THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN MISSISSAUGA
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1 WINTER 2019
BILL 47 MAKING ONTARIO OPEN FOR BUSINESS ACT
NOW THE LAW 08 10 THE UPCOMING POLITICAL Page 18 EVENTS ROUND UP
www.mbot.com @mbotontario The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.
There’s no better place to start making a difference than close to home. For that reason, we’re actively involved in our local communities through partnerships like the Mississauga Board of Trade.
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...... Pragmatic SolutionsfortheGTHA’sTransportationWoes The ArtofBusiness Engage TalenttoMaximizeBusinessPerformance Want AnInfiniteReturnonInvestment?GoGreen The FutureofOfficeSpace Reforms EmploymentandLabourLaws Compelling ValueEmergesinCanadianPreferredShares Building BusinessValueThroughExitPlanning Financial LossesResultingfromLRTConstruction The TransitionRulesUndertheConstructionAct Bill 47-MakingOntarioOpenforBusinessAct,NowtheLaw COVERAGE EVENTS PAST 24-25 issue this Contents In 43 42 36 16 10 08 07 05 VOLUME 14ISSUE1|WINTER2019 ...... New Members Affinity Savings&Discounts Committees &Forums MBOT ReferralProgram The PoliticalRoundUp Upcoming Events President’s Message Chair’s Message MBOT INTHE C OMMUNITY BUSINESS 31 2019
BOARD OF THE VOICE OF BUSINESS DIRECTORS IN MISSISSAUGA Established in 1961, Mississauga Board of Trade proudly serves as a the Chamber EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: of Commerce for the sixth largest city in Canada – the third largest city in Ontario. • Jim Molyneux, MNP | Chair Mississauga Board of Trade represents • Susanne Balpataky, Speigel Nichols Fox LLP | Vice-Chair all businesses in Mississauga. MBOT’s large, diverse and active membership has • Ken Tencer, Syderworks | Vice-Chair made us one of the most vibrant business associations in Canada. As the “Voice of • Mary Ann Wenzler-Wiebe, BDC | Treasurer Business” we advocate on policy issues • Paul Gaspar, UPS Canada | Immediate Past Chair that impact local business at all levels of government, and are influential in helping • Steve Rhone, Weston Forest Products to shape policy decisions. MBOT also • Lucie Shaw, Nurse Next Door offers a wide variety of valuable business services and professional development • David Wojcik, MBOT-President & CEO (Ex-officio) programs, networking events and marketing opportunities, to help business grow, prosper, and get connected. DIRECTORS: Publisher: • Sandy McKean, Sheridan College David Wojcik • Macarena Sierra, University of Toronto Mississauga President & CEO [email protected] • Michael Szymanski, Unifirst Canada Ltd. • Steve D’Agostino, Avega Editor: Bahaar Sachdeva • Linda Kern, The Kern Group Inc. Brand & Communication Manager • Parveen Dhupar, BTI Brands [email protected] • Ellen McGregor, Fielding Environmental Design & Layout: • Amy Delisle, Keyser Mason Ball LLP Bahaar Sachdeva [email protected] • Ryan Avery, TD Commercial Bank • Sameer Sharma, Crown Group Advertising Inquires: Sonia Ojha, Hiliary Jewer & Solange Barcena • Adam Nowak, Gallagher Insurance [email protected] • Eileen Waechter, Greater Toronto Airport Authority Printing: Jamnik Graphics www.jamnikgraphics.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Sonia Ojha at [email protected] Distribution: Hiliary Jewer at [email protected] Katika Integrated Communications Inc. www.katika.com Solange Barcena at [email protected] Bahaar Sachdeva at [email protected] Photo Credit: EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: John Goldstein, Andrea Marchant
701-77 City Centre Drive Mississauga, ON L5B 1M5 ADVERTISERS INDEX Bereskin & Parr 41 The Canadian Payroll Association 22 T: (905) 273 6151 Exit Planning Group 44 MDD Forensic Accountants 27 E: [email protected] Insuranceland 06 Future Offices 34 W: www.mbot.com JD Factors 20 Colliers International 20 Keyser Mason Ball LLC 08 Mellohawk Logistics 37 mbotontario Pallett Valo 32 The Achievement Centre 13 Royal Bank of Canada 02 © 2019. 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 herein are those of contributors and do not necessarily constitute endorsement by MBOT. Publication Agreement Number 40012444. FROM OUR CHAIR
SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
understandably tend to pursue ideas An established network of thriving only if they believe there is the tangible entrepreneurs is a strong indicator of potential for success. To achieve their the economic health of a city. These goals, entrepreneurs require the individuals not only support and invest in necessary skillset and knowledge to our communities but provide a source of run their business and must have the employment and so the market depends proper supports in place. This is where on entrepreneurs to stimulate economic the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) growth. In good times and bad, we need comes in. to support established and emerging business owners – for their own good We’re in a fortunate position at MBOT and for the good of our communities. to be the voice of local entrepreneurs, The need for entrepreneurship is advocating for policies and incentives pervasive. that support their innovation and investment. Whether this means At MNP, where I am the Regional raising the profile of our members Managing Partner for Peel, throughout the local community and entrepreneurship is one of our core beyond, increasing our membership, or values. We encourage our team advocating for our economic needs to members to take calculated risks, bring local, provincial or national governments; fresh ideas to the table and design championing their contributions (and their careers as they would their own ours) will ultimately lead to better short business. Through initiatives such as our and long-term economic outcomes for MNP Future Leaders program, which our community. provides mentorship opportunities for our young business leaders of tomorrow, As incoming Chair, I’m encouraged we’re encouraged by the potential for by the work we’re doing at MBOT. But this value to trickle down to future there’s still so much more we can do. It generations. begins with acknowledging our position to write a new narrative – we must work Jim Molyneux However, with the inherent risks together to close the gaps limiting the 2019 MBOT Chair and uncertainty associated with success of entrepreneurs, otherwise we MNP bootstrapping your own business, risk preventing business owners from innovators and enterprising professionals reaching their full potential.
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acceptable to us, may be offensive in other cultures. Example: Never use the THE FUTURE OF OK sign in Brazil. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE INTERNATIONAL Bribery is frowned upon in Canada and is considered a poor business practise. However, in other countries, it is a common place and in certain TRADE circumstances, expected. MARKET MISUNDERSTANDING FOR CANADIAN Consumer markets are fickle and what is a success in one country can be a complete failure in another. BUSINESS GOVERNMENT Unstable governments can provide huge opportunity but are rarely from the USA than we export to our sustainable. southern neighbour. RED TAPE Understanding the red tape in our With all this good will, freely moving own country is a full-time occupation. across the worlds longest undefended Interpreting bureaucratic burden in a international border, why do we sit in foreign country can be crippling. fear of the unreflective ramblings of the TRANSPORTATION current administration in Washington? Moving goods a few hundred miles vs. a few thousand miles can add multiple No one has a good answer. Is it layers of cost. Certain goods are better because our businesses have become manufactured in a foreign market complacent because of this massive rather than made domestically and then market literally next door to us? Is it shipped. because we haven’t “fished out” the pond of our own domestic market? Or PROXIMITY David Wojcik is it the fear of the unknown? Being a short drive or plane ride President & CEO to your market and customer is Mississauga Board of Trade According to the former Ontario always beneficial. We need to Minister for International Trade, only 7% look to technology to bridge the of Ontario SMEs participate in any form communication gap with overseas of international trade. markets. Canada has fourteen existing PARTNERS free trade agreements with nine Finding the right partner to navigate in negotiations and two pending Let’s breakdown some of the reasons why. a foreign market may be essential to implementation. Canada also has over LANGUAGE exploring new opportunities. 161 Trade Commissioner offices around There is no question, language can the globe. Within these Federal offices be a critical barrier to establishing Over the course of the next several are provincial offices dedicated to a relationship with an international issues, we will take a deeper dive into helping Ontario business succeed in partner or customer. these issues and examine the perils of foreign markets. international trade. Fear of the unknown LAWS can be conquered with education and Canada is the number one trading We are very familiar with common law understanding. partner with 35 U.S. States. We export practice. This is not the case in other 20% of our GDP to the United States. markets and this leads to uncertainty in Who knows? Your product or service The statistics prove that Canada is in a resolving conflict. may be the next “big” thing in Chile…… deficit trade position with the USA, CUSTOMS …a country, Canada has had a free trade which means we import more goods Certain gestures and customs that are agreement with, since 1996.
