Chamber Blog ~ April 2019

We live in a technology fueled society and if businesses do not adapt, they risk getting left behind. It may seem daunting to introduce innovative technology solutions within your organization, but the positive rippling effect it could have on your business is immeasurable. So how can businesses utilize technologies to become more current, competitive and ultimately, increase profits? The following four areas will outline what is necessary for effective commerce:

Payment Processing - Provide your customers with the payment options they want with the most suitable point-of-sale software for your business. Providing an easy transaction process will enhance the customers experience that much more.

Today is World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, to help us celebrate, our partners at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada have shared with us their perspective on our partnership and the importance of the day.

“On April 26, we celebrate World IP Day through highlighting the role that IP rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. IP rights offer not only protection, but can also drive commercial success. Canadian businesses, whether large or small, should take stock of their IP assets and develop a solid IP strategy.

Canada has emerged as a leader in the global race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and we need to ensure the continued freedom to operate and our country’s business competitiveness. Through a series of roundtables this spring, we are identifying positive outcomes for AI, exploring the range of policy options for investment, innovation, integration and workforce sustainability.

Key takeaways from our discussion on AI and the workforce include...

Providing employment for 246,000 Canadians Food and beverage processing is the largest manufacturing industry in the country.  As a result, Canada is the 5th largest agricultural commodity exporter and 11th largest exporter for manufactured food products in the world.  Seems good, doesn’t it?  Maybe, but on closer inspection it is not that easy to digest.   

In this recent report from our Regulate Smarter series, we outline how the success of Canadian farmers and food manufacturers is connected to the performance of the regulatory systems that govern their activities. We take a close look at the major inconsistencies and outline what the government needs to do now to deliver on immediately. 

In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, we take a quick walk through federal efforts to address Canada’s regulatory competitiveness problem following last month’s federal budget, and what Canadian business should take away from this.

“A promise made is a debt unpaid,” said Robert W. Service. Despite the federal government recognizing these regulatory problems and promising to the resolve them, many regulators have not given it a second thought.

With over 12.7 million volunteers in Canada, we want to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers this National Volunteer Week, who are an important part of the fabric of Canada

Choosing to help others can often to lead to a positive impact for all who are involved, including yourself, here are just a few reasons why:

Improving your well-being: Volunteering gives the individual a sense of purpose. Helping someone in need or serving your community can offer direction, meaning, fulfillment and can reduce stress in your life.

Professional development: 63% of Canadian volunteers feel that getting involved has improved their interpersonal skills, in addition to improving their communication and organizational skills. This has a tremendous value, as these skills are transferable in your professional life.

The Government of Canada has declared meeting its commitments under the United Nation’s Paris Agreement as one of its highest policy priorities. In 2016, the federal government established the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) with the intent of reducing Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by the year 2030. Now, the transportation sector faces a significant economic impact because of the PCF through the cumulative impact of taxes, subsidies and mandatory regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions.