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The Society of Management Accountants of Ontario names new Fellows (FCMA)
FCMAs: leading successful enterprises, enriching Ontario communities
TORONTO - On October 29, 2007 CMA Ontario, and its 20,000 members, is proud to announce twenty new Fellows of The Society of Management Accountants of Ontario (FCMA).
The FCMA designation is a prestigious honour awarded to Certified
Management Accountants (CMA) who, through their outstanding achievements,
bring distinction to the management accounting profession and serve as a role
model for others.
Experienced in the "Three Pillars" of the profession -- accounting,
management and strategic skills -- CMAs are strategic and financial management
professionals who contribute to the bottom line success of organizations by
understanding all areas of business.
CMA Ontario's new FCMAs represent the career diversity and opportunity open to management accountants:
Lina Bowden, FCMA, London Senior Vice President Highstreet Asset Management
David Clark, FCMA, Ajax Executive Vice President and CFO Veridian Corporation
Michael D. Cullen, FCMA, Ottawa Vice-President & CFO, Director, General Dynamics Canada General Dynamics Canada
Michael P. Eastman, FCMA, Vanier Executive Director Canadian Comprehensive Auditing Foundation (CCAF)
Lloyd W. Fleming, FCMA, Kingston District Vice President BMO Bank of Montreal
Ivan Fraser, FCMA, Wasaga Beach (Retired)
Andrew Gall, FCMA, Kitchener Vice President Corporate Services The Society of Management Accountants of Ontario
Laurie S. Hicks, FCMA, Toronto Vice President, Client Services Smart Systems for Health Agency
John Hsu, FCMA, Toronto Managing Director, Risk Management & Operations University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation
Christopher R. Huether, FCMA, Guelph Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Hammond Power Solutions, Inc.
Leonard Leeks, FCMA, Ottawa CFO/Director Finance Shepherds of Good Hope
Ruth Liebersbach, FCMA, Etobicoke CFO Andlauer Management Group
Amin Mawani, FCMA, Toronto Associate Professor Schulich School of Business, York University
Janet Pierce, FCMA, Mississauga Director of Decision Support Purolator Courier Ltd.
T.R. (Terry) Pringle, FCMA, Barrie President Champion Resources
Gary Spraakman, FCMA, Toronto Associate Professor, Management Accounting York University
Bruce Sutton, FCMA, Thunder Bay Chief Information Officer Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre & St. Joseph's Care Group
John Allan Thom, FCMA, Athens, ON (Retired)
Lawrence Tomlin, FCMA, Toronto Principal Tomlin Associates Inc.
Stephen M. Wood, FCMA, Brantford Partner LJS and Associates Consulting Inc.
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Grocery Innovations Canada delivers fresh ideas to $73.3 billion grocery industry Oct. 29 & 30 in Toronto Convenience rules grocery shelves
TORONTO - There's plenty of food for thought at the 8th annual Grocery Innovations Canada open Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th presented by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. The country's premier grocery trade show and conference offers insights into the changing consumer and the groceries they'll be buying, as well the $73.3 billion retail sales industry that feeds them.
More than 6,000 independent grocery retailers, national distributors and
industry executives are congregating on the Toronto Congress Centre to see and
sample thousands of new products, track trends and determine what deserves
shelf space.
Convenience products rule the aisles with more choices, more flavours,
and healthy, ingredients. Ready to serve, frozen and grab and go formats are
being seen in more foods and beverages that deliver healthful benefits as food
processors respond to a health conscious and aging population.
CFIG is launching Destination Canada and Access Ontario - a new grocery
retail strategy that's sure to pay dividends for independent grocers and small
local food processors. In support of the Buy Local/ Eat Local trend, delegates
can connect with quality, local area food producers and processors from across
the country. As well, the Government of Ontario's Pick Ontario Freshness
display hosts a variety of fresh, Ontario grown produce and local food
suppliers.
At the 3rd annual Best Canadian Bagger Contest store employees from
coast-to-coast compete to see who is the best bagger in the land, and go on to
represent Canada at the International Best Bagger Finals in Las Vegas.
GIC's Conference program hosts some of the best minds in the grocery
business. Monday's Breakfast includes remarks from Tim Penner, President,
Procter & Gamble and Bill McEwen, President, Sobeys. Later, the country's most
successful independent grocers, Frank Coleman of Coleman's Food Centre in
Newfoundland, Anthony Longo of Longo Bros. Fruit Markets in Toronto; and
Milford Sorenson of Thrify Foods, British Columbia offer insights into the
strategies that have enabled them to grow their grocery business into
multi-store empires. There will also be a luncheon in honour of significant
industry achievers, including entrepreneur Jim Pattison, who is being
presented with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers' Spirit of the
Independent Award.
On Tuesday, John F.T. Scott, President, Canadian Federation of
Independent Grocers hosts a panel discussion with top independent retailers:
Charlie Coppa of Highland Farms, Eric Bouchard from Sherbrook IGA, John
Radostits from Radco Group and Will Willemsen from Sunrype Farms.
GIC 2007 concludes with the announcement of the prestigious Canadian
Independent Grocer of the Year Awards during the 45th Annual Grocery
Distributors Dinner. The Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food will be making a statement and presenting major awards.
Grocery Innovations Canada 2007 is presented by the Canadian Federation
of Independent Grocers, a not-for-profit association representing 3,800
independent and franchised grocers across Canada.
Grocery Innovations Canada 2007 is open Monday, Oct. 29th and Tuesday,
Oct. 30th at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto. Trade show
hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Trade show registration is $45 on site.
Trade Only. For details visit:www.groceryinnovations.com
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Lack of clarity in governance is Canada's greatest security threat
OTTAWA - Canadian security experts believe that the greatest threat to national security and public safety is the lack of clear governance when responding to a threat, according to a Conference Board report.
"The greatest security threat is not natural disasters, terrorism,
cyber-attacks or pandemics. It is establishing direction and control when the
response to a disaster requires a wide range of public and private-sector
organizations," said Trefor Munn-Venn, Associate Director, National Security
and Public Safety. "If the relationships between these organizations fail, the
human suffering and property damage due to an emergency could be prolonged and
even exacerbated."
