CAROL SWEEZEY - Timmins Chamber of Commerce

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CAROL
SWEEZEY
(LAFRANCE)
Agente D'imm / Sales Rep
705-360-8123
QUARTERLY
pager
WINTER 2016
Real Estate
705-268-9988
264‐5364
www.carolsweezey.com
www.bmtinsurance.ca
a timmins chamber of commerce publication
Chamber prepares to celebrate business superheroes at 14th annual Nova Awards
Recipients to be honoured across 15 categories
As the judges review the nominations, anticipation continues to build for the Timmins Chamber
of Commerce’s 2016 Nova Business Excellence
Awards, the region’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurial achievement.
As Timmins’ biggest celebration of entrepreneurial achievement, the Nova Awards help to recognize business achievements across 15 categories.
This year’s event will be held at the McIntyre Arena
on Thursday, May 19, and will feature a “superheroes of business” theme in honour of the incredible
feats Timmins entrepreneurs perform every day,
according to Timmins Chamber President Kurt
Bigeau.
“They might not be leaping buildings in a single
bound, but Timmins’ business leaders help our
community in countless ways, and the Nova Awards
are a great way to applaud them,” said Bigeau.
“And as proof, we received many stellar nominations this year for some truly worthy businesses,
which represent a diverse cross-section of Timmins’ economy. I don’t envy our panel of independent community judges, which has the difficult task
of choosing just 15 recipients, though it’s clear from
our nominees that every one of them is worth celebrating.”
Finalists will be personally notified on March 3
at their place of business by Chamber volunteers
and staff, who will also present a small gift to commemorate the special occasion.
Photographs of these visits will be taken throughout the day and presented online at the Chamber’s
Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/TimminsChamber. Video will also be taken wherever possible and displayed as part of the Nova Awards’
opening segment during the May 19 gala.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the community to highlight local business leaders whose pro-
The Nova Business Excellence Awards will once again celebrate the best of Timmins business at the McIntyre
Arena on May 19. The 2015 event drew more than 600 attendees.
fessional powers should be recognized with a Nova
Award -- making them a member of the League of
Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, if you will,” said Bigeau.
“So those who know someone who demonstrates
business bravado or exceptional entrepreneurialism
are helping us shine a light on their hard work with
a nomination. Even the best can’t be celebrated unless they’re nominated.”
As in recent years, CTV Television news personalities will interview the event’s finalists, organizers
and community champions on the Nova Awards’
own version of the red carpet. These segments will
be broadcast live throughout the many flat-screen
televisions on display throughout the area, which
serve to promote further conversation among attendees during the celebration.
Other examples of Timmins talent will be on
hand throughout the event, in the form of locally
produced hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and of course the
superhero-themed décor, all of which is being supplemented by the hard work of countless volunteers
who donate their time to make it all happen.
Tickets for the Nova Awards will go on sale
March 21, 2016 at $120 plus HST, or a discounted price of $95 plus HST for Chamber members.
Tickets can be ordered by emailing the Chamber at
info@timminschamber.on.ca
Finalists for the 14th annual Nova Business
Excellence Awards will be announced March
3 for the following categories:
• Northern College Service Excellence
Award
• RBC Marketing Award
• NorthernTel Productivity, Innovation &
Diversification Award
• De Beers Canada Aboriginal Partnership
Award
• City of Timmins Non-Profit Organization
Award
• Collège Boréal Young Professional Award
(Under 40)
• Caisse Populaire de Timmins New Business Award (Under 2 Years)
• BMT Insurance & Financial Services Business Contribution to the Community
Award (1-5 Employees)
• The Venture Centre Business Contribution to the Community Award (6-20 Employees)
• Eastlink Business Contribution to the
Community Award (21+ Employees)
• FNETB Best Place to Work Award
• TD Bank Group Business of the Year
Award (1-5 Employees)
• Scotiabank Business of the Year Award (620 Employees)
• Northern Credit Union Business of the
Year Award (21+ Employees)
• National Bank Lifetime Business Achievement Award
inside business
Immediate action needed to protect future
mining investment in Ontario: report
2 - FEBRUARY 2016
Provincial and federal governments must take unlock the potential of new mineral discoveries in
bold steps to position Ontario’s mining sector for Ontario’s North.
success in the future, according to a major report
The report also urges government to take steps to
released Dec. 1, 2015 by the Ontario Chamber of reduce regulatory uncertainty, consistently cited
Commerce (OCC) and the Timmins Chamber of as a top issue by mining companies as they look
Commerce.
to invest or expand in Ontario. Specifically, the
The result of extensive consultations with industry report pushes for the establishment of a resource
and partners throughout the Chamber network, revenue sharing framework between government
Digging Deeper: Strengthening Ontario’s Mining and Aboriginal communities to provide certainty
Advantage contains several recommendations to surrounding the benefits that these communities
address Ontario-specific challenges to ensure the will gain from mineral resource development.
competitiveness of the province’s mining sector.
“Ontario mining is a real competitive advantage
“It’s crucial that all levels of government work for the province, and our expertise in mineral
together to ensure that Ontario remains a leading production, finance, and innovation is in global
global centre for mining investment,” said Kurt demand,” said Allan O’Dette, President and CEO
Bigeau, president of the Timmins Chamber of of the OCC.
Commerce.
