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Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Comerce May 12 edition Inside this Issue . . . . .
1. Chamber Recognized For Next Generation Leadership
2. Standing Up For Business
3. Networking Breakfast Series - The Honourable Bob Rae - May 25, 2006
4. Let’s Talk Exports: 2006 Global Export Forecast - May 31, 2006
5. Women´s Leadership Committee - "Where Are the Women In Politics?" - June 2, 2006
6. LEAD Professional Development Day - June 7, 2006
7. Southwestern Ontario Industrial Show - June 7-8, 2006
8. Business After 5 - Glen Ridge Golf Course- June 13, 2006
9. Chamber After 5 - regional business tradeshow - September 19, 2006
10. Member Advertisement: Metafore
1. Chamber Recognized For Next Generation Leadership
The Chamber was honoured to be the recipient of the Chair’s Award at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Dinner this past weekend in Hamilton. The Chamber received the award for its Chamber Young Professionals program. This program welcomes post-secondary students and other young professionals to the Chamber and orients them to the basics of networking.
2. Standing Up For Business
Last weekend the Chamber attended the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting in Hamilton. As part of the weekend’s events, Chair-Elect Rosemary Smith participated in the policy debates and voted on behalf of the Chamber on a wide variety of issues including Finance and Taxation, Borders and Transportation Infrastructure, Health, Education and Energy. The resolutions that were carried forward will help set the Ontario Chamber’s policy agenda for the next three years.
Click here to review the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Policy Resolutions Book.
3. Networking Breakfast Series - The Honourable Bob Rae - May 25, 2006
Town and Gown: The Next Generation with the Hon. Bob Rae; Former Ontario Premier, Laurier Chancellor and Partner, Goodmans LLP
Hon. Bob Rae will discuss the importance of the business community’s support in working with post secondary institutions in our region to develop a strong workforce.
To register visit our website at www.greaterkwchamber.com or call Megan Harris at 749-6045.
This event is proudly sponsored by:
RIM
Union Gas
The Walter Fedy Partnership
RBC
Borden Ladner Gervais
Date / Time: Thursday, May 25, 2006
7:30a.m.-9:00a.m.
Location: Delta Kitchener Waterloo - Ballroom
Chamber Members:
Future Members:
Flex Pass (8 passes for the price of 7)
$25.00
$35.00
$175.00
4. Let’s Talk Exports: 2006 Global Export Forecast - May 31, 2006
EDC`s 2006 Global Export Forecast offers an in-depth analysis of the world economy by sector and by country, drawing out the implications for Canada`s economy, exports, interest rates, and the dollar.
Join Stephen Poloz, Sr. Vice President, Chief Economist, EDC, for a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities for your business in 2006-2007.
To register visit our website at www.greaterkwchamber.com or call Megan Harris at 749-6045.
Date / Time: Monday, May 31, 2006
11:45a.m. - 2:00p.m.
Location: Bingemans, Embassy Room, Kitchener
Chamber Members:
Future Members:
Table of 8:
$35.00
$60.00
$280.00
5. Women´s Leadership Committee - "Where Are the Women In Politics?" - June 2, 2006
Join our expert panel to learn why women have hesitated to get involved in politics at every level of government. Hear how a life in politics has changed the lives of these very successful women and learn what it takes, and how you can become more involved.
Our panel:
Karen Redman, MP, Kitchener Centre
Elizabeth Witmer, MPP, Kitchener Waterloo
Jane Mitchell, Regional Councillor
To register visit our website at www.greaterkwchamber.com or call Megan Harris at 749-6045.
Date / Time: Friday, June 2, 2006
11:30a.m.- 1:00p.m.
Location: Delta Kitchener Waterloo
Chamber Member:
Future Member:
$35.00
$50.00
6. LEAD Professional Development Day - June 7, 2006
Women´s Leadership Committee Presents L*E*A*D* (Leadership, Education, Awareness, Development) Professional Development Day!
Both Men and Women are invited to take part!
Join us for a day of exhilarating and invigorating LEADERSHIP Development!
Get out of the office and into the beautiful and natural environment at Innersee Initiatives!
Enhance your leadership skills and learn how your team works best together! Everyone has their strengths to contribute and through group problem-solving activities and physical activities, you will use collective knowledge, experience and new ideas to develop creative solutions and learn to try anything - even things that look impossible at first!
New this year: Register your team of both men and women! Register as an individual and choose to participate in a co-ed or same sex group!
For more information contact Megan Harris at 519-749-6045 or mharris@greaterkwchamber.com
Date / Time: Wednesday, June 7, 2006 (Rain date June 14th)
8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m.
Location: Innersee Initiatives, Macton (transportation provided from Conestoga Mall)
Member Team of 6:
Individual Member:
Future Member Team of 6:
Individual Future Member:
$800.00
$140.00
$1195.00
$199.00
7. Southwestern Ontario Industrial Show - June 7-8, 2006
1) SOIS Kick-off Breakfast:
“The Waterloo Way: The Evolution of Manufacturing”
June 7, 7:30 - 9:00 am
John Tennant, CEO, Canada´s Technology Triangle Inc. will provide an overview of the strength of manufacturing in Waterloo region. Participants will learn how the region´s economy has adapted to change in the global environment.
2) Town Hall Luncheon: "Processes, Partners and Predictions"
June 7, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
A panel discussion including: Terry Reidel, President, Kuntz Electroplating Inc.;
Ted Witzel, President, Onward Manufacturing Company Ltd.; Paul Knafelc, President, Community Benchmarks; moderated by Fred Kuntz, Group Publisher, Grand River Valley Newspapers. Get insights from inside the minds of two leading manufacturers and a regional economist as they provide their perspective on the challenges and opportunities of manufacturing today. Our panelists will highlight process improvements and partnerships they have developed and predictions for the future of manufacturing in Southwestern Ontario.
3) Keynote Breakfast:
"Lean On Me: Supplying Canada´s Leading Automotive Producers"
June 8, 7:30 - 9:00 am
Learn the success story behind a company´s journey to become a leading provider of Canada´s foremost automotive producers. Avoid production fluctuations by harnessing the best practices shared by Robert Temple, Plant Manager, Trim Masters Inc.
For general inquiries, and to register, please contact Jason Kipfer at (519) 749-6044 or by email at jkipfer@greaterkwchamber.com
8. Business After 5 - Glen Ridge Golf Course- June 13, 2006
Get into the Swing of Things and celebrate Chamber Golf Month in June!
Meet potential new customers at the June Business After 5 hosted at Glen Ridge Golf Course (located at Bingemans). As always, enjoy complementary hors d´oeuvres and refreshments, and enter for your chance to win one of the many door prizes.
To book a booth and to learn more about this event, please contact Tania Russell at 749-6032 or visit the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce website at www.greaterkwchamber.com.
Don´t forget to mark your calendars for these upcoming BA5 events:
July: Rogers - hosted at Theatre & Company; Kitchener
August: EV Marketing & Event Services;
September: Chamber After 5 regional business tradeshow; Bingemans; Kitchener
NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED for BA5, just pay at the door.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 13, 2006
5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Location: 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener **Rain location is Funworx (at Bingemans)
Chamber Members:
Future Members:
$5.00
$25.00
9. Chamber After 5 - regional business tradeshow - September 19, 2006
Don’t be left out!
Registration forms are now being accepted for the Chamber After 5 regional business tradeshow at Bingemans on September 19, 2006. Don´t miss your opportunity to participate in one of the areas largest business networking events!
This annual event showcases member companies from Cambridge, Guelph and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber’s and attracts over 1200 visitors! Over 200 member companies will have their products and services on display and delicious food from 11 different restaurants will be available!
Click here to register and to learn more! For more information, please contact Tania Russell at (519) 749-6032.
Date / Time: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
4:00p.m.- 8:00p.m.
Location: Bingemans Ballroom and Marshall Hall; Kitchener
Member:
$300.00 (plus GST)
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Steelworkers ratify first agreement with CIBC
SUDBURY, ON - On May 12 United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Friday that 66 workers at five CIBC branches in Sudbury now have a first contract with the bank following Thursday's ratification of the agreement reached earlier that day.
The agreement includes wage increases of 47 cents an hour to $1.65 an
hour over the life of the contract, which will expire Nov. 30, 2007.
