Voice of Business: It’s Time to Prioritize Addictions and Homelessness at the National, Provincial and Local Level

Addictions and homelessness in our city is uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable for the people living it. It’s uncomfortable for the community dealing with the issues that surround it. And it brings about uncomfortable conversations.

It’s in stark contrast to the current political enthusiasm for housing. Don’t get me wrong, we desperately need big solutions for housing in our city, province and country and it will play a role in alleviating homelessness. Right now, it seems every government body has a housing policy that they’re sharing with anyone who will listen. They have goals with numbers attached to them and financial incentives for achieving them. We have government ministries dedicated to this file, with their own associate and deputy ministers for additional support. We might be in a housing crunch right now, but the action from all levels of government instills a certain amount of optimism that things will improve.

Unfortunately, there isn’t that feeling of optimism when it comes to dealing with addictions and homelessness. There are a lot of good things in the works. There are community groups spearheading new programs and governments launching new social supports. But there’s a lack of strategic planning to get us out of the crisis we are in. And make no mistake, communities across Canada are in a crisis.

We need governments to set targets for eliminating homelessness, decreasing addictions, reducing poverty, and eliminating barriers to mental health supports — targets that all levels of government can work together to achieve. This should be prioritized as one of the highest profile portfolios.

Defining this issue is also uncomfortable and complex. Many people addicted to drugs aren’t homeless and there are many homeless people who are not using drugs. We can’t ignore the role that poverty, trauma, and a lack of mental health supports play into this. It’s uncomfortable to address the fact that, in Canada, Indigenous people are eight times more likely to be homeless.

The Chamber recently met with a group of businesses who are frustrated with the increase in antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood. They’re dealing with regular property damage, increased shoplifting, and people accosting and assaulting staff. They’re regularly cleaning up human feces, needles, and used condoms. They’ve invested in expensive security systems, shortened hours to avoid closing in the dark, and begun locking their doors during the day. As fellow humans, they want to continue to show compassion to our most vulnerable population, which also takes an emotional toll.

There is a real lack of optimism on this issue. Talking about this with businesses, elected leaders, and government staff alike, there is very little feeling that we are going to be in a better situation in the foreseeable future.

This is one of the biggest issues we are facing right now. None of us have the knowledge or means to fix it on our own. We need all three levels of government to prioritize and dedicate significant resources to this. We need to know that when these pilot projects and social service contracts run out, our community is going to be in a better position than when we started.

Let’s all get uncomfortable — We can’t shy away from this issue any longer.

Click here to listen to Joel’s interview on Ontario Morning with Ramraajh Sharvendiran

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Voice of Business: Majority of Businesses Are Not Prepared For Leadership Change

There is a topic that is often not discussed or planned for until late in the process – succession.

Here at the Chamber of Commerce we often have conversations with businesses who are thinking about selling their business. It’s something that has hit them fairly recently. They’re tired. The last few years have been a lot. They want to look after their mental and physical health. They’re getting older and want to spend time traveling and hanging out with the grandkids. It’s all understandable and frankly, they’ve earned it after years of long hours, high stress, and financial risks.

The problem is they’re tired right now. They’re hoping to get out some time in the next 12 months or so.

There’s a new report on this subject from the Northern Policy Institute in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Société Économique de l’Ontario called Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario.

The report’s survey found that 73 per cent of business owners do not have a succession plan in place, even though the leaders of many organizations plan to sell or retire soon. Most business owners report planning to sell or retire in the next 15 years.

From Taking Care of Business: The State of Business Succession and Planning in Ontario:

Business Owners’ Responses to “Do you have a succession plan in place?”

• I don’t know/prefer not to answer: 9 per cent

• No, we do not have a succession plan in place nor have one in the process of being created: 44 per cent

• No, but it is in the process of being created: 29 per cent

• Yes, one is completed: 18 per cent

The transition of business ownership represents both opportunity and risk. Established businesses provide a strong platform for someone to continue to grow. But poorly planned succession can be a mess.

The report notes that one-third of business owners who plan to sell or retire in the next five years do not have a succession plan in place or are in the process of creating one. Organizations who are not anticipating a change of leadership are far less prepared. Smaller businesses are typically less prepared, despite being more likely to undergo leadership change.