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 07 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
Event Details & Registration: www.mbot.com
JANUARY ...... Wednesday Good Morning Friday Minister Luncheon 09 Mississauga (GMM) 25 Keynote: Hon. Mary Ng, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Minister of Small Business and Four Points by Sheraton Export Promotion Mississauga Meadowvale 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Tuesday USMCA Forum 15 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Mayor’s Annual Holiday Inn & Suites Mississauga 29 Address Luncheon Keynote: Mayor Bonnie Crombie Thursday Growth & Power Series 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 17 Keynote: Matthew Larochelle Mississauga Convention Centre & Steve McVicker Thursday Co-founders, Extreme Bean Good Evening 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 31 Mississauga (GEM) BraeBen Golf Course 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Milestones Vega Blvd
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08 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY ...... Wednesday Membership Matters Thursday Professional 06 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 15 Development Series MBOT office 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Four Points Mississauga Thursday Chairs Luncheon 07 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday Young Professional Glenerin Inn & Spa 21 Networking MBOT NGen - Next Generation Wednesday Good Morning 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 13 Mississauga (GMM) GameTime Mississauga Eatery 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. & Entertainment Monte Carlo Inn
MARCH ...... Wednesday Membership Matters Thursday Growth & Power Series 06 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 21 Keynote: Mohamad Fakih MBOT office President & CEO, Paramount Fine Foods Wednesday Good Morning 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 13 Mississauga (GMM) Lionhead Golf & Country Club 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
APRIL ...... Wednesday Membership Matters Thursday Professional 03 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 18 Development Series MBOT office 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Four Points Mississauga Tuesday Economic Outlook 09 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday Annual Politicians Monte Carlo Inn 23 Reception 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Good Morning C-Banquets 10 Mississauga (GMM) 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Skyzone Mississauga
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 09 THE POLITICAL ROUND UP
MISSISSAUGA BOARD OF TRADE
MBOT IS THE VOICE OF BUSINESS AND IS HERE TO CONNECT, CHAMPION AND ADVANCE THE ISSUES OF THE DAY.
LOCAL & REGIONAL
In Mississauga, we have two levels of municipal government – the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel. Voters choose a Mayor and eleven Ward Councillors who represent us on both levels of Municipal Election government. MBOT’s role is to keep an eye On Monday, October 22, 2018 Mississauga residents elected actively and constantly on these governments their Mayor and eleven Members of Council to serve for the and participate fully on issues where next four-year term. The new term began on December 1, 2018. Here are the members of Council that serve on the interests of the business both the City of Mississauga and Peel Region Councils until community are affected. November 30, 2022.
10 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 Mayor Bonnie Crombie Councillors: Ward 1 Stephen Dasko Ward 2 Karen Ras Ward 3 Chris Fonseca Ward 4 John Kovac Ward 5 Carolyn Parrish Ward 6 Ron Starr Ward 7 Dipika Damerla Ward 8 Matt Mahoney Ward 9 Pat Saito Ward 10 Sue McFadden Ward 11 George Carlson
School Trustees for both the Peel District School Board and “We congratulate the City of Mississauga on the launch of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board were also elected. Route 100 - Airport Express service, which will improve transit connectivity to Mississauga for our passengers and employees. You are invited to join MBOT at the Annual Politicians’ Mississauga is home to more than 13,000 airport employees Reception to meet Members of Council, School Trustees as and many global businesses that rely on timely access to the well as local MPs and MPPs on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. airport,” said Howard Eng. “We look forward to continuing to work with the City and other surrounding municipalities to enhance Toronto Pearson’s regional transit connectivity as we 2019 Mississauga Budget and work towards our vision of serving as the Greater Toronto and Projected Tax Increase Hamilton Area’s second major transit hub.”
The total proposed 2019 operating budget is $874.2 million. This amount is offset by revenue from various sources (e.g., transit Mississauga Climate Change Plan fares, recreation fees and development charges) totaling $362.5 The City of Mississauga is embarking on developing its own million. The property tax funds the budget amount not covered Climate Change Action Plan that will address things the by these revenues. municipality can do in this area. MBOT has attended three Stakeholder Panel meetings on November 14, 2017, June 1, The proposed overall impact is a 2.75 per cent increase on the 2018 and September 28, 2018. 2019 residential property tax bill. Of this, 1.69 per cent is for the City’s services and, based on the target set by Regional Council, MBOT is supportive of the City’s efforts to establish a Climate 1.07 per cent for Region of Peel services. The proposed blended Change Action Plan and involve the business sector in this initiative. commercial property tax increase is estimated at 1.6% subject to Council approval. MBOT has established an Environment, Sustainability & Infrastructure Committee which will also review the plan as it is developed. If you wish to be a member of this committee, The proposed 2019 net operating budget is $511.6 million, please contact the MBOT office. compared with $485.2 million in 2018. This represents an increase of approximately $26.4 million over 2018. Municipal Accommodation Tax The majority of the 2019 gross operating budget, or $847.1 million, is targeted to keep the City’s services operating at current levels. The City of Mississauga has introduced a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) effective April 1, 2018. Council approved the new tax which will apply to stays for a continuous MiWay Transit Improvements period of 30 days or less in a motel, hotel, lodge, inn, bed and Benefits Businesses, Workers & breakfast, dwelling unit or any place that provides accommodation. Online private short-term rentals such as Airbnb and HomeAway Airport Passengers will also be subject to the MAT starting on April 1.
Following considerable advocacy from the Mississauga It is estimated that this tax will generate close to $10 million Board of Trade, the City of Mississauga has launched an per year of which 50% must be dedicated to a recognized Airport Express Bus Route 100 operating every 16 minutes tourism organization. The City of Mississauga has decided Monday-Friday. MiWay riders can travel between 4 a.m. and to retain Tourism Toronto for this purpose and will establish 7 p.m. from Winston Churchill Station to Renforth Station and a new Tourism Advisory Board. MBOT continues to advocate express to Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminals for full transparency for the use of this money and for full 1 and 3. Route 100 stops at all 12 transitway stations and involvement of the industry stakeholders (hotels/motels) in offers connections to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), determining where MAT money should be spent. GO Transit bus service and Brampton Transit.
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 11 The City has already begun to spend the non-restricted the credit program. A proposal is being developed to the portions of the MAT on things like supporting local festivals Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Fund. and special events. MBOT would prefer to see a plan on the allocation of this money rather than one-off ad hoc activities MBOT is also asking the City of Mississauga to consider and that they demonstrate that they generate tourists and adopting the City of Philadelphia model which has a much overnight stays in Mississauga. higher credit (up to 80%) and a grant program for property owners to offset the capital costs of storm water retrofits.
To better understand and qualify for the rebates, please go to Retail Business Holidays Act http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/stormwater/charge. Peel Regional Council approved a new Retail Business Holiday Shopping By-law on June 14, 2018. The Peel Holiday Shopping By-law preserves Peel’s statutory holidays for retail workers Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate keeping most stores closed on nine statutory holidays. There are some exemptions. The following retailers can remain open Peel Regional Council has adopted a program to phase out on holidays, as outlined in Section 4(1) to 4(8) of the Peel the Vacant Unit Property Tax Rebate on commercial properties. Holiday Shopping By-law 34-2018: By 2020, the rebate will be completely phased-out.
