Call to Action:
BUY AMERICAN PROVISIONS
Dear Chamber Member:
As concerns over the management of the Canada-U.S. border and the "Buy American" provisions in the U.S. stimulus package continue to grow, I want to report on the Canadian Chamber's activities and suggest some steps we can take together to promote an open border. On Tuesday, Shirley-Ann George, Senior Vice-President, Policy, joined other business people in meeting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. The discussion included the need to ensure a secure border with predictable and short wait times, especially for trusted goods and people. They also talked about plans for next week's rollout of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
We will continue to work with the Canadian and U.S. governments and other associations to resist the thickening of the border. We are currently updating our February 2008 border report on which we partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and more than 40 other Canadian and U.S. associations. This new report will be released in July.
Another major concern for Canadian business is the "Buy American" provisions in the U.S. stimulus package. These damaging measures are contrary to the G20 commitment to not raise trade and investment barriers. They prevent Canadian companies from bidding on many state and municipal government projects in the United States, while driving up costs and limiting choices for American taxpayers. Here in Canada, we are seeing a disturbing number of retaliatory measures being considered. Both countries will be harmed by a downward spiral of new protectionist policies, especially considering the high percentage of products that have extensive content from the other country.
It’s important that we act now in two concrete ways:
We urge all chamber members to speak with suppliers, customers and associations on the U.S. side to restate that the “Buy American” provisions should not be aimed at Canada and that they should not be included in any new legislation. These types of measures will harm U.S. companies, U.S. employees and U.S. taxpayers.
Second, we ask that you urge your provincial or territorial and municipal governments to support action by the federal government to find a measure that provides immediate relief for Canadian businesses, such as a bilateral agreement that ensures projects with federal funding give access to both countries or mutual recognition through the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. For the longer term, we need governments at all levels in both countries to support a bilateral government procurement agreement.
For our part, the Canadian Chamber will write the federal, provincial and territorial governments jointly with other business organizations in support of this position. As always, it is very helpful to hear of the responses you receive. If you have questions, please contact Ryan Stein, Director of International and Transportation Policy at 1-800-661-2930, x250 or rstein@chamber.ca. He would be very pleased to supply any information you may require.
Sincerely,
Perrin Beatty
President and CEO
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Economic Policy Series
Canadian Energy: A Valuable Resource
The Canadian Chamber, through the generous support of its member ADP Canada, has developed its Economic Policy Series – a series of independent research reports covering key public policy issues facing Canada today, including the global economy, immigration, and climate change. The reports are designed not to recommend specific policy solutions, but to raise public understanding and help decision-makers make informed choices about the nation’s challenges.
Today, the Canadian Chamber has released its latest installment of the Economic Policy Series, entitled Canadian Energy: A Valuable Resource. This document is a lead-up to a comprehensive energy strategy to be released in the fall of 2009 and effectively sets out an overview of currently available energy sources in Canada and highlights the energy sector’s importance to the economy.
The Canadian Chamber’s reports are available on its website at www.chamber.ca
Questions regarding the Economic Policy Series can be directed to Tina Kremmidas, Chief Economist, at tkremmidas@chamber.ca
Hamilton making the news in Buffalo on WIVB.com
WILL THE COYOTES MOVE TO HAMILTON?
Read more about Jim Balsillie quest to bring the team to Hamilton.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/will_coyotes_move_to_hamilton_090518
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/push_for_nhl_hockey_in_hamilton_090519
Hot Topic Luncheon:
MEET THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE
Minister David Caplan will discuss the government’s commitment to health care in the changing economy. He will also highlight the government’s progress on two key health care priorities: reducing wait times and improving access to care.
Date/Time: Monday, June 8th (11:45 a.m.)
Cost: $45 per person inclusive
Location: The Waterfront Centre (555 Bay Street N., Hamilton)
To register, visit: www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca, or email p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca
The Hamilton Chamber visits
THE HAMILTON TATTOO
The Hamilton Chamber is proud to partner with the Hamilton Military Tattoo in hosting a family event.
Date/Time: Sunday, June 14th (11:00 am to 5:30 pm)
Cost: Adults $50, Children under 10 $30
Location: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (555 Bay St. N., Hamilton)
To reserve your spot, email p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca
For more information and/or to view the menu, click here
Don’t miss the
PRESIDENT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT
The President’s Golf Tournament is 80 per cent sold out. Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this event. Come out for a day of golf, food, prizes and a silent auction.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 16th (11:30 a.m.)
Cost: $185
Location: Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club (10 Woodley’s Lane, Dundas)
To register, get more information or learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here
The Hamilton Chamber Of Commerce presents
MEET THE POLITICIANS RECEPTION
All Chamber members and guests are invited to an informal reception to meet with area politicians. This casual meeting will allow you to mix and mingle with MP’s, MPP’s, Mayor Fred Eisenberger and members of Hamilton City Council. Don’t miss this great networking opportunity.
At this time, joining us will be: Mayor Fred Eisenberger, David Sweet, MP, Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP, Ted McMeekin, MPP, Paul Miller, MPP, Lloyd Ferguson, Dave Mitchell, Maria Pearson, and Russ Powers.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 23rd (5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Cost: $25.00 members; $35.00 non-member
Location: The Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay Street North
Parking is free
To register, visit: www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca, or email p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca
Business After Business presents:
BOSANAC HEATING & ELECTRIC LTD.
Electrical, Heating & Cooling Contractors. Service & installations since 1956.
♦ Meet and Mingle with Chamber Members and their guests
♦ Find out more about our host
♦ Bring LOTS of Business Cards
♦ Light Refreshments Served
♦ A great place to relax and do business
Date/Time: Thursday, June 25th, 2009 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Admission is free
Location: 50 Kenilworth Ave. N.
