Dec. 11/15 - Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

Dec.11th 2015
Whitehorse Chamber E-Bulletin
“The Voice Of Business”
In This Week’s Edition for Dec.11th, 2015.....
1. Whitehorse Business Awards Banquet
2. Awards Banquet Sponsors / Canadian Chamber - How Business Can Contribute To
Welcoming Syrian Refugees
3. (Continued)
4. 2015 Annual Industry Conference
5. Yukon News Opinion Piece “Lets Try To Keep Cash In Our Community”
6. WHIMIS 2015 - What It Means For Small Business Owners
7. Yukon Government - Annual Fall Capital Project Update Released
8. Canada Revenue Agency - Get Answers About Your Tax And Benefit Information
9. Adopt-A-Kettle Campaign
10.City Of Whitehorse Update
11. Pathways To Wellness
Chamber Business Awards Banquet
2015
Jack and Myrna Kingscote accepting the
Winner of the Customer Service and
Business Volunteer of the Year award on
Satisfaction award - Angellina’s Toy Boutique
behalf of Marj Eschak
Winner of the Giving Back to the
Winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award
Community Award - Aroma Borealis
- Jayden Soroka (Pixelbox Studio)
Business of the Year Award - Air North, Yukon’s Airline
Thank You to our Sponsors who helped make this event possible!
Meeting the Challenge: How Business Can
Contribute to Welcoming Syrian Refugees
Chambers of Commerce in Canada are about much more than just business; they
are about the people dedicated to making our communities and our country stronger.
The businesspeople that create the jobs and pay the taxes across our country are at
the very heart of the towns and cities in which they operate. So, when a situation
arises where they can help, they are proud to do so. It’s the Canadian thing to do.
The influx of Syrian refugees coming to Canada in the next weeks and months is that
kind of situation, one where we can do a tremendous amount of good by partnering
with each other to help out in whatever way we can. (continued on next page)
As one small example, Hassan Yussuff of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and I will
co-chair a working group to look at how business and labour can collaborate in helping the
new arrivals successfully integrate into the Canadian economy.
I ask for your support in our efforts.
Canadians are getting ready to welcome our new neighbours: a first group of 10,000
refugees will arrive before the end of the year, to be followed by another 15,000 in early
2016. Most communities can count on organizations that are experts at welcoming
newcomers, from providing basics to helping them settle in. These organizations have the
expertise that’s needed. What they require most right now is money. If you can, please
contribute to the funding drives taking place in communities across the country. Use this link
to find out where you can donate now. (Yukon: https://www.gofundme.com/yukon-cares)
Additionally, as the refugees resettle and take the first steps towards becoming Canadians,
they will need training and jobs. One of the most useful contributions you can make is to
consider hiring a refugee and encouraging other businesses to do the same.
These elements are a great start, but there’s much more you can do, from donating
services to helping your employees in their own voluntary efforts. We encourage you to
share your initiatives with us here, so that we can communicate them across the country.
We will give you regular updates on what the Canadian Chamber and other chambers of
commerce across the country are doing, and you can access the most up-to-date
information available on the dedicated webpage we’ve put in place.
I firmly believe that our country will be enriched by the contributions these refugees will
bring to Canada’s culture, knowledge, skills base and growth. First and foremost, though,
we must welcome them and make them feel at home. Your help and donations can go a
long way to reaching that goal.
Sincerely,
Perrin Beatty
President and Chief Executive Officer
2015 Annual Industry Conference
Hello,
TheIndustryConferenceisreturningandwedon’twantyoutomissout.OnFebruary23and24,2016YukonGovernment,
YukonContractorsAssociaIon(YCA)andAssociaIonofConsulIngEngineeringCompanies-Yukon(ACEC-Yukon)willbe
hosIngthesecondannualevent.Workingunderthetheme“CollaboraIngforSuccess”thisyear’sconferenceaimstodo
justthat,whileconInuingtheexcellentconversaIonsthatbeganlastyearbetweenYukongovernmentandindustry
professionals.