The report, A Resilient Canada: Governance for National Security and
Public Safety, is funded by the Conference Board's Centre for National
Security, which brings together senior executives from public and
private-sector organizations. As the owners of the vast majority of critical
infrastructure, the private sector has an increasingly important role to play
in preventing and responding to security threats.
The report's conclusions are based on research and interviews with
individuals who played key roles in the responses to eight disasters over the
past decade: the 1997 Red River flood, the 1998 ice storm in Eastern Canada,
the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the
outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Toronto in 2003, the 2003
blackout in Ontario and the north-eastern United States, the effects of
Hurricane Juan on Atlantic Canada in 2003, the 2005 London transit bombings,
and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Establishing an effective governance structure requires focus on six key
principles:
- Leadership and accountability
- Cooperation and coordination
- Mandate and resources
- Communications and transparency
- Fairness
- Continuous learning
Some threats-like the Red River flooding and hurricanes in New Orleans-
can be predicted. Other threats, such as the 9/11 attacks, are much more
difficult to anticipate. In all of these circumstances, the governance
principles provide the foundation for an effective response.
In the case of a predictable threat, the governance principles should be
used to formulate a response plan well in advance. Where incidents cannot be
easily anticipated, these principles enable organizations to rapidly establish
an effective response.
The opportunities for action include: recognizing governance problems in
Canada; taking a principle-based approach to prepare us for the unexpected;
establishing clear governance structures for high probability threats; and
practicing regularly, with both public and private-sector participants
involved in these training exercises.
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CAW and AFN Launch Joint Infrastructure Projects
TORONTO - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has teamed up with the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) to launch a series of infrastructure projects as part of the AFN's ongoing Make Poverty History campaign and a CAW commitment to social justice in Canada and abroad. Clean drinking water, increased accessibility to community services and safe places for women are key focuses of the projects.
"These are tangible projects that are going to make a real and lasting
difference in the lives of First Nations people and their communities," said
National Chief Phil Fontaine. "We are grateful to the CAW for showing
leadership and volunteering their time and skills in advancing social justice
in our communities."
CAW President Buzz Hargrove confirmed the union's long-term dedication to
ending First Nations poverty, an issue that has strong support amongst the
union's 265,000 members. "By funding these programs and having our skilled CAW
members working on these important projects really highlights the need for
direct action," said Hargrove. "The Canadian government must address the
terrible conditions that plague so many First Nations communities across the
country - there is no need for this to continue."
While the program will involve a number of sites across the country, the
first initiative will be the Native Canadian Centre in Toronto, where local
CAW members will build a children's play area, carry out kitchen repairs and
build a wheelchair ramp to expand accessibility to the centre's important
programs. This project will begin next week.
"It's so nice to see partnerships coming to our community centre to help
a non-profit organization, like our centre," said Larry Frost, Executive
Director of the Native Canadian Centre in Toronto.
Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Women's Centre will benefit from the
efforts of CAW members who will help create a safe and welcoming space to be
used as a much needed drop-in centre.
Next spring, CAW efforts will turn to Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
in the Yukon, where the union will help remediate water wells to eliminate the
risk of E.coli contamination in the community's drinking water.
"It goes to show that a union like the Canadian Auto Workers can step up
to the plate and help a community in crisis," said Chief Eddie Skookum of the
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. "This is not a government agency, but
it's another agency that can step up to the process."
The CAW is also looking at renovating a community centre for the Little
Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
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The Conference Board Names Gail Fosler President Fosler Takes on Expanded Role
USA - The Conference Board announced October 22, 2007 that, effective immediately, Gail D. Fosler has been named President of the 91-year-old global research and business membership organization.
Fosler, who has served The Conference Board in a number of capacities over the past 18 years, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Economist, will remain in charge of the organization's global operations in key European and Pan-Asian markets, including China. Until her successor is named, she will continue as Chief Economist, directing the highly-respected Economics Research Program of The Conference Board.
The appointment was announced by Jonathan Spector, President and CEO of The Conference Board. Under the new structure, Fosler will report to Spector in his role as Chief Executive Officer.
Fosler will extend her responsibilities to the full scope of The Conference Board's knowledge creation and will also lead the expansion and integration of the organization's global presence - including developing membership and content for U.S. members. The Conference Board currently has offices in New York, Brussels and Hong Kong.
Said Spector: “Since joining us 18 years ago, and in the short time I have been here, Gail has been an invaluable thought partner in setting the future direction of The Conference Board. Her focus on engaging the most senior executives around the world on substantive issues makes her extremely well qualified to help lead us forward as we try to take The Conference Board to the next level of performance.”
The Conference Board is in the process of increasing its investments in its research programs, and more seamlessly tying these programs together in a single global network. Today's organizational changes will help further these critical objectives.
Fosler came to The Conference Board after serving as Chief Economist and Deputy Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee. Widely-quoted by major media worldwide, her monthly newsletter is closely followed by global business leaders. The Wall Street Journal has twice named Fosler America's most accurate economic forecaster. The Journal also recently named her as one of two prominent economists who had the best record in predicting the inflation rate over the last three years. She was also awarded the prestigious Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecasting Award for accurately forecasting major economic trends over the last four years.
Under her direction, The Conference Board assumed the development and dissemination of the Leading Economic Indicators from the U.S. Department of Commerce, developed a broad-based program in productivity, labor force dynamics and innovation, and significantly broadened the global scope of its indicators. This past year, Fosler also founded The Conference Board China Center in Beijing.
Fosler is a director of Baxter International and Caterpillar Incorporated. She has served as a director of the Unisys Corporation, H.B. Fuller Company, and DBS Holdings (a Singapore company) and as a former trustee for John Hancock Mutual Funds. Fosler chairs the Board of Directors of the Deschner Corporation, a family-owned, hydraulic feed-control business in Santa Ana, California. She received her M.B.A. from New York University and her B.A. from the University of Southern California.