• Small retail establishments less than 3,000 square feet MBOT and many owners of commercial property in • Businesses where the principal business is the pharmacy Mississauga requested that Peel not phase-out this program • Special services for gas stations; nurseries; book stores citing likely property assessment appeals as a result of this • Art galleries decision which might actually lead to lower commercial tax • Retail businesses for education; recreation; and revenue. The program was originally designed to recognize amusement chronic vacancies in commercial property so that full taxes • Liquor licensed businesses would not be paid on vacant unleased space. • Tourist establishments • Any business explicitly delineated in a designated tourist area as per the Local Council approved Tourism Strategy Cannabis Retail Stores
Regional Council has also directed staff to consider phasing out the existing site-specific permission to operate already The Government of Ontario has given municipalities until granted to businesses under the Retail Business Holidays Act. January 22, 2019 to opt in or opt out of having cannabis retail Staff will reach out to these business owners and corporations stores in their community. The City of Mississauga conducted in a separate email. Information to this regard is forthcoming. an on-line consultation and a Public Meeting on the issue and dealt with the matter on December 12, 2018. Additional information can be found at these two links on the regional webpage: Mississauga City Council voted 10-2 to opt out of the retail cannabis system for now. “Our Council made the decision Project webpage to opt out as we feel that the recent changes to the retail https://www.peelregion.ca/planning/about/regulating-retail- cannabis model have occurred too quickly and there are too holiday-openings.htm many unanswered questions at this time,” said Mayor Bonnie Business tab webpage Crombie. “The province has not given municipalities any control http://peelregion.ca/ad/business.htm over where cannabis stores can be located in our City. This is cause for great concern. The City of Mississauga may decide to opt-in in the future however in the meantime; we will continue to consult and engage with our community. It’s important we Mississauga Storm Water Charge take the time to get this right. I will be writing a letter to the province to explain our Council’s decision and will be asking for The City of Mississauga continues to charge a levy to all greater powers for municipalities to have input into the location residential and commercial properties based on the size of and number of retail stores that are permitted in our city.” its hard surface footprint. This disproportionately affects businesses and partially subsidizes homeowners. It is the position of the Mississauga Board of Trade that privately- owned retail cannabis stores should be allowed in Mississauga City Council is expected to approve an increase to the levy in and we will continue this advocacy. They are heavily regulated 2019 of 2% bringing the charge to now $106 per billing unit by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario, create jobs up from $104 in 2018. and economic benefits for Mississauga and provide customers a legal, responsible and safe place to purchase cannabis. However, the City of Mississauga does have a credit program for commercial properties so that they can be rebated up to 50% of the levy if they perform improvements on the property that reduce or eliminate the flow of storm water into the Region of Peel Has New Chair municipal system and improves the quality of the storm water (reduces pollutants). Former Mississauga Councillor Nando Iannicca has been appointed the new Chair of the Regional Municipality of Peel The Mississauga Board of Trade is also working with both the at its Inaugural meeting on December 6, 2018. Chair Iannicca Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto Region Conservation has been a member of the Region of Peel Council for 30 years Authorities to provide assistance to larger property owners previously representing Ward 7 Mississauga. on ways to retrofit their properties in order to qualify for
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“We are pleased to see the Government of Ontario taking reasonable steps to build a more prosperous Ontario with a PROVINCIAL strong focus on fiscal accountability and cutting cumulative red tape. On behalf of our 60,000 members in 135 communities across the province, we have long called on the government MBOT works very closely with our partners at the Ontario Chamber to reform Ontario’s tax system, reduce red tape, and restore of Commerce (OCC) on issues with the Ontario Government. Our fiscal sustainability to the Ontario taxpayer. Committees work hard looking at resolutions, policy documents, government announcements on consultations to ensure the voice of “We agree with the decision that the Government of Ontario will not proceed with the prior government’s initiative Mississauga businesses is advanced on provincial issues. Members of that would have taxed the so-called “passive” income for MBOT are automatic members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. thousands of businesses across the province. This would have For more information on the OCC, please visit www.occ.ca greatly increased taxes for thousands of employers in Ontario. “We also applaud the government for increasing the amount of payroll that is exempt from the Employer Health Tax. This Fall Economic Statement is a reasonable step in the right direction. Our members are also supportive of some of the government’s other key priorities, such as their commitment to: Provincial Finance Minister Victor Fedeli delivered the • Cutting red tape by 25 percent by 2022; Ontario Economic Statement on November 15, 2018 and • Implementing tax reforms for small businesses; introduced Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and • Expanding broadband to rural and underserved Accountability Act to implement a number of the initiatives communities across Ontario; in the Statement. • Reviewing electricity costs for industrial users; and • Investing in both the Ring of Fire and transportation Ontario will provide a new Low Income Individuals and Families Tax Credit (LIFT) to ensure that people working on infrastructure in Northern Ontario. the $14 minimum wage and those earning less than $30,000/ year do not pay provincial income tax. Rent control will be lifted for any new units constructed, the Cap & Trade carbon Making Ontario Open for tax system has been scrapped and hundreds of regulations Business Act are being eliminated or reviewed. The Provincial Government has enacted the Making Ontario The Ontario Chamber of Commerce commented on the Fall Open for Business Act to replace the previous Government’s Economic Statement.
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 13 Fair Workplaces & Better Jobs Act. “Bill 47 restores balance Cutting Red Tape and Restoring Accountability to both employers and workers as well as reduces significant Eliminate barriers for people receiving social assistance and financial and administrative burden felt by businesses of all for those delivering support by simplifying rates, reducing sizes throughout the province. With the competitiveness of administration, cutting unnecessary rules, and restoring our province at a critical point, the labour reforms introduced service accountability through a simplified system to better by Bill 47 are fundamental to the long-term prosperity of our focus on improving outcomes. people, our businesses, and our economy.” “Social assistance in Ontario today is an ineffective, The Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Job disjointed patchwork of supports that traps people in a Creation Todd Smith stated, “The Making Ontario Open broken system,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, for Business Act eliminates burdensome, inefficient and Community and Social Services. “Our plan is about a more inflexible regulations, while maintaining standards to effective, sustainable approach to helping people find and keep Ontario workers and families safe and healthy. These keep jobs and achieve better outcomes.” changes will make it easier for job creators to hire, and easier for workers to find jobs and develop a career in our province. The best way we can create and protect jobs in Ontario is by cutting red tape and burdensome regulations to help our job New Regional Transit Being Planned creators grow, thrive and invest right here in Ontario. When for by Provincial Government our job creators succeed, the people succeed.” The Government of Ontario is eyeing major changes to Please see our full article on the changes in the new Act in the public transit system in the greater Golden Horseshoe this edition of CONNECT. including the uploading of the Toronto subway system and greater teeth for Metrolinx, the regional transit authority. These new powers will give it the ability to do long range Made in Ontario Climate Change planning and operating of regional transit systems. Plan Launched “Uploading components of the TTC would help the province deliver a more efficient regional transit network and build The Minister of Environment, Conservation & Parks released transit faster,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation. “It the Made in Ontario Climate Change Strategy on November could also allow the province to fund and deliver additional 29, 2018. transit projects sooner. Let’s tackle this challenge right away, with its potential to benefit millions of transit users.” “This plan strikes the right balance between a healthy environment and a healthy economy,” said Rod Phillips, The Minister also mused about expanding subways into both Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “It Peel and Durham Regions. Legislation is expected early in 2019 contains solutions that will protect our air, land and water, to make significant changes to regional transit in the area. reduce waste, address litter, increase our resilience to climate change and help us all do our part to reduce greenhouse Meanwhile, the Toronto Region Board of Trade is pushing gas emissions. Most importantly, it does all of this without a Superlinx proposal that would see all municipal transit imposing an ineffective, regressive carbon tax on hard- uploaded to a Provincial Agency that would plan and working Ontario families.” operate transit through the greater Toronto and Hamilton region. The Mississauga Board of Trade has responded to The new plan is posted on the Environmental Registry for this proposal through a recent News Release. public input for 60 days. The Mississauga Board of Trade supports the idea of greater cooperation and coordination within the municipal transit systems in the greater Toronto and Hamilton region. New Social Assistance Plan for Seamless transit passenger experience with an integrated Ontario in the Works fare system must be the top priorities.
Ontario’s plan for social assistance reform is guided by the “This is an interesting proposal and it deserves further following priorities: investigation and review,” said David Wojcik, President & CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade. “We support our friends Moving People to Employment at the TRBOT on this concept in principle.” Reduce administration and paperwork so people receiving Ontario Works and front-line staff can focus on individual “Going forward there must be a full understanding of the action plans that set out a path to health, wellness and costs involved for all parties, how local municipalities and preparations to return to work. residents will maintain a say in service levels and route planning, as well as extensive consultation with everyone Locally Focused Social Services affected including the business community,” Mr. Wojcik said. Streamline social assistance and employment programs and increase local responsiveness and flexibility to help all job “The Superlinx proposal would be a major change in how seekers reach their potential. transit is operated and has the potential to improve service for passengers and connect them seamlessly across the Supporting People with Disabilities with Dignity entire region. It would be great to take the politics out of Redesign the Ontario Disability Support Program to transit planning and deliver a more connected regional provide annualized income support with far fewer reporting transit system based on evidence, and current and future requirements for Ontarians with severe disabilities. ridership and demand.” Mr. Wojcik concluded.
14 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 the construction sector (including the harmonization of building codes across Canada), and to facilitate greater FEDERAL trade in alcohol between provinces and territories.
Canadian businesses have been clear that there is room to improve Canada’s regulatory system to be simpler, clearer, and more modern. The Government is taking steps to MBOT members are also members of the Canadian reform and modernize federal regulations and encourage the consideration of economic competitiveness when Chamber of Commerce (CCC) which is the national voice designing and implementing regulations. This will include: of business to the federal government. MBOT staff and • Introducing an annual modernization bill to keep regulations up-to-date; Committees examine issues and resolutions of the CCC • Creating a dedicated External Advisory Committee and provide Mississauga’s input. More information on on Regulatory Competitiveness to make regulations the CCC is at www.chamber.ca. agile; and • Launching a Centre for Regulatory Innovation.
