the Plaintiff was deemed incapable, and her lawyer acted under a Power of Attorney. The lawyer admitted that since October 2016, he only attended at the house infrequently, to check the mail and heat. No one was spending the night at the property nor had access to the property.

The Plaintiff herself, did not return to the property and in fact, passed away in September 2019. The lawyer was appointed Estate Trustee 10 days after the water damage had already occurred. A Claim was made for the property damage to the insurer of the house. The insurer sought an Order dismissing the action, which rested on the assertion that at the material time, the property was vacant for more than 30 consecutive days, with the policyholder having moved out with no intention of returning. After reviewing the evidence, the Court concluded there was insufficient evidence of planning, to conclude that there was an objective intention to return. There was no plan for live in or daily assistance. The case reinforces the importance putting a plan into play, when a loved one has to move out due to medical reasons. Vacancy endorsements can be obtained, if a loved one is going to

be out of the house for a significant period of time. However, the home insurance policy will indicate how often the property needs to be checked, and what is required to be carried out for coverage to remain in force. The best option is to speak with your insurance company or insurance broker and ensure that they are notified of this unfortunate situation, when it occurs.

SUDEVI MUKHERJEE -GOTHI Partner Pallett Valo LLP.

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

MEMBER TALKS

The Right Fit Matters We provide forward-thinking legal counsel designed to respond to each client’s unique legal challenges. At Pallett Valo, the right fit matters. That’s what we call Right-sized Thinking®.

LAWYER M A

2021-22

INE AZ G

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Pallett Valo is honoured to once again be ranked one of Ontario’s Top 10 Regional Law Firms, as selected by the readers of Canadian Lawyer magazine. We are grateful to our clients, referral sources and friends in the legal community for their support. TOP 10

ONTARIO FIRMS

Right-sized Thinking® • 1-800-323-3781 • pallettvalo.com

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

NEW MEMBERS LISTING

Welcome NEW MEMBERS OF MBOT

Air Track Inc. Arterra Wines Canada Baxter Corporation Bex Engineering Ltd. Connected 360 Inc. Frankensolar Americas Infinite Capital Lift North America MetCredit Northeastern University Parkland On The Glen Remax Gold Right Angle Staffing Inc. SCOOTY Shores of Port Credit Storwell Self Storage Studio Bottega Inc. Sysmex Canada Trispec Communications Inc.

DOCUMENT CERTIFICATION SERVICES AVAILABLE AT MBOT

EXPORT DOCUMENTS

RECOGNIZED WORLDWIDE

•Certificates of Origin •Shipping •Business Visas •Government Related •And More

In Office and Online Options Available

CONTACT Ann Cozzi acozzi@mbot.com 905-271-6151 ext. 220

CONNECT | 2021 ISSUE 3

S+W

There’s no finish line in business.

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 - Summer Edition

Articles inside

Was the House Vacant When the Home Owner Moved Out for Medical Treatment?

Building Back, Better Together

President’s Message

Significant Changes to 2021 Trust Reporting Requirements

The Business of Mentorship

Netsuite Cloud ERP + NetDynamic = Business Success

And a Resilient Life Sciences Infrastructure for the Future

Chair’s Message

David Wojcik, MBOT President & CEO, Announces His Retirement