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Steelworkers ratify coast forest agreement
Close vote signals need for industry to listen to its workforce
BURNABY, BC - Members in five locals of the United Steelworkers (USW) have voted 51 per cent in favour of an agreement reached last week with Forest Industrial Relations (FIR).
The vote ends a 13-week strike by more than 6,000 workers employed by FIR
member companies and other smaller employers. The strike, which started July
21, continues against Interfor, TimberWest and Island Timberlands.
The ratified agreement provides a new process that must be followed
before alternate shifts can be implemented, as well as a breakthrough clause
providing severance pay for partial closures and major improvements in safety,
including contract language that assures the right to refuse unsafe or
hazardous work. The contract also requires forest companies to ensure that
transport is available for injured contractors and sub-contractors.
The three-year agreement also provides yearly wage increases of two per
cent, three per cent and two per cent, bringing the basic pay rate from $23.26
to $24.92 by the third year.
"This was a difficult set of negotiations and I am proud of the
solidarity of our members," said USW Wood Council Chair Bob Matters. "In the
current tough economic situation - a rising Canadian dollar, stagnant lumber
market, the Harper-Bush lumber deal, we not only kept up solidarity on our
picket lines but had support from Steelworkers and our allies across North
America. It is clear proof that solidarity and determination work."
USW Western Canada Director Steve Hunt said, "the narrow margin of
acceptance means BC's forestry workers remain concerned about the future.
Employers should take the time to listen to their employees."
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Moving Business Forward Conference to Feature
Lead for Google Canada Roger Skubowius
Guelph – As the founder of Google’s engineering office in Waterloo, Canada and the manager of mobile products, including mobile search and mobile Gmail, Roger Skubowius promises to be an exciting technology speaker. The second annual event will be held at Guelph’s River Run Centre on November 13, 2007. Roger will be speaking about his knowledge and experience as a leader in the fast-paced technology world.
Prior to Google, Roger was President of Reqwireless, a wireless web/e-mail company he founded in 2001. Reqwireless was acquired by Google in 2005. Earlier, he was a founder of Proxinet, a wireless company that is now part of Nokia.
“I am delighted to be speaking at the Moving Business Forward conference this year,” said Roger. “Technology is a constantly changing and growing field. It is with events like these professionals able to learn and polish their leadership skills. ”
Other speakers presenting at Moving Business Forward 2007 include:
Nicholas Boothman, author of How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less and How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less;
Harry Taylor, Senior Vice President for Home Depot Canada Inc.;
Linda Lundström, Linda Lundström Inc. Fashion Design and passionate activist; and
Lt-Gen. The Hon. Roméo Dallaire (Ret.), former head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda.
Moving Business Forward 2007 relies on the generosity of many corporate sponsors, including co-Presenting Sponsors The Co-operators and CTV. It will be a must-attend event for business owners and managers, business students, not-for-profit agencies and board members, human resource professionals and members of business groups and associations.
Donations will be made to charitable organizations in the names of the event’s volunteer speakers, and additional proceeds will be donated to the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s Millennium Scholarship Fund, supporting skilled trades development.
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The Consumers' Association of Canada calls on Bombardier president to apologize to consumers
OTTAWA - The Consumers' Association of Canada calls on Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.'s President and CEO, Jose Boisjoli, to apologize to Canadian Consumers for the shocking treatment his corporation has doled out to Canadians who want to purchase products in USA.
"Bombardier has gone to almost hysterical measurers to inhibit Canadians
from taking advantage of the 40% differential in price between what Bombardier
charges in Canada compared to the price for identical products on sale in USA"
said CAC President Bruce Cran. "While Bombardier is not alone in ripping off
cross-border shoppers, it is certainly leading the charge".
"During the past 70 years the Bombardier group has been the beneficiary
of many grants, loans and other assistances provided from taxes contributed by
the same Canadian Consumers the company is now working feverishly to rip off"
added Cran.
Apologize, Mr Boisjoli and take whatever action is needed to put things
right for your loyal Canadian customers
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Throne speech promises tax cuts and privatization says CUPE
TORONTO - Paul Moist, the national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, says, "Stephen Harper's throne speech is full of promises rather than programs and sounds more like an election campaign speech. It is more about winning votes than building strong communities for Canadians."
"Tax cuts mean service cuts and since coming to power, the Harper
government has made over $30 billion in tax cuts. Rather than promoting strong
public services - tools that work to prevent poverty - this prime minister
seems intent on dismantling and privatizing the network of public services
that build strong communities," says Moist.
"In addition, says Moist, "Canadians see through Harper's empty rhetoric
on climate change. They know this government has no real intention of tackling
the greenhouse gases being produced by Canada. He has reminded us that his
government will not meet the targets of the Kyoto Accord.
"Harper makes the false claim that he's given Canadians 'choice in child
care'. But his own government has recently admitted they were unsuccessful in
creating the 125,000 new child care spaces they campaigned on in the last
election," says Moist.
Says Moist, "Harper says his government plans to encourage
inter-provincial trade deals like TILMA and Atlantica. These schemes have been
designed by corporate Canada to lower labour and environmental standards,
under the guise of promoting 'economic prosperity'."
"Harper talks of helping seniors. Why not start with introducing a
universal Pharmacare program so our country's seniors can have access to the
drugs and medicine they need to stay healthy," says Moist.
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Throne Speech limits on federal spending would end child care dream
OTTAWA - Child care advocates will be closely monitoring Tuesday's Speech from the Throne to see if Stephen Harper allies with Gilles Duceppe to limit the federal spending power. The federal spending power is the only available tool the Government of Canada has to launch a pan-Canadian child care program.
"This constitutional provision is the mechanism that gave us Medicare,"
says Morna Ballantyne of the national advocacy group Code Blue for Child Care.
"Ottawa's ability to set conditions on the funding it makes available for
social programs ensures that Canadians from coast to coast to coast enjoy the
same fundamental social rights."