“However, there are critical steps that the
“The incredible wealth of knowledge and government must take to ensure the sector’s
experience here in Timmins, as developed over continued role as an economic driver in Ontario.
more than 100 years of mining, is just one of We are calling on all levels of government to
countless examples of how these investments harmonize their efforts to ensure that mining
strengthen our economy. Given the current investment continues to flow into Ontario now and
challenges in global markets, it’s vitally important in the future.”
that governments act now to protect those
Other key recommendations of the report
advantages going forward.”
include:
Among the report’s top recommendations is • Increasing the Ontario’s flow-through share
for the Governments of Ontario and Canada to
tax credit from five percent to 20 percent
increase investment in northern infrastructure,
extending the availability of the federal Mineral
one of the key barriers to mining development
Exploration Tax Credit (METC), and creating an
in the province. Both levels of government have
enhanced METC for remote projects;
committed to large-scale infrastructure investment • Increasing Ontario’s investment in mining
in the coming years. With renewed commitments
research and innovation, and
to intergovernmental cooperation, the OCC sees • Leveraging the global demand for Ontario
28/09/2015
3:40 PM
Page 1to create new business
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opportunities and drive growth.
“The mining sector has a long history of bringing
benefits to communities across Ontario and with
the right steps, it can continue do so in the future,”
added O’Dette. “What the industry needs is a clear
signal that the federal and provincial governments
are committed to positioning Ontario as the
premier destination for mining investment.”
To view the full report, please visit http://tinyurl.
com/DiggingDeeper2015
This report came in advance of the Government
of Ontario’s renewed Mineral Development
Strategy (MDS), released on Dec. 11, 2015.
This represents a comprehensive 10-year plan,
created with input from representatives of
exploration and mining companies, prospectors,
First Nation communities, Métis communities,
northern communities, and environmental NGOs.
The plan’s stated vision is to ensure Ontario
becomes the global leader in sustainable mineral
development and production. It also provides
a blueprint for how the provincial government
will realize that vision by building on industry’s
well-earned global reputation and significant
competitive advantages.
The strategy has four key strategic priorities and
10 key action items. It states that, to become the
global leader, Ontario must ensure the sector is:
• Competitive and innovative by:
- attracting jobs and investment
- increasing mineral discovery rates
- improving cost-competitiveness
- fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Safe and environmentally responsible by:
- enhancing worker health and safety
- protecting the environment now and for future generations
• Efficiently and effectively regulated by:
- improving regulatory efficiency, predictability and transparency
• Providing growth and prosperity for future
generations by:
- enhancing Aboriginal voices and meaningful participation in economic development
- establishing the necessary socio-
economic conditions to advance major mining projects
- developing the workforce of tomorrow
The renewal of the strategy is a key commitment
of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario,
according to the province.
inside business
FEBRUARY 2016 - 3
Forestry sector drives Northeastern Ontario economic gains through 2016: report
After a year of contracting employment,
Northeastern Ontario will slowly begin to find
its economic footing in 2016, though progress
will lag behind much of the rest of the province,
according to a new report released Dec. 8, 2015 by
the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Credit
Unions of Ontario.
Released with support from the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Economic
Update 2016 highlights how some commodity
markets are beginning to find their footing, which
is a positive sign for the Northeast. The Northeast
Economic Region covers the districts of Cochrane,
Timiskaming, Greater Sudbury, Nipissing, Parry
Sound, Manitoulin, and Algoma, and is home to
over 560,000 residents.
In particular, data shows that Ontario’s forest
sector is experiencing gains, with overall forest
products shipments climbing 12 percent in the first
nine months of 2015, compared to the same period
last year. A strengthening U.S. economy, a weak
Canadian dollar, and a rebound in housing markets
bodes well for forest products, including lumber.
“It’s heartening to note some positive movement
in the forestry sector, which remains vital for
Northeastern Ontario,” said Kurt Bigeau, president
of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
“That said, the report indicates that the
challenges being experienced by global mining
markets will continue to put some strain on the
region’s economy. This just further reinforces the
need for governments to act now to protect the
competitiveness of our resource sectors to ensure
we remain a leading global centre for investment.”
Despite gains, any contribution from primary
production will not kick in until 2017. In the
interim, job growth will be very modest, with
employment set to grow at a 0.4 yearly rate in
2016 and 2017. The industries contributing most
to near-term economic growth are retail and
wholesale trade; health and social services; and
other services.
After jumping to a projected 7.9 percent in 2015,
little improvement is forecast in the unemployment
rate over the forecast period as population outflows
are offset by a modest rise in the labour force
participation rate. The regional unemployment rate
will fall to 7.5 percent by 2017.
“Ontario and its regional economies will grow at
a moderate but faster pace through 2017 aided by
favourable external factors such as the low dollar
and interest rates and an improving U.S. economy,”
said Helmut Pastrick, chief economist at Central
1 Credit Union. “Most regions will participate
and contribute to Ontario’s improved economic
prospects though differences exist among regions.
Resource-based regions will be weighed down by
poor metal markets.”
According to the report, the proposed Energy East
Pipeline, which cuts across Northeastern Ontario,
will also act as an economic driver, and will support
more than $700 million in construction activity
through to its expected completion in 2018.
While the region experienced strong housing sales
in 2015 (7.8 percent residential sales growth), this
activity belies underlying weakness in Timmins,
Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay, where
average sales prices have slipped year-to-date.
Average residential housing prices slipped in 2015,
to $212,500, a decline of 1.7 percent.
The industries contributing most to near-term
economic growth are retail-wholesale trade, healthsocial services, and other services. Construction
contributes only marginally to forecast growth,
while any contribution from primary production
will not kick in until 2017.
Economic output from education services and
public administration will be dampened over the
period as the provincial government ramps up
its efforts to balance its budget by 2017-2018 by
controlling spending.