Weexpectspacetofillupquickly;sopleaseregisterbyFebruary5,2016.WearestronglyrecommendingthatyouaYend
thisconference.
Someofthebenefitsinclude:
·
·
·
StrengtheningexisIngrelaIonshipswiththeprivatesectorandbuildingnewones.
ListeningtothedifferentperspecIvesfromgovernmentandprivatesector.
ParIcipaIngintheReverseTradeShow.SuccessfulinotherpartsofthecountrythisuniqueeventallowsYG
andbusinessprofessionalstoreverserolesandlearnmoreaboutoneanotherinaninformalse`ng.
ToregisterpleasecontacttheWhitehorseChamberofCommerceat667-7545oremailbusiness@whitehorsechamber.ca
andtheywillsendyouaregistraIonform
Thisconferenceis2daysFeb.23-24attheYukonConvenIonCentreandCoastHighCountryInn.ThereisconInental
breakfastbeingofferedbothdaysalongwithalunchonthe23rdandhealthbreaksbothdays.RecepIonhostedbyYukon
ContractorsAssociaIononFeb.23,2016.Costoftheconferenceis$125.
GuestSpeakersatthisyear’sconference:
·
SteveRevayofRevayandAssociatestalkingaboutRiskManagement(claimsanddisputes)
·
JohnGamblewithACEC-CanadatalkingaboutQualityBasedSelecIon
·
BobSloatwithWesternCanada,SuretyAssociaIonofCanadatopresent:OverviewoftheConstrucIon
IndustryandContractRiskManagementwithfocusonroleofsuretybonding
·
MaureenSullivanfromNECItotalkaboutProcurementTipsandTricksfromtheTrenchesforbothowners
andbidders/proponents.
·
FirstNaIonChamberofCommercetodiscussHowtodoBusinesswithFirstNaIonDevelopment
CorporaIons
·
…….andSOMUCHMORE
Toseethedramagendapleasevisitwww.gov.yk.ca/industryconference.
Wehopetoseeyouthere.Thisisaconferenceyoudonotwanttomiss!
ShannaEpp
ProcurementAdvisor|ProcurementSupportCentre|CorporateServices
HighwaysandPublicWorks|GovernmentofYukon
T:867-456-3947|F:867-393-6245|W-3C
Let’s try to keep cash in our community
By: Kyle Carruthers
Most discussion about how to boost the Yukon’s flagging economy focuses on exports. Rarely do we speak about how to reduce the
amount of cash that we send Outside.
Since humans first swapped animal fur for firewood (or something), trade has functioned on the premise that we are all collectively
better off if we sell the goods and services that we are good and efficient at producing and providing to others and vice versa.
The problem for the Yukon is it’s not really clear what, other than a handful of items, we can offer to those outside the territory to
help pay for all the things we bring in.
Producing raw materials for consumption elsewhere is our most obvious export - which is why it has spent so much time at the
centre of political debate in the territory. But for many reasons - both cyclical and structural - we aren’t doing very much of that
relative to the number of people living here.
Tourism is another notable export but has somewhat limited potential and has to be balanced against the fact that we Yukoners are
prolific tourists ourselves. Tourists may flock to the Yukon, but we Yukoners spend a significant amount of our money travelling
outside the territory as well, thus removing it from the local economy.
What else is there? Not much. A small number of other local businesses export goods and services from the territory but nothing on
any sort of large scale.
Really, we are good at convincing Ottawa to send us oodles and oodles of free money which, if we’re honest with ourselves, is the
only reason most of us are still here. In 2011 we imported $1.8 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services from the rest of Canada
and the world and only exported about $700 million. That “imbalance of trade” could not be sustained very long were it not for our
massive influx of federal dollars.