Child care advocates respect the desire of Quebecers to control their own
social institutions as a means of protecting their distinct culture," says
Ballantyne. "But Quebec's needs can be addressed without imposing on all
Canadians a measure that makes sense only for Quebec."
Bill 303, The Early Learning and Child Care Act, scheduled before
Parliament this session does just that. It places conditions on provinces and
territories in receipt of federal funding for child care but allows Quebec to
set its own standards.
"The federal spending power is essential if all Canadian parents and
children are to enjoy access to the same level of child care available to
Quebec families," says Jody Dallaire, Chairperson of the Child Care Advocacy
Association of Canada.
Ottawa last used its spending power in 2005 when the then Liberal
government signed bi-lateral agreements with the provinces for child care on
condition they report regularly and direct the money to regulated services.
"Stephen Harper demonstrated his hostility to national programs when in
his first act as Prime Minister he cancelled the child care agreements and has
since reneged on his own promise to create 125,000 new spaces," said Dallaire.
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Steelworkers Humanity Fund contributes $24,000 in emergency assistance
TORONTO - The United Steelworkers Humanity Fund has contributed $24,000 in emergency support over the last eight weeks to assist recovery efforts of people who have lost homes, community facilities, and livelihoods through devastating hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
The Humanity Fund contributed $5,000 to the Red Cross to assist recovery
efforts following Hurricane Dean in Jamaica and Haiti. Hurricane Dean was
followed by Hurricane Felix, and the Fund contributed $5,000 in assistance for
Nicaragua through the National Workers Federation (FNT), a long time Humanity
Fund partner in development efforts.
$10,000 went to assist victims of the Peru earthquake near Ica, through
the Lima-based Institute of Health and Work (ISAT), another long time Humanity
Fund partner. Finally the SHF made a $4,000 contribution to the Red Cross to
assist recovery efforts for severe flooding in Gaspe, Quebec.
"Thanks to the generosity of Steelworker members, who have negotiated the
Steelworker Humanity Fund clause into hundreds of collective agreements," said
Humanity Fund President Ken Neumann, who is also the USW's National Director
for Canada.
"The Fund is able to make emergency assistance contributions to help
people around the world who urgently need support to recover from natural
disasters. When these catastrophic events strike, it is often the poorest,
those already living on the margin, who suffer the most. Emergency relief to
assist vulnerable people in the aftermath of disasters is an important part of
the Humanity Fund's work, but long-term development projects, which build
communities and reduce vulnerability, are also an important focus for the
SHF."
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Steelworkers back to work after reaching agreement with Amcan Castings
HAMILTON - A nearly five-day sit-in by members of the United Steelworkers (USW) has ended with an agreement over severance with Amcan Castings at both its Hamilton and Burlington locations.
"Our members stood their ground and were willing to take action for
fairness and justice," said USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser. "The
irony is that workers have to take these kinds of measures instead of
companies doing the right thing in the first place. I am proud of our members
at Amcan and of all our members who stood behind them in this struggle."
The settlement provides a total of $2.5-million held in an escrow account
to ensure severance payments when the plant closes.
The occupation began after the company said it would not undergo
restructuring under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and would
instead liquidate the plant. While Amcan has been operating under CCAA
protection for a month, it has not said exactly when it plans to proceed with
liquidation.
"We have been through this scenario too many times over the last several
months," said Fraser. "Plant closures and runaway companies are forcing
workers into economic and emotional hardship. The McGuinty government, with
its renewed mandate, must step up to the plate and take this issue seriously
to help rebuild manufacturing in this province."
There are about 170 Steelworkers at the 10 Hillyard Street plant and 100
more are currently laid off.
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Funding Cuts to Status of Women Canada Bring More Bad News
Closure of National Association of Women and the Law decried by teachers
TORONTO - Closure of a feminist organization that has championed women's equality rights since 1974 demonstrates the devastating results of changes to the mandate of the Status of Women Canada, says the president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).
In a letter sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper today, ETFO's David
Clegg called the closure of the National Association of Women and the Law
(NAWL) "a premeditated tragedy" that can only further erode the equality
rights of women in Canada.
"As an organization that advocates for women's equality and promotes
social justice and equity, we must speak out in opposition to your
government's actions that have precipitated the loss of NAWL as a key advocacy
group in Canada," Clegg told the Prime Minister.
During its history, the NAWL was instrumental in reforming legislation
that discriminated against women and advocated for changes in the workplace
and in family law and immigration legislation that have benefitted women
across Canada.
Last year, the Harper government changed the funding guidelines for the
Status of Women Canada (SWC), excluding advocacy and research from the funding
criteria. Without SWC funding, NAWL was forced to close its doors last month,
abandoning years of work that have made a significant difference in the lives
of women and children across Canada.
Clegg pointed out that women's groups perform a vital function for
society by raising awareness about women's issues and proposing policy and
legislative changes to further women's equality. "Canada cannot afford to
silence NAWL or any of the other women's groups that rely on SWC for funding."
Clegg reminded the Prime Minister of his promise, in the last federal
election campaign, to take "concrete and immediate measures" to ensure that
Canada upholds its commitments to women. "The results of these funding cuts
will prevent Canada from living up to either its domestic responsibilities or
its international obligations."
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Canada's smaller businesses need standardized tools to reduce carbon footprint, states CSA Group CEO
TORONTO - Thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across North America want to reduce their environmental impact, but need standardized tools and resources to aid in their efforts, CSA Group CEO Robert M. Griffin stated in an October 10th Conference Board of Canada address. Griffin's call to action follows the release of the Carbon Disclosure Project 2007, a report outlining climate change and carbon risk management strategies from the top 200 companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
While CDP5 focuses on the TSX 200, there are thousands of organizations
of all sizes involved in light industrial activities, manufacturing, services
and retailing throughout North America that do not fall under mandatory
emission requirements. Yet the most progressive among them are seeking ways to
voluntarily measure and reduce their carbon footprint and showcase positive
results.
