August 4, 2017
Whitehorse Chamber E-Bulletin “The Voice Of Business”
In This Week’s Edition for August 4, 2017… 1. About the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce 2. City of Whitehorse Update 3. Street Eats Festival 4. Employee Recruitment- Destination Canada Information 5. Golden Host Service Excellence Awards 6. Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Alert 7. 5 Minutes For Business 8. Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance 9. First Data Merchant Services 10.Upcoming Events
“The Voice of Business� Doing Business Better Since 1948 OUR MISSION:
OUR CORE VALUES:
The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce (WCC) supports local businesses and organizations to contribute to the economic, civic and social well being of Whitehorse. We do this through a variety of programs and services including advocacy and partnerships.
At the WCC our decision-making and actions are guided by the following three core values:
BENEFITS of joining the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce:
Saturday August 12
BACK TO SCHOOL FASHION SHOW All children’s clothing on sale. Photo booth, cookies, lunch menu plan, gift with purchase. It’s gonna be fun!
duenorthmaternityandbaby.com
The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is the only Chamber in the North to have achieved accreditation from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This puts us in the top 18% of all of the Chambers in the Country. Many business people and entrepreneurs realize the value of the benefits offered by the Chamber to their businesses. Below is just a partial list of those benefits. •
Start the School Year off EARLY.
•
Just for the HALIBUT
• •
Come on down to Klondike Fish & Chips on the Korner of 4th & Black Call 456-FISH for pick up!
$ $ 8 #$ !$ $
39
$
99
/mo.
”
1. Displaying Integrity 2. Being Forward Looking and Pro-active 3. Being Collaborative, Inclusive and Diverse
Reduced Visa, MasterCard and Interac rates – First Data; Canadian Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan – operated in Whitehorse by Sun Life Financial; Business After Hours and many networking opportunities; Professional Development Workshops: Financial Management for New Businesses (Presented by Crowe MacKay), Marketing / Social Media 101 and the new 202 Advanced Marketing / Social Media (Presented by Aasman Brand Communications), HR 101 and 202 (Presented by Lee Vincent of Visionary Seeds Inc.), Advanced Financial Management Course (Presented by the Business Development Bank of Canada)
*Thanks to the funding from YG’s Department of Economic Development and CanNor, the Chamber pays for 90% of the cost of these programs.
•
•
or the first six months
•
• •
Presenting business perspectives on issues such as land and property development in Whitehorse, City of Whitehorse Waste Management and Building Consolidation Plans, economic development issues, the new Whitehorse Economic Development strategy and parking; Developing partnerships to benefit our Community: WCC has ongoing partnerships with the City of Whitehorse and several YG Departments. Our Highway Signs program, Bi-weekly E-Bulletin advertising and our monthly fullpage ad in What’s Up Yukon. Our partnership with What’s Up Yukon also has several benefits for WCC members. Putting people in touch with your business; Assisting businesses communicating with YG Departments.
The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce exists as an active and supportive part of our Community.
*Digital Advantage is $39.99 per month for the first six months, $67 per month after 6-month promotional period. Offer available to qualified customers who haven't been subscribed to Shaw Direct for the past 180 days. Offer available for a limited time and subject to change without notice. Taxes extra. Š 2017 Shaw Communications Inc.
Shop
Local!
whitehorsechamber.ca
1967-2017
50 Years providing information & support to contractors, suppliers and consultants BIG and small.
yukoncontractors.ca |office@yukoncontractors.ca
Lana Rae CDs, Guitars, Shakers, Recorders and more ‌
Yukon Inn Plaza 393-3984
MON-THUR & SAT 9:30 - 6, FRI 9:30-9, SUN 10-6
Hurlburt Enterprises Inc.
Water Tanks, Pumps & Pressure Systems Irrigation and Water PuriďŹ cation Septic Systems Sales & Design Fuel Tanks & Pumping Systems Pipe & Tank Insulation Farm & Ranch Supplies Outdoor Wood Boilers 867-633-5192 | 1-866-449-5192
hurlburtei@gmail.com Box 33058 11 Burns Rd Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5Y5 hurlburt.ca
We will earn your satisfaction GUARANTEED!
Grand opening is SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
Yukon Information & Resources • • • • • • • • •
Career Exploration & Planning Trades Training & Apprenticeships Yukon College Programs Labour Market Information Sales & Service Jobs Careers in Tourism Resources Industry Opportunities Canadian Forces Education & Careers Partnership Developments
New Information & Resources Added Monthly
Suite 101 302 Steele St. Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C5 • 867 667-7545 • business@whitehorsechamber.ca
August 4, 2017
RCMP Musical Ride August 12 & 13 The North Ridge Community Association presents the Yukon Musical Ride, taking place at the Cross Country Ski Club. Spectators are encouraged to take Transit, active transportation, or rideshare, as parking will be busy at the CGC and Mt McIntyre Recreation Centre. Get event details and tickets at musicalride5.webnode.com
Next City Council Meeting The next Regular Council Meeting is August 7 at 5:30pm in City Hall Council Chambers. View whitehorse.ca/agendas for Council and whitehorse.ca/CASM for CASM meetings.
Fall Active Living Guide Get ready for Fall programs! The next Active Living Guide will be available online on August 7 at whitehorse.ca/activeliving
Street Eats Festival Come get lunch and dinner from a wide variety of local food trucks from Monday August 14 until Friday August 18! They will be outside City Hall on Steele Street from 11 am to 7 pm. See full details at whitehorse.ca/foodvendors
Last Splash Before Annual CGC Pool Shutdown Join us for this community fundraiser in support of Challenge Disability Resource Group! We will have games and activities, giveaways and an outdoor BBQ. Admission by donation, on Friday, August 18 from 4-8 pm. Visit whitehorse.ca/cgcnews
Upcoming Grant Deadlines Festival and Special Event applications are invited by August 31 for events occurring in 2018. Category 1 Recreation Grants are open for submissions until September 15. Minor Environmental Grants are available year-round. Go to whitehorse.ca/grants
Robert Service Way Area Plan This project stretches from Ear and Hobo Lakes to the Airport and from the Alaska Highway to the Yukon River. We want to hear from you! Our online surveys are now available until September 10 at whitehorse.ca/robertserviceway
whitehorse.ca
Wildlife and Waste Minimize access to your recyclable, compostable & landfill waste by keeping it secure. Get details at whitehorse.ca/wildlife
EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT- DESTINATION CANADA INFORMATION The Government of Yukon, Advanced Education, Immigration along with the Francophone Association of Yukon (AFY) will be attending this year’s Destination Canada event in France and Belgium, which takes place November 14-18, 2017. This is a recruitment event organized by the Canadian Embassy in Paris to promote living and working in Canada. The federal immigration program’s mandate is to attract skilled workers, business investors and newcomers who will contribute to the development of Canada. Representatives from provinces and territories and employers from across Canada will attend the event to promote their jurisdictions to the 3500 invited guests who are eagerly awaiting a Canadian experience.
This event provides Yukon organizations with a limited, yet excellent opportunity to cast their recruitment nets further. Whether your organization needs to recruit employees for your business or promote your organization to potential clients or investors this may be the opportunity that you are looking for. Employers can either attend the event to meet candidates and take applications, or, if it is not possible to travel to the event, Yukon bilingual representatives can promote your business. More information about the Destination Canada is available at this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/destination/destination.asp
The Government of Yukon is partnering with the Francophone Association of Yukon (AFY), a champion in providing well established supports in employment, settlement and language services for bilingual and francophone newcomers to the region. AFY’s attendance at Destination Canada November 2016 resulted in eight bilingual recruits who are now working in Yukon businesses. Many businesses in Yukon have benefited from the arrival of international skills and our community is gaining a global perspective that prepares our citizens for future development. Examples of the benefits to Yukon and its employers can be seen at: (click on English at top right corner) http://rh.afy.yk.ca
AFY and the YG Immigration are pleased to host an Information Session about the Destination Canada event that can inform employers about the potential that exists at the recruitment fair. We will be joined by the
GOLDEN HOST SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
May 2017 The Yukon Tourism Education Council (YTEC) along with their partners the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce (WCC) and the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon) are please to commence the 2017 season. The Golden Host Service Excellence Awards celebrates the front line workers who go above and beyond good customer service practices to make our visitors stay in the Yukon extraordinary. From May to September, nominations are collected throughout the Yukon. A winner is selected from the communities, and one from Whitehorse. Winners and nominees will be recognized in newspaper ads and radio announcements. Winners will receive a letter of recognition, a certificate, pin, and an invitation to be honored at the Golden Host Awards luncheon, in the fall, with the presentation of a plaque by the Minister of Tourism & Culture. Visitors and customers can nominate businesses and their employees 2 ways: by filling out a nomination card at various locations (including Visitor Information Centres, participating attractions and businesses throughout the Yukon) OR accessing the online nomination at goldenhost.ca. Interested businesses are welcome to place a link on their website to the online nomination at goldenhost.ca Suzanne Blackjack Yukon Tourism Education Council (YTEC) Multicultural Centre of the Yukon (MCY) Whitehorse: +1 867 667 4733 / Toll-free: +1 844 667 4733 yukontec.com / mcyukon.com