Other features include: a grievance procedure with the right to
arbitration over performance issues; bereavement leave up to five days if it
means going out of town to a funeral; paid union leave; seniority rights for
vacations, job postings, layoffs and recalls; temporary job assignments; and
training in technological change.
USW Staff Representative Jim Kmit said there is still a lot of work to do
to repair long-standing wage discrepancies.
"This agreement represents a good first step towards making the bank a
better place to work," said Fraser. "The union looks forward to working with
the bank to address issues that are important to our members."
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New poll finds 62% of Canadians don't share the Harper government's approach to crime reduction
OTTAWA - A new poll commissioned by the 340,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) indicates that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is out of sync with the views of a strong majority of Canadians on the best approach to lowering the country's crime rate.
By a wide margin, Canadians say the best way to reduce crime is to attack
its root causes through better education, social programs and job training. A
total of 62% of respondents say focusing on the social and economic problems
that breed crime is a better approach than building more prisons and hiring
more police and judges (23%). In Quebec, 68% of respondents agree this is the
best approach to lowering the crime rate (vs. 17%).
The NUPGE-sponsored national poll comes as MPs prepare to debate new
legislative measures introduced by the Harper Conservatives to impose
mandatory minimum jail sentences for certain crimes and to eliminate
conditional sentences for a long list of crimes.
The government has acknowledged that more prisons will be required as the
number of inmates rise in response to the new anti-crime program. The
government has also committed $161 million in new spending to hire 1,000 new
RCMP officers and federal prosecutors.
"Contrary to the government's approach, more prisons, police and
prosecutors are not the solutions most Canadians prefer," says James Clancy,
NUPGE national president. "The majority of Canadians simply don't share the
Harper government's lock-em-up mentality."
"The Conservative plan would be more in tune with Canadians' views if it
focused more on crime prevention coupled with more investment in staffing
levels, training, and programs in provincial jails and communities," says
Clancy.
Method:
The national poll was conducted by Vector Research + Development Inc.
from April 20-25, 2006. The margin of error for the poll is +/-4.3 percentage
points, in 19 cases out of 20 (or 95% of all samples).
About NUPGE:
NUPGE is Canada's second largest union, with 340,000 members providing public services in communities across Canada, including criminal justice, health care, child care, education and more.
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CGA-Canada Initiates Legal Action against the Canadian Public Accountability Board
OTTAWA - On May 9, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) filed an Application for Judicial Review with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to address longstanding concerns regarding the structure and processes of the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB).
"CPAB - the body set up by governments and securities regulators to
oversee the auditing of reporting issuers in Canada - is fundamentally
flawed," said Dany Girard, FCGA, Chair of CGA-Canada's Board of Directors.
"Because of CPAB's close relationship to the profession it oversees,
CGA-Canada believes that CPAB is unable to make independent decisions and
lacks the procedural safeguards necessary to protect against institutional
bias."
"Until recently, we believed that CPAB would effect the changes in its
structure and processes to begin addressing concerns that we and others have
expressed since its creation in 2002. We have been patient. But recent actions
clearly demonstrate that CPAB does not have the public interest at the centre
of its preoccupations," said Girard.
The decision to challenge the work and composition of CPAB comes after
months of discussion and ongoing consultation with CPAB in regards to
CGA-Canada's independence standard. As a result of corporate malfeasance,
accounting organizations across the world developed a new type of standard --
independence standards - to address the public's concerns that accounting
firms be independent in both appearance and fact, and that they be able to
conduct engagements and provide an audit opinion free from client influence or
other conflicts of interest.
Despite ongoing collaboration with CPAB and CPAB's acknowledgement that
the CGA independence standard is equivalent to the one CPAB has already
recognized, CPAB has deferred its approval of the CGA independence standard
and has not given effect to the required rule change.
"By virtue of legislation, CGA-Canada has the responsibility to set
standards for its members," explained Girard. "Our provincial and territorial
affiliates have the obligation to enforce standards. Our members are required
to adhere to those professional standards. This is a matter of public
interest. We would be shying away from our professional responsibilities by
simply adopting other standards. CPAB actions have in effect interfered with
our professional obligation to our members and the public."
<<
The legal action undertaken by CGA-Canada seeks to have the Court rule
that:
- CPAB is a public body and its composition must be representative of all
accounting organizations who are affected by its decision-making;
- CPAB must discharge its mandate in accordance with the principles of
natural justice and fairness;
- The decision to defer a rule change proposed to recognize the CGA
independence standard is unreasonable because it discriminates against
CGAs and is made in bad faith for reasons that are not in the public
interest.
Ever since the creation of CPAB in 2002, CGA-Canada has maintained that in
order to fulfill its mandate, the oversight body requires:
- A fully transparent process for deliberations and decisions;
- Procedural safeguards to ensure an arms-length relationship between the
CPAB board and the accounting/auditing profession itself;
- Broad representation on the CPAB board;
- Broadly-based funding; and
- Legislative accountability.
"Canadian governments believe that it is in the best interests of the
public to have multiple accounting designations in the marketplace. They have
adopted legislation to enact this. Therefore, the accounting profession in
Canada exists as a multi-jurisdictional landscape. CGAs have worked
collaboratively with CPAB since it was formed in 2002. Despite this, CPAB has
failed to recognize the jurisdiction of all accounting bodies to undertake
professional standard setting as set out by Canadian legislation. We would be
failing in our responsibility to the public if we don't act," concluded
Girard.
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The Canadian Institute announces the 4th Annual Government Relations Summit
Ottawa A new minority government and the first regime change in 12 years means an entirely different set of rules, players, and a dramatically altered landscape for government Relations Professionals. On June 20 & 21, 2006, don’t miss the 4th Annual Government Relations Summit in Ottawa at the Westin hotel.
Getting your GR message to the right person, at the right time, has
never been so critical - or so challenging. This program is a unique
opportunity to listen to industry leaders and help you fully
understand all of the changes that you need to be aware of while
providing new ideas and fresh approaches to industry standards.
Conference Title: 4th annual Government relations Summit
Date: June 20 21, 2006
Location: Westin Hotel Ottawa 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa Marriott
Expert panels, case studies and lively, focused discussions will help
you acquire the most up-to-date information you need in order to
succeed in today’s ultra competitive market. Industry leaders will
share their expertise and help you fully understand all of the
changes that you need to be aware of while providing new ideas and
fresh approaches to industry standards.
Registrations are now being accepted at 1-877-927-7936, or online at www.CanadianInstitute.com.
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Tire Industry Group Introduces Leadership Kit to Kick Off " Be Tire Smart Week " May 14 - 21, 2006
Mississauga - The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) announces a comprehensive Leadership Kit for tire retailers, automobile dealers, after market automotive stores, ecology action and environmental groups just in time for Be Tire Smart Week May 14 - 21, 2006.
The RAC reports that 70% of Canadians are driving with at least one tire mis-inflated and 53% of drivers say they measure their vehicle's tire pressure when the tires "looked low". "You simply cannot tell a tire is under-inflated, just by looking at it - you must check it with a good quality tire gauge", said Glenn Maidment, President of the Association.
"The Leadership Kit is stuffed with great ideas, tips and tools to help organize tire clinics and special events, to promote proper tire care", said Gilles Paquette, Manager of Communications for RAC. The kit includes a tire tread wear indicator, myth busting brochures, posters, a tire gauge and a host of useful tips to help industry leaders educate the motoring public. The elements of the Leadership Kit are available on-line by visiting www.betiresmart.ca.
In the kit you will also find an example of a great successful tire safety clinic held by Natural Resources Canada. Whether you are a small business or large corporation this kit can help you instill responsible positive behavior in your workplace or the community. It is aimed at increasing Canadians' understanding of the cost savings, safety and environmental benefits of proper tire inflation.
"In 2005, over 1,200 tire retailers nationwide participated in Be Tire Smart Week, and the goal is for continued strong support this year," said Mr. Paquette. Tire manufacturers, retailers, vehicle manufacturers, their dealers and environmental organizations support the program by promoting Be Tire Smart Week with various promotional materials such as giving away tire gauges, holding customer appreciation events and tire safety clinics to educate drivers about the safety and environmental benefits of proper tire inflation.