"These voluntary sector businesses, wishing to measure and improve their
footprint, produce and showcase projects and receive proper recognition, need
credible tools and resources to help them succeed," said Griffin. "Small and
medium size organizations want to know cost-effective ways to improve carbon
management voluntarily and need assistance to achieve this goal."
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) fosters the development of common
standards for climate change technology, products, procedures and management
systems, to help Canada adapt to a changing climate, manage greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions and reduce its GHG footprint. CSA provides products, services,
training and strategic solutions in many of the areas that will help to meet
the challenges posed by a changing climate. CSA believes one of the first
steps in developing solutions to address GHGs and climate change is to assess
the current carbon footprint.
"For a truly practical and effective response to climate change, there
must be consensus and standardization in the approach," said Griffin.
"Industry, governments and environmentalists need to come together to
collaborate on solutions and standards that meet the needs of businesses of
all sizes."
In 2001, CSA was named World Secretariat to develop new international
standards for greenhouse gas inventory at the organizational level. This work
resulted in the ISO 14064 series of standards for project quantification and
verification. The ISO 14064 series of standards provides relevant information
to the operations of smaller businesses, and offer step-by-step guidance to
organizations that wish to establish their GHG inventory. CSA offers training
on how to use the standard and how to verify inventory reports.
In 2005, CSA acquired the assets of the Voluntary Challenge Registry,
which helped to play a pivotal role in developing best practice guidance
regarding greenhouse gas inventory and reporting in Canada. CSA is now
transforming this registry to support new and emerging business needs and
believes there is a trade opportunity in supplying the demand for
emissions-reducing technologies.
"CSA's involvement with CDP5 was a positive experience and we look
forward to contributing to CDP6," said Griffin. "CSA has a great deal to
contribute to the many challenges of climate change. It welcomes the
opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping the voluntary sector."
The Carbon Disclosure Project 2007 (CDP5) is the world's largest
collaboration of institutional investors. It represents 315 global investors,
including 30 based in Canada that have an unprecedented $41 trillion in assets
under management. In February, the CDP requested disclosure of relevant
information about climate change and carbon risk management strategies from
2,400 companies around the world, including the 200 most valuable companies by
market capitalization listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The 2007 Report
initiative was financially supported by Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
along with, among others, Deloitte & Touche LLP, British Columbia Investment
Management Corporation, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Enbridge Inc.,
Scotiabank and the Ethical Funds Company.
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Workers occupy Amcan Castings: Company wants to bail with no severance/pension assurance
HAMILTON - About 75 members of the United Steelworkers are occupying the Hamilton operation of Amcan Castings, where company officials said yesterday they would not consider restructuring under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and would instead liquidate the plant.
"More workers are expected to join us later today," said USW
Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser, who is in the plant. "We are demanding
that Amcan provide assurances that our members will receive adequate severance
and that their pensions be protected."
Fraser said the company had no response when the union raised these
issues following the announcement of the liquidation. While Amcan has been
operating under CCAA protection for nearly a month, it has not said exactly
when it plans to proceed with liquidation.
"Now that the McGuinty government has been given a majority mandate, it's
time they pulled their heads out of the election sand and focus on the real
issues facing workers," said Fraser. "McGuinty promised during the campaign to
provide help to manufacturing. It's October 11th and it has to start here and
now.
"Plant closures have become an epidemic in this province. We will not
allow companies like Amcan to suck every last drop of effort out of our
members just so they can leave with their pockets full.
"We are here for as long as it takes."
There are about 170 Steelworkers at the 10 Hillyard Street plant and 100
more are currently laid off.
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CAW encouraged by new public funding for VIA Rail
TORONTO - The Canadian Auto Workers union is encouraged by the Federal government's decision to inject nearly $700 million into VIA's budget. The government announced today an additional $516 million in capital funding that will help pay for refurbished locomotives, station upgrades, and infrastructure improvement in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. Additionally, the government has also announced an increase of $175.9 million directed towards VIA Rail's operating costs over the next 5 years.
Union officials considered today's announcement delivered by Lawrence
Cannon, Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, a much-needed boost to the finances of
Canada's passenger rail service, which has been struggling from a severe
budget shortfall over the last years.
In 2006, the CAW launched a national campaign to bring attention to VIA's
funding crisis. The union collected over 50,000 signed campaign cards that
were delivered to Minister Cannon at a meeting in March and organized a series
of rallies in cities throughout the country.
According to CAW National President Buzz Hargrove, today's announcement
signals that the federal government understands the importance of a
well-funded, environmentally friendly, national public rail system and
considers the funding decision welcome news.
"This funding is a lifeline for VIA Rail services that was desperately
needed," said Hargrove. "Minister Cannon and the Federal government have done
well to ensure that Canada's public rail system is fully funded now and for
the future."
In the wake of a devastating manufacturing jobs crisis in Canada,
Hargrove is optimistic that the new locomotive and equipment purchases will be
a boon to workers who manufacture rolling stock in London and Thunder Bay,
Ontario.
"This announcement not only benefits the over 3,000 CAW members at VIA
Rail, but could also provide an example of how purchasing Canadian-made
products can be used to maintain and create jobs in the Canadian Economy,"
said Hargrove.
Union leadership believe that this announcement will help further boost
the positive relationship that has developed over time with officials at VIA
Rail, following the recent successful contract negotiations that took place
over the summer.
Hargrove says that the union is committed to working with the membership
and VIA Rail to provide excellent passenger service to Canadians in all
communities for years to come.
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Moving Business Forward Conference to Feature Former Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda Lt.-Gen. the Hon. Roméo Dallaire
Guelph – Lt.-Gen. the Hon. Roméo Dallaire (Ret.), the former head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda and author of Shake Hands with the Devil will be the keynote speaker at the Moving Business Forward conference at Guelph’s River Run Centre on November 13, 2007. Lieutenant-General Dallaire will be speaking about his role Rwanda and how his experiences have affected him as an international leader.