The investment outlook is mixed. Both publicsector and private-sector investment in nonresidential building construction declined in 2015.
Going forward, public-sector capital expenditures
will remain constrained by fiscal restraint, while
several major investment projects are expected to
support private sector investment in the region
over the next two years.
Moving forward, activity in the mining sector
will be driven by the future path of metal prices.
Little improvement in nickel, copper, zinc, and lead
prices is expected until 2017, while gold prices are
expected to be range-bound with a slight upward
bias after next year.
According to the province-wide data, most other
areas of Ontario will enjoy improving economic
conditions in the coming year. Growth will be
driven in part by an uptick in exports, the result of
a stronger U.S. economy and a low Canadian dollar.
Government fiscal policy will also be a key
driver, as federal and provincial infrastructure
commitments will stimulate growth across a
variety of sectors.
“Ontario businesses are helping Ontario emerge
stronger from the downturn,” said Allan O’Dette,
president and CEO of Ontario Chamber of
Commerce. “However, our economy still faces
significant challenges. In order to generate
sustained economic growth, government must
invest in infrastructure, close the skills gap, and
ensure that input costs do not stifle investment or
job creation.”
Download the full economic outlook at: http://
tinyurl.com/EconomicOutlook2016
Timmins Chamber takes action to protect economic benefits of mining
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is taking action to push the federal government to
protect resource development in Canada and
the communities that rely upon it.
At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s
(CCC) annual general meeting this fall, the
Timmins Chamber successfully lobbied representatives of the country’s biggest business
advocacy group to support a call by Timmins
businesses to close loopholes in recent legislation that could financially cripple the mining
industry and Aboriginal communities alike.
Held in Ottawa, the event saw nearly 400 delegates -- representing more than 200,000 Canadian businesses -- debating policies put forward
by Chambers from around the country to determine the CCC’s top priorities for the coming
year. Timmins Chamber President Kurt Bigeau
was on hand to successfully lobby for Timmins
Chamber members’ interests to be included
among the CCC’s annual priorities.
This includes a policy resolution urging the
federal government to quickly make changes to
the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures
Act (ESTMA). Passed in December 2014, this
legislation was originally developed in response
to reports that some foreign governments were
improperly spending mining revenues generated by Canadian companies. To address the issue,
Canadian extractive industry partners worked
collaboratively with the federal government to
develop regulations requiring public disclosure
of payments made to foreign governments, resulting in the ESTMA.
However, the federal government inserted
measures into the final version of the legisla-
tion requiring the mining, oil and gas industries
to also disclose payments made to Aboriginal
groups and communities within Canada, beginning in June 2017.
While industry groups continue to embrace
the concept of increased transparency, the mandatory inclusion of Canada’s Aboriginal groups
within this legislation creates many complex
questions which have yet to be fully addressed by
the federal government. This includes concerns
around the lack of meaningful consultation with
Aboriginal groups leading up to the passage of
ESTMA, which industry groups have argued to
be necessary to ensure that any designated reporting requirements are appropriate, and that
Aboriginal interests are adequately considered.
Without full and comprehensive consultation,
the possibility remains that ongoing disapproval
of these measures could place existing and future relationships between extractive companies
and Aboriginal communities at risk.
This risk of harm to these relationships is
heightened by the lingering fear among indus-
try partners and Aboriginal groups alike that
the federal government will reduce funding for
Aboriginal communities who have received payments as disclosed under the ESTMA. From the
Mining Association of Canada and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada to
the Assembly of First Nations and the Canadian
Aboriginal Minerals Association, many have
expressed concern around the lack of any provisions in the Act that would prevent this from
occurring.
Any such clawback would effectively harm
Aboriginal communities’ ability to benefit from
resource development. Related agreements also
often allow for much-needed enhancements to
infrastructure and social programs that are otherwise not covered by federal payments.
“While the industry is supportive of enhancing transparency, the clause within the Act requiring Canadian extractive firms to disclose
payments they make to Aboriginal communities
is very problematic,” said Bigeau.
“This loophole could severely harm Aboriginal communities’ ability to benefit from resource development, while preventing industry
from enhancing local capacity and infrastructure. With 2017 looming, the clock is now ticking for government to help protect resource development in Canada and the communities that
rely upon it by engaging in consultations and
providing assurances that these situations will
not come to pass.”
This policy, entitled Preserving Economic
Benefits Under the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act, was crafted in consultation
between the Timmins Chamber’s Government
Regulation and Policy Committee, area businesses, and a broad number of partners across
Canada.
This includes the Edmonton Chamber of
Commerce, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce,
as well as the North Bay & District Chamber of
Commerce.
“Extractive sectors like mining are major economic drivers not only for Timmins, but indeed
for the rest of Canada,” said Bigeau. “The fact
that Timmins’ policy saw such strong support is
just one more sign that we must take steps to
protect the strong financial impact generated by
this industry in our communities and beyond.”
The Timmins Chamber was also successful in
pushing a second member-driven policy at the
CCC conference, urging the federal government
to put in place a system that allows federal liens
on long-standing derelict or abandoned properties to be waived after a time. Without such
a system – which exists for provincial or territorial liens – these properties often sit vacant
for years, hindering development and bringing
down property values.
Having adopted Timmins’ policy on ESTMA
and federal liens, the CCC will use those ideas
as part of its efforts to urge the federal government to enact change in the coming months and
years.
