The Winnipeg Chamber’s Director of Policy, Colin Fast, highlights five things Winnipeg businesses should be aware of this week:
New federal statutory holiday on September 30th
The federal government recently passed legislation to create a new statutory holiday on September 30th known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The holiday is mandatory for the federal government, federal agencies, and federally-regulated industries such as air transportation, banks, grain handling, railways, interprovincial transportation, telecommunications and broadcasting.
While employers that fall under the provincial Employment Standards Code are not required to close, some may choose to do so voluntarily to recognize the holiday. To assist our members with making this decision, we’re asking what your plans are for September 30th.
Revised public health measures coming this week
On Tuesday, August 24th, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin announced that Manitoba will bring in new public health measures in the coming days to help slow the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Measures will include mandatory mask use in public indoor spaces, and increased use of the provincial immunization card to access certain places or services. There will also be mandatory vaccination or mandatory frequent testing for designated government employees who work in fields like health, education, child care or justice. Read More.
Rapid COVID tests available for SMEs through pharmacies
As part of The Winnipeg Chamber’s efforts to secure rapid testing capabilities for SMEs in our community, we are pleased to advise of a new program developed in partnership between the federal government and the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada.
Businesses in Manitoba can now register on the Government of Canada portal to receive rapid antigen tests from a participating community pharmacy. Health Canada maintains a list of participating pharmacies, and SMEs can pick up their test kits from a participating pharmacy of their choice. Acknowledging the cost of handling and staff training, pharmacies may charge a nominal fee for the kits.
How to leverage free trade agreements to help your business grow
To help Canadian businesses explore opportunities to grow internationally, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has developed a series of primers on three of Canada’s free trade agreements. The primers provide practical information on how Canadian businesses can benefit from these agreements, and point to related tools, services and resources available through the TCS. You can view and download the PDF versions of the primers through the links below:
- Grow your Business in the European Union
- Grow your Business in Asia-Pacific
- Grow your Business in North America
Have your voice heard on federal election issues
In partnership with Leger and the largest chambers of commerce from across Canada, we have launched our 2021 Federal Election Survey. This follows the announcement that Canadians will be going to the polls on September 20.
Thanks to COVID-19 this will be an election like no other. But now more than ever, it’s vital that businesses have their say on how our country will not only survive the economic impacts of the pandemic, but thrive well into the future.
The goal of this survey is to create a clear picture of the challenges that business owners across our region face and what action they want to see from Canada’s next government.
The survey will take under seven minutes to complete and as a thank you for completing it, you will have an opportunity to enter into a draw to win a $100 gift card to GoodLocal. Please take the time to complete this survey by August 29th.