"If tires were properly maintained, over the typical seven-year life of a vehicle, Canadians could save approximately $850-$1000 in reduced fuel consumption and tire replacement costs. As well, fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions would be released into the atmosphere," said Glenn Maidment.
The Rubber Association of Canada, founded in 1920, is the national trade association for Canadian rubber manufacturers and distributors of rubber goods.
To download the Leadership Kit, visit www.betiresmart.ca
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Steelworkers' protest against steelmaker Gerdau to focus on slave labour, environmental abuses
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann said that today's early morning protest, (Wed, May 10 9-10) at Gerdau- Ameristeel's annual meeting will focus on Gerdau's long-established record of renegade behaviour wherever the company operates.
Worker representatives from Brazilian-owned Gerdau facilities in Canada,
the US, Chile and Brazil will attend the protest outside 150 King Street West
on Wednesday morning, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., where they hope to raise
awareness among shareholders attending the meeting. Several USW members will
also attend the shareholders' meeting.
"This company has a shameful record of poisoning the environment in
communities where its facilities are located," said Neumann, "and an even more
poisonous record of human rights and environmental abuses in Brazil."
Over a recent two-year period (2003-2004) Gerdau facilities in eight
locations released more than 793 tons - over a million and a half pounds - of
toxic chemicals into the environment, including more than 67 tons of lead.
"One of the most disturbing aspects of Gerdau's way of doing business is
its support for slave labour," said Neumann. "Gerdau was among companies in
Brazil that were forced to sign a letter of agreement pledging not to use
slave labour in the production of charcoal for pig iron operations. But pig
iron from Margusa, a subsidiary of Gerdau in Northeast Brazil, was imported to
supply the company's US mills during a period of high scrap prices in 2004.
"Brazil's slave labour in the production of charcoal is a shocking
disgrace in a modern, developed country," said Neumann. "The men who live and
work at the plants receive no salaries, sleep in huts, eat like animals, have
no medical assistance available and, in many cases, are guarded by gunmen
authorized to kill anyone who tries to escape."
Also a focus of the protest will be the serious consequences of Gerdau's
strategy of negotiating belligerently with unions to drive down living
standards at its plants on three continents.
"The most disastrous example is the company's illegal attempt to impose
non-negotiated working conditions on workers in Beaumont, Texas," said
Neumann. "The lockout of its employees there resulted in losses to the company
of $14-million. Shareholders in Canada need to know why."
Currently, collective agreements are open at seven Gerdau Ameristeel
locations. Another five contracts will come due over the next year, including
those at mills in Whitby, ON and Selkirk, MB.
So far, said Neumann, company proposals put forward in three current sets
of negotiations in the US demand concessions, concessions that Gerdau is
illegally trying to impose on workers at the Texas facility.
"Those concessions include multi-year wage freezes, two-tier wages,
pension reductions, cuts in retiree health care, forced overtime and cuts in
overtime pay, vacation cutbacks and more. It is not a recipe for labour peace,
let alone improvements in productivity."
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Ontario's Ontario Livestock Farmers Applaud Federal Government's Budget Commitment
GUELPH, ON - Ontario's livestock farmers applaud Prime Minister Harper's government for its financial commitment to agriculture, delivered in last week's federal budget. The Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA), Ontario Cattle Feeders' Association (OCFA), Ontario Pork (OP), Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA), and the Ontario Veal Association (OVA) want to ensure that farmers are aware of and appreciate the financial contribution which the federal government has just made to Ontario's livestock farmers in the federal budget.
On Tuesday May 2nd, The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance,
announced an additional $1 billion in "new" money for agriculture. The
Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, had already
initiated discussions with the provinces to overhaul the Canadian Agricultural
Income Stabilization (CAIS) program.
"Prime Minister Harper and the federal government should be applauded and
recognized for moving so quickly," says OCA President, Ian McKillop. "The
province's beef farmers are pleased that the government is retroactively
changing the inventory valuation used in the CAIS program." Curtis Royal, OCFA
President also agrees that "this is exactly the kind of approach we have been
asking for."
The Budget included commitments to agriculture in the following areas:
- providing more responsive income stabilization
- creating new and innovative support for farm family incomes
- enhancing disaster assistance and separating it from income
stabilization; and
- investing in future opportunities in the sectors, such as: biomass
science; support for a biofuels strategy; and new opportunities for
agriculture through value-added products
"At a time when Stephen Harper's government has so many 'spending
priorities', an investment in rural Canada is a very wise move for this new
Cabinet," comments John Hemsted, Chair of OSMA.
"We look forward to working with both the federal and the provincial
governments in their efforts to support and sustain integrated and vital
agriculture industries. This budget is a great first step," adds Judy Dirksen,
OVA Chair.
Livestock farmers have been pleasantly surprised by the government's
readiness to listen and respond in such a short period of time.
"The signal that this government is sending to farmers is that it is
ready to help and willing to listen," says Curtiss Littlejohn, Chair of
Ontario Pork. "Ontario's 35,000 livestock farmers wish to thank Ministers
Strahl and Flaherty, and indeed all of those federal and provincial members of
parliament who recognize the importance of supporting agriculture."
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Merger/takeover drama backdrop for bargaining with Inco Ltd. - Steelworkers
TORONTO and SUDBURY - Leaders of the United Steelworkers said Monday that, regardless of the unfolding story of merger and control of Inco or Falconbridge, the most important job for the union is to conclude a strong collective agreement with Inco in Sudbury and Port Colborne, Ontario, by the time the current contracts expire on May 31.
"Our bargaining committee has been working hard toward that goal," said
Ontario/Atlantic Director and Lead Negotiator Wayne Fraser. "With new
developments on the way, Inco is expanding in the Sudbury basin. The future
looks good for Inco and we are determined to negotiate an even stronger
contract, one that will ensure that our members continue to prosper in return
for their hard work.
"Steelworker agreements have always led the way in the nickel sector in
this country and we'll continue to lead the way "
With today's emergence of an attempt by Teck Cominco Ltd. to buy Inco,
Fraser said the union's position has remained constant since Inco announced
its intention to buy Falconbridge last year.
"In early December of last year we conditionally endorsed the merger of
Inco and Falconbridge because it is better for the Sudbury community than the
alternatives. We backed this merger because it means greater long-term
security for nickel mining workers in this region. We backed it because it
will mean much greater Steelworkers power in bargaining with the 'new Inco'.
And we backed it because it is the first step in keeping Xstrata out."
The United Steelworkers already represents 8,500 workers in 15 Inco and
Falconbridge bargaining units across Canada, as well as 20,000 retirees.
"A merged Inco and Falconbridge will mean even more power for our union
to do a great job for our members" said John Fera, President of the
Steelworkers' Local 6500 in Sudbury.
"The United Steelworkers also knows Teck Cominco very well," said Fraser.
"We represent more than 3,300 Teck Cominco workers in Canada. If Teck
ultimately buys Inco, we would still have real power in that mining chain."
said Fraser.
Fraser said the only potential player that the union opposes absolutely
is Xstrata PLC, which has yet to come forward.
"Xstrata and its largest shareholder Glencore International share a
history of union-busting and disregard for the damage they do to communities,"
he said. "Some years ago in the US we had to fight Glencore when it forced an
ugly 20-month lockout of our members at an aluminum refinery in Ravenswood,
West Virginia. We don't think Xstrata would be good for Falconbridge workers
or for Sudbury."
"Inco has new mines waiting to be developed while Falconbridge's Sudbury
area reserves are more limited," added Fera. "Inco's larger ore reserves offer
increased job security and more secure retirements for Falconbridge workers.
And Inco's larger infrastructure can also offer a chance for the members to
bid, transfer or post to operations closer to their homes.
"Inco is a better option than Xstrata for all sorts of reasons - that's
been our position since day one in this drama."
"We are closely monitoring the Teck offer" said Fraser, "In the end, what
matters are the interests of our members, their families, our retirees and our
communities and that is what we will be defending."
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Nova Scotia NDP Recognizes Labour Independence
TORONTO - At its 29th convention, held at Acadia University this weekend, the Nova Scotia NDP adopted a resolution recognizing that at times democratic decisions by unions will be in conflict with the NDP objectives.
The Nova Scotia NDP resolution parallels wording in an April CAW Council resolution that facilitated withdrawal of the CAW from the NDP. A clause in the CAW resolution reads, "Urge the federal party and provincial and territorial party organizations to . . . amend NDP constitutions to accept and respect that labour leaders and others will act in accordance with the democratic decisions made by their unions or organizations."