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Fall Economic Statement On November 30, 2018 the Prime Minister of Canada along with the Presidents of the United States and Mexico On November 21, 2018, Finance Minister Bill Morneau signed the CUSMA. This is the new comprehensive tabled the Government’s Fall Economic Statement in the trade agreement replacing the former NAFTA agreement House of Commons. This “mini-budget” was actually between the countries. positive news for the business community as it contained a number of measures to help businesses grow and The Canadian Chamber of Commerce reacted to the diversify. signing as follows:
The Government is taking action now to support Canada’s “While the agreement falls short of what North American competitiveness and enhance confidence by making business sought, it generally maintains tariff-free access material change to Capital Cost Allowances (CCA). This for Canadian products, retains the labour mobility specifically includes: provisions, strengthens intellectual property protections, • Allowing businesses to immediately write off the and ensures Canada has access to the most crucial aspects full cost of machinery and equipment used for the of dispute settlement. manufacturing or processing of goods; • Allowing businesses to immediately write off the full However, much work remains to be done. We are now cost of specified clean energy equipment; and entering a difficult ratification process in the United States. • Introducing the Accelerated Investment Incentive, It is crucial that our government and Canadian and U.S. which will allow businesses of all sizes and in all businesses continue making the case to U.S. legislators sectors of the economy to write off a larger share that speedy ratification is important for all three countries of the cost of newly acquired assets in the year the to enjoy the benefits of trade certainty. investment is made. Capital investments will generally be eligible for a first-year deduction for depreciation Additionally, the United States’ illegal tariffs on Canadian equal to up to three times the amount that would steel and aluminum remains a major concern for the otherwise apply in the year an asset is put to use. This Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its members. provides a true incentive to make capital investments. Canadian exports do not pose a national security threat to our closest ally. The Government is investing $1.1 billion to launch an Export Diversification Strategy, in order to increase So, while the Canadian Chamber welcomes the signatures, Canada’s overseas exports by 50 per cent. This includes: the federal government must continue pressing for a full • Investing $184 million to enhance the Trade and permanent exemption for Canada from the United Commissioner Service; States’ tariffs. These tariffs harm Canadian competitiveness • Accelerate investments of $773.9 million in the and only weaken North American supply chains.” National Trade Corridors Fund; • A further $100 million is being provided in funding The Mississauga Board of Trade is holding a forum on to Canadian SMEs to help them explore new export the CUSMA on January 15, 2019 to help business better opportunities, such as with CanExport. understand what is in the agreement and what differs from the NAFTA currently in place. The Government also announced $10 million is being invested to help small and medium-sized businesses with export readiness and export capacity building initiatives. Canadian Immigration Numbers They are also removing barriers to trade within Canada to Increase by working with provinces and territories to enable businesses to transport goods more easily, to harmonize The new plan builds on the strong economic foundation food regulations and inspections, to align regulations in laid out in last year’s levels plan and continues to
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 15 responsibly grow the number of permanent residents recipient after the initial contact. Canada welcomes annually to 330,800 in 2019, 341,000 in 2020 and 350,000- nearing 1 percent of Canada’s National Pharmacare Program population—in 2021. If a federal pharmacare plan is to be introduced, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce urges the Government of Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen highlighted Canada to: the importance of economic immigration in spurring innovation domestically. The government’s immigration 1. Focus on a ‘gaps approach’ to pharmacare, in which plan remains focused on attracting the best and brightest the public and private sectors collaborate to ensure from around the world with the majority of the increase that no Canadian lacks access to the medicines they in 2021 allotted to high-skilled economic immigration. need. Leverage the existing public-private coverage Newcomers are helping Canadian companies succeed and system to provide for patient choice, harness the grow in the expanding information and communications efficiency of private sector administration, and ensure technology sector, where one third of employees are the fiscal sustainability of a pharmacare plan. immigrants. 2. Consult with private sector stakeholders (such as pharmaceutical companies, benefits providers, Canada has welcomed generations of immigrants who and health care practitioners) when designing and have brought their talents to, and are an integral part implementing a national pharmacare program to of, local communities across the country. Immigration is prevent unintended consequences, i.e. loss of access a central pillar of Canada’s future economic success. In to medicines. addition to spurring economic growth, immigration helps 3. Use a national pharmacare approach to support local address the challenges our country faces with an ageing innovation and R&D, particularly clinical trials, to population and plays a crucial role in keeping our country ensure Canadians continued to have access to a high at the forefront of the global economy. quality of care. 4. Collaborate with the Provinces and Territories to ensure the plan is effective across diverse health care systems, delivers equitable access for all Canadians Canadian Chamber of Commerce who require it, and is implemented independent of Advocacy cost-cutting legislation.
At the recent Annual Meeting of the Canadian Chamber As well, the Mississauga Board of Trade co-sponsored a of Commerce (CCC), the Mississauga Board of Trade resolution calling for an Accelerated Depreciation program sponsored four resolutions that have been approved as by the Federal Government which was just recently official policy positions of the CCC. The following is a announced in the Fall Economic Statement. summary of these resolutions.
Supporting Canada’s International Airports The CCC requests the Federal MISSISSAUGA BOARD OF TRADE Government, along with their provincial and municipal partners, seize the opportunity to develop greater transit connectivity between CHAMBER REFERRAL Canada’s cities and their international airports that enable local, regional and national economies to better PROGRAM compete in this globally competitive market. This should be done by supporting regional planning efforts, Consider referring a business who could feasibility studies and continued take advantage of benefits, savings and dedicated funding for transit connectivity. programming MBOT has to offer. HST on top of Other Taxes The CCC urges the federal For details, government to remove the HST please contact: IDENTIFY charges on all taxes imposed by federal, provincial, territorial or Trish Desimone municipal governments in Canada. referrals mbot.com SUBMIT Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation 90 .2 . 1 1 x 2 0 The CCC urges the Federal Government to amend the Canada Anti-spam Legislation to permit GROW an initial email contact that is not a mass email communication to a prospective business client with the option to indicate that no further Connect, Champion & Advance communication is desired by the
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mbotontario mbotmayor 18 Employment Standards Act,2000. Here isthesummaryofchangesto themselves accordingly. employers needtoknowgovern changes tothelegislationthatall Below isasummaryofthesignificant of businessesandworkers. balances therightsandresponsibilities previous Actinfavourofonethatbetter new OntarioGovernmenttorepealthe The Ontariobusinessnetworkaskedthe leave, familyresponsibility leave,and repealed andreplacedwithunpaid sick - Personal emergencyleavewillbe Leave Responsibility Leave,and Bereavement Replaced bySickLeave, Family - Personal EmergencyLeavetobe under thatsection. be deemedtohavetakentheleave bereavement leave,theemployeewill leave, familyresponsibilityor he orshewillbeentitledtotakesick contract incircumstancesforwhich leave ofabsenceunderanemployment - Ifanemployeetakesapaidorunpaid any oftheotherentitlementsleave. leave willnolongerbeinadditionto leave, anddomesticorsexualviolence leave, crime-relatedchilddisappearance leave, criticalillnesschilddeath - Family medicalleave,familycaregiver LEAVE PROVISIONS schedule orworklocation. requesting changestotheemployee’s to submitarequesttheemployer - Employeeswillnolongerbeable SCHEDULING adjustment startingonOctober1,2020. - Subjecttoanannualinflation $14.00 untilOctober1,2020. - Theminimumwagewillbefrozenat MINIMUM WAGE MEMBER CONNECT |2019ISSUE1 TALKS law replacingtheverycontentiousFair Workplaces &BetterJobsActthatwas On January1,2019theMakingOntarioOpenforBusinessActbecame BILL 47 enacted bythepreviousProvincialGovernment. deemed tobetakenasfulldays. - Additionally,leavedayswillbe doctor’s note. circumstances, whichmayincludea require evidencereasonableinthe leave, theemployerwillbeableto - Underthesenewcategoriesof two consecutiveweeks. leave, employeesmusthaveworkedfor responsibility leave,andbereavement - To beeligibleforsickleave,family to eachother. apply separatelyfrom,andinaddition bereavement leave,eachofwhichwill BEREAVEMENT LEAVE sibling ordependentrelative. parent, grandparent,child,spouse, emergency orurgentmattersofa leave peryearforillness,injury,medical - Bill47willestablishthreedaysunpaid LEAVE FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY emergency. for personalillness,injuryormedical - Threedaysunpaidleaveperyear SICK LEAVE employer toprove thatanindividual - Thereverseonusrequiringthe MISCLASSIFICATION EMPLOYEE the holidaylandsin,dividedby 20. in thefourweeksbeforework week vacation paypayabletotheemployee formula ofregularwagesearnedand pay willbecalculatedbythepre-Bill148 - Bill47proposesthatpublicholiday PUBLIC HOLIDAY PAY dependent relative. grandparent, child,spouse,siblingor leave peryearforthedeathofaparent, - Bill47willestablishtwodaysunpaid ACT NOWTHELAW OPEN FORBUSINESS MAKING ONTARIO classify employeeswillremain. the employerobligationtoproperly an employeewillberepealed.However, dispute overwhethertheindividualis is notanemployeewheretherea on October1, 2020. an annualinflationadjustment starting - Theminimumwagewillbe subject to $14.00 untilOctober1,2020. - Theminimumwagewillbe frozen at Act, 2017. of Bill148,Fair Workplaces, BetterJobs previous Ontariogovernment aspart reforms thatwereintroducedbythe many oftheemploymentandlabour Act, 2018,whichwascreatedtorepeal 47, MakingOntarioOpenforBusiness Ontario governmentintroducedBill respectively. OnOctober23,2018,the $350/$700/$1500 to$250/$500/$1000, second, andthirdcontraventionsfrom the maximumpenaltiesforfirst, for ESAcontraventionsbydecreasing the previousadministrativepenalties - Thegovernmentwillbereturningto CONTRAVENTION PENALTIES FOR his orherrateofpay. if anemployeedoesrequestareviewof provide awrittenresponsewithreasons employers willnolongerberequiredto reviewed byemployers.Additionally, employees tohavetheirrateofpay - Bill47willrepealtherightof temporary, seasonal). of employment(i.e.,permanent,casual, or full-time)differencesintheterm of hoursregularlyworked(i.e.,part-time for equalworkonthebasisofnumber thereby nolongerrequiringequalpay employment status”willberepealed, - Thedefinitionof“differencein EQUAL WORK EQUAL PAY FOR Here is the summary of changes to the for employer misconduct will be FIRST CONTRACT Labour Relations Act. reinstated. Certification in the event of MEDIATION AND contraventions will only be available if ALTERNATE no other remedy would be sufficient to MEDIATION- CERTIFICATION counter the effects of the contravention. ARBITRATION REMOVED REMOVED - Bill 47 will repeal the provisions STRUCTURE OF requiring first collective agreement - The alternate certification process in BARGAINING UNITS mediation and mediation-arbitration in the building services industry, the home any circumstance. - The OLRB will no longer be able care and community services industry - First collective agreement arbitration to review and consolidate newly and the temporary help agency industry will be implemented in their place, certified bargaining units with existing will be repealed. under similar rules prior to Bill 148 (The bargaining units. OLRB will consider, upon application, - However, the OLRB will be able to EMPLOYEE LISTS any reasonable justification for the review the structure of the bargaining - Trade unions will no longer be able to uncompromising nature of the parties, unit if an application is made requesting obtain a list of the employees or their the failure to make reasonable efforts the review and the board is satisfied contact information from an employer. to agree, or any other reason the Board that the bargaining unit is no longer - Upon coming into force, a trade considers relevant, before requiring appropriate for collective bargaining. union will be required to destroy any arbitration). employee list obtained under the previous section that allowed for a trade REINSTATEMENT OF PENALTIES union to obtain an employee list. EMPLOYEES AFTER - The government will be returning STRIKE to the previous maximum fines for REMEDIAL - The Act will be amended to provide offences under the Act by decreasing CERTIFICATION for reinstatement of an employee if an the fines from $5,000 to $2,000 for - The pre-Bill 148 test and preconditions application is made within six months individuals and from $100,000 to for the Ontario Labour Relations Board following the commencement of a $25,000 for organizations. (“OLRB”) to certify a union as a remedy lawful strike.