Lieutenant-General Dallaire’s decorated career with the Canadian Military culminated in his appointment to the Canadian Senate in 2005. He remains a Special Advisor to the Minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency, Minister to the National Defence and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. The United Nations recently appointed Lieutenant-General Dallaire to an Advisory committee on Genocide Prevention. He is a visiting lecturer to a number of Canadian and US universities and has written several articles and papers on Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Aid/Human Rights.
“I am pleased to be invited to speak at the Moving Business Forward conference this year,” said Lieutenant-General Dallaire. “Events like these bring many leaders together and it encourages everyone involved to build on their current experience and knowledge of leadership in new and unique ways.”
Other speakers presenting at Moving Business Forward 2007 include:
Linda Lundström, Linda Lundström Inc. Fashion Design and passionate activist;
Harry Taylor, Senior Vice President for Home Depot Canada Inc.;
Roger Skubowius, Lead for Google Canada and designer of gmail; and
Nicholas Boothman, author of How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less and How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less.
Moving Business Forward 2007 relies on the generosity of many corporate sponsors, including co-Presenting Sponsors The Co-operators and CTV. It will be a must-attend event for business owners and managers, business students, not-for-profit agencies and board members, human resource professionals and members of business groups and associations.
Donations will be made to charitable organizations in the names of the event’s volunteer speakers, and additional proceeds will be donated to the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s Millennium Scholarship Fund, supporting skilled trades development.
Those interested in attending the event can purchase tickets by contacting the Guelph Chamber of Commerce at 519-822-8081 or visiting www.movingbusinessforward.ca. Tickets are $189 and includes a catered lunch.
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Healthy economy, healthy environment: CFIB members say it's possible to have both
OTTAWA - Owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada believe it is possible to grow the economy and protect the environment at the same time, but they need better information and less burdensome regulations from government to help them do their part, a new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows.
"Operators of Canada's small- and medium-sized businesses believe the
health of the economy is strongly dependent on the health of the environment,"
says Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB's vice-president of national affairs and a
co-author of the report. "But while SMEs are willing to do what they can to
protect the environment, it must be balanced with how such measures will
impact their business."
According to the report, Achieving Eco-prosperity: SMEs' Perspectives on
the Environment, 83 per cent of the 10,826 CFIB members surveyed say they are
already taking steps to conserve energy, including reducing electricity usage
and renovating their buildings. Over 70 per cent have introduced or expanded
recycling at work, and about one-third use environmentally friendly products.
The majority (83 per cent) made the changes because they personally
believe it is important, while about one in two consider potential cost
savings and one in four take into account current regulations, employees'
views and the needs of customers and suppliers.
The most important environmental issues to SMEs are recycling of
materials, energy conservation and clean water/sewage. Almost half also cite
climate change, while about one-third mention dumps and landfills, management
of toxic waste, air pollution and forest preservation.
The survey finds that the main barriers to SMEs doing more to protect the
environment are lack of information, high cost and complexity. Many business
owners also say their competitiveness is hindered by the costs of
environmental compliance.
"For the average SME, it is virtually impossible to learn about, and be
compliant with, the countless regulatory requirements of all levels of
government," Pohlmann says.
The types of regulation most likely to affect SMEs are related to waste
disposal; care and use of chemicals; transportation, handling, storage and
disposal of harmful materials; and recycling. Issues around environmental
standards and certification are also growing concerns.
Instead of more regulations or new taxes and penalties, two-thirds of
SMEs want to see governments raise awareness of energy efficiency, and support
research on alternative energy sources. About half of respondents support tax
credits or rebates for energy efficiency, help for SMEs in developing
environmental management plans, and enforcement of current regulations.
Based on the survey results, CFIB is making a number of recommendations
to government, utilities and other stakeholders, including:
<<
- Enhanced communication of environmental opportunities to SMEs.
- Ideas to simplify regulations and reduce paper burden on SMEs.
>>
The report, which includes provincial and sectoral breakdowns, is
accurate within +/- 0.9 per cent 19 times out of 20.
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Labour leaders speak out to support NDP
TORONTO - The leaders of several unions and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) said Tuesday there should be only one realistic choice for working people in Ontario on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
"The truth is that working families have not been well-served over the
last four years, and to imagine that they will derive any benefit from another
McGuinty mandate is just dead wrong," said United Steelworkers' (USW) National
Director Ken Neumann. "Ontario needs more New Democratic Party (NDP)
candidates elected so that Howard Hampton can do what he has so far done well
- bring working families' issues forward and work towards decent legislation,
like the $10 minimum wage."
OFL President Wayne Samuelson said only the NDP "understands the
deepening crisis in manufacturing.
"The worst thing for working families would be to give McGuinty the
opportunity to continue ignoring it. Only Howard Hampton has spoken out and
made saving manufacturing jobs a priority. McGuinty insists the economy is
doing fine."
"McGuinty has forged ahead with private hospitals, de-listed health care
services and refused to invest in childcare," said USW Ontario Director Wayne
Fraser. "The list goes on and on. Liberals refused to raise the minimum wage
to a decent level, and they refuse to set standards in long-term care.
"These are issues for all Ontarians, not just unions and their members.
Electing more New Democrats translates into doing the right thing for working
families."
Cec Makowski, Ontario Region Vice-President of the Communications, Energy
and Paperworkers' union (CEP) said job losses in forestry in Northern Ontario
are a direct result of Liberal inaction and dithering.
"They are prepared to let an entire region of this province die an
agonizing economic death," said Makowski. "We heard that message directly from
citizens when we and the USW conducted public hearings in Northern communities
that are feeling the kind of loss and pain that Dalton McGuinty doesn't
understand. McGuinty's energy minister had the gall to say that Northerners
should use blankets, red wine and cuddle up instead of being given relief from
high hydro bills."
The labour leaders said they will knock on as many doors as possible to
get the vote out on October 10 to ensure a strong NDP result.
"This isn't about strategic voting or blind faith," said Ken Neumann.
"This is about creating the kind of province we want to have, one that is a
decent place for our children and grandchildren. That simply does not mean
supporting Liberals, Conservatives or Greens. It's about supporting the social
democratic party our members helped to build."