The Ontario arm of the party expelled CAW president Buzz Hargrove for carrying out the federal election strategy adopted by 900 workplace leaders at the CAW Council meeting in December.
The CAW's federal election strategy called on CAW members to stop a Stephen Harper majority government by supporting the candidate in their riding who had the best chance to defeat the Conservative candidate.
"The Nova Scotia resolution is a first step in the process of change that is needed in the NDP," said CAW president Buzz Hargrove. "The NDP must respect that for labour leaders, the needs of our members and decisions made by our union must come first."
The Nova Scotia NDP resolution includes the following key points: "That the Nova Scotia NDP recognizes that each affiliated labour organization exercises its own best judgement through their own internal democratic process to advance the interests of its members in public affairs as well as in collective bargaining, social justice, political action and other responsibilities - without interference from the NDP.
That this Convention urges Party representatives and affiliated labour organizations to continue the relationship of mutual respect, good communication and cooperation on our shared goal of a better life for working families in Nova Scotia, based on the legitimate independent roles of both the Party and its affiliated organizations.
That the Nova Scotia NDP recognizes and accepts that labour leadership who are also NDP members may, in carrying out the democratically decided positions of their membership, at times be in conflict with NDP objectives and strategic direction."
The CAW Council is the parliament of the 265,000 member CAW. CAW Council meets three times a year. Delegates to CAW Council meetings are elected by their co-workers.
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Federal budget zeroes in on making conservation land donations easier
Capital gains tax on donations of ecologically-sensitive lands and gifts of securities to
conservation charities removed out right
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man. - The recently-announced Government of Canada budget plan to remove the capital gains tax on donations of ecologically-sensitive lands to Canadian conservation charities is great news for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
“The lifting of the capital gains tax on land gifts to organizations such as ours is a welcome and
positive move by the government that will ensure that those people who want to leave a natural
legacy for their children, grandchildren and other Canadians are now more easily able to do so,”
said Gord Edwards, DUC’s executive vice-president. “With more than 70 per cent of wetlands in
the settled areas of Canada having been lost, you can imagine our enthusiasm for this
announcement as it will allow private landowners to dedicate their land to conservation causes
without incurring more costs.”
Edwards also hailed the budget’s removal of the capital gains tax for donations of publicly-listed
securities to public charities as a move that will provide valuable support to non-profit
organizations. Both capital gains tax changes, according to Edwards, did not just occur without
some valuable legwork.
“Over the years, through our government relations office in Ottawa and our membership in the
Green Budget Coalition, DUC has been involved in a number of discussions that brought
forward the challenges that the existing system contained for landowners or donors that just
wanted to make Canada better by keeping our lands natural,” said Edwards. “These
announcements are confirmation of that collaborative effort to make the entire process more
attractive to those in position to help. The government should be congratulated for including the
removal of these taxes as part of the budget.”
DUC is a national, private, non-profit organization committed to wetland habitat conservation.
Since 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing
wetlands and their associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit
other wildlife and people.
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AUCC welcomes budget measures for universities and research
Research investments are an important step toward meeting the government’s commitment to promote a more competitive, more productive Canadian economy
OTTAWA -- The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada welcomes the measures in the federal budget targeted at postsecondary education and university research, as well as the new government’s recognition of the importance of research to increasing Canada’s productivity and Canadians’ standard of living.
“We are pleased with the budget’s support for university research, as well as the government’s recognition of the important role that research plays for Canadians,” said AUCC president Claire Morris.
“These increases in research funding underline the government’s commitment to promote a more competitive, more productive Canadian economy.”
In addition to increased funding for the three federal research granting agencies and for the Canada Foundation for Innovation, a critical investment for universities is the $40 million towards indirect costs, which will help cover the additional expenses borne by universities as a result of research activities.
The increased investment in Budget 2006 will raise the average reimbursement rate to about 27 per cent of the direct costs of research - an important step in the right direction.
“Given the fierce global race for top-flight research talent, Canada must position itself to compete with the best in the world,” said AUCC board chair Bonnie Patterson, president of Trent University. “We look forward to working with the minister of industry, who will develop in collaboration with the minister of finance a science and technology strategy for Canada.”
AUCC also welcomes the budget’s confirmation that the government will allocate $1 billion through a third-party trust to help the provinces and territories provide high quality postsecondary education through investments in university and college infrastructure and equipment.
“There is no doubt that the long-term success of Canada’s economy depends on high-quality postsecondary institutions and the people and ideas they produce,” added Ms. Morris.
AUCC also welcomes a number of other budget measures related to higher education, including:
expanded eligibility for Canada Student Loans,
a new textbook tax credit,
a tax exemption for all scholarship and bursary income,
initial funding to establish an agency for assessment and recognition of foreign credentials,
a capital gains tax exemption for donations of publicly listed securities to registered charities. |
Ontario Still Seeking Fairness From Federal Government
Harper's First Budget "Leaves More Questions Than Answers," Bountrogianni Says
TORONTO - The federal government has presented a budget that raises more questions than answers in meeting Ontario's priorities and addressing the fiscal imbalance, says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
"The federal government has recognized the fiscal imbalance for the first
time, but it missed the opportunity to act on the fiscal imbalance today. We
will continue to make our case to the federal government for fair treatment
for Ontarians," Bountrogianni said.
While the federal government made investments in transit, Ontario is
disappointed that there was no specific mention of funding for GTA rapid
transit projects. A number of other important areas, such as manufacturing and
forestry, lack specific answers for Ontarians.
"This is the beginning of a process, not the end," Bountrogianni said.
"We look forward to moving ahead from here in building a more productive
working relationship with Ottawa."
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Federal budget spells bad news for federal public services
TORONTO - The Harper government's first federal budget provides more questions than answers about its impact on services to Canadians, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
In its pre-budget submission, PSAC had argued that demands for public
services are growing as the population ages and as more and more people locate
to larger cities and communities. The union urged the government to reconsider
premature tax cuts.
"In addition to tax cuts, particularly the many corporate tax cuts
contained in the budget, the Conservatives are slowing government spending at
a time when the economy is growing," says PSAC National President Nycole
Turmel. "They're also instituting another round of expenditure review, cutting
$1-billion in each of the next two fiscal years."
"If the government is planning to institute these cuts in addition to
Liberals' five-year expenditure reduction plan, there will be a serious impact
on the provision of federal public services in more areas," says Turmel.
Instead of taking advantage of the growing economy to spend tax dollars
investing in public infrastructure, child care and other programs Canadians
say they want, the Conservatives are unnecessarily speeding up the federal
debt reduction plan.
Working parents who had hoped that the Conservatives would reconsider
their position on the creation of new child care spaces will find little
relief in this budget. "The government is offering only $250 million to create
new spaces, fully $4.75 billion less than the previous government had
negotiated with the provinces," says Turmel.
If there is any good news for PSAC members in the budget, it is that the
government is planning on spending $101 million over the next two years to
eliminate work-alone posts and begin arming border officers. According to
Turmel, "these are health and safety issues that the union has been pursuing
through successive governments."
"Our pre-budget submission also urged the government to ensure adequate
staffing. Any cuts will have the opposite effect, increasing workloads and
negatively affecting the delivery of services and our members' health and
safety."
Turmel is putting the government on notice that the union expects to meet
with the President of the Treasury Board as soon as possible to find out more
about which programs will be affected by government cuts and what impact these
cuts will have on service to Canadians.
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REALTORS(R) Welcome Federal Tax Cuts
OTTAWA - Canada's real estate industry says the tax cuts outlined in the 2006 Federal Budget will ease the tax burden on individual Canadians, and reduce some costs associated with buying and owning a home.
"These tax cuts will put money back in the pockets of Canadian families
and will help increase consumer confidence about making big ticket purchases,
such as buying, furnishing, or renovating a home," says Pierre Beauchamp,
Chief Executive Officer of The Canadian Real Estate Association.
"The reduction in the GST rate to six per cent will reduce the costs
associated with buying or selling a home, and will help to make ownership more
affordable," adds Beauchamp. The GST is charged on professional services used
by consumers during the course of a housing transaction - including fees paid
to lawyers, appraisers, home inspectors and REALTORS(R). The tax is also
charged on moving costs, renovations, and the purchase of furniture and major
appliances.