To view the full versions of the policy that will
now be championed by the CCC, please visit the
Chamber’s website at www.timminschamber.
on.ca, or view them directly at http://tinyurl.
com/ESTMA and http://tinyurl.com/FederalLiens
inside business
4 - FEBRUARY 2016
News from the Chamber network
Provincial government acknowledges, faces
regulatory burden in a positive way: Ontario
Chamber
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
is encouraged to see its powerful advocacy work
directly reflected in the government’s economic
plans for 2016, as released Nov. 26, 2015, and
which included detailed steps to address the cumulative burden facing Ontario businesses. Some
of these priorities include:
The “Red Tape Challenge”, a strategy that encourages Ontarians to submit comments and
changes on those regulations that impact them.
This will be overseen by a Regulatory Modernization Committee;
A Regulatory Centre of Excellence, which identifies and champions best practices from around
the world; and
A Government Modernization Fund to address
the cost of modernizing outmoded regulatory processes.
In direct response to an OCC call to remove the
Debt Retirement Charge from businesses, the government has announced that they are doing so for
commercial, industrial and other non-residential
MOE, chamber_Layout
1 15/09/2014
4:47 PM
1 earelectricity users
on April 1, 2018,
ninePage
months
lier than expected.
“The chamber network has made burden reduction a priority, and the government has listened
to our concerns on this issue,” said Allan O’Dette,
President and CEO of the OCC. “There is more
that can be done, but this is an encouraging step
towards alleviating the pressure on businesses,
which will help drive Ontario’s economy forward.”
The province also responded to concerns surrounding environmental compliance approvals,
pledging to reduce the time taken to review air and
noise approvals by at least 50 percent within the
next two years. After 2017, the government intends
to implement a one-year service standard for higher-risk approval requests. This will be coupled with
a more transparent process for both applicants and
the public to track applications and performance.
The OCC emphasized the economic importance
of maintaining the industrial exception in the Professional Engineers Act, and the government has
announced that it will permanently maintain this
exception.
Ontario Chamber encouraged by new trade classification process recommendations
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is
encouraged by the findings of the Dean Review
and is calling on government to engage with employers as it implements the recommendations
outlined in the final report. Among its recommendations, the Review calls on the College of Trades
to establish an independent panel to review classification decisions.
“We welcome the Dean Review’s recommendation to establish a new independent process for
trade classification,” said Allan O’Dette, President
& CEO of the OCC. “The use of independent experts should ensure a strong and clear process that
would yield lasting, credible decisions – decisions
that are free from interference.”
Earlier this year, the OCC, together with cham-
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bers of commerce and boards of trade from across
the province, outlined its concerns with the College of Trades in a formal submission to the Dean
Review. The OCC noted that in its current form,
the College of Trades is not positioned to deliver
on many elements of its mandate. Specifically, the
OCC expressed its concerns with the bias inherent
in the College’s trade classification review process.
“The Dean Review’s findings are the first of
many necessary steps towards reform,” said
O’Dette. “Going forward, the College needs to put
a laser-like focus on promotion of the skilled trades
among the province’s youth. Currently, nearly one
in three employers are unable to fill a job because
they cannot find someone with the right qualifications. That gap must be filled.”
The OCC also noted that it will continue to press
government on its members’ concerns around
journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios and the ratio
review panel process. While the OCC is encouraged by the Dean Review’s recommendation that
review panels be able to request their own evidence
and research, it continues to express concern over
Ontario’s high journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios,
which it says exacerbate the province’s skills gap.
economy, and the next step is the ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce told the
Canadian government in November.
“Canada is losing market share in the
fastest-growing region of the world,” said
Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty. “Turning this situation around
requires an ambitious trade strategy that
plays to our advantages in areas like energy, information and biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and agri-food. The
TPP covers all of these areas, and what we
need to now is to put it in place.”
At the Canadian Chamber’s annual meeting in Ottawa last fall, delegates from
chambers of commerce across the country endorsed a policy resolution calling
on Canada to implement the TPP and to
expand trade ties with China, India and
Southeast Asia.
The TPP eliminates nearly all tariffs
on Canadian imports and exports with
member economies. It provides predictable market access for services, provisions
for the movement of business people and
rules on investment protection, intellectual property, e-commerce and state-owned
enterprises that reflect Canada’s economic
model. The agreement provides protection
Ratification of Trans-Pacific Partnership and safeguards for sensitive products and
key to Canada’s success in Asia: Canadian enforceable disciplines on labour and enviChamber
ronmental standards, making it one of the
Canada must seize the opportunity rep- most cutting-edge and sustainable trade
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inside business
FEBRUARY 2016 - 5
Core services review, tax ratios key to Chamber recommendations for City budget
City spending should be focused on ensuring the
municipality is properly prepared for the future -- in
its services, staffing, and infrastructure -- while making the most of existing resources, according to the
Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
These ideas formed the core of the organization’s
annual presentation, made by Chamber President
Kurt Bigeau and its Municipal Affairs Committee
Chair Christine Bender, in advance of the city’s approval of the municipal budget, which is still ongoing.
This included a call for council to seriously consider implementing some of the recommendations
posed in the municipal core services review, which
was completed by consulting firm KPMG, and tabled
at council last fall. The report’s recommendations
include placing a tighter control on spending, guarding against inefficient use of public funds, developing
various internal efficiencies, and avoiding duplication
of efforts by City staff.
There are very clear options to prioritize municipal
services, and while the Chamber has yet to explore
them in detail, they represent a crucial opportunity to
provide better value for taxpayer dollars, said Bigeau.