There is a cost to putting off planning for change, as stated in the report:

“Poorly managed succession can lead to worse organizational performance and lost business value. This can result in reduced economic growth, job losses for employees, and reduced options for consumers. Therefore, increasing the number of businesses that adequately plan for succession will be crucial to ensuring that Ontario’s successful existing businesses continue to provide employment opportunities, goods and services, and economic growth even as their current leadership departs.”

While we typically talk about succession planning as it relates to retirement, which is a big component of it, businesses change hands for multiple reasons. Some move on for a change of

scenery, but there are also unexpected and unforeseen changes due to health issues, death, family needs, financial issues, business partnership breakdowns, etc. Having a plan on the books will go a long way to making that transition process go more smoothly.

Good planning will help preserve local businesses and create a stronger local economy. If you or your organization are interested in planning for changes in leadership and ownership, your local Chamber of Commerce can help make some recommendations on local businesses with succession expertise. The best time to plan for the future is now.

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Voice of Business: Business and Political Leaders Need to Reset Their Relationship

Guest Column by Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

After what Pierre Poilievre told the Vancouver Board of Trade, it's clear business and political leaders need to reset their relationship.

After 18 months as federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spoke last week to a local Chamber of Commerce for the first time.

As he took the stage in Vancouver, he was eager to explain why it took him so long.

Poilievre began by noting that he had spoken more than 100 times on shop floors and to union locals. That was good to hear — even refreshing. He deserves credit for that effort.

But then he dropped the punchline, and it wasn’t kind to his hosts. The real reason he stays away from business audiences, he said, is because of ‘utterly useless’ corporate lobbyists focused on ‘getting lunches with ministers’ and ‘showing off their latest ESG brochure.’

Poilievre created a caricature of ‘politicians and CEOs working together for their own interest.’

He’s not alone.

In Ottawa, business-bashing is part of the populist playbook — right across the political spectrum. Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently slammed a media company for its “garbage decision” to make cuts and layoffs after a $40 million operating loss. His government has imposed new taxes and costs on banks and tech companies because they’re banks and tech companies.

New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh routinely blames “‘corporate greed’ for rising prices. He recently accused retailers of ‘ripping people off’ — as if the high inflation, wage settlements and supply chain disruptions of recent years never happened.

Are concerns about high prices legitimate? Yes. Should business leaders be asked hard questions? Absolutely. Should their policy prescriptions be challenged and debated? Of course. Will anyone shed tears for big companies? No.

It’s a dangerous game, however, when political leaders traffic in anger, stereotyping and scapegoating of any group or institution. It might garner a few votes, but it won’t move us forward as a nation.

Canada has serious challenges: lagging productivity. Skills and labour shortages. An overloaded and disjointed health-care system. Insufficient investment in climate and clean technology infrastructure. And much more.

These challenges are too wicked for the government to solve alone. While government’s job is to set the agenda and make the rules, it’s a huge error for political leaders not to engage the financial, human, intellectual and relationship capital of the private sector.

Does business want to be part of the solution? You bet. That, too, earned a rebuke from Mr. Poilievre. He criticized business leaders because ‘they want to get along with everybody’ and urged them to ‘stop sucking up to the people who are doing the damage to our country.’

But it’s not the role of business leaders to get partisan, or to help opposition leaders get elected. Business leaders need to work with government — no matter who is in government.

This is particularly true today, in an era when none of the major federal party leaders have a business background. That’s not a criticism; they bring other skills and qualities to the table.

But it does mean business and political leaders need to reset their relationship, and to approach one another with fewer assumptions, and more humility; with less rhetoric, and more dialogue; and with less theatre, and more collaboration and co-creation.

In last week’s speech, Poilievre also told his audience that he favours a ‘bottom-up free enterprise agenda’ — i.e., an agenda rooted in the needs of enterprising businesspeople, not politicians in Ottawa. He was wise to speak at a Chamber of Commerce, because there’s no more “bottom-up” business organization in our nation today. In every town, city or province in Canada, from heartland to hinterland, the vast majority of Chamber members are small businesses. They want their chambers to work with Poilievre, Trudeau and Singh — just as they do successfully with all our provincial leaders.

Canada needs political and business leaders to work together in a spirit of goodwill, reflecting the shared interests of businesses, workers and communities. It’s time to rebuild that spirit.