The GST is also paid on new homes, and the amount new home buyers will
save with the reduction is significant. The one per cent reduction in the GST
rate will save a homeowner $1,280 on a new home priced at $200,000 when the
exisiting GST New Housing Rebate is also included.
The timing of the GST cut, scheduled for July 1, 2006, is not expected to
have any short-term impact on the housing market. "The GST cut will apply to
contracts signed after May 2nd," Pierre Beauchamp says, "and there is always a
cycle in a real estate transaction, and many buyers who sign after May 2nd
would not plan to take posession until after July 1st anyway."
The reduction will also benefit anyone who buys or leases commercial
property - particularly for businesses that do not collect the GST, as the tax
is a direct cost. The Chair of the National Commercial Council of The Canadian
Real Estate Association, Winnipeg REALTOR(R) Mark Thiessen, explains that,
"when the GST was introduced, it immediately added seven per cent to the costs
of occupancy of leased premises. It also added seven per cent to the purchase
price of commercial real estate, or value proportion thereof for commercial
and residential mixed properties."
"This is extremely important to note for businesses that do not collect
GST, as this is a direct cost," Thiessen adds.
The Federal Budget also announced $1.4 billion to address the needs for
affordable and native housing, two REALTOR(R) issues of high priority. These
issues are addressed in four different areas of the budget, including creation
of three third-party trusts. One trust fund provides $300 million for northern
housing; another trust provides another $300 million for off-reserve
aboriginal housing. The largest third-party trust fund will allocate
$800 million as a one-time investment for provinces and territories to use for
affordable housing.
Few details on how the fund will operate were included in Budget
documents, and REALTORS(R) will be watching the implementation of the fund
closely to see how the money will be used. "Building new housing units is one
solution to the affordable housing needs of Canadians, but is not necessarily
the best solution. Housing needs are complex, and there are a number of
factors that need to be considered, including the ways we can use existing
housing stock to meet the needs of most Canadians," says Beauchamp.
The Canadian Real Estate Association has encouraged the development of a
comprehensive national housing strategy for several years. REALTORS(R) have
recommended measures to address tax and regulatory barriers that impact the
affordability of housing, and have voiced their support for long-term, stable
funding for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. REALTORS(R)
have also supported the development of a national demonstration project to
help low-income earners access homeownership.
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2006 Federal Budget Will Help Ontario Municipalities
TORONTO - Ontario's municipal governments see promise in the Harper Government's first Budget. The Budget includes a commitment to work with provinces and territories over the next year on the fiscal imbalance. It also fulfills commitments to a total of $7.1 billion in federal funding support for municipal infrastructure over the next 4 years.
The Current fiscal imbalance undermines Ontario's competitiveness and
undermines the fiscal sustainability of Ontario's communities. The Budget
holds out a promise of dealing with the Federal-Provincial fiscal gap through
further discussion over the next year. Any advances for Ontario would allow
the Government of Ontario to meet its commitment to upload provincial health
and social services costs from municipalities and property tax payers.
"Municipal Governments in Ontario welcome the Prime Minister's commitment
to addressing the fiscal imbalance in this country, " said AMO President Roger
Anderson. "However, Ontario's property tax payers cannot afford to wait
another year to see progress in the $3 billion gap between municipalities and
the Province.
Today's federal Budget also recognizes an important role for the
Government of Canada in helping municipalities deal with Canada's growing
municipal infrastructure deficit. It commits to implementing promised federal
infrastructure funding including an additional $351.5 million funding for
public transit capital in Ontario and $312.3 million for affordable housing in
Ontario in the form of trust funds.
"This Budget demonstrates that municipal infrastructure is a
responsibility shared by all three orders of government," said Anderson. "It
also demonstrates that municipal infrastructure is a critical component of the
nation's economic well being."
As predicted, the Budget withdraws federal support for 11,000 child care
spaces in Ontario, undermining the success of Ontario's Best Start Program.
AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's
445 municipal governments. AMO supports and enhances strong and effective
municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government
as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.
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Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada say No child care in today's Budget
OTTAWA - The Federal Budget contains nothing for child care today and no plan for tomorrow, says the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (CCAAC).
Families that can't find child care now are going to find the search
harder. Some children may lose the early learning and child care they have and
parents will find paying for child care just as difficult.
"This government doesn't understand the benefits of early learning and
child care or how to develop it," charged the CCAAC's co-chair Debra Mayer of
Winnipeg. "An allowance to parents is not an early learning program for
children."
In canceling the child care agreements with the provinces, the Harper
government took $3.6-billion away from Canadian communities, Mayer said. This
funding was to expand early learning and child care options for over
100,000 families; improve access, particularly for low income and rural
families and for children with special needs; and enhance intervention
services for children at-risk. It was particular vicious of this government to
single out aboriginal children for a $25-million cut.
"The Harper allowance can't begin to replace what children lost in this
Budget," says Jody Dallaire, the CCAAC's New Brunswick representative. "This
government has failed children, but it has also denied parents the option to
participate in the workforce knowing their children are safe and thriving. It
has denied Canadians a solution to a shrinking workforce which is threatening
the health of our economy."
The Association finds it ironic that a government that has made
accountability a priority would cut mechanisms to provide accountability for
early learning and child care. "The government can try to erase public
dialogue by attacking research and information sharing," charged the CCAAC's
executive director Monica Lysack. "However, there is no denying the vast
majority of Canadians believe a national child care system is vital for
Canada."
Lysack predicts that child care will continue to dog the Harper Tories.
"The opposition parties, most provincial premiers, but more importantly,
parents of young children recognize early learning and child care is essential
for a healthy productive society. They will continue to remind the government
of this. "
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Budget a 'patchwork foundation' to Harper's aboriginal agenda
NIPISSING FIRST NATION - First Nations had been expecting some key financial deliverables arising from the November First Ministers' Meeting including financial commitments to address the elimination of poverty, aboriginal health care, drinking water quality and substandard infrastructure, and housing.
"This budget is a far cry from what was committed by the First
Ministers," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. "Once again, we've been left
out in the cold. Like the proverbial poor person looking in through a frosted
window watching somebody having a real nice dinner in a fancy restaurant."
"Addressing poverty and improving the living conditions of First Nations
people is arguably the most pressing social issue in Canada today," said
Beaucage. "Unfortunately, the government is laying only a patchwork foundation
to Stephen Harper's aboriginal agenda."
"This budget will mean First Nations will continue to be marginalized and
subject to third world poverty," he said.
Beaucage expressed disappointment in the $450 million "new approach" plan
to improve education outcomes, socio-economic conditions for aboriginal women,
children and families and water supply and housing on-reserve.
Beaucage was particularly critical with the lack of any fundamental
investment for on-reserve housing. First Nations have long maintained there is
a significant shortage of housing in First Nations' communities across Canada.
Needs estimates range from 35,000 to 85,000 new units.
In this budget, the government committed up to $300 million to address
immediate pressures in off-reserve Aboriginal housing.
"I acknowledge the government's attempt toward addressing housing
especially off-reserve and in urban centers. It may not be what was committed
by the First Ministers but it's a start," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage,
who holds the National Portfolio for Housing at the Assembly of First Nations
and the Ontario First Nations portfolio for Housing at the Chiefs of Ontario.
These funds, however, will be allocated to the Provinces
"The Government of Ontario must now begin working with our First Nations
governments in addressing off-reserve and urban housing," said Beaucage. The
Grand Council Chief looks forward to working with The Hon. David Ramsay,
Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and The Hon. John Gerretsen,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to implement a constructive approach
to implementing this new funding commitment for housing.
"Despite our disappointment, we are very willing to work with this
government and the Province of Ontario to address our immediate housing needs
and demonstrate that our vision of housing can work," he said
Despite this overall disappointment, Beaucage expressed pleasure in the
$2.2 billion commitment to address the legacy of residential schools.
"I am excited to see the Harper government honour the agreement to
compensate residential school survivors," said Beaucage. "Our elders have
fought their entire lives, have sacrificed so much in addressing this tragic
part of Canadian history. I now look forward to the establishment of a truth
and reconciliation commission that will educate all Canadians about
Residential Schools and how it has affected all First Nations society."