“Whether this translates to service reductions or
private-sector partnerships, Council must carefully
consider how City funds are most efficiently spent,”
said Bigeau.
“In short, if it can’t provide real value for taxpayer
dollars, Council must consider reducing or outsourcing that service. Now is the time for Council to begin
to prioritize spending on services that make responsible fiscal sense, and to ensure that the City’s limited
resources are spent as wisely as possible.”
These solutions will not address the municipality’s
growing infrastructure issues, as costs surrounding
water, sewer, and road maintenance continue to rise
Timmins Chamber President Kurt Bigeau (left) and the Chamber’s Municipal Affairs Committee Chair Christine Bender (left) spoke to City Council on Nov. 3 on behalf of the organization’s members as part of its annual
input into the municipal budget process.
an “alarming” rate. Bigeau acknowledged that City
council has been diligent in attempting to tackle these
problems; the Chamber would be fully supportive of
any City effort to press the province to address provincial shortfalls in funding.
This kind of preparation is also in keeping with the
Chamber’s request for council to carefully examine
the various measures contained with reports commissioned through the Timmins 2020 strategic plan
but which have yet to see any substantive discussion
by council. This includes the Housing Report, as well
as the Culture, Tourism and Recreation Report, which
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were submitted to council in 2014 but were discussed
either briefly or not at all.
Similarly, Bigeau urged council to consider the state
of the City’s finances when examining the remainder
of the 2020 plan, and determine which elements most
made sense to continue to pursue.
He added that remaining mindful of Timmins’ economic future was also important when looking at opportunities to prepare the community for the impending closure of Kidd Operations. As it will impact the
entire community, the City would do well to develop
further strategies to address this shift, and to begin to
prepare accordingly, he said. This includes engaging
in creative approaches such as the proposed Glencore
Impact Fund, which would use new growth assessment funding to help ease the effect that the transition
will have on tax levels in the community.
These efforts are particularly crucial given the
added budgetary pressures the City faces this and every year, though Bigeau cautioned against shifting the
tax ratio onto the commercial and industrial sectors
as an easy fix. Instead, municipal revenues should be
enhanced by examining more creative solutions, said
Bigeau.
“This does not mean business isn’t paying its fair
share; rather, it is an indication that there are simply
fewer businesses to shoulder the load. These businesses serve as the backbone of the economy, providing not only jobs and property taxes but also support
for sports teams and non-profit organizations. They
are tied closely to Timmins’ appeal as a great place
to work, live and play, and we caution against further
shifts in the tax burden.”
Every year, the Chamber’s presentation to council
is assembled through an extensive process of consultation, with member input being provided through a
wide variety of venues. This includes surveys, roundtable discussions, several Chamber committees, and
numerous one-on-one interviews conducted by
Chamber staff. The finished presentation represents
the majority view as expressed by members throughout that consultation process.
The Chamber makes every effort to be as inclusive
as possible of its members’ views so as best to represent their interests at all levels of government. Members who have business issues – municipal, provincial,
or federal – that they would like to see addressed are
encouraged to contact the Chamber.
6 - FEBRUARY 2016
inside business
inside business
Members celebrate the holidays
with the Chamber
Nearly 300 members and their staff chose to celebrate the holiday season with the Timmins Chamber
of Commerce, which hosted its annual Member Holiday Parties at the Days Inn Timmins on December 5.
This popular event is offered every year in order
to provide Chamber members a chance to celebrate
the season with their staff, with none of the hassle of
planning, organizing, decorating, cooking, or cleaning.
As always, this year’s evening featured dinner and
dancing, as well as a silent auction, with tons of great
prizes donated by member businesses. Most importantly, participants received a visit from Saint Nick
himself, and had an opportunity to have their picture
taken on Santa’s knee.
A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction
went to help fund post-secondary scholarships for
local students through the Business Takes the Lead
program.
Thank you to the following sponsors for making
the evening possible.
Prize Donors:
Alison Rancourt
Collège Boréal
Days Inn and Conference Centre
Dr. Bill Chisholm Optometrists
Gatrem Contracting Inc.
Gold Dust Event Planning
Gosselin Law Firm Professional Corporation
Hampton Inn by Hilton Timmins
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Timmins
National Bank of Canada
Northern Ontario Appraisals Ltd.
RBC Royal Bank
Rogers Communications Inc. (Q92/KISS)
Simply Done Right Bookkeeping and Consulting
Timmins Auto Glass Inc.
Tisdale Plumbing Heating & Electrical
For more photos of the Member Holiday Party, visit us at facebook.com/TimminsChamber
FEBRUARY 2016 - 7
inside business
8 -FEBRUARY 2016
Faulty immigration policies put Canada’s economic success at risk,
says Canadian Chamber of Commerce
With its current immigration regime, Canada
risks losing its competitive advantage in attracting highly-skilled international talent, says the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in a new report.
According to Immigration for a Competitive
Canada: Why Highly Skilled International Talent Is at Risk, the Express Entry system is not
aligned with business needs, while restrictions
to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
are hurting many high-value sectors across the
new system had a negative impact on the proeconomy.
In the global competition for highly skilled cessing of temporary foreign workers. Express
talent, the government sought to improve the Entry became preoccupied with putting Canadieconomic immigration system with the launch ans into jobs instead of bringing much needed
of the Express Entry application management highly skilled talent to Canada to contribute
system in January 2015. Yet, in an atmosphere of to job creation, according to the report. For all
hyper-political reaction over temporary foreign the good work of government officials, the proworkers, the government made policy choices grams are falling short of their goals and creating
that ultimately sacrificed the effectiveness of Ex- inefficiencies within departments.