Perhaps part (and I emphasize that word) of the answer is to be found in keeping more money here in the territory. Every dollar we
spend outside the territory is another dollar taken out of our local economy and deducted from our GDP. Every dollar we spend
locally circulates, generating more economic activity.
Last week’s announcement of an agreement between the Yukon Carpenters Union and the contractor hired to construct a major
addition to Whitehorse General Hospital is a good example and should come as welcome news for the territory. Infrastructure
projects will always provide some economic benefit but if we hire outside contractors (as we sometimes need to do) who in turn
bring in outside labour and use imported supplies to complete the work the benefit is greatly diminished. Sure, some money is
spent locally on lodging and meals, but much of it is taken south after the job is done.
To the extent possible within the context of our free trade obligations, this agreement should serve as a model for public spending.
At the individual level we can do our part by buying goods and services that keep Yukoners employed. Even if a business is owned
by outsiders, if that business is employing workers here in the territory more of your dollars will continue to recirculate in the local
economy, generating more economic activity. A dollar spent at your local big box store is still better for the local economy than a
dollar spent online shopping.
When we can, buy your goods and services from businesses owned by Yukoners. Once your dollars are sent back to Bentonville,
Arkansas they aren’t coming back. If they stay in our community they will benefit everyone.
I fully appreciate buying local isn’t always possible. We don’t produce very many iPods locally. There are many things you simply
can’t get in the territory. In other circumstances the price difference between that offered by local merchants and that offered by
bigger companies is so vast that no rational consumer could possibly justify it.
But if all things are equal or, if you’re feeling particularly community minded and the difference isn’t that significant, seriously
consider the local option.
We have had some successes. The loyalty and enthusiasm shown by Yukoners towards Air North since it expanded its service to
include routes to major centres in the south is something that I would like to see extended towards other businesses in the territory.
The recent creation of a local store selling Yukon-grown food is another step in the right direction that gives consumers local
options and farmers a venue to sell their goods.
But in other areas our obsession with cost savings comes at the expense of our local community.
I appreciate that I am asking a lot, and as I’m writing this column that voice in the back of my head is “Quit being naive Carruthers.
You’re asking people to sacrifice their own hard-earned dollars for the greater good of the Yukon community. Do you know how
stupid that sounds?” Yes I do. Particularly so when my audience includes so many people who make their living through
government for whom the overall health of the local economy is little more than an abstraction with no direct consequence.
But with mining in a slump, anything we can do to generate a little bit more local economic activity is a good thing. A little thought
about where our dollars - both government and private - ultimately end up should be a part of the conversation.
WHMIS 2015
A Big Deal for Small Businesses?
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, better known as WHMIS, is Canada’s
comprehensive system for providing health and safety information on the safe use of hazardous
products in workplaces. WHMIS changed on February 11, 2015 to align with the Globally
Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS is a worldwide
system and provides a common set of rules for classifying hazardous products, and for labels, and
a standard format for safety data sheets (SDSs).
What The New WHMIS means for Small Business Owners
While WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria and requirements, the roles and
responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers have not changed. Employers must ensure
that there is workplace-specific education and training in place that reviews the hazardous products
in their workplace and safe work procedures.
Smaller organizations often don’t have dedicated departments or resources to provide health and
safety education or informational updates to their employees. As a result, they can feel burdened
with yet another thing to add to an already long to-do list. Health Canada has recognized this and
has developed free resource material to prepare, inform and support smaller enterprises during this
transition. With credible resources readily available, small businesses can be equipped with the
necessary information to ensure their employees are educated and have the information they need
to work safely.
Take advantage of these online tools:
WHMIS for Workers: http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_workers/
WHMIS after GHS, An Introduction: http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/
whmis_ghs_intro/
For additional information and resources on WHMIS 2015, please visit the CCOHS website.
http://www.ccohs.ca/topics/hazards/chemical/whmis/
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or email Mal Malloch, Employer
Advisor at the Yukon Chamber of Commerce. He is currently out of office but will be
returning the first Monday in January (4th).