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its
secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First
Nations across Ontario. The UOI is the oldest political organization in
Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which
existed long before European contact.
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Heritage Canada Foundation disappointed in federal budget
OTTAWA - Canada's national voice for the conservation of historic places expressed disappointment that the federal government has yet again missed an opportunity to encourage investment in Canadian communities. For decades, the Heritage Canada Foundation and its partners in architecture, urban planning and municipal affairs have asked for changes to the federal tax system that would encourage Canadians to rehabilitate deteriorating heritage buildings.
According to Natalie Bull, executive director of the foundation, "For
several decades, many municipalities and provinces have offered tax-based
incentives - it is high time the federal government stepped up." She added,
"Rehabilitated historic buildings and districts are known to generate tourism
dollars and new jobs. Projects like the Distillery District in Toronto and the
Lougheed Building in Calgary enhance our communities instead of sending
building material to the landfill."
In the United States, approximately 1,000 buildings a year are
rehabilitated through its tax incentive program.
Canada is the only G8 country that doesn't have federal tax incentives to
encourage private sector investment in the country's historic buildings.
The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national, membership-based, non
profit organization with a mandate to promote the preservation of Canada's
historic buildings and places.
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United Steelworkers say First Conservative budget fails working families
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' National Director Ken Neumann said late Tuesday that Canadian working families have been collectively short- changed by the first Conservative budget
"Rolling back the first halting steps toward a national child care
program and replacing it with a few bucks for babysitting hurts more families
than it benefits," said Neumann. "$100 a month is half what the finance
minister paid for his new budget-day shoes. "It is especially galling when it
comes at a time of comfortable surpluses that should be used to build a solid,
supportive public policy, not a quick payout and tax breaks."
Neumann said the budget also does nothing to address the crisis in
Canada's manufacturing sector, which has lost more than 300,000 jobs since
August 2004.
"These losses are largely due to the high Canadian dollar, soaring energy
prices and the total absence of a strategic response from the government.
"The $400-million supposedly earmarked for encouraging forest industry
competitiveness and fighting the mountain pine beetle is a drop in the bucket
to an industry that is already in crisis. In fact it is not new money and was
long ago committed by the Liberal government in a previous budget projection."
Neumann also slammed Finance Minister Jim Flaherty for not taking action
in the budget to improve protection for workers' pensions at a time when more
Canadians are concerned about the security of their retirement income.
"This budget does nothing to alleviate our collective uncertainty," he
said.
Neumann said it is not enough to benefit corporations through government
initiatives and tax breaks, without demanding corporate accountability.
"New laws are needed to ensure that companies making profits in Canada
also invest in Canada in such areas as plant and equipment, worker training,
environmental control and research and development.
"This budget whittles away at commitments to the environment and as such
is heading Canada in the wrong direction for the future."
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Canadian Federation of Students say Federal Budget Ignores Student Debt
OTTAWA - The Harper Government's first federal budget will do very little to provide relief for students and their families who are struggling with escalating fees for post-secondary education. Although the budget contains minor tax changes for students, it will not fundamentally improve access to post-secondary education according to the Canadian Federation of Students.
"Tinkering around the edges of the tax system is not going to increase
access to college and university," said George Soule, National Chairperson of
the Canadian Federation of Students. "This government should be restoring the
billions of dollars that were cut from post-secondary education transfers
during the past decade so that tuition fees can be reduced."
Financial barriers are choking off access to post-secondary education for
many Canadian families. Based on calculations from Statistics Canada's Youth
in Transition Survey, tens of thousands of high school graduates are denied
access to post-secondary education for financial reasons each year. Last
month, a Statistics Canada report titled How Students Fund Their
Post-Secondary Education confirmed that low- and modest-income families are
grossly underrepresented in universities.
The proposed tax changes for students include a $65 a month tax credit
for textbooks, and eliminating the taxation of scholarships. Currently,
scholarships are tax free up to $3,000.
"For many students the changes will have no impact," said Soule. "A lot
of students don't even earn enough taxable income to use all of their existing
tax credits."
The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student
organisation. It is composed of more than 80 university and college students'
unions, across all ten provinces with a combined membership of over one-half
million students.
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Canadian Distilled Spirits says Conservative Budget to Cost Manufacturing Jobs
TORONTO - The Canadian Distilled Spirits Industry predicts significant job losses across the country as a result of the punitive new federal alcohol excise rates proposed in today's federal budget. The first Conservative Party Canadian federal budget in over a decade proposes an increase of nearly 6% in excise duties applied to spirits while reducing comparable rates on wine produced from Canadian grapes and beer produced by smaller producers.
"On the same day that the Canadian dollar passed $0.90 USD for the first
time in 28 years, the Canadian Spirits Industry has been dealt a body blow by
the new Conservative budget", stated Mr. Jan Westcott, President & CEO of
Spirits Canada.
"Given the already exorbitant fiscal burden imposed on spirits in Canada,
escalating energy costs and a dollar that has appreciated by nearly 40%, this
is just the wrong time to impose higher taxes on primary manufacturers in this
country", explained Mr. Westcott.
The Canadian Spirits Industry annually exports over $500 million of
premium spirits, more than the combined value of Canadian wine and beer
exports. World-class Canadian Whisky brands are well appreciated by discerning
adult consumers around the globe.
The Spirits Industry is requesting Members of Parliament from all
political parties to defeat this egregious tax increase and save important
manufacturing jobs in Amherstburg Brampton, Calgary, Collingwood, Dorval,
Gimli, LaSalle, Lethbridge, Montreal, Valleyfield, and Windsor.
Spirits Canada is the national trade association representing the
interests of Canadian Distilled Spirits manufacturers at home and in over 140
export markets around the world. Member Companies include Bacardi Canada,
Black Velvet Distilling, Canadian Mist Distillers, Corby Distilleries, Diageo
Canada, Hiram Walker & Sons, Peter Mielzynski Agencies and Schenley
Distilleries. Combined, Spirits Canada Members represent over 80% of Canadian
Spirits production.
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Budget Sends Right Signals - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
OTTAWA - May 2, 2006 federal budget delivered the right message in key areas as the government made good on its promises to implement fiscal measures and expense management initiatives that are conducive to Canada's future economic well-being. In large part, Canadian business can endorse this budget, stated the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
"The government has heard our call and acknowledged the need to reduce
the tax burden of Canadian taxpayers and businesses alike, in order to make
Canada more competitive. The fiscal measures announced are good for the
economy, for working Canadians and for SME owners," declared Nancy Hughes
Anthony, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "We welcome
the tax initiatives introduced as they send the right signals to help improve
our competitiveness, although, in some cases, the Chamber would advocate for a
more aggressive approach and a shorter timeline," added Ms. Hughes Anthony.
The Canadian Chamber also reacted positively to the government's plan to
realign program priorities and better control program spending. "Spending
controls must not only be instituted, they must be appropriately monitored and
maintained in order to ensure accountability and protect our future
prosperity," commented Ms. Hughes Anthony.
In its analysis of the budget, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce pointed
out however that the government must remain fiscally prudent, in order to be
able to respond to any potential downturn of the economy and also to take
advantage of any opportunity to further pay down our national debt.
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Forest Industry Applauds Budget: "Measures will maintain the momentum", says President
OTTAWA - The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) today welcomed initiatives in today's Budget which included measures to improve the general investment climate in Canada as well as a strong commitment to addressing the specific challenges facing Canada's forest products sector.
"The industry is very encouraged by these measures which will help
stimulate and reward capital investment in Canada and are a welcome first step
in addressing the tax disadvantage that the Canadian forest products industry
currently faces against its international competitors," said Avrim Lazar,
President and CEO of FPAC. "These measures build on the momentum created
through the resolution to the long-standing softwood dispute."
The forest products industry is facing severe and sustained economic
pressure, fuelled by soft markets, aggressive global competition, and a high
Canadian dollar. This is particularly true for the pulp and paper sector.
"The commitment to addressing the specific challenges facing the sector
such as pine beetle as well as the measures to eliminate capital tax, the
corporate surtax and reduce the corporate tax rate to 19% are very clear
indications that the government understands the challenges presently facing
the industry and that it supports the industry and the over 300,000 Canadians
it directly employs in the hundreds of forest-dependent communities from
coast-to-coast," continued Lazar.