“Government launched the Express Entry syspress Entry.
For the Canadian Chamber and its members tem a year ago to attract highly skilled talent, but
who employ highly skilled international talent, we must now face the facts: it simply isn’t workthe situation has become untenable and dismay- ing for employers. The original goal of giving
ing. The actual design of the system has had neg- employers more leverage was lost along the way,
ative effects across high-value growth sectors, and this report highlights the consequences.
from high tech to financial services to academic Canada is losing ground in attracting the talent
research. Policy approaches that were born of employers need,” said Perrin Beatty, president
suspicion, negativity and reprisal were applied and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Comto the Temporary Foreign Worker Program merce, in a release.
“We’ve identified a series of improvements
(TFWP) and then similarly and inappropriately
that can rapidly be put in place. We call upon the
applied to Express Entry.
TimFamCounselling_Layout
19/01/2016
Page 1 to act before conditions worsen.”
government
All the resources that were1 dedicated
to 10:40
the AM
The report reveals that current policies undercut high-value growth sectors, from high tech to
financial services to academic research. The previous government’s changes to the Temporary
Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program have also hurt many
sectors. As a result, Canada has invited far fewer
highly skilled individuals to work here on a temporary basis. There has been a 40 percent drop
in higher-skilled work permit holders between
2013 and 2014 and a 45 percent drop in positive labour market impact assessments (LMIA)
which are required for work permits since June
2014.
Chief among the missteps was the de facto
requirement that a job offer be validated with a
positive LMIA in order to achieve any certainty
or predictability as to whether or when a foreign
national will be permitted to apply for permanent residency.
Not only is the LMIA a test of whether there
are Canadians available to fill a position, but the
compliance, enforcement and penalty regime
for employers with LMIAs is daunting and overbearing.
The “Canada first” strategy for immigration
has been subsumed by the “Canadians first” policy of the TFWP. The concept of attracting “the
best and the brightest” is missing in action as the
competitive model of Express Entry is currently
undermined by the protectionist policy embodied in the LMIA tool.
This report explores the experiences of em-
ployers who are attempting to bring in highly
skilled international talent. It reveals that the
employer’s role in selecting the most qualified
and skilled talent, and thereby sending signals
on labour market demand, has been thwarted.
Immigrants’ economic outcomes will suffer if
they do not arrive with job offers. The impacts
of the roadblocks and delays that have resulted
from the changes within the past two years are
accompanied by suggestions for improvements
in the short-term.
The new government can simply and effectively adjust the system to reinstate the demanddriven competitive focus that employers bring to
immigrant selection. This involves taking a step
back and reclaiming the opportunity for a truly
competitive and effective immigrant selection
model. It can adjust instructions and regulations
underpinning Express Entry and also address
key issues affecting high-skilled talent in the
TFWP and the IMP as candidates for Express
Entry.
“Highly-skilled workers don’t take opportunities away from Canadians, they help us create
them,” said Beatty. “Canada depends on talented
immigrants to boost our innovation performance, which is currently lagging behind many
other developed countries. We can’t afford not to
have the best process in place. As this report emphasizes, changes are necessary. We are an optimistic and welcoming country. Let’s not let bad
policies stand in the way of talented people coming here to contribute to our economic growth.”
Helping people
is what we’re all about.
CENTRE DE COUNSELLING FAMILIAL DE TIMMINS
TIMMINS FAMILY COUNSELLING CENTRE
60 Wilson Avenue, Suite 310
Timmins, ON P4N 2S7
705-267-7333
Helping Businesses Succeed
Aider les entreprises à réussir
www.timminsfamilycounselling.com
Individual, Couple and
Family Counselling Services Available
Contact us to learn how we can help you reach your business goals.
• Must be 12 years old or older
• No referral needed
• Funding may be available
Communiquez avec nous pour découvrir de quelles façons nous
pouvons vous aider à atteindre vos objectifs d’affaires.
705-360-2657
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
The Business Enterprise Centre is a member of
northeastbec.com
Le Centre des entreprises est membre du
inside business
FEBRUARY 2016 - 9
New member profiles
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
(705) 561-0848
Organizations and Non-Profits
[www.cbcf.org]
Our Vision:
Creating a future without breast cancer.
Our Mission:
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is Canada’s
leading community-driven breast cancer charity
dedicated to funding relevant and innovative research and supporting and advocating for the breast
cancer community
Our Values:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is committed
to advancing its vision and undertaking its work
with:
Passion
We are passionate about the work we do and the
role we play in advocating for the breast cancer
community. Our dedication to the cause inspires
us to work effectively and continuously evolve to
achieve the greatest impact.
Integrity
We are ethical, accountable and transparent in the
work we do. We are continually striving to ensure
that donors and the public can remain confident
that their dollars are used wisely in carrying out our
vision.
Respect
We promote trust, collaboration and open communication to help create a positive community that
maximizes the potential of all individuals. We strive
to create an environment where problem solving
and feedback are encouraged and valued.
Leadership
We are committed to serving as a trusted leader in
the breast cancer community. As a resource in the
areas of breast health and breast cancer, our positions will always be informed, evidence-based and
forward-thinking.
Community
We recognize the invaluable contribution of our
volunteers; whose dedication, support and commitment makes our work possible. Founded
by a group of dedicated volunteers, we remain
community-driven to this day.
Impact
We fund research and undertake initiatives that
have the greatest impact and benefit for the breast
cancer community. We are dedicated to leading the
way in support of our vision of creating a future
without breast cancer.