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MEMBER THE TRANSITION RULES UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION ACT
On July 1, 2018 the first round of amendments to the Ontario ...... Construction Lien Act, now the Construction Act, came Iris L. Pichini into force. The amendments were made to modernize the Head - Construction construction lien and holdback rules, establish a framework Litigation Practice Group for prompt payment to ensure that workers and businesses & A Member of the are paid on time for their work, and to set up a mandatory Commercial Litigation adjudication process for the resolution of construction Practice Group disputes. Despite the changes to the law, not all projects will Keyser Mason Ball, LLP fall under the scope of the new Construction Act. Rather, the ...... new legislation includes transition rules to help determine whether the new Construction Act or the old Construction Lien Act will apply to a project. It is important for owners, entered into before July 1, 2018, or whether a procurement contractors, subtrades and suppliers to know and understand process for the improvement was commenced before July 1, these transition rules to determine whether a project must 2018 by the owner of the premises). In addition, Bill 57 seeks operate under the purview of the new or old legislation. to provide further clarification of the “procurement process” which would be commenced on the earliest making of, The rules and timelines set out under the old Construction Lien Act continue to apply to a project if any one of the (a) a request for qualifications; following markers occurred before July 1, 2018: (b) a request for quotation; (a) a contract for the improvement (i.e. the project) was (c) a request for proposals; or entered into before the amendments come into effect on July 1, 2018. It is important to note that a “contract” is defined (d) a call for tenders. under the new Construction Act as the contract between the owner and the contractor. In other words, a subcontract or The amending legislation received second reading on sub-subcontract date will not determine whether a project November 28, 2018, and is expected to pass into law in falls under the application of the new Act; January 2019. Construction Act (b) a procurement process, if any, for the improvement was The second wave of amendments to the , commenced by the owner of the premises before July 1, 2018 which will go into effect on October 1, 2019, will have similar (i.e. the making of a request for qualifications, a request for transition provisions (but a later start date) to the first set of proposals or a call for tenders); or provisions.
(c) the premises are subject to a leasehold interest, and the In short, it may not always be so clear whether a particular lease was first entered into before July 1, 2018. project falls under the old or new legislation. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a specialized construction On November 15, 2018, the Ontario government introduced lawyer to determine the applicability of the transition rules to Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, a particular project so that your business can understand its 2018, which would, if passed, revise and clarify ambiguities in rights and obligations under the applicable legislation. the transition rules in the new Construction Act. The proposed changes include eliminating the transition rule related to If you have any questions relating to this article or wish leasehold interests thereby narrowing the transition markers to discuss your particular concerns, you may reach the to two (i.e. whether a contract for the improvement was author at [email protected] or (905) 276-0420
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CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 25 TALKS FINANCIAL
MEMBER LO$$E$ ...... Ephraim Stulberg, CPA, CA, CBV, CFF Partner MDD RESULTING FROM ...... LRT CONSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION TYPES OF LOSSES construction in order to entice tenants Some days it seems like you can’t In the event a business is completely who know that they will eventually go anywhere in Ontario without expropriated, it will likely suffer a be dealing with the disruption of running into a light rail transit (“LRT”) loss of intangible value or “goodwill”, construction. project. Projects are either underway as well as a loss of value related or imminent in Toronto, Hamilton, to certain of its physical assets INFORMATION TO Ottawa and right here in Mississauga that cannot be easily removed GATHER along Hurontario Drive. While these to a new location (e.g. leasehold In our experience, the more detailed projects are intended to provide long- improvements). It may also incur the information base available, the term benefits to residents of these temporary lost profits or moving more compelling the calculation of cities, they can also create severe costs, depending on whether or not it the business’s financial losses. The operational and financial difficulties is able to relocate to another location. following is a non-exhaustive list of for businesses located along the information we typically request: planned routes. Even if a business is not completely • Annual financial statements expropriated, it may incur a variety • Monthly revenue summaries Fortunately for business owners, the of negative impacts associated with • Annual payroll records Ontario Expropriations Act provides a partial takings of land or adjacent • General ledger details for any variety of financial remedies for both construction work. These may include: unusual revenue or expense items land owners as well as tenants. Some • Decline in sales (e.g. due • Copies of key contracts (e.g. lease remedies apply in situations where to temporary or permanent agreements, sales agreements) the entire property of a business is decrease in pedestrian or vehicle • Chronologies of all construction expropriated; other remedies apply accessibility) work performed adjacent to if even only a small portion of the • Loss of gross margin on actual the affected property, including business’s property is expropriated, sales (e.g. due to discounts details of lane closures, road while still others may apply even if offered to encourage customers) closures etc., along with related no land is taken at all. The Act also • Increased operating costs (e.g. videos or photographs requires the government authority additional advertising costs) to compensate claimants for their CONCLUSION “reasonable costs” incurred in The types of losses incurred will vary Public works projects can create quantifying their claims. depending on the type of business. significant pain for business owners. For example, a retail business that The Expropriations Act contains Our firm of business valuators and is more dependent on walk-in provisions to help alleviate that pain. accountants has been involved in the customers may quantification of financial remedies in be more impacted than a dental clinic numerous cases involving these types that has long-time patients. Similarly, of situations. In the following article, some businesses may start to feel the we provide an overview of the types effects of the impending construction oflosses businesses may experience, before it even begins; for example, and a list of information that is landlords who are seeking tenants to helpful to gather to support a claim commit to a five- or ten-year lease You may reach the author for business loss. may be forced to offer lower rates at [email protected], in the years prior to the start of 416-366-4968 ext. 138
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CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 27
IN I I UA FOU SOME NET O ING INNE
.