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Voice of Business: Making Ontario More Competitive For Permanent Residency

Ontario is less competitive than other provinces when it comes to approving permanent residency for new Canadians. This impacts our ability to attract talent at a time when we desperately need to increase our workforce, especially in Peterborough and the Kawarthas where unemployment remains well below the national average.

We have put forward a policy resolution for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to add pressure to our provincial government to take a look at the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program and rework it to help employers attract and retain talent.

Ontario offers a lot for prospective new Canadians in terms of job opportunities and multicultural communities, but it has become less competitive when it comes to getting permanent residency.

For many people here on student and work visas, securing permanent residency is a major source of anxiety. Fear of not being accepted before their visas expire is driving people to other provinces that increase their chances of success.

Labour markets are softening, but access to labour remains one of the biggest barriers to business. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce 2023 Ontario Economic Report found businesses reported investing in workforce development to be their second highest policy priority.

The slowing economy is likely to ease labour pressure, but the slew of impending retirements will further increase demand.

While unemployment increased in the second half of 2023, BDC reports that it’s because the active working population grew with about 430,000 jobs being created between January and November of 2023.

As much as Ontario has to offer newcomers, lack of access to housing and the rising cost of living are increasingly becoming barriers. Add this to the fact that other provinces make it easier to gain permanent residency while offering lower living costs and Ontario is increasingly becoming less attractive.

Currently, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) points system offers similar criteria to the Federal Express Entry program, which does not set the Province apart nor is it helpful for the candidates who fall outside the scope of the federal program. Our province should be targeting those who fall outside the federal criteria, especially if they are currently working or have a job offer in Ontario.

There is a lack of clarity on what National Occupation Codes (NOC) will be invited in the future, pushing people from certain professions to other provinces that are more likely to sponsor them. Additionally, provinces like Alberta have had success by removing the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list, opening up more opportunities for new Canadians to work in any job or business sector.

We have small and microbusinesses in Ontario that have a desire to sponsor new residents, but their business does not meet financial requirements. In the Greater Toronto Area, sponsoring businesses must have five employees and $1 million in revenue. Outside the GTA that drops to three employees and $500,000 in revenue. This financial threshold especially impacts small family businesses from immigrant communities.

Some candidates for residency have been working in Ontario for years with programs like the Labour Market Impact Assessment, but still do not qualify for residency here. Others are here studying for in-demand vocations like personal support workers, but don’t qualify for the Student Job Offer stream because their program is less than two years.

It has been pointed out by a number of industry professionals that the online application system is not as user-friendly as it could be, especially when those trying to apply may have language barriers, technology barriers, and slow internet connections.

Ontario needs to make some strategic changes to its approach to immigration and sponsoring candidates for permanent residency.

We recommend the Government of Ontario:

Make Ontario more competitive for securing permanent residency by:

1. Tailoring the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program to target candidates who fall outside the federal criteria with an emphasis on those already working in Ontario, including establishing a program for those with long-term work experience in Ontario as a pathway to residency.

2. Reducing employment criteria barriers, including:

   a. Providing clarity on what NOC codes will be invited in the future or eliminating the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list altogether.

   b. Lowering the revenue requirement and requirements for a specific number of employees for businesses to allow for smaller businesses to sponsor permanent residents.

3. Opening up the Student Job Offer Stream program to students in one-year programs.

4. Improving the functionality of the OINP website, providing a more up-to-date and user-friendly experience.

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Voice of Business: Enforcing Fair Property Tax Ratios

Businesses in Ontario pay much higher property tax rates than residents, despite using fewer services. The Ontario Municipal Act requires municipalities to tax commercial and industrial properties at a ratio of 0.6 to 1.1, but many municipalities have no plans to comply.

For 2024, the City of Peterborough moved to increase its business tax ratio from 1.5 to 1.65, shifting added tax burden onto the business community in order to minimize the rate increase for homeowners. This trend is causing concern among businesses across Ontario.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has put together a policy resolution on this tilted “Enforcing fair property tax ratios” that we have submitted to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). It will go to the membership to debate and vote on in April, at which point approved resolutions become part of the advocacy efforts of the OCC for the next three years.

Our resolution:

Commercial and Industrial property taxes in Ontario municipalities are calculated based on a ratio of what residential property owners pay. For example, if a municipality has a commercial tax ratio of 1.75, commercial property owners are paying 175 per cent what a resident is paying for the same amount of property tax assessment.