Published by:
Timmins Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 985, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 7H6
(705) 360-1900
Fax: (705) 360-1193
www.timminschamber.on.ca
CMA Engineering Inc.
(705)360-5525
Engineering and Architecture
[www.cmaeng.com]
CMA engineering Inc. has been incorporated since
1986 and has accomplished a number of projects in
the manufacturing end of the forest products and
mining industry, including (but not limited to) the
conceptual design, engineering (mechanical, civil,
structural and eElectrical), PLC/HMI programming, arc flash studies, equipment procurement,
project management, construction management
and start-up assistance of board plants (OSB,
particleboard and MDF), sawmills, plywood mills,
underground mines, concentrators, smelters and
other specialty services.
CMA engineering Inc. also offers a wide range of
management consulting services for medium-size
businesses and large corporations. CMA has done a
number of feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses,
business planning, budget preparation and personnel training. All our professional services are offered
in both French and English.
Cochrane Temiskaming Children’s Treatment
Centre
(705) 264-4700
Organizations and Non-Profits
[www.ctctc.org]
The Cochrane Temiskaming Children’s Treatment
Centre offers a variety of services and programs to
children with physical, motor and perceptual-based
difficulties.
DJB Align Boring Customs Limited
(705) 269-4340
Manufacturing and Equipment Repair
Our services include align boring, custom welding
and bucket repair. We offer on-site welding for
residential, commercial and industrial clients.
DMovers Construction & Trucking
(705) 363-7709
Trucking and Freight
At DMovers Construction & Trucking, we pride
ourselves with the quality, fast and efficient service
we provide to our customers.
DMovers Construction & Trucking is equipped
to transport your mobile office trailer or modular
buildings to any remote location. We specialize in
hauling, setting up, and any modification needed for
your mobile homes, office trailers, dries, camps, or
any modular buildings.
For your construction needs, we offer a wide range
of carpentry services for commercial and residential.
Our focus is to provide quality workmanship,
Managing Editor: Keitha Robson
Email: krobson@timminschamber.on.ca
Editor: Nick Stewart
Email: policy@timminschamber.on.ca
Advertising Opportunities: Carmen Swartz
Email: info@timminschamber.on.ca
Inside Business is an information package provided to members of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce and buinesses at large. The
positions expressed in by-lined columns are the opinion of the subject editor and do not reflect the position of the Timmins Chmber of
Commerce unless specifically stated. The Timmins Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for statements or claims made by
advertisers. “Inside Business” is published 6 times per year by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Issues are published quarterly. Closing
date is the second Friday of the previous month. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.
whether large or small, that is completed on schedule and on budget.
Construction services include but are not limited to:
Bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, cabinetry, trim repair and installation, deck construction,
door installation and repair, drywall repair and
installation, windows repair and installation, and
general building maintenance.
For a free quote, please contact us today.
Done Right Roofing
(705) 269-7663
General Contractors
We provide the following services: re-roof, new
roof, roof repairs, roof inspections, seamless eavestroughs, soffit and fascia, siding, windows, doors,
blown insulation, chimney removal, skylights and
general interior renovations. We offer a five-year
written warranty on re-roof and new roof workmanship.
Functional Kinnection - Occupational and
Rehabilitation Solutions
(705) 360-1160
Physiotherapy, Chiropody and Chiropractic Care
Provider of registered kinesiologist services, specializing in occupational rehabilitation solutions.
Services include:
1. Occupational Rehabilitation Assessments:
-Functional capacity evaluation (trained and
certified in the Matheson System)
-Physical demands analysis
-Ergonomic assessment
-Post-offer employment testing
2. Therapeutic Exercise / Physical Conditioning
Services (exercise rehabilitation, fitness):
-Assessment
-Exercise prescription and progression
-Supervised, individual sessions
3. Education Services (upon request):
-Individual or group education (various topics
including: exercise and chronic disease management, ergonomics, safe manual materials handling)
Humanagement
(705) 365-8389
Consultants
[www.humanagementsolutions.ca]
Humanagement is a consulting and professional development firm focused on helping businesses and
non-profits improve their bottom line by attending
to the human aspects of business management. We
offer highly customized team building, training,
resource management, technology solutions, and
coaching services.
Lady Nina
(705) 221-3731
Amusement and Entertainment
[www.psychicladynina.com]
A Spiritualist and Psychic helping you find the
answers to questions in your life.
Tarot card, crystal ball and palm readings. Also
available at my location: oils, crystals, incense and
candles.
Drop-ins are welcome; also available for corporate
events and parties!
Free parking.
Maid to Order Custom Cleaning Inc.
(705) 360-3960
Janitorial
[maidtoordertimmins.ca]
Maid to Order Custom Cleaning Incorporated is
a locally owned and operated janitorial cleaning
business that provides excellent service and quality
results for its clientele. Maid to Order has been
established in Timmins since 1989.
Northec Construction Inc.
(705) 531-3370
Mining Contractors and Suppliers
[www.northec.ca]
Northec Construction Inc. (a division of EBC Inc.)
is a construction company operating in the mining
field (tailing transportation, excavating, backfilling,
blasting, etc).
Organo Gold
(705) 267-2942
Drink Services and Supply
[homebizpro.myorganogold.com]
A global marketing and coffee distribution company
based in Timmins. We assist and train home-based
entrepreneurs in establishing their own healthy,
gourmet coffee business in the trillion-dollar global
health and wellness industry utilizing both traditional direct sales and online marketing methods.
We have a 25-year track record of success and have
helped train over 40,000 people around the world.