TALKS EXIT
PLANNING MEMBER BUILDING BUSINESS VALUE THROUGH EXIT PLANNING
Business owners seldom seek to exit their businesses without attaining financial security. They understand ...... that one requirement W.R. (Bill) Black CExP™, of financial security is to CFP®, CEA®, CIM® grow business value, but Founding Partner/Exit Planner Exit Planning Group many struggle to achieve ...... this goal. Fortunately for these owners, Exit Planning can directly address their need to build business value and serve as an unexpected solution for owners who want to increase their businesses’ value, but don’t know how. Some of the Value Drivers that you may install in your business include: One of the pillars of Exit Planning is a timeline that plots the 1. A stable, motivated management team value-building actions that owners should consider in order to that stays after you leave the business. position themselves to exit their businesses on their chosen exit 2. Operating systems that improve the date. This timeline incorporates how much the business needs to grow in value to meet the owner’s financial target by the owner’s sustainability of cash flows. departure or exit date. The timeline is created after the business 3. A solid, diversified customer base. owner’s professional advisors assess the owner’s current 4. Recurring and sustainable revenue resources (especially business value and cash flow) relative to the resistant to commoditization. owner’s financial needs post-departure. 5. Good and improving cash flow. For example, a business owner may want to exit in five years with $250,000 of post-exit annual income. Her Advisor Team Because installing strong Value Drivers is a foundational may determine that the value of her business must grow from element of proper Exit Planning, and strong Value Drivers $3 million to $4.5 million for her combined ownership and typically increase a company’s value and curb appeal to other assets to provide what she needs to achieve her goals. buyers, using Exit Planning to build company value can help They may also determine that growing cash flow (or EBITDA) business owners begin to solve the value-building question by $100,000 per year would likely create that value. Action while positioning themselves for their future business exits. items and anticipated benchmarks are added to the overall Exit Planning timeline to keep everyone focused on what needs to A common mistake that business owners make when be achieved and when. thinking about Exit Planning is that they focus more on the term “Exit” than “Planning.” They worry that if they Following the creation of the timeline, the next Exit Planning step commit to Exit Planning, then they will have to aim all of is to assess the strength of the company’s Value Drivers. Value their energy at leaving their businesses, whether they want Drivers are activities that create value in a company. Third-party to or not. However, Exit Planning goes far beyond the buyers, private-equity firms, and even key employees often require concept of leaving the business in that the Exit Planning businesses to have strong Value Drivers before they consider process addresses various issues that can positively affect purchasing the business. That’s because Value Drivers often create the business’ value, cash flow, and overall operational sustainable, recurring, scalable, and ever-increasing cash flow. performance.
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 29 COMPELLING TALKS VALUE EMERGES IN CANADIAN
MEMBER PREFERRED SHARES Along with significant price weakness in the vast majority people’s minds and there is little sign of investors rushing to of asset classes such as equities, bonds, commodities and buy. When the market decides to reverse course is anyone’s alternative investments, the Canadian preferred shares asset guess. In the meanwhile, dividend yields on floating rate and class has also considerably fallen in price since early October. fixed rate reset preferred shares have risen very dramatically (as preferred share prices have fallen) making this asset There are reasons why the preferred shares asset class class very attractive. The Bank of Canada too is expected showed such sudden weakness. to raise interest rates in January 2019. Even if the 5-year • Preferred shares are typically held by retail investors. In government bond yield stays at 2.3%-2.4%, most investment recent years, at least 10 relatively new ETFs have come grade fixed rate reset preferred shares are currently priced to into being making it easier for retail investors to own yield between 5-6% annually once the dividend rate is reset. preferred shares. Increased concentration now makes Interestingly even preferred shares issued by the Canadian this asset class prone to market sell offs especially when big five-banks (that will be reset within the next 8-10 months) liquidity events arise. The TSX Preferred Share index currently offer these type of forward yields. dropped by 12.0% since early October and all preferred share ETFs are seeing significant fund outflows forcing A good way to gain exposure to the them to liquidate their holdings. preferred share market is through a • The bulk of the Canadian market for preferred shares is laddered strategy comprising of rate comprised of fixed rate reset preferred shares (where the reset preferred shares (resets equally dividend rate is reset every five years at a spread over weighted over 1-5 years). Floating the five-year government of Canada bond). Both fixed rate preferred shares are the best rate resets and floating rate preferred shares (where possible investment in a rising rate the dividend is reset every quarter) benefit from a rising environment, but there are fewer interest rate environment and drop in price when interest quality issuers to choose from and rates fall. The market is reacting in fear that the pace are little less liquid than fixed resets. of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada may slow down or even halt. Five-year government of Canada Preferred share holdings in Vulcan ...... bond yields fell from 2.48% on October 8 to 2.27% on Investments Intrinsic Value portfolio Aaron Chaze November 20. This fall is material enough to give the comprise of floating rate preferred Portfolio Manager market cause to worry. shares, but may be expanded to Vulcan Asset • The equity contagion has spread to most asset classes include fixed rate resets given Management and preferred shares have been sucked up in the search recent compelling valuations...... for liquidity. The selling in preferred shares is largely driven by fear. The You may reach the author at 647 808 5512 or 2015-16 crash in Canadian preferred shares is still fresh in email aaron.chaze@vulcanassets. WELCOME Let’s Get SOCIAL to MBOT
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32 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 On November 21, 2018, the NEW provincial TALKS government passed Bill 47, MAKING ONTARIO the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, OPEN FOR MEMBER 2018. The new law repeals much of the previous BUSINESS ACT government’s controversial Reforms Employment Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, and Labour Laws Better Jobs Act, 2017. The most notable changes of Bill 47 and reinstituting the “old” public holiday pay include the following amendments to the formula; Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) effectiveJanuary 1, 2019: • Repealing the reverse onus requirement for the employer to prove that an individual • Maintaining Ontario’s current minimum is not an employee where a classification as wage at $14 per hour until October 1, a contractor is disputed; and 2020, with annual inflationary adjustments thereafter; • Decreasing fines payable by employers for violations of the ESA. • Replacing current personal emergency leave entitlements by providing employees Bill 47 also cancels some of the Liberal the right to take only 8 annual unpaid leave government’s ESA amendments that were days, with specifically 3 days for personal scheduled to come into force on January 1, ...... illness, 2 for bereavement and 3 for “family 2019, including on-call pay, shift cancellation Andy Balaura responsibilities”; pay, and the right to request or refuse Partner changes to scheduling or work location in Pallett Valo LLP • Repealing the current prohibition on the certain cases...... right to require a medical note to establish an employee’s entitlement to personal Under Bill 47, the right of employees to emergency leave; receive three weeks of paid vacation after five years’ service is maintained. Bill 47 also • Repealing maintains the current ESA leave provisions equal pay for cases of domestic and sexual violence for equal affecting an employee or an employee’s child. work on the basis of Bill 47 also amends the Labour Relations employment Act, 1995 as of November 21, 2018 by status and repealing card-based certification for assignment workers in certain industries, repealing rules employee that required an employer to give their status (but employees’ personal information to a union, maintaining reinstating the pre-Bill 148 test to certify a the union as remedy for employer unfair labour requirement practices during an organizing campaign, for equal pay and reinstituting the employee’s right to • on the basis reinstatement within six months following of sex); the start of a strike or lock-out. • ( …) • Repealing We encourage employers to seek guidance • the averaging on how the changes may impact their • – public business and workplace policies, and ( ) holiday pay whether they can change the existing • – formula entitlements of employees without risking a prescribed constructive dismissal claim. • by Bill 148
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 33 ...... Hisham H. Elkeraby
TALKS Managing Director
THE FUTURE OF Future Offices Holding Inc. OFFICE SPACE ......
MEMBER The last thing the office of the future will look like is an office. A hotel, maybe. Perhaps an art gallery or a nice restaurant with gardens. But not like an office. Definitely not. Instead, tomorrow’s Open Work offices will put human wellbeing first, with advanced apps and artificial intelligence (AI) able to gauge individual workers’ preferences on sensory output such as lighting, heating and acoustics, automatically making adjustments to create the optimum working conditions for focus and productivity (1). Future workplace is predicted around three trends, together they will transform the way we work.