The industry looks forward to working with the Government to implement
its competitiveness commitment. One of the elements FPAC recommends is to
establish tax parity among natural resource sectors by implementing a 10%
refundable Investment Tax Credit for the forest products industry. Other
improvements to Canada's policy framework such as a more efficient regulatory
system, market development and branding of Canadian products, additional
incentives for renewable energy and investments in leading edge research and
development would also greatly contribute to the industry's competitive
position.
FPAC is the voice of Canada's wood, pulp and paper producers nationally
and internationally in government, trade and environmental affairs. Canada's
forest industry represents 3% of Canada's GDP and exports over $40 billion of
wood, pulp and paper annually. The industry is one of Canada's largest
employers, operating in hundreds of Canadian communities and providing almost
900,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.
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CME's say Budget good news for Canada's largest business sector
OTTAWA - It's not going to address the critical issue of competitiveness overnight, but Budget 2006 will provide some bottom-line help to Canadian manufacturers and exporters.
"This is encouraging -- a better budget for business than we have seen in
the last five years," said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of Canadian
Manufacturers & Exporters. "While it falls short of CME's standard for tax
competitiveness, it does include measures that will have a real benefit for
business."
Budget 2006 commits to keeping manufacturers' tax rates internationally
competitive, provides for new strategic investments in border security and
infrastructure, as well as opening the door to solidifying the issue of tax
competitiveness as a priority issue for the future. Other measures that will
assist business include increasing immigration settlement funding, the
establishment of the Canadian Agency for Assessment and Recognition of Foreign
Credentials and the creation of the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit.
"We weren't expecting a budget that would make competitiveness a
priority, so this is definitely a positive step forward," said Beatty.
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Federation of Canadian Municipalities say Budget delivers good news to Canada's cities and communities, says FCM President
OTTAWA - This is a statement released May 2 by Federation of Canadian Municipalities President, Guelph Councillor, Gloria Kovach following the tabling of the federal Budget.
"This Budget delivers good news for Canada's municipal sector and for all
Canadians. It lays out a blueprint for relations among all orders of
government that is both respectful of jurisdictions and pragmatic.
The promise to consult with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
before federal Budgets reflects this practical and pragmatic approach.
From our vantage point, this Budget lays out a roadmap for resolving one
of the most intractable issues in our communities: the chronic funding
imbalance. We therefore applaud the Government's reiteration of its
determination to tackle the fiscal imbalance.
Today, half of all tax dollars collected go to the federal government,
42 per cent go to provincial and territorial governments and with less than
eight per cent of revenues, municipal governments have to meet a growing list
of responsibilities. The recognition of the fiscal challenges faced by
municipalities holds the promise of a lasting solution. This is good news for
the municipal sector, and I look forward to working with the Prime Minister in
making this commitment a reality.
We also welcome continued funding for existing infrastructure programs.
These programs are crucial to maintaining our infrastructure and preventing
the $60-billion municipal infrastructure deficit from growing faster than it
is.
The undertaking to begin discussions with an eye to putting federal
funding on a long-term predictable track is also very good news. We look
forward to starting discussions with Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
minister Cannon--we think a long-term plan is the only way to actually erase
the infrastructure deficit.
The Budget also goes a long way toward addressing a number of other
municipal priorities.
We welcome the promised investments in affordable housing and in support
of safer streets. They put much needed money where it will help some of the
most vulnerable in our society.
The government has also responded to the concerns of the municipal sector
in providing much needed investments to support public transit. The capacity
building measures coupled with the transit tax credit should revitalize public
transit and contribute to a healthier environment and cleaner air."
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Association of Fundraising Professionals New Budget Will Increase Charitable Giving
Charities, Charitable Fundraisers Applaud Proposal
That Will Enhance Their Capacity to Provide Services
OTTAWA-- The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) today applauded the federal government's move to eliminate the capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities, a provision included in the 2006 budget.
The elimination of the capital gains tax for such gifts is expected to
increase giving by hundreds of millions and possibly billions of dollars
annually. AFP has championed this proposal for the past five years.
"This is a huge victory for Canada's charities," said Susan Mullin, CFRE,
director of development at the York University Foundation and chair of AFP's
Government Relations Committee. "This policy change will dramatically enhance
charitable giving in Canada. There are major donors across the country who
have been waiting for this type of incentive so they can make their gift. The
opportunities for charities to build their capacity and expand programs have
now multiplied with this provision."
Research and anecdotal evidence shows that people generally give because
they want to give. However, as the size of the gift increases, so does the
impact of tax incentives.
This fact was demonstrated in 1997 when the capital gains tax was lowered
by 50 percent. A subsequent study showed a marked increase in giving of
securities to many different kinds of organizations. Over a five-year period,
gifts of securities went from being a de minimis factor for most organizations
to accounting for, on average, 10 percent of a charity's receipted donations.
"AFP has made it a priority to educate Parliament about the importance of
the charitable sector, and this budget underscores the growing awareness of
the sector's impact on all of Canada," said Krista Thompson, executive
director of Covenant House in Vancouver, British Columbia. "The sector does
far more than just provide services. It educates the public about important
issues, brings people together to work on common causes and, of course, is a
large employer and economic contributor."
In 1999, Statistics Canada estimated that the economic contribution of the
sector was 6.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product -- greater than that of some
business sectors, including agriculture and vehicle manufacturing. According
to the recent Cornerstones of Community: Highlights of the National Survey of
Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations study, the nonprofit sector posted $112
billion in revenues in 2003 and employed more than 2 million people.
In its written comments to the Standing Committee on Finance, AFP also
called for the adoption of a government-sponsored day to recognize and
increase public awareness of philanthropy and charitable giving. A bill has
been introduced in the Senate that would declare Nov. 15 as National
Philanthropy Day, and AFP will continue to press to have this bill passed.
"The complete elimination of the capital gains tax for gifts of publicly
traded securities is a critical way to help ensure the vitality of the
voluntary sector," said Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE, President and CEO of AFP.
"I hope that the government will continue to assist the sector in the future.
It is a win-win proposition for everyone involved and affects the quality of
life of every Canadian."
A full copy of AFP's comments to the Standing Committee on Finance is
available by contacting Jason Lee, Director, Government Relations, at (800)
666-3863 or paffairsafpnet.org.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than
27,000 members in over 180 chapters throughout the world -- including 14
chapters and more than 2,500 members in Canada -- working to advance
philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification
programs. The Association fosters development and growth of fundraising
professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising
profession.
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CAUT says Harper budget charts wrong course for education
OTTAWA - Canada's universities and colleges will be worse off as a result of the first Harper budget.
"We're shocked that the Harper government has cut half a billion dollars
out of the post-secondary education funding committed by the previous
government," said Greg Allain, President of the Canadian Association of
University Teachers.
Allain also expressed concern that there was inadequate new funding for
university based research, and little help for students and families
struggling with the increased costs of post-secondary education.
"This budget means that Canada's three granting councils will have to
reduce their support for research and graduate fellowships at a time when
Canada's research capability is more important than ever," said Allain.
This is especially troubling in light of inevitable cuts to government
science, according to Allain.
"When you cut back on government science, you cut back on the only
source, outside of universities, of independent research that the public can
trust," he said.
"The Conservatives' fixation on tax cuts and their decision to slash
funding for childcare will also have a detrimental impact on the future of
education in Canada," said CAUT Executive Director James Turk.
"Every educator will agree that good childcare and early childhood
programs are the foundation of quality education. To promote cultural, social
and economic development we need to invest in early learning and a government
that doesn't do that is a government without a real commitment to education,"
said Turk.
CAUT is the national voice representing more than 55,000 academic staff
at over 100 universities and colleges across Canada.
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Federal Budget confirms commitment to public transit
TORONTO - The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is very pleased that today's budget confirms the federal government's commitment to meaningful and sustainable investment in public transit.
"The creation of a Public Transit Capital Trust is a welcomed
initiative," says CUTA President and CEO Michael Roschlau. "The further
strengthening of federal infrastructure investment programs included in the
budget will create the funding certainty needed to make long term decisions."
"CUTA asked that the government honour the transit funding provisions in
bill C-48 and C-66 providing $400 million in 2006-2007," says Roschlau. "We're
very encouraged that today's budget confirms that this crucial transit funding
will now flow, and that it will continue to flow in future years."