The Ontario Municipal Act Reg. 386/98: Tax Matters – Allowable Ranges for Tax Ratios sets an allowable range for property tax on commercial and industrial properties at 0.6 to 1.1.

A quick look at tax ratios from a selection of municipalities from across Ontario from 2023 demonstrates that this range is not being followed:

Commercial Industrial

• Barrie 1.43 1.51

• Milton 1.46 2.09

• Peterborough 1.5 1.5

• Brantford 1.75 2.25

• Guelph 1.84 2.2

• North Bay 1.88 1.4

• Woodstock 1.9 2.63

• Sudbury 1.91 3.45

• Belleville 1.92 2.4

• Kingston 1.98 2.63

• Thunder Bay 1.98 2.37

• Clarington 1.98 2.49

• Sarnia 2.02 2.4

• Niagara Falls 2.15 2.95

• Sault Ste. Marie 2.31 4.38

Municipalities are coming under increasing financial pressure due to factors that include inflation in everything from capital projects to wages, increased demand for services, and an increased role in areas like public health and homelessness. Despite this pressure coming from a variety of sources, they essentially have one tool for raising the funds to do it — property taxes.

More financial pressure on municipalities is leading them to further increase tax ratios to the benefit of residents at the expense of the business community.

The City of Peterborough spent a decade lowering its commercial and industrial tax ratios to 1.5, achieving that several years ago. This year it voted to increase the tax ratios to 1.65, shifting $3 million in taxation from residents to businesses. Businesses in the City of Peterborough will on average pay 22 per cent more in property tax in 2024.

Similar stories are playing out across Ontario and businesses cannot continue to bear the brunt of property taxation on behalf of residents. Businesses use fewer services but are expected to pay significantly more for them.

It is clear Reg. 386/98 of the Ontario Municipal Act has no teeth. Municipalities across Ontario have been charging property tax ratios well outside the allowable range for decades with no plans to change. The Government of Ontario needs to put some teeth in the act and hold non-complying municipalities to account.

Recommendations

That the Ontario Chamber of Commerce urge the Government of Ontario to:

Enforce existing property taxation ratios set out in the Ontario Municipal Act Reg. 386/98: Tax Matters – Allowable Ranges for Tax Ratios by withholding provincial support — including access to provincial funding streams — to municipalities that:

a) are not taxing commercial and industrial properties at the required rates or

b) are not actively transitioning to the required rates based on a plan that specifies gradual decreases on a timeline approved by the Province.

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Voice of Business: A Portrait of Small Business In Canada

Consumer behaviours have changed and with it the landscape for small businesses across Canada. It’s important to step back and have a look at what’s happening in the industry.

A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab titled A Portrait of Small Business in Canada: Adaption, Agility, All At Once does just that.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, making up 98 per cent of businesses in Canada and employing 11 million people. Small businesses are considered businesses with 1 to 99 employees. Within that designation, micro businesses (one to four employees) are by far the most common with the median small business having fewer than five employees.

The report states: “This underscores the importance of improving our understanding of the business realities of all small firms, but especially micro firms, while ensuring that adequate financial, operational and regulatory support measures boost the resilience of small and micro businesses for the sake of Canada’s economy. Put simply, the survival of micro firms is a macroeconomic issue for Canada.”

The report also looks into the realities, challenges, and opportunities for small businesses owned by women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2s+ community, immigrants to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities.

For example, immigrants make up 25.5 per cent of all private sector businesses, well above their 23 per cent representation in Canada’s population. However, within this, immigrants are less likely to own larger businesses.

Progress was made in recent years with women having more opportunity through flexible work arrangements, leading to more women in in-demand work at higher pay. While government programming aims to increase access to childcare, the transition back to the physical workspace is threatening to scale back progress for women.

Majority ownership of private sector small businesses in Canada, by underrepresented/equity-seeking groups.

• Immigrant to Canada – 25.5 per cent of businesses/23 per cent of population

• Visible Minority – 19.2 per cent of businesses/26.5 per cent of population

• Women – 17.8 per cent of businesses/50.9 per cent of population

• LGBTQ2s+ – 3.3 per cent of businesses/4 per cent of population

• Persons with a disability – 2.2 of businesses/22 per cent of population

• Indigenous – 2.2 per cent of businesses/5 per cent of population

When looking at the situation for small businesses, Business Data Lab notes many of the problems they faced prior to the pandemic persisted or were exacerbated during it. They found the smaller the firm, the bigger the problems. Smaller businesses faced more significant revenue declines, worse debt constraints, and have more difficulties adopting new technologies.