Email: advisor@yukonchamber.com
Phone: 393-6061
FOR RELEASE
December 10, 2015
Annual fall capital project update released
WHITEHORSE—The Department of Highways and Public Works released its annual fall update for
capital infrastructure projects today. The roster of projects provides near- and long-term outlooks
for major works being undertaken by the Transportation and Property Management Divisions.
“The Yukon government believes in a strong private sector, and industry identified a fall capital
update as a priority to provide greater certainty for contractors on upcoming bid opportunities,
including the anticipated timing and status of current and forthcoming capital projects,” Minister of
Highways and Public Works Scott Kent said. “This allows government to maintain and invest in
Yukon’s transportation and building assets, as well as provide economic development opportunities
for our local labour force.”
The Government of Yukon announced the new fall capital update process last fall in response to
recommendations from Yukon’s contracting sector. The new practice provides the most current
information about infrastructure projects in various stages of development, early capital planning
information, and more reliable estimates. These adjustments to the tendering process are aimed at
providing more certainty and opportunity for Yukon contractors and enabling an earlier start in
Yukon’s short building season. In addition, the changes allow the public to better understand and
follow how capital projects are progressing.
The update consists of 31 projects estimated to translate to approximately $43 million in tendering
opportunities over the next fiscal year. Additionally, approximately 20 smaller scale capital
maintenance projects, estimated to result in approximately $3.8 million in tendering opportunities,
are in early planning stages. These projects totalling almost $47 million are a portion of the Capital
Budget 2016/17 that will be tabled next spring, and are subject to legislative approval.
The fall capital update is based on information and planning projections determined at this time.
Projects and timelines are subject to change. The fall capital document will be updated monthly to
incorporate any new information or changes.
Learn more: Fall capital project update
-30Contact:
Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca
http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/15-384.html#.Vmtg79AeWJU
Page 1 of 2
Get answers about your tax and benefit information
online at the CRA – it’s easy and quick
Did you know?
If you have a question about your income tax or the benefits you are currently
receiving, you can log into My Account, My Business Account, or Represent a
Client to get the information you need. The services are simple, secure, and
fast. Your information is up-to-the minute, and many transactions are
processed at once.
If you’re an individual, you can use My Account to:
• find your account balance and the status of your refund
• register to receive online mail
·
change personal information, such as your address, telephone number,
and marital status
If you’re operating a business, you can use My Business Account to quickly
and easily:
• view direct deposit transactions
• get information about your goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax
(GST/HST) account
·
check your balances: corporate instalment and corporate account
If you’re a representative, you can use Represent a client to:
·
access your clients’ individual accounts and view information such as the
notice of assessment for individuals
·
view information about your corporate clients and access your clients’
business accounts, such as GST/HST and payroll
·
access Business Registration Online to register your clients for a
business number, as well as for GST/HST, payroll, and import/export
accounts
Save time—go online! Log in or register at cra.gc.ca/login.
Help us give the GIFT of HOPE this
The Salvation
Christmas!
Army Drop-in
Adopting a Kettle provides you
with a unique opportunity not only
to demonstrate your HEART for
those in need, but also to help The
Salvation Army provide for those
Shelter in
Whitehorse
provides direct
support to the
Homeless in our
community.
needs in a tangible way.
In the past year
We are asking local businesses and organizations to
partner with us during this campaign and help us
cover some of the 1300 Kettle host hours this year.
This Christmas we have a goal of $72,000
It’s simple, here’s how you do it:
Pick a date and location that works for you. Then
arrange for your staff to man the Christmas Kettle for a
set period of time*. During this time your business logo
will be displayed on the Kettle stand. (*1 day with a kettle is
just 10 hours – in that time a Kettle can raise up to $1,000 or more.)
However we realize how busy Christmas can be! That it
can be difficult to fit Kettle hosting into your schedule.