CUTA's recent national survey of Canadian transit systems reported a
$20.7 billion need for public transit's capital infrastructure needs for the
period 2006-2010.
"Today's increase in federal transit investment will go a long way to
meeting Canadians' demands," says CUTA Chair Robert Olivier.
"In addition, the government's tax credit for transit pass users is a
strong signal that the government is committed to promoting transit use," says
Olivier. "It rewards transit customers for making smart travel choices."
"CUTA looks forward to working with this government to meet the growing
transit needs of Canadians," concludes Roschlau. "A partnership with all
levels of government will ensure long term and sustainable funding for all
cities."
CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems,
suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related
organizations in Canada.
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Federal Budget short-changes Canadian Children
TORONTO - Educators, parents, and school trustees are disheartened to learn that the Federal Budget has scrapped the previous child care agreements made with provincial governments.
Failing to uphold the federal-provincial child care agreements, the Prime
Minister and his government have chosen to forego a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to give our children the kind of start that assures their
readiness to succeed in school and in life.
We have repeatedly urged the Prime Minister not to turn his back on the
agreements made with the people of Canada. These federal-provincial agreements
began to lay the foundation for a national child care system. They were not
about partisan politics but about meeting the needs of Canadian children and
their families.
Investing in our youngest children in the early years represents the most
far-reaching and responsible investment we can make in Canada's future.
Research suggests that as many as one-quarter of Canada's young children
may be developmentally vulnerable at school entry. Access to quality child
care and developmental programs and services, both those that include parents
and those that do not, can and do provide important benefits for Canadian
children.
The research is overwhelming, consistent and irrefutable. A child's
readiness to learn at the start of grade one is the single strongest predictor
of how well the child will do in every grade, whether they will graduate
successfully, what their earning potential will be, how positive their
contribution to society will be and even how healthy they will be. Every child
deserves the best possible start. The time to make that investment a reality
was in today's budget.
Rick Johnson
President
Ontario Public School Boards' Association
Emily Noble
President
Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario
Rhonda Kimberley-Young
President
Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation
Winston Carter
President
Canadian Teachers Federation
Brian Peat
President
The Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations
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Greater KW Chamber of Commerce reports Budget Focuses on Prosperity
Kitchener, ON The federal government held to its election priorities in the first Conservative
budget in more than a dozen years.
The Chamber was pleased to see many of their recommendations for tax reform implemented by
this government. The GST decrease of one percentage point, combined with the personal and
corporate income tax rates will help attract the investment needed to ensure Canada’s continued
prosperity. “We were pleased to see the threshold increased for which small businesses are
taxed” said Todd Letts, Chamber President and CEO. “The commitment to strengthened
borders and increased funding for public transit is also welcome”.
Increased funding to better recognize the credentials of internationally trained professionals and
trades people, and tax credits for apprentices are viewed very positively by the Chamber, which
has made work force development one of its strategic priorities.
The Chamber applauds the government’s commitment to sustainable program funding and to
reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 25% by 2014, both of which are recommendations that the
Chamber advocated for in its pre-budget submission. The Chamber has also urged the federal
government to take action on the fiscal imbalance, and was pleased to hear that the government
will be taking steps to make equalization more effective.
“This budget is very much in line with what the Chamber recommended to the federal
government earlier this year” said Letts. “The re-prioritization of spending, a debt reduction
plan and tax reductions are initiatives that will enhance Canada’s productivity, prosperity and
competitiveness”.
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Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre has a lot to celebrate
- a new partnership & a new home!
Guelph - The Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), and the grand opening of their new facility. Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre (GWBEC) is a private not-for-profit organization that assists start-up businesses. The mandate is to provide small and medium size enterprises and entrepreneurs with a one-stop source of business information and support service to facilitate the development, investment, growth and success rate of business in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and surrounding rural areas.
“It is a pleasure to partner with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation in offering
this opportunity to the youth of Guelph and Wellington County whom we look to for
new and innovative business development. CYBF invests in the future of our youth
and their endeavours and indeed the economic picture of our communities. When
thank them for their commitment”, says, Judi Riddolls, Guelph-Wellington Business
Enterprise Centre’s Executive Director.
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a charitable organization that
provides start-up mentoring, financing and business resources to young Canadians
aged 18-34, based on their character and strong ideas, not collateral, who desire
to start a new business. From trades, to retail, to high tech, CYBF supports
entrepreneurs in a variety of fields. CYBF is able to deliver their vital programs from
coast to coast through important community partnerships with organizations such as
the Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre.
“We are proud and excited to officially launch this partnership with The Guelph-
Wellington Business Enterprise Centre, which will permit young entrepreneurs from
this community to obtain start-up financing capital and mentoring, that will help create
employment opportunities for themselves and others in South Western Ontario”,
stated Terry Campbell, CYBF Vice President for Eastern Canada.
On May 5, 2006, The Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre and CYBF will
host a special event in celebration of their new partnership:
Date: Friday May 5, 2006
Time: 12 noon to 2pm inclusive. Public Open House 2pm to 4pm inclusive
Location: 42 Wyndham Street, North, Unit 401‘ðiÆ
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McGuinty must make good on child care promise with or without Harper, CUPE president says
TORONTO, - No matter what appears in Stephen Harper's first budget tomorrow, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty must make good on his promise to create 20,000 new child care spaces before the next provincial election, says Sid Ryan.
The CUPE Ontario president, representing more than 200,000 working women
and men - including about 5,000 child care workers - is calling on the premier
to publicly demand that Harper's budget include the multi-year funding of
$1.2 billion to build a high quality, accessible, affordable community-based
child care system.
"Even if Mr. Harper and his finance minister proceed with dismantling the
federal-provincial child care plan, there is no excuse for Dalton McGuinty to
abandon the child care promise in Ontario," Ryan said. "The province is in
good shape. He promised to expand child care and he should keep his promise."
Moving forward with child care expansion in Ontario is one good way to
keep the pressure on Harper's government to honour the federal-provincial
agreements, Ryan said. McGuinty must show leadership as the premier of
Canada's largest province.
"Ontario should be a trend-setter, not a follower," he said. "Dalton
McGuinty must not use Stephen Harper as an excuse for letting down working
families in this province."
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Day of Mourning an international day of reflection say Steelworkers
TORONTO - Following the deaths of 65 Mexican miners in February and the murder of two striking steelworkers by Mexican authorities last week, United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann said today that the April 28th Day of Mourning is also a day to reflect on all workers everywhere who are killed, injured or made sick as a result of their work.
"On April 20th, 800 Mexican police stormed a steel plant held by striking
workers," said Neumann. "Two steelworkers - Mario Castillo Zu and Hector
Alvarez - were shot and killed. A third worker was crushed and dozens were
injured."
Neumann said the USW has a campaign to pressure the Mexican ambassador to
Canada and the Mexican government to respect workers' rights, including the
right to a safe and healthy workplace.
"When the leader of the mineworkers union in Mexico demanded that
corporate and government officials be held accountable for negligence in the
February explosion that killed 65 coal miners, the Mexican government
responded by forcibly removing him from office," said Neumann.
"Both Mexico and Canada say they are democratic countries and partners in
NAFTA. That being the case, Canadian workers need to be increasingly
protective of their democratic rights as well as their safety in a world where
corporate interests override the interests of working people."
Neumann noted that in the forest industry in British Columbia alone last
year, 43 workers were killed on the job. Around the world, annual job-related
deaths are said to be in the range of 1.9 - 2.3 million.
"We like to think we have come a long way from the early days of the last
century," said Neumann. "The truth is technology and corporate bottom-line
thinking are just killing us in more and newer ways. It's why we must continue
to recognize April 28th as a global Day of Mourning."
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Softwood lumber 'framework' agreement has no legitimacy, say Steelworkers
TORONTO - With more than 55,000 members in the forest industry across Canada, leaders of the United Steelworkers (USW) say the hastily announced framework agreement with the United States on softwood lumber was made at the expense of and without consultation with workers and their communities.
"This deal affects communities across the country differently," said USW
National Director Ken Neumann. "It's a deal Stephen Harper has negotiated in
haste to prove to Canadians that he has a better relationship with the Bush
Administration than the Liberals. But what it amounts to is caving in and
accepting less than what international trade bodies have ruled we are entitled
to."
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