The Working Class
(705) 267-8225
Restaurants
[http://www.facebook.com/theworkingclassbar]
A refreshing breath to our city’s culture, The Working Class is an intimate venue/billiards hall focusing
on live entertainment. Available for private rentals,
The Working Class offers services for staff parties,
birthdays, anniversaries and much more. Please
visit us at 180 Second Ave in downtown Timmins.
Timelined Consulting Inc.
(705) 222-8463
Consultants
[www.timelined.ca]
At Timelined Consulting Inc. we specialize in the
seamless implementation of change using worldrenowned process improvement, change management and project management best practices to
make your ideas a reality. We fully recognize the
value of collaboratively working with our clients
to combine your subject matter expertise with our
experience in the application of best practices to
make any change or new program deployment a
true success. At our first meeting, we always look at
understanding your vision or success, as this is how
we measure our success.
Timmins Festival and Events Committee
Organizations and Non-Profits
[www.timminsfestivals.com] Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC)
is a non-profit organization aimed at consistently
bringing quality, relevant and big-name musical
entertainment to Timmins. Our goal is to increase
the quality of life in our city by developing a highquality entertainment scene. We plan on hosting a
number of events and concerts throughout the year,
and topping it off with a large outdoor festival each
summer headlined by today’s best artists.
Timmins Festival and Events’ main goal is to successfully plan, organize, and implement musical
events and one large festival yearly. The committee
will help develop and foster community spirit in the
Timmins area and give a platform to local talent.
Tree Bandit
(705) 262-0375
Yard Care
[https://www.facebook.com/Tree-Bandit-135422609843179]
Tree transplantation, dangerous tree removal, snow
plow/removal.
10 -FEBRUARY 2016
inside business
Air Canada soaring on
wings of change
Air Canada’s Kevin Howlett, Senior VP of Regional Markets, updated Timmins Chamber members on the
company’s strategy for transformation and growth on Nov. 26, 2015 at the Porcupine Dante Club. From left to
right: Kurt Bigeau, President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce, as well as Air Canada staff, including Kevin
Howlett; Garbel Laforest, Manager (Timmins); Eric Bordeleau, Director Regional Markets; and Fitti Lourenco,
Director Federal Government Affairs and Ontario.
Timmins’ future looks
bright, says Mayor
The City of Timmins’ business community has much to look forward to in the coming months and years,
said Mayor Steve Black during his first Mayor’s State of the City Address, held at the Days Inn this fall as
part of Small Business Week. Mayor Black (seen here with former Timmins Mayor Vic Power) touched on
such positive developments such as the completion of the core services review, a mining gap analysis, and
Calabrian Corporation’s plans to build a sulphur dioxide production facility.
inside business
FEBRUARY 2016 - 11
A night for Wine, Women Celebrating Francophone
and Shopping
business contributions
More than 90 women came out to the Porcupine Dante Club on Nov. 18, 2015 to enjoy the Timmins Chamber’s annual Wine, Women and Shopping event. With dinner and networking, the evening stood as part of
the Chamber’s Women in Business series, and allowed participants to have an exclusive look at and shop for
danteclub_Sept2015_Layout 1 28/09/2015 3:10 PM Page 1
products offered by more than 15 local vendors.
To help celebrate the countless contributions that Francophones have made to Timmins’ business community, the Timmins Chamber commemorated the 400-year anniversary of Francophones in the province
by permanently erecting the Franco-Ontarian flag on its grounds this fall. The Chamber was the second
location to add the flag in celebration, following Timmins City Hall.
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for all
of our latest news and
employment opportunities.
1.800.461.5934
levert.ca
FEBRUARY 2016 - 12
inside business
Recognizing Timmins’
best boss
Georges Quirion and Bill Belanger of J.L. Richards & Associates were named the 2015 winners of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s Best Boss contest, earning them a plaque and a $250 Tim Hortons gift card for
the workplace. The winner was selected at random from various nominations by employees across Timmins.
From left to right: Carmen Swartz, Manager of Member Services at the Timmins Chamber of Commerce; Bill
Belanger; and Linda Venneri, franchise owner of Tim Hortons.
Celebrating great
customer service
Donna Mongeon of Paul Ayotte Insurance Brokers was named the 2015 winner of the Timmins Chamber’s
Customer Service Week contest, earning her a certificate and $100 cash, sponsored by Hampton Inn by Hilton
Timmins. The winner was selected at random from local nominations. From left to right: Dan Ayotte, Paul
Ayotte Insurance Brokers; Donna Mongeon; Liz O’Neill, Hampton Inn by Hilton Timmins; John Crescenzi,
Hampton Inn by Hilton Timmins.
Chamber members come Lake Shore Gold digging
together at quarterly meeting
for success
Marc Lapalme of the Timmins Snowmobile Club chats with Timmins Chamber President Kurt Bigeau following the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Meeting and Holiday Social on Dec. 10. Held at the Working
Class, the event allowed members to hear an update on the Chamber’s activities over the previous months; it
also featured a presentation by the Timmins Festival and Events Committee, which highlighted their efforts to
launch a summer music festival in 2016.
The outlook for Lake Shore Gold’s future is positive, said President and CEO Tony Makuch (middle right) at a
Timmins Chamber Inside Their Business luncheon on Nov. 1. Hosted at the Porcupine Dante Club, the event
saw Makuch outline the potential at Lake Shore’s Timmins West and Bell Creek operations. He later posed with
students from Collège Boréal, alongside 2015-16 Timmins Chamber President, Kurt Bigeau (middle left).