Parking Available
Small business success made easy
LEARN FROM STAPLES OUR EXPERTS
Staples® BizLaunch Seminars will help you to build a prosperous, healthy and enjoyable small business. Packed with valuable how-to-advice on marketing, management and money, our 90-minute free seminars are presented in STAPLES stores by Small Business Experts from BizLaunch.ca.
Join thousands of entrepreneurs across Canada who will be attending these informative, inspirational and fun seminars. Connect with them to build your network.
The upcoming Staples BizLaunch Seminars includes: Run A Successful Business --
Get your business working for you personally and professionally. Discover the secrets of successful time-management, goal-setting, motivation and work/life balance.
Date/Time: Thursday, June 4th (6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Location: Staples Business Depot, 1015 Golf Links Road, Ancaster, ON
To register for any free seminar, please visit http://www.bizlaunch.ca/stapleshomedepot
Hamilton to receive
DAVID CROMBIE AWARD
Hamilton will be receiving the David Crombie Award for The Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, an initiative that has been actively supported by the Chamber since inception.
The Canadian Urban Institute is proud to announce the winners of its 6th annual URBAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2009
Date/Time: Friday, June 5th (11:30 a.m. / Luncheon - 11:45 a.m.)
Location: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
For tickets and information call 416-365-0816 x249 or visit www.canurb.com/awards/ula
Chamber launches new Energy and Environment sub-committee
LEARN HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Inaugural meeting will take place in June. Contact Trevor Pettit for more information.
tpettit@libertyenergyresources.com
Ph: 905-523-1740
Give input on Hamilton's
OFFICIAL PLAN
The Economic Development and Planning Committee is holding three Public
meetings to consider draft policies and mapping for the new Urban Hamilton Official Plan for the lands shown on the map below.
The Official Plan is the long-term planning vision for the urban development of Hamilton over the next 20 years (until 2031).
Highlights of the Urban Official Plan:
- Provides a comprehensive approach to managing growth and land use change
- Increases sustainability
- Creates a strong and competitive economy
- Concentrates development within built up areas
- Protects natural open spaces and parks
- Provides for an integrated transportation network
As a result of the adoption of the proposed Urban Hamilton Official Plan, the existing Official Plans for the former Region of Hamilton-Wentworth, Towns of Ancaster, Dundas, and Flamborough, the Township of Glanbrook, and the Cities of Hamilton and Stoney Creek Official Plans will be repealed by amendments to these existing Official Plans (hereinafter referred to as the “existing Official Plans”).
Meeting dates are as follows:
Wednesday, June 10th @ 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, June 11th @ 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, June 16th @ 12:30 p.m. Location: Hamilton Convention Centre (1 Summers Lane, Hamilton)
For more information visit: www.hamilton.ca/newurbanop
Tourism Hamilton is here to help
EFFECTIVE MARKETING & BRANDING
OLG Tourism Breakfast Speakers Series will provide a cost-effective training session and networking opportunity for industry partners.
Thursday, June 18th (8:00a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
Cost: $25.00 per ticket (includes GST/PST, continental breakfast)
Location: LIUNA Station (360 James Street North, Hamilton)
The series will include a panellist discussion and door prizes. Each speaker will provide their insights on marketing and branding, offering helpful hints to our tourism partners.
Register at: https://hr.idssasp.com/home.aspx?XSHvr1xsjof5M1Ieqj3FQt3nPTFnZwICYz33g7DI0i-B3NxNhKGqfO*6fCw8GvTno2Fzho21OtXIlY2*Ykys6A
Come out to
THEATRE AQUARIUS VINE DINING
This strolling picnic featuring 20 VQA Wineries and 20 top local restaurants has been called one of five "great wine festivals" in North America (Natalie Maclean, epicurious.com http://epicurious.com and "the best of the local gourmet picnics" (Dan Kislenko, The Hamilton Spectator).
Sunday June 21st (1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Cost: $135 per person or $150 including transportation
Location: Vineland Estates Winery
(A tax receipt for the allowable amount will be issued)
Registration and Information: please call the box office at 905.522.PLAY or visit us in person at 190 King William Street to purchase your tickets.
BitNet.ca presents
MULTI-GENERATIONAL WORKPLACE SEMINAR
This presentation is designed to help build productivity and enhance performance through a better understanding of the issues that can arise in a multi-generational workplace. Understanding and responding appropriately to the demands that people of all ages in an organization face maximizes our ability to deal with co-workers, clients and other stakeholders of all ages. Learn to recognize the five generations in the workplace, what motivates them and more importantly, what drives them away to your competitors and other employers.
Keynote Speaker: Christine Delaney, Corporate Trainer and Executive Coach,
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 14th (Please register by Friday, July 10, 2009)
7:30 a.m. Registration, Networking & Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Meeting and Keynote Speaker
9:00 a.m. End of Meeting / Opportunity to Network
Cost: $15 for BitNet members, $25 for Non-members, $10 for Students
(Location: Burlington Arts Centre, Burlington ON
For more details and to register today, please go to http://www.bitnet.ca
2009 Ontario Tourism Summit
NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Registration for the 2009 Ontario Tourism Summit is now open. Nominations for the 2009 Ontario Tourism Awards are now being accepted.
For more information, visit: http://www.ontariotourismsummit.com
The 2009 conference theme “The Road Ahead” will focus on actionable strategies to move the industry forward.
Business experts include:
- Don Drummond, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, TD Bank Financial Group
- Peter Yesawich, Chairman and CEO, Ypartnership
- Christopher Rodrigues, Chair, VisitBritain
- Michele McKenzie, President and CEO, Canadian Tourism Commission
- Randy Williams, President and CEO, Tourism Industry