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The 10th Annual Passport to Success, Oktoberfest Event
Brings Investors, VIPs to Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region - Hundreds of community and business leaders will come together to roll out the red carpet for visitors from the investment, real estate and government sectors to showcase Waterloo Region, the area known as Canada’s Technology Triangle.
The Oktoberfest "Passport to Success", is an event partnership initiative of K-W Oktoberfest Inc., the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT) Inc. Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the event recently received the top Special Event "Marketing Ontario" Award from the Economic Developer's Council of Ontario (EDCO).
Gerry Remers, President and COO, Christie Digital Systems Canada, Inc. will be the keynote presenter at an invitational luncheon held in Kitchener. Remers will speak to the “Ingredients for Success” highlighting innovation –people, product and business operations.
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Parties need to focus on small business, CFIB says
TORONTO - Business confidence in Ontario is among the lowest in the country and, as the provincial election draws near, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is disappointed more attention is not being paid to business priorities.
"Ontario should be leading the country, but instead we're trailing,"
CFIB's Director of Provincial Affairs, Satinder Chera, says. CFIB's most
recent measure of small business outlook saw Ontario lagging the nation for
the fifth quarter in a row. "We've gone from chasing the booming western
provinces to a tie for eighth place among the provinces. As the jurisdiction
that is usually the country's economic bedrock, this is a sad position for
Ontario to be in."
On behalf of its members, CFIB had the three leading parties complete a
questionnaire on their small business priorities. "We've sent the results out
to our members but, given all parties' lack of focus on business issues during
this campaign, we're sharing the questionnaire with all Ontarians," Chera
says.
"Ontario's small businesses are dealing with worst-in-the-world levels of
taxation, our manufacturing sector is struggling to cope with the high
Canadian dollar and whoever forms the next government must commit to reducing
red tape if this province is to regain its competitive position," he
concludes.
The Election Checklist is available online at: http://www.cfib.ca/on.
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The CAW calls for a commitment to public health care from all parties
TORONTO - On behalf of the over 20,000 CAW members working in health services across the province, the CAW's Ontario Health Care Council is demanding that all parties publicly state their position on health care.
While health care continues to be a top concern of citizens, parties have
not made the issue a primary element in their platforms. The Council has
written to each provincial party leader insisting they make clear commitments
to the province's treasured universal health care system.
The Council urges all parties to commit to ensuring that every Ontarian
is assured equal access to publicly funded health care regardless of their
income.
"We are asking that if elected, will their government ensure the
necessary funding to reduce wait times," said Darlene Prouse, president of the
CAW Ontario Health Care Council. "Wait times are too long in this province,
but private health care is far from the answer.
"As voters, we need to support a government that will maintain our public
health care system, instead of dismantling it as we saw with the previous
Conservative government."
The CAW Ontario Health Care Council urges all parties to recognize that
health care must not be decided in the courtrooms as it has been in other
provinces. Nor should it fall under the influence of right-wing interest
groups such as the National Citizens Coalition and the Canadian Constitutional
Foundation.
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Entrepreneur Week Event -CTT Inc Celebrates 20 Years, Conestoga Highlights New Directions, Conestoga Alumni Speaks to Spin off Enterprise
Canada's Technology Triangle, Waterloo Region - Join more than 200 community leaders as they celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the public-private economic development partnership known as Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc. Learn about what Conestoga sees as its future and the many ties to entrepreneurship including graduates who are spinning off companies in Waterloo Region.
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007
5:00 pm networking
5:30 pm – 6:20 pm including remarks by
John Tennant, CEO, CTT Inc
John Tibbits, President, Conestoga College
Ken Seiling, Chair, Region of Waterloo
Keynote Address by Entrepreneur and Conestoga Alumni
Conestoga College
Main Building
Blue Room
RSVP to Linda Fegan
More Details: http://techtriangle.com/invite/growing-your-business.html |
Ross Wells named new Chair of the GREATER KITCHENER WATERLOO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Kitchener – The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce announced its new Board of Directors & Executive Committee for 2007-2008 at its Annual General Meeting held today at the King Street Theatre Centre.
Ross Wells, Partner at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, will take on the role of Chamber Chair for the 2007-2008 year. Ross announced that he will be looking forward to a successful Chamber year ahead, promoting the Kitchener Waterloo Region as the best place to work and live and that he will work to further the great work that Past Chair, Rosemary Smith, and the Board has done.
Four new Directors were also elected to the Board: Rick Baker (Spirited Investors Corp), Ginny Dybenko (Wilfrid Laurier), Dave Jaworsky (Research In Motion), and Scott Murphy (Data Perceptions Inc).
These individuals join eighteen other Directors currently serving terms on the Chamber Board including:
Dave Arjune (Arjune Engineering & Manufacturing Inc.), Brian Bennett (TD Commercial Banking), Murray Costello (Union Gas Ltd.), Mary D’Alton (Waterloo Inn & Conference Centre), Roger Farwell (The Walter Fedy Partnership), Linda Korgemets (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), Jeff MacIntyre (Cowan Benefits Consulting), Chuck Martin (Marbro Capital Limited), Heather Melrose (Straight Street Event Services), Terry Reidel (Kuntz Electroplating), Paul Smith (Manulife Financial), Rosemary Smith (Kitchener & Waterloo Community Foundation), Tim Strome (Reid’s Heritage Homes),Cathy Snyder (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) Zubbair Siddiqui (Delta Kitchener Waterloo), Jean Taillon (Bell Canada), Ross Wells (Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP), and Diane Wolfenden (RBC Dominion Securities).
Retiring from the Board are Robert Crow (Research In Motion),Helen Jowett (McDonald Green), Steve Farlow (Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship), and Robert Temple.
Joining Wells on the Executive Committee for 2007-2008 are Chair Elect Diane Wolfenden, Past Chair Rosemary Smith, Vice Chair Jeff MacIntyre, Vice Chair Terry Reidel, Treasurer Cathy Snyder, Secretary Murray Costello, and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber President & Chief Executive Officer, Todd Letts.