Workforce challenges also hit small businesses the hardest. While large businesses increased their employment numbers by 26 per cent and medium businesses by 13% from January 2020 to July 2023, small businesses had no growth registering a 0 per cent increase in employment. The report itself has a lot more insight and information and is worth a read.

While vulnerable, our small and micro businesses remain nimble. Investing in digital will help, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The report notes: “With one era of global upheaval in our rearview and another with as many uncertainties ahead, a bright light from the data is the nimbleness of small businesses. However, even with their impressive resilience, agility and adaptability in leveraging the appropriate technologies to stay connected with customers and to streamline their operations, the reality is that small businesses remain strapped for funding, resources and exposure.”

It’s imperative that we invest in our local small businesses — it goes a long way to building a stronger, more resilient local economy.

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Voice of Business: Two-Year International Cap On Students

The Canadian government has decided to take on the growing housing crisis in the country. Their first target was aimed at the international students entering Canada.

The recent announcement from Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the cap of international students in the 2024 caught many by surprise, including the two local post-secondary institutions located right here in the Kawarthas.

Fleming College President Maureen Adamson didn’t hide her disappointment while speaking to the Chamber of Commerce shortly after the announcement.

“This will have a sweeping impact on our region,” stated Adamson, adding this will be a loss of $100 million to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Canadian government declared a two-year cap on student permits to international students in 2024; only approving 360,000 in total – a decrease of 35 per cent from 2023.

This move, he said, is an attempt to ease the strain on the housing crisis in Canada and to weed out what he calls, ‘bad actors’ applying for spots in our Colleges and Universities.

Adamson is expecting a 50 per cent drop in international student enrolment for Fleming, and she stated it will be “a staggering loss” to Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.

Currently, approximately 1,000 international students are enrolled at Fleming College across their Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton campuses. And approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at their campus in Toronto.

And many of those students, she adds, are filling in the gaps in Ontario’s labour market. Sectors like, health care, social assistance, hospitality, and the trades sector will all be affected by this cap.

“International students that come to Ontario are essential to bringing in top talent for key sectors of the workforce, here in our area and across the province. They usually come with a diploma or degree and are ready to move quickly into the labour market,” stated Adamson in a statement.

The Council of Ontario Universities also released a statement, stating they are ‘disappointed’ with the cap on international student permits. They added in their statement that this decision, “it may have unintended consequences for the sector and for international students.”

Ontario Colleges and Universities have yet to hear how the 2024 permits will be divided among the provinces by the Ontario Government.

Trent University sent the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber a comment; stating that with all the information they have currently:

“Trent University is currently reviewing the Government of Canada’s announcement regarding international student permits, and supports the position taken by the Council of Ontario Universities. Trent has been a responsible player in the postsecondary sector, preparing for growth in domestic and international enrolment for some time, and basing international student enrolment on the unique needs of our communities and regional labour market demands. The international students who come to Trent bring enormous advantages to our campuses and beyond, introducing highly-skilled, worldly talent, and bridging cultures in ways that benefit our local economies and our communities as a whole. We take a measured and sustainable approach to international enrolment and none of Trent’s degrees, certificates or programs operate through public-private partnerships. Currently, there are 2,799 international students enrolled at Trent (20 per cent of total enrolment).”

The university assures they will release updates when more information becomes available to them.

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Voice of Business: Direct Access to Government is a Key Part of Advocacy

More than 100 local business and community leaders gathered at Market Hall last week for a chance to discuss business issues with Minister Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board of Canada.

It was an opportunity to raise concerns and address pressing issues to someone in the inner circle on Parliament Hill, a discussion that hopefully leads to stronger public policy.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce as well as our colleagues at the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce regularly meet with and voice our concerns to our elected leaders, but it’s important that we aren’t the only voices they hear from. While we do our research to understand a variety of issues — we don’t know it like those who work with it day in and day out.

As chambers, we can appreciate that the best solutions come at the grassroots level from local business, non-profits, charities, and community-minded people. Our own policy and advocacy process is built on grassroots advocacy. We take local discussions and issues raised by businesses and organizations and turn that into advocacy policy that we then bring to the provincial and national levels. It’s a direct pipeline to our elected leaders.