(1) The sentient workplace (3) The flat-age workplace accelerate and dynamize the community. Probably the closest to becoming a part By the late 2020s, the last of the baby A coworking is not a space it is a culture, of today’s everyday workplace reality, the boomers will be rubbing shoulders with community, networking and place to work. workplace of tomorrow will adapt itself to the dominant Millennials and the digitally- Coworking spaces allow entrepreneurs and its occupants’ needs, and will be designed native Generation Z in a mix that will their teams to sign short-term leases, begin and built to incorporate thousands mean soundproofed spaces for those whose working without worrying about owning of sensors that interact with workers’ patience with youthful hubbub is low, and any office furniture and equipment, use wearable devices and smartphones. mentor pods to help pass on information only the space they need, attract a new type “The result,” “will be a playground for from the older to the younger, and vice versa. of talent pool, and surround themselves personalization, forming atmospheric with other like-minded entrepreneurs. In bubbles around individual workers.” By the 2020’s it is coworking spaces that addition, a company renting this space is will create the ecosystem where their no longer defined by the stigma of 9 to 5. (2) The hospitality workplace clients feel comfortable working alongside Most coworking spaces are open 24 hours, Will mix public and private spaces in a their coworkers, collaborate, help and refer meaning that you can get your work done happy, relaxed blend. Workplaces will to each other, but don’t be mistaken: many whenever you’d like without conforming to include public restaurants and cafes, of them currently offer nothing more than what used to be society’s standards. rooftop terraces, art galleries, barber shared desks or a shared table. To know The one-million-dollar question is shops, nail bars, and even hotels, as the if you are in a real coworking space or “Are you Ready!” workplace enters the sharing economy. not, check if the space does something to (1)Workplace Futures Report - by MoreySmith
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34 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 ...... Greening Corporate Greening Corporate Senior Coordinator, Senior Coordinator, Deborah Kenley Conservation Credit Valley Grounds WANT ANINFINITE GO GREEN. corporate landscape come in. corporate landscapecomein. Infrastructure (GI)andyour feel helpless.That’swhereGreen and it’senoughtomakeanyone agencies. Costsareincreasing being imposedbygovernment pollution controlarealready run-off, energyusageandair Regulations aroundstormwater affect thewaywedobusiness. heard thatclimatechangewill is increasing.You’ve also and pollutioninourwaterways urban floodingisontherise are beinglosttodevelopment, biodiversity andwildlifehabitats pollinators areonthedecline, You’ve hearditbefore: resiliency. change andbuildenvironmental us awaytoadaptclimate stormwater run-offfees.GIgives beyond simplyreducingyour practices, butitsbenefitsgo to stormwatermanagement GI isusuallyusedinreference AND BEYOND ANALYSIS: TOINFINITY COST-BENEFIT with permeablepavement. replacing non-poroussurfaces include installingagreenroofor barrels. Largerprojectscan measures likecisternsandrain health andwaterconservation trees andplants,improvingsoil lawn cover,plantingnative initiatives suchasreducing size. Itcanincludelow-cost ways andonpropertiesofany implemented insmallorlarge with “infrastructure”.GIcanbe or thepricetagoftenassociated Don’t bedauntedbytheterm EVEN MEAN? WHAT DOESTHAT INFRASTRUCTURE: GREEN INVESTMENT? RETURN ON business/2018/Market_Conditions.pdf www7.mississauga.ca/documents/ Mississauga, p.3(July2018):http:// Economic Development,Cityof “MarketConditions”,Mississauga 905-670-1615 ext.439. [email protected] or Coordinator DeborahKenley at Corporate GroundsSenior Conservation’s Greening more contactCreditValley Ready totakeaction?To learn TOGETHER. WE CANDOMORE continue tothrive. our businessesandcommunities environment andtoensurethat and protectourcity’snatural opportunity tohelpusrestore there are30,000acresof in Mississauga.Thatmeans use) covernearly30,000acres office, commercialandretail designated forindustrial, Employment lands(sites INVEST INNATURE CALL TOACTION: property values. infrastructure andincreased stormwater management reduced pressureontraditional groundwater replenishment, habitats, watershedhealthand include thrivingnatural will servefuturegenerations long-lasting benefitsofGIthat social responsibility.The steward andleaderincorporate recognition asacorporate decreased life-cyclecostsand workplace environment, maintenance costs,ahealthier long-term groundsandbuilding flooding anderosion,lower costs duetodecreasedriskof can includereducedinsurance The tangiblebenefitsofGI CONNECT |2019ISSUE1
35 MEMBER TALKS MBOT brings together business minds of like and differing skill sets to provide insight on the many critical issues facing business today. From human resources and education to government Committees affairs and international & Forums trade, MBOT continues to provide a venue for members to collaborate on ideas and shape the Mississauga business landscape...... GET INVOLVED | SHARE IDEAS | LEARN MORE Contact: Your Member Services Manager at (905) 273-6151 ......
Policy & Ambassadors Next International Government Welcome new Generation Trade Affairs members, plan and (NGen) Support and resources execute networking for business community Contributes to developing events and new Networking and MBOT’s policy positions education series for involved in trade or member orientation. trade-related services. and advocacy strategies. Chair: David Shaw, young professionals Chair: Jan Nevins, & entreprenuers. Chair: Syd Martin, Nurse Next Door Livingston International Innovative Management Staff Liaison: Sonia Chair: Stephen Currado, Consultants Livingston International Staff Liaison: Brad Staff Liaison: Brad Staff Liaison: Bahaar
Women’s Health & Golf Human Business Leadership Wellness Classic Resources Learning Encourage advancement Uncovers opportunities Dedicated to the Dedicated to Develop and deliver of leadership skills, to work together and planning and uncovering and business workshops and knowledge, and the inform on best practices organizing the informing members learning opportunities personal confidence of in the Health & 9-hole signature on the best HR to business leaders and women with careers Wellness industry. event. policies and practices. professionals. in both the private Chair: Mandi Buckner, Chair: Irving Fox, Chair: Liza Provenzano, Chair: Linda Kern, and public sectors. Sheridan College Speigel Nichols Fox LLP Spark HR The Kern Group Chair: Cristina Staff Liaison: Brad Staff Liaison: Stephanie Staff Liaison: Brad Staff Liaison: Stephanie Barillari, MNP Staff Liaison: Sonia Awards of Information Environment & Excellence Communication Sustainability Plans and organizes the annual Technology (ICT) Education and support for business awards programming, Collaborative force in support of business community in areas of including the nomination and education/awareness and solutions environmental sustainability and judging in the set categories. for members related to IT. corporate social responsibility. Chairs: Jared Bourn, MNP Chair: Sue Borden, Microsoft Chair: Ted Creighton, Staff Liaison: Stephanie Staff Liaison: Stephanie Focul Point Coaching Staff Liaison: Brad
36 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 Thank You I am grateful to be honoured with the 2018 Mississauga “Board of Trade Business Person of the Year award. We are so lucky to live in a city where it is easy to do good and so rewarding to see the results. The sheer number of nominees shows that generosity, civic responsibility and good business is abundant in Mississauga. I want to thank MBOT for the wonderful celebration, the fine folks at ACCES Employment for the nomination, MNP for sponsoring the award and our wonderful team at MELLOHAWK Logistics for doing such a great job and allowing me to share our experience. With great thanks, Peter Hawkins
Diego Correia, Paola Saad, Peter Hawkins, Gabriel Moretto, Arnon Melo, & David Wojcik MELLOHAWK Logistics is an international freight forwarder providing creative, cost-effective supply chain solutions for a vast array of clients around the globe. ENGAGE TALENT TO TALKS
MAXIMIZE MEMBER BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
In today’s economy, businesses are continually evolving to become more involved with skills and practices required for maximize results. Whether it be leveraging talent to better working with a diverse team and, as such, all employees benefit the business, diversifying the talent pool or overcoming from an enhanced workplace culture and understanding of business challenges with straightforward solutions, values and roles within the team. businesses are continually looking for a competitive edge. REDUCED WORKPLACE INJURIES Did you know that enhancing business performance can People who have a disability are no more likely to be injured be done by leveraging talent to maximize results? Many on the job than their colleagues. In fact, 97% of employees businesses are currently discovering the business advantage who have a disability have rated average to above average of hiring people who have an intellectual disability, including: in terms of safety on the job.