Another way you can help support is with a donation of
$250 or more. As a Thank You we will put your
organizations logo atop one of our kettles for a day.
Can You Help Us Help Others?
ADOPT-A-KETTLE Today
and have fun spreading Christmas cheer!
2015 Campaign runs Monday to Saturday from
November 19 to December 24.
more than 62,500
meals have been
served at our
Community
Shelter – that is a
25% increase from
the previous year!
We provided
emergency
overnight
accommodation
that totalled more
than 5700 bednights.
Contact Claudine for
more information
and to sign up at
(867) 335-0571
whitehorse.sa.kettles
@gmail.com
December 11, 2015
Festival of Lights Tour
Last 2015 City Council Meeting
This event takes place on
Saturday December 19,
presented by Air North,
Yukon’s Airline.
2016 Winter Active Living Guide
Transit buses will depart
the Canada Games Centre
at 4:30pm and 5:30pm.
CGC themed activities will
take place 3:30 - 6:00pm.
The next Regular Council Meeting is December 14 at 5:30pm in
City Hall Council Chambers. View whitehorse.ca/agendas for
Council and whitehorse.ca/CASM for CASM meetings.
The 2016 Winter Active Living Guide is now available. Program
registration begins on Monday, December 14 at 4:30pm. Learn
more at whitehorse.ca/alg
Chadburn ChalkTalk
View more details now at
Look for our display at the Canada Games Centre, available until
December 20, to learn about the Chadburn Lake Park
Management Plan and to provide your input. Get details about
the project and participate online at whitehorse.ca/chadburn
whitehorse.ca/
specialevents
Senior Utility Rebate
Seniors aged 65 or over may be eligible for this program,
whether they are renters or owners. Visit whitehorse.ca/grants
and apply before December 31.
Family First Night Volunteer Call
Join us for a family friendly New Year’s celebration! This event
takes place at the Canada Games Centre on Thursday,
December 31 from 5 - 8 pm. Want to volunteer? See more now
at whitehorse.ca/volunteer
Seeking Youth Ambassadors
Whitehorse students will visit Sister City Ushiku in Japan next
July. The 2016 exchange program is now open for applications!
Get full submission details at whitehorse.ca/japan
Thank You Whitehorse Businesses
whitehorse.ca
Thanks to Cadence Cycle, Canadian Tire, Icycle Sport, Sky High
Wilderness Ranch, Up North Adventures and Whitehorse Cross
Country Ski Club, we raised $3,200 for the Yukon Hospital
Foundation during the 2015 NorthwesTel Festival of Trees!
Pathways to Wellness e-Tips
conversation • connection • commitment
Clean hands, healthy bodies
Hand washing is one of the best ways of preventing the spread of
germs from one person to another. With the flu season upon us,
it's a good time to sharpen up our hand washing skills.
1.
2.
Wet your hands and apply soap.
Rub hands together and scrub vigorously -- the mechanical
action of rubbing your hands together plays a big role in
getting rid of the germs.
3. Sing "Happy Birthday" twice and when you are finished
singing, you can stop scrubbing.
4. Rinse your hands well and dry with paper towel or hand
dryer.
How often should you wash your hands? Lots! And especially
after using the toilet, changing diapers, before and after preparing
food, before and after caring for someone who is ill, before eating,
and after sneezing or coughing, to name a few.
Go green with paper towels
Here's a way you can reduce the use of paper towels. This 4minute TED talk video shows you how to dry your hands with one
paper towel or less. Shake and fold. And when you are done, you
can throw the used paper towel in the compost garbage!
Contact Info:
Contact us at
www.yukonwellness.ca/
contactus.php
Our Location
201 - #1 Hospital Road,
Whitehorse, Yukon
Mail:
Pathways to Wellness, H-1
Health and Social Services
Yukon Government
Box 2703,
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6
E-mail:
yukonwellness@gov.yk.ca
Jan: 867-667-3674