On Tuesday, the Government of Canada released their 2019 Federal Budget, which failed to address the fundamental issues that continue to undermine the ability of Canada business to create more jobs and generate more prosperity for all Canadians.

While the Budget did deliver on some of our specific policy proposals outlined in its Pre-Budget Submission and policy resolutions, we remain concerned over a number of issues that have not been addressed, such as:
• A commitment to a comprehensive review of the taxation system to make it fair and less cumbersome for businesses.
• A broad-based commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.
• A renewed commitment to eliminating inter-provincial trade barriers and mobility.
• Support for SMEs to help them find new export opportunities and expand Canada’s ability to diversify its trade.
• A clear strategy to move the Trans Mountain pipeline forward, given the significant investment made by Canadian taxpayers.

We will continue to work with the federal government to ensure the voice of the business community is heard in order to build a more prosperous Canada where all Canadians have the opportunity to succeed.  Read Full Statement

On March 19, the Government of Canada released its 2019 Federal Budget, "Investing in the Middle Class."
Despite a projected deficit of $19.8 billion, Budget 2019 made little effort towards addressing the issues we raised in our federal pre-budget submission, which urged the government to focus on creating a business climate that encourages growth through reforming Canada’s tax system, providing sustainable multi-payer drug coverage, and nurturing the innovation economy.

Challenges relating to access to talent, regulation, and the cost of doing business remain major sources of concern for our membership. The government’s proposed solutions fall short in making real change for Canada to be competitive in the global economy.

WHAT DOES BUDGET 2019 MEAN FOR ONTARIO BUSINESS?
Our rapid policy update outlines specific commitments that the government announced regarding:
• Skills
• Pharmacare
• Energy and electricity
• Broadband
• Sector-specific support in the areas of science and innovation, forestry and tourism
• Regulation
• Taxes
READ THE FULL UPDATE

Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered the Liberal Government’s fourth budget on March 19, 2019 entitled Investing in the Middle Class.  The Budget anticipates a deficit of $14.9 billion for 2018-2019 and projects a deficit of $19.8 billion in 2019-2020.  There is currently no plan to balance the budget.

The tax changes announced in Budget 2019 include an increase in the amount of money that can be withdrawn from an RRSP under the Home Buyers’ Plan, limiting the stock option deduction for certain employers, fast write-offs for zero emission vehicles and increasing access to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credits.

Budget 2019 also discusses reviewing the tax implications of transferring Canadian businesses to other family members.  Currently, it is often more beneficial for a family owned business to sell to an unrelated purchaser than to a family member.  Hopefully this inequality is addressed.

On Monday, the QWCC will be participating in the 2019 OCC Advocacy Day at Queen's Park.  We are split into different discussion groups and I will be part of a small roundtable that has been given a special opportunity to meet with the Deputy Minister for Red Tape and Regulatory Burden Reduction from the Ontario Cabinet office. DM Giles Gherson is leading the government’s efforts to reduce the wide array of red tape regulations which are currently hindering business prosperity across Ontario.

This discussion will focus on how the Government of Ontario can work collaboratively with the Ontario Chamber Network to proactively identify and remove these areas of red tape and regulation.

If your business is experiencing onerous red tape in certain areas or under specific regulations please shoot me a quick email by the end of the day on Friday and I will ensure it is part of the discussion on Monday.

Thanks in advance for your feedback, Suzanne

Many thanks to all who joined us at Walt's Sugar Shack last week.  Brian and Jane welcomed us and explained how the operation worked and how they make their fantastic maple syrup.  We enjoyed lots of maple treats, tarts and Jane's amazing dip and sipped hot maple syrup just freshly made!

Click here to get Jane's recipe for her amazing Maple Dip and Rosemary Maple Glazed Nuts!  (as requested by everyone that came)

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for our road trip to Ottawa to see the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Ottawa Senators. A sold out ledge with 182 tickets, our biggest group!

Bryans Auction Services officially announces that it’s opening a second location east of Toronto, in Trenton. The new facility, at 160 North Murray Street, is a highly anticipated and planned expansion designed to service the Eastern Ontario corridor from Toronto to Ottawa. “Our customers have been asking when we will expand for quite some time. Our selection of an eastern location meets the numerous requests from our current customers and consignors. It also opens a new and exciting marketplace for Bryan’s,” according to Bryan’s operations manager Ron Coyne. The new location has 20,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and six acres of land for equipment viewing.  Read more..

The IDA Trent Drug Mart has opened up in downtown Trenton at 31 Quinte Street. Tahir Mehmood owns this new pharmacy and the staff includes Muhammad Junaid, the Pharmacy Manager and Debbie Jackson, Pharmacy Assistant. They bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge and will offer the following services:   read more..

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one the most important marketing channels for small businesses. Unfortunately, when it comes to SEO there is a lot of misinformation out there. In this workshop, we aim to fix that. This workshop takes a look at how SEO affects your small business, and give practical tips for how you can improve your SEO for little to no cost. 

Topics in this month's Newsletter

• Ontario protecting those working at heights
• Province supporting stable labour relations
• Falls awareness and prevention
• Winter weather alerts
• Reminder: We’re hiring!
• Health and safety strategy consultations
• Feedback needed: Temporary stairs at construction projects
• Get the facts about workplace exposure and illness
• Deadline reminder: Mining consultation

Conveniently located in downtown Trenton,  our bright and spacious meeting rooms are affordable and can be rented on a 1/2 day or full day basis.

No experience is necessary!  To register your team or for further information, please visit our website www.trentoncurlingclub.ca or email us at trentoncurling@hotmail.com.”

Click here if you are interested in a corporate sponsrship