LOWER TURNOVER IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY AND Employees who have a disability are five times more likely INNOVATION to stay on the job than people who do not have a disability. Diversity through inclusive hiring practices fuels innovation When costs of hiring and training new employees are and growth. By factored in, this can engaging talented result in substantial people from different cost savings for avenues, new business. ideas, concepts and perspectives are shared LOWER that bring excitement ABSENTEEISM to work and result in Not only do people optimal performance. who have a disability rate average or above average in performance ratings, If you are interested according to a in learning more DuPont survey, they about enhancing your also have average business performance or above average through innovative attendance records. labour solutions, People who have an contact Community intellectual disability Living Mississauga’s are motivated, reliable and dependable employees and these Employment Resource Centre at 905-542-2694. assets have a positive impact on a business’ bottom line. Source: Six Steps to Marketing Employment for people who have a disability (Joe Dale, October 2002) ENHANCED CUSTOMER LOYALTY Disability impacts over half of the Canadian population when you account those who have a disability and their networks. Disability also has an emotional association and, ...... in a 2008 COMPAS research poll, 78% of Canadians said Marissa Marr they would be more likely to buy a product or service from a Day Supports Manager business who is known to hire people who have a disability. Community Living Mississauga ...... IMPROVED EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Businesses recognize the value of employees who are engaged and adopt employee engagement programs through various avenues. By adopting inclusive hiring practices, managers
38 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 BUSINESS you andyourbusinesstoclients? is thatenoughtosaywhatyouwantabout awards, photosofcompanyfunctionsetc.But are obvious:educationaldegrees,business So whatshouldyouhang?Somethings all ofthosewhitewalls. and evenmoredauntingly,youneedtofillup Now youneedtofillthespacewithfurniture, space thatyou’vealwayswanted…nowwhat? finally investedinthatincrediblenewoffice promotion withthatcornerofficeorhave So you’vemadeit…yougotthatgreat ART THE ...... Laurie Usypchuk Laurie Love ThisHouse OF Stylist very obviousexamples of people, ornudesaresome background imagesof gender, ageorcultural themes, stereotypes, anyone. Religious orcultural to notoffendoralienate matter mustbeneutralas Content Other thingstoconsider: digital artimages. Displays screenstorotate - ConsiderusingTV’s/ community involvement. company tohighlightyour artist, itisawayforyour addition tohelpingalocal display theirartforsale.In - Work withalocalartistto a regularbasis. artwork canberefreshedon art gallery.Thatwaythe - Rent artfromalocal the following: purchase artwork,consider If youdon’twantto a charitydonation. community involvement,or employee, awardedfor is dedicatedtoaformer that showstheartwork tell astory.E.g.plaque Artwork hastheabilityto lawyer’s officeetc. serious/reserved fora a businesscoach’soffice, uplifting/inspirational for emotion inanyspace.e.g. Artwork cansetmoodand impression. than theyareforagreater made toappearlarger smallest ofspacescanbe walls disappear.Eventhe appear largerandmake Artwork canmakespaces features ofanyspace. highlight thearchitectural Artwork canbeusedto if usedcorrectly. it isastrategicbusinesstool just adecoratingtool; Artwork ismorethan – thesubject Recency you arein. the businessandindustry of theartworkisrelevantto whether theimage/content Relevance universally acceptable. content thatmaynotbe loss throughtheft. be wellsecuredtoprevent made onapiece,itshould significant investmentis be easilyknockedoff.If a the wallsothatitcannot artwork iswellmountedto –EnsureSafety &Security lit properly. truly beappreciatedwhen Lighting multiple piecesofartwork applies whenhanging # Pieces-theruleofodds room. and focalpointswithineach flow throughyouroffice need tothinkabouttraffic where tohangartwork, Location width ofwall furniture belowartworkor 2/3 tomax3/4oflength some basicrulestofollow: artwork ishung,thereare Size incorporates thiscolour. a varietyofartworkthat equity colour.Try todisplay business/logo havean Colour on trendcurrently. and brightboldcoloursare trend today.Mixedmedia no longerconsideredon big inthe1990’s,theyare motivational posterswere – dependingonwhere CONNECT |2019ISSUE1 – doesyour – while – artworkcanonly – whendeciding – thinkabout 39 MEMBER TALKS TALKS PRAGMATIC SOLUTIONS FOR THE GTHA’S MEMBER TRANSPORTATION
Congestion, population growth in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA), aging assets, a historic under- WOES investment in infrastructure, climate change, and technological disruptions. These are just some of the challenges facing Ontario when it comes to our ...... transportation and transit systems. Modern and Catrina Kronfli interconnected transportation infrastructure helps industry Senior Policy Analyst move their goods to market and allows individuals to Ontario Chamber access work, school, and other priority destinations, of Commerce supporting the province’s growth and prosperity. However, ...... a recent survey of Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) members revealed that 58% currently rate the new regions that now come under Metrolinx’s care; this transportation infrastructure in their communities as means integrating fare systems, routes, and schedules merely fair or poor. to create a seamless transportation experience. We recommend that municipal representation be improved With these complex issues in mind, the OCC released its on Metrolinx’s Board as a first step towards better serving latest report entitled Moving Forward: Towards a Strategic commuters from every corner of the region. Approach to Ontario’s Transportation Needs. While not an exhaustive review of all transportation needs across An innovative solution to combat congestion and improve the province, this document addresses three timely and transit system integration in the GTHA is the development strategic areas of opportunity for government investment of ‘Union Station West’ – a multi-modal transportation hub and support: improving transit governance, moving more that has been proposed for Toronto Pearson International goods and people by rail, and preparing for a future with Airport. The development of a second major centre for autonomous vehicles (AVs). buses, rapid transit, and regional/national trains could provide better connections between Toronto and the Looking specifically at the GTHA, the OCC’s survey ‘905’ municipalities (and between the ‘905’ municipalities found that 49% of businesses in the consider public themselves), encourage travellers and those working in the transit infrastructure critical to their organization’s Airport Employment Zone to use transit, and ease some competitiveness and 43% would like to see improvements of the congestion on the surrounding highways, making it to subways and/or light rail transit. Moving Forward easier and less costly to get goods to market and people to therefore provides recommendations to improve regional where they need to be. transit integration and capacity, address traffic congestion, and increase mobility. However, the OCC recognizes that major new infrastructure projects require large public investments, long-range In the recent provincial Fall Economic Statement, the planning, and substantial community consultation. Given government announced proposed changes to Metrolinx’s the challenges associated with managing long-term focus, to be that of transit service and delivery, with the infrastructure projects on short-term political cycles, other Ministry of Transportation being responsible for developing jurisdictions have established independent bodies that a transportation plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. provide government with expert advice to maximize the The Auditor General’s 2018 Annual Report raised concerns return on their infrastructure investment. These bodies about the independence of transit planning decisions and are able to assess where public spending will create the called on the province to provide greater clarity regarding most value for residents, and create plans for efficiently Metrolinx’s role and responsibility. getting shovels in the ground. The creation of a similar independent transportation planning authority in Ontario While the OCC shares these concerns and would prefer to may be a worthwhile – albeit long-term – solution to meet see improved clarity with respect to scope of authority for the province’s complex and evolving transportation needs. transit projects, neither the government nor the Auditor General address the inadequate municipal engagement If Ontario business is to remain competitive, we need within Metrolinx’s governance structure. The GTHA requires improved means of accessing markets, transporting integrated transit solutions that reflect the needs of the workers, and re-capturing money lost to congestion and
40 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 poor public investments. Taking the needs of the GTHA – as well as Northern Ontario and the other regions of southern Ontario – into consideration, the OCC is calling BOARDROOM on the Province to develop a Long-Range Transportation Plan, one that can deliver a strategy for better managing the province’s interconnected transportation assets and RENTAL better serving the needs of all Ontarians. This comprehensive, 30- to 50-year, goods and in the City Centre Core people movement transportation plan should include a review of existing public and private MBOT offers it’s boardroom for rent where individuals can meet for transportation assets, suggestions for making client/staff meetings, interviews, sessions or other business-related matters. use of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a onvenient location (par ing available transit accessible) financing plan for improving and maintaining assets – all supported by substantive onference alling opportunities stakeholder engagement. tate of the art Audio isual e uipment
To meet the province’s pressing transportation ree nternet access needs, the OCC believes the Government of onference, lassroom or Theatre set up Ontario must take a strategic approach— Tea coffee available (at an extra cost) one that ensures a strong return on taxpayer dollars, optimizes existing assets, Accomodates up to 0 people leverages technology and the private sector, and includes collaboration with relevant Rates as low as $125 government bodies. With this pragmatic or details, call ade at 90 2 1 1 or recipe, Ontario can ensure its transportation email at info mbot.com infrastructure meets the needs of the residents and businesses who depend on it every day.
To download a copy of Moving Forward, visit https:// occ.ca/our-publications/. For more information, please contact Catrina Kronfli, Senior Policy Analyst, at [email protected].
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CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 41 EXCLUSIVELY FOR MBOT MEMBERS
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42 CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 NEW MEMBERS OF MBOT
SEPTEMBER
• Algonquin Careers Academy • Alpatech Global Logistics. Inc. • Banking Tech Hub OCTOBER • Canada Outreaching Corporation • Beluga Logistix Inc. • Career Connections Canada Inc. • Blackthorn Group • Centre Francophone de Toronto • Enterprise Holdings • Computer Coding Academy • Fermar Paving Ltd. • Dixie Curling Club • Future Offices • Duca Financial Services Credit • Gagan Law Professional NOVEMBER Union Ltd. Corporation • Earl Rich Style • iCent app • Atlas Care Heating & Cooling • Eva’s Original Chimneys • K-Bro Linen Systems • BDP International Inc. • Fancom Connects Ltd. • Microbix Biosystems Inc. • Comage Container Lines Inc. • Golf Canada • Motify • DIAM Developments • GoodLife Fitness Corpo- • Pace Consulting & Benefits Ltd. • Fort Insurance & Group rate-Wellness • Poya Marketing Ltd. Benefits • Indus Community Services • Pur-Logic Solutions Inc. • Freedom 55 Financial - Toronto • Li-Cycle Corp. • Safety Services West Central • Naturizon • Start2Finish • Grassway Group • PBC Communications Inc. • The Body Clinic Day Spa • I Love Kickboxing • Pooches N’ Pals Inc. • The Canadian Pronunciation • Ilias Janitorial Services & • Sky Blue Contracting Coach Supplies • Specialized Vision for Trade & • Vulcan Asset Management • PARADIGM People Marketing • WestJet - Corporate Sales Development • State Farm • World Vision Canada • Rayvn Design • Ultimate Party Services • Wuxly Movement (Wully • Real Time Accounting Inc. • Wayfair Outerwear) • Schooley Mitchell
CONNECT | 2019 ISSUE 1 43