Policy Alert: Finance Canada Is Considering Major Changes to How Corporations Are Taxed The Department of Finance Canada is considering major changes to how corporations are taxed. The proposed rules could have a significant impact on many Canadian businesses: potentially raising taxes, increasing the administrative burden on SMEs and heightening the impact on family-run businesses. On July 18, Finance Canada launched a consultation on how “tax-planning strategies involving corporations are being used to gain unfair tax advantages.” The document contains proposed policies to close these “loopholes.” There are four key changes that will affect business: 1 Sprinkling income using private corporations: The government wants to tighten rules to prevent a business owner from unfairly transferring income to family members who are subject to lower personal tax rates. In certain circumstances, owners would have to demonstrate that wages and dividend payments are “reasonable.” 2 Multiplying the Capital Gains Exemption: When an individual sells a small business, the first $850,000 of capital gain is exempt from taxes. The government wants to prevent tax planning structures that enable multiple family members to use their exemptions. 3 Reducing the tax deferral advantage on portfolio investment inside a corporation: Currently, an owner can accumulate portfolio earnings inside a corporation and pay corporate income tax rates (which are generally much lower than personal rates). The owner defers paying personal income or dividend taxes until the money is taken out of the business. The government is considering alternatives that would reduce this tax advantage. 4 Converting a private corporation’s regular income into capital gains: Income is normally paid out of a private corporation in the form of salary or dividends that are taxed at the owner’s personal income tax rate. In contrast, when a business is sold, it is taxed as a capital gain, where only one-half of capital gains are included in income, resulting in a significantly lower tax rate on income that is converted from dividends to capital gains. The government wants to tighten the rules to prevent certain tax planning structures, but it is open to more favourable treatment for genuine family business transfers. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its Taxation Committee are currently studying how the proposed changes will affect members in different industries, in family businesses and those with different ownership structures. We will be submitting recommendations to Finance Canada. Should you wish to participate or provide input, please email Hendrik Brakel. In particular, we are looking for detailed examples and cases of how a specific small business will be affected by the changes. We feel concrete examples will be most effective in making our case for easing the changes. We would ask that you send them to us by August 11. Click here to view the consultation documents released by Finance Canada.
5 Minutes for Business Business Costs and Canadian Competitiveness—We’re Not Crying Wolf August 3, 2017
Every so often, one of our government contacts will ask a question that goes like this, “Why is the Canadian Chamber complaining about (pick one): the new carbon tax/the CPP premium increase/the deferral of small business tax reductions/the proposal to tax passive income/this new regulation/that increase in fees? It’s not a huge cost to business. Why are you making a big deal?” We politely explain that all of these tax increases come out of the same pocket. If you take one of these tax hikes individually, it may be small, but when you add them all up, we’re accumulating a rather large pile of straws on the camel’s back. And that’s the problem. Canada is an expensive place to do business. Last week, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and his provincial and territorial colleagues wrote to the Prime Minister to point this out. The letter was also sent to all of the provincial premiers because, right across the country, we are worried that “the cost of doing business in Canada is rising. This concern is not limited to the costs generated by the fight against climate change, but reflects the serious cumulative impact of the growing burden posed by fees, taxes and regulations the private sector is being asked to bear. Our members are deeply worried about their ability to both grow their businesses within Canada or compete for investment and customers from abroad. This concern becomes even more substantial when we see the determination of the U.S. administration to dramatically cut both regulation and business taxes in that country.” As luck would have it, our letter was published on the same day that Petronas cancelled a $36-billion LNG investment in British Columbia. It’s impossible to pin the blame for the decision on any one factor (Petronas vaguely cited “market conditions”), but the uncertainty around project approval, along with regulatory, tax and cost burdens all contributed. The effect is a loss of jobs for Canadian families, truly a missed opportunity for Canada.