But the chamber advocacy process is just one part. We strive to provide opportunities for local business and community leaders to directly talk with their government leaders. Events like the discussion with Minister Anand allow the decision makers to hear the concerns and creative solutions directly from those experiencing them. Opportunities like this are a key part of the Chamber’s role in the community.

We have plans for quite a few upcoming opportunities. Power Hour, a signature annual Chamber event, is returning on Friday, February 23. This event features a discussion with the Warden of the County of Peterborough, the Mayor of the City of Peterborough, our provincial Member of Parliament, and our federal Member of Parliament. Attendees can submit questions ahead of time or write them down during the event.

In 2024, we are planning events with as many of our local elected leaders as we can, including a Warden’s breakfast scheduled for April 19 and another breakfast with several township mayors planned for June.

On top of these public events, we hold regular roundtable discussions. These events are typically a smaller group of 10 – 20 businesses and organizations with interest in a particular topic. We have a few coming up in the next couple weeks, including one on skilled trades and another on Employment Insurance. Our aim is to keep the groups small enough to be able to have a meaningful and candid conversation with the government representatives on hand. To do this, we do have to limit numbers and offer space by invitation-only. If you’re a Chamber member interested in being part of these conversations, let me know.

In addition to discussions directly with government representatives, we work with chambers across Canada where businesses are dealing with similar issues to work together on our efforts for change.

Together, we have a stronger voice in addressing the issues and opportunities that will help our communities thrive.

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Voice of Business: Navigating Economic Uncertainty: The Prudent Choice of Chamber Membership

Guest Column by Olivia Farr, Communications Specialist, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

In times of economic uncertainty, businesses often find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with tough decisions to safeguard their interests and maintain stability.

One strategic move that stands out as a beacon of support and resilience is joining your local chamber of commerce. This age-old institution has proven to be a valuable ally for businesses during periods of economic turbulence. In this article, we will explore why Chamber membership makes profound sense in the face of uncertainty.

1. Collective Strength in Unity

Economic uncertainty tends to breed challenges that no single business can face alone. By joining a chamber, businesses become part of a unified front, collectively navigating the storm. Chambers of commerce serve as powerful advocates for their members, leveraging their collective influence to shape policies that favour local businesses and stimulate economic growth. This unity allows businesses to pool resources, share insights, and face challenges with a stronger, more resilient approach.

2. Access to Critical Resources and Information

In periods where the economy is shifting, information becomes a priceless asset. The Chamber plays a crucial role in publishing timely and relevant information to their members through formats much like this Voice of Business blog. From legislative changes and market trends to funding opportunities and industry insights posted on our Resource Hub, chambers keep their members informed, helping them make well-informed decisions. This access to critical resources empowers businesses to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances and stay ahead of the curve.

3. Networking Opportunities for Survival and Growth

In times of budgetary anxiety, the importance of networking cannot be overstated. Chambers provide a structured platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and forge partnerships. The PK Chamber hosts a minimum of three monthly networking events and several annual events. These networking opportunities can be a lifeline for businesses looking to weather the storm.

Chamber networking enhances your job-related support in two key ways—facilitating both job seekers and employers. For those seeking employment, the network offers a valuable avenue to discover opportunities in the concealed job market before they become publicly available.

On the flip side, for employers seeking to fill positions, engaging with peers in similar roles through the chamber can contribute to crafting comprehensive job descriptions. This collaborative approach ensures a more robust hiring process, fostering a better fit for your organization. This interconnectedness exemplifies the crucial role of networking, a lifeline for businesses navigating economic uncertainty. Chambers of Commerce provide the structured platform needed to establish these vital connections, enabling businesses to share resources, explore new markets, and devise innovative solutions to shared challenges.

4. Advocacy and Representation in Government Affairs

Economic uncertainty often coincides with shifts in government policies and regulations. Navigating this complex landscape requires a united voice to advocate for the interests of businesses. Your chamber actively engages in government affairs, representing their members' concerns and advocating for policies

that promote economic stability and growth. Being part of a chamber ensures that your business has a seat at the table when crucial decisions are being made that could impact business operations.

5. Educational Programs for Adaptable Skill Sets

The ability to adapt to shifting economic positions is a key determinant of success. The Chamber frequently offers educational programs, workshops, and seminars to equip our members with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. From digital transformation to crisis management, these programs empower businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger on the other side.

