Policy Updates & News 268 results

Cogent Power President Shares Insights on the Application of Industry 4.0

February 12, 2018 · by Whitney Eames

Lean Manufacturing Set the Stage for Interconnected Systems

There was a large turnout of industry professionals for the February 7 breakfast event organized by the Golden Horseshoe Manufacturing Network and held at TechPlace in Burlington. This event aligns with the Hamilton Chamber’s focus on promoting manufacturing as a mainstay of local economic development.

Media Release: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce celebrates the recognition of Hamilton as a Top 7 Intelligent Community for 2018

February 8, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, February 8th, 2018: At 9:30 AM this morning, the Intelligent Community Forum announced the top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world for 2018. The City of Hamilton was on the list as a Top 7 Community.

The designation rewards the best models of economic, social and cultural development in the digital age.

Media Release: Input Costs Soar as Confidence and Projected Profits Fall: Ontario Economic Report 2018

February 7, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, February 7, 2018 – Today the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the second annual Ontario Economic Report (OER), a comprehensive analysis of data and emerging trends on the economic health of the province. Original economic research from the report reveals that 77 per cent of Ontario businesses say access to talent remains the largest impact on their competitiveness and nearly half report a lack of confidence in the province’s economy.

10 Ways to Build a Canada that Wins: The 2018 Policy Priorities of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

February 7, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

This week, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network released 10 Ways to Build a Canada that Wins, a document that provides business, decision-makers and government with a series of clear priorities and objectives that, if addressed, will give Canada a competitive edge, improve productivity and grow the economy.

A strong and prosperous Canada depends on business growth, but businesses are grappling with daunting challenges—economic, political and technological—at home and abroad.

NAFTA Negotiation, Round 6 Updates (January 22nd-28th, 2018)

January 31, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

January 31st, 2018: NAFTA talks successfully passed the critical round 6 in Montreal as the three countries moved closer towards a renewed and modernized agreement over the past week. However, several issues remain unresolved and a number of radical proposals from the Trump Administration remain unresolved. The three countries have two additional rounds of negotiation planned on the books, if the agreement isn’t resolved before the Summer, many experts believe that negotiations will enter a hiatus until the conclusion and outcomes of the Mexican Federal and US Midterm elections.

Media Release: Further Offset Measures Needed in Upcoming Budget to Keep Ontario Competitive The Ontario’s Chamber Network calls for tax reform, smart spending to support Ontario businesses

January 16, 2018 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 – Today, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) provided the Ontario government with 11 recommendations for the upcoming provincial budget that will help businesses manage costs and secure the province’s competitive advantage. The submission, presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, calls on the government to implement taxation reforms and smart infrastructure and transportation spending to maximize growth and benefit all regions of Ontario.

Resource Guide: Canada and the CETA (Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) and what it means for businesses

December 15, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Earlier this Fall, Canada and members of the European Union signed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The agreement is comprehensive in its coverage and potential new market opportunities for businesses in Canada. For example, before CETA’s entry into force, only 25 percent of EU tariff lines on Canadian goods were duty-free.

Federal Small Business Tax Proposal: Minister clarifies some clauses, Senate report advises a cancellation, to go in effect 1.1.18

December 15, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

On Wednesday, December 13th, the Department of Finance and Minister Bill Morneau released a final set of clarifications for the Federal Small Business Tax Proposals. As previously covered, these proposals will have a significant impact on businesses that have come to rely on income splitting amongst family members and passive income investment back into the corporation in order to save for retirement, capital upgrades or other downturns.

Special Event and Policy Report Launch December 6th: “Fair & Open Tendering – The Public Costs of Restricted Procurement in Ontario”

December 4, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, December 6th, 2017: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce to support the launch of a new independent economic analysis report by Hamilton-based Think Tank Cardus and University of Toronto Professor of Economics, Dr Morley K Gunderson titled “Up, Up and Away: The Impact of Restrictive Municipal Tendering in the Province of Ontario”.

Rapid Policy Update: Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Releases it’s Election Platform

November 29, 2017 · by Huzaifa Saeed

In October, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce network released Vote Prosperity, a platform for the 2018 provincial election campaign. The release of our platform nine months prior to the election was intended to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to address the most important issues to business within their own platforms.

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