It’s not just Petronas, Canada has seen a mass exodus of investment, a staggering $60 billion has left over the past two years (in 2017, Shell divested $7.5B, Marathon sold $2.5B and ConocoPhillips $17.7B. Most has gone to other jurisdictions). And we’ve seen some of the players shedding Canadian energy assets while investing more in the U.S. It’s true that U.S. shale enjoys a modest cost advantage over oilsands production, but we worry that Canada’s high costs and dithering over pipelines is having a big impact. As the Globe and Mail pointed out last week, “It’s beginning to feel it is becoming impossible for any new interprovincial pipelines to ever get built […] because of obstructionist games played by premiers and mayors. […] Environmental benefit: Nil. Economic cost: High.” And it’s not just oil and gas. Last week, we sat down with a major multinational agri-food producer who told us that, for his company, regulations are a bigger cost than taxes. The company was struggling with Canada’s new food labelling rules and asked if the current government is “sensitive” to the cost burden of regulation. I said the word “sensitive” is too strong. “Blissfully unaware” might be a better descriptor. The government wants to attract more foreign investment, but in a tough globalized environment. What really attracts investors is the rate of return. That’s why costs, rules and regulations are so important. And they have real world impacts on Canadian families and their prosperity. Last week, we wrote to the Prime Minister, “As we increase business costs to address climate change, we urgently need to find ways to lower costs elsewhere. […] to strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness.” Global capital can go anywhere. The wolf is at the door. For more information, please contact: Hendrik Brakel Senior Director, Economic, Financial & Tax Policy 613.238.4000 (284) | hbrakel@chamber.ca
Did you know? *U T BWBJMBCMF UP ZPV FYDMVTJWFMZ BT B WBMVFE NFNCFS PG UIF 8IJUFIPSTF $IBNCFS PG $PNNFSDF Why it’s the best? 3BUFT BSF DPNQFUJUJWF BOE TUBCMF ɨF $IBNCFS 1MBO QPPMT BMM PG ZPVS DMBJNT XJUI UIF SFTU PG $BOBEB TP UIFSF XPO U CF MBSHF QSFNJVN JODSFBTFT FBDI ZFBS OP NBUUFS IPX NVDI ZPVS TUBê VTF UIF QMBO 4UBCMF BOE 1SFEJDUBCMF 3BUFT "UUSBDU 2VBMJUZ 4UBê 5BY "EWBOUBHFT
'BOUBTUJD 5PPM UP 3FUBJO &NQMPZFFT &BTZ GPS &NQMPZFFT UP 4VCNJU $MBJNT .PSF "UUSBDUJWF UIBO B 3BJTF
What does it cover? -JGF *OTVSBODF %FOUBM .BTTBHF 1IZTJP $IJSPQSBDUPS &UD 7JTJPO $BSF
1SFTDSJQUJPO %SVHT %JTBCJMJUZ *OTVSBODF &NFSHFODZ 5SBWFM *OTVSBODF $SJUJDBM *MMOFTT *OTVSBODF
How do I request a quote? 7JTJU XXX DIBNCFSTQMBO DB $BMM PVS PïDF 8F SF MPDBUFE PO UIF DPSOFS PG .BJO 'JGUI 'JMM PVU UIF FNQMPZFF EBUB TIFFU TFF SFWFSTF BOE GBY PS FNBJM UP PVS PïDF
1-888-265-4117
Payment Solutions Right for your Business
Payment Terminals
Payment Terminals
Integrated POS Solutions
Online Solutions
Mobile & Tablet Solutions
Loyalty Solutions & Merchant Cash Advance
Tailored Solutions to grow and manage your business one transaction at a time.
FIRST DATA’S CHAMBER OFFER
Earn a $1,000 MasterCard® gift card1 if First Data cannot beat your current payment processing fees. To get started, all we need is a copy of your current statement. Speak with one of our
Visit chambermerchantservices.ca
Business Consultants today
for more information about our
at 1-888-265-4117.
program and services.
1 Some conditions apply. Merchant processing cost comparison based on all merchant services processing charges shown on most recent processor merchant statement, excluding 3rd party fees, compliance fees and equipment costs. Limit one gift card per merchant. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive for your MasterCard® gift card. This exclusive offer is valid to new contract merchants only. Offer is valid until December 31, 2017.
© 2017 First Data Canada Ltd. is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch, Toronto, ON, Canada. All trademarks, service marks and trade names used in this material are the property of their respective owners. 21958 2017
Business After Hours Sponsored by City of Whitehorse
Yukon Delegation to Opportunities North in Edmonton
7 SEPTEMBER
11-14 SEPTEMBER
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 2017 AGM and Convention in Edmonton
23-25 SEPTEMBER
Small Business Week sponsored by BDC
Canada Post Event - On-line Shopping/ Shipping opportunities for SME’s
15-21 OCTOBER
19 OCTOBER
Business After Hours Sponsored by Dana Naye Ventures
Business After Hours Sponsored by Association Franco-Yukonnaise
19 OCTOBER
26 OCTOBER