6. Cost-Effective Marketing and Visibility

Maintaining a visible presence in the market is challenging during economic downturns when marketing budgets are often under scrutiny. Chamber membership provides businesses with cost-effective marketing opportunities, such as sponsorship of events, inclusion in business directories, and access to promotional channels like our newsletter and social media platforms. This increased visibility can be a lifeline for businesses seeking to maintain and expand their customer base despite economic headwinds.

7. Collective Problem-Solving and Support

Uncertain times can be isolating, with businesses feeling the weight of their challenges alone. Chamber membership fosters a sense of community and support, creating a space for businesses to share their struggles and successes. Collective problem-solving becomes a hallmark of chamber membership, as businesses work together to find innovative solutions and offer support to those facing particularly challenging circumstances.

Conclusion:

In today's state of the economy, businesses are confronted with the imperative to adapt or risk stagnation. Chamber membership emerges as a strategic move, offering a lifeline of support, resources, and collaboration. The collective strength, access to critical information, networking opportunities, advocacy in government affairs, educational programs, cost-effective marketing, and a supportive community all make chamber membership a wise investment in times of economic uncertainty. As businesses navigate uncharted waters, the chamber of commerce stands as a steadfast partner, guiding them through the storm and towards a more resilient and prosperous future.

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Voice of Business: Heat Pump Explainer

Guest Column by Rebecca Schillemat, Executive Officer of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association

Heat pumps have gained substantial popularity across Canada due to their energy efficiency and versatility in providing heating and cooling solutions.

These systems utilize a reversible refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the air, ground, or water sources, transferring it indoors during winter for heating and expelling it outside during summer for cooling. This article is about Air Source Heat Pumps (to be referred to as heat pumps). There are also geothermal or ground-source heat pumps available in Canada.

Heat pump technology was first demonstrated in 1748, and the first heat pump was built in 1857.1 Modern heat pumps can heat comfortably in a home with minimal air leakage when the outside temperature is as low as -20 °C. Heat pumps are energy efficient, with the definition of energy efficiency being to use less energy to get the same task done. Natural gas is 98% efficient at heating a space,2 while heat pumps can be 300-500% efficient because they are designed to put out more energy than they take in to run the system.

The Government of Canada has been researching energy efficiency home building and renovations options across Canada through the department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA).3 Together, NRCan & CHBA have been researching Net Zero Home Building for over a decade, including using heat pumps.4 The case studies from across Canada inform guidelines for energy-efficient building.5 The 2020 National Building Code is a 5-tier system, each being more energy efficient. Tier 5 is beyond a Net Zero Home, with Net Zero defined as homes that produce as much clean energy as they consume annually, using on-site renewable energy systems.

A heat pump costs anywhere from $5,000 to 15,000 to purchase and install. Enbridge is offering up to $4,500 for the Clean Home Heating Initiative, and the Canadian Government is offering up to $5,000 with the Greener Homes Grant to install heat pumps in residential homes.

Since heat pumps work by taking outside air and transferring that energy to the inside air, having a leaky home greatly reduces heating efficiency for all heating/cooling systems. The first step in determining how efficient a heat pump is for your home is getting an energy audit by a certified energy advisor, including a blower door test. New homes with an Energy Star Rating have 2.5 Air Changes per hour (ACH), Net Zero homes are 1.5 ACH and the Passive House standard is 0.6 ACH. The air tightness requirement in the National Building Code dovetails to achieve maximum energy efficiency with a heat pump.

Overall, heat pumps offer an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling in Canadian climates. Their ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions makes

them a compelling choice for residential buildings despite some limitations related to extreme weather conditions and upfront costs. Heat pumps with a backup heating method are an excellent first step in renovating existing homes to be more energy efficient. Heat pumps are an excellent option for new homes to maximize the energy efficiency of new home construction.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Peterborough City & County and City of Kawartha Lakes. PKHBA represents over 100 member companies including builders, developers, professional renovators, trade contractors and many others within the residential construction sector. PKHBA had the opportunity to host two education sessions through CHBA’s Local Energy Efficiency Partnerships (LEEP) Program in fall 2023 in Peterborough; one on Mechanical & HVAC systems, including heat pumps and one on the Building Envelope, including windows and insulation.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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