The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is Ontario’s second largest accredited Chamber of Commerce representing over 1,900 members that employ over 70,000 people in the Greater Kitchener Waterloo area. Its mission is to act as the voice of business to help businesses, and our community succeed.
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Teamsters Canada: Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Motor Coach Operators and Dispatchers Are on Strike
OTTAWA - The Motor Coach Operators and Dispatchers of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) are currently on strike in Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins.
Douglas Finnson, Vice-president of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents the 50 members of the ONTC, has sent a notice of strike to the company last Wednesday.
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference represents over 8000 workers in the rail transportation at CP Rail, CN, Via Rail Canada and other railways.
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CUPE Ontario calls on voters to elect a government that will stop wholesale sell-offs of water, other services to private companies
SUDBURY - The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario today called on voters to elect a government that will protect water as a public good and a fundamental human right.
Speaking just prior to a community forum in Sudbury on the issue of
bottled water, union leader Fred Hahn said that allowing municipalities to
remain cash-strapped because of provincially downloaded services is one more
way to coerce them into selling off public services like water to private
companies who see big profits in providing local services.
"With environmentalists predicting that water will be the new oil,
private companies see water as a commodity for sale and trade, rather than as
a public trust," said Hahn, Secretary-Treasurer of CUPE Ontario. "The Tories,
who were responsible for the Walkerton tragedy, have no real plan to protect
water. In fact, their agenda is to deregulate and commercialize all public
services-everything from water to health care to hydro. The McGuinty Liberals
also have no plan to protect water."
Hahn says that the source of the problem is the former Tory government's
downloading of provincial services to municipalities without the funds to pay
for them. "These costs are crushing municipalities from a financial
perspective, and the McGuinty Liberals are doing nothing to reverse these
disastrous policies. Only the NDP has committed to a comprehensive plan to
upload these costs to the province. This is the best way for the provincial
government to protect public services and goods at the municipal level from
the profiteers."
With aging municipal infrastructures and local governments strapped for
cash, water companies are actively working to convince the province to
reorganize water delivery in a way that will result in more public-private
partnerships (P3s), more contracting out and more profits, says Wyman
MacKinnon, President of CUPE 4705 and a sponsor along with the Polaris
Institute of Sudbury's community meeting on "Is Bottled Water Safe" held
today.
"If the provincial government allows this trend to continue, we will see
many services, from drinking water to waste management, to expensive
infrastructure like sewers and watermains that were built with taxpayers'
dollars, sold off to the lowest bidder," says MacKinnon. "Ontario voters have
a choice in this election. Only the NDP are committed to protecting the public
services that working families rely on."
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| The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce 2007 Annual General Meeting
WATERLOO REGION, Ontario - The 2007 Annual General Meeting of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will take place Thursday, September 27th, 2007 at which time the new Board of Directors will be installed. The annual meeting will commence at 4:30 p.m. and a reception will follow until 7:00 p.m.
This year’s guest speaker is Malcolm Maxwell, President and CEO of Grand River Hospital. Maxwell, a seasoned veteran of Canadian healthcare management with nearly two decades of experience, holds masters degrees in Health Services Administration as well as Resources and Environment Studies. As Past CEO of Northern Health in British Columbia, Maxwell was responsible for the management and delivery of extensive health programs and services. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian Institute for Health Information and also the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation.
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September 2007 edition of Work Force Focus.
Waterloo-Wellington - This issue focuses on Education. One finding is that the gender gap in teaching continues to increase.
more...
Interesting News/Upcoming Events:
Waterloo Wellington Training & Adjustment Board is celebrating 10 years of service to the community in October 2007. November's issue will be on the Not for Profit/Voluntary sector.
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Whistle-blowing grandma to help Steelworkers launch 'Stop Toxic Imports' campaign
TORONTO - Marilyn Furer, the Chicago grandmother who discovered lead in Chinese-made baby bibs, will be part of a news conference this morning as the United Steelworkers (USW) announce the start of a North-America-wide 'Stop Toxic Imports' campaign.
The news conference held September 25, in the Wentworth room, 2nd floor of the Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto (123 Queen Street West). The event will also include a display of just some of the many items that have been the subject of recall.
The campaign is aimed at protecting children and promoting public
awareness about unregulated globalization. It will involve the free
distribution of tens of thousands lead screening kits.
Ms. Furer will be joined by: Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament (NDP
Trinity Spadina) and children's advocate; USW International President Leo W.
Gerard; and USW Canadian National Director Ken Neumann.
The campaign launch is being held on the second of a three-day
international conference of 1,000 working women from all over North America
and seven other nations.
'Stop Toxic Imports' will mobilize union activists to mount a series of
events across the US and Canada to stop dangerous imported products from
entering domestic markets and homes.
A calendar of targeted campaign events will be announced, including USW
Safe Home Sessions across North America.
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CAW re-launches campaign at Kidd Creek Mine, Timmins
TIMMINS - The CAW has re-launched its campaign in Timmins at the Xstrata Kidd Creek mine, in an effort to bring these workers into the country's largest private sector Canadian union.
Many workers at this site have expressed interest in joining the CAW and
according to CAW President Buzz Hargrove the union and the Timmins miners
would be a natural fit.
"We would be honoured and pleased to represent and work with the miners
at Kidd," said CAW President Buzz Hargrove. "Working closely with our members
at CAW Local 598 at the Xstrata mine in Sudbury has given our union an
appreciation for the important work that miners perform."
Should Kidd Creek mine workers choose to become members of the CAW, they
would join their 725 counterparts at the Xstrata Kidd Metallurgical site who
joined CAW in 1997, forming our Timmins local union, CAW Local 599.
According to Hargrove, not only would they be joining a home-grown union,
they would be joining one with roots in the community, joining other CAW
members working for the same employer and a bargaining and servicing track
record second to none.
The CAW will be working closely in the coming months with our local
leadership and supporters at Kidd mine to determine the support for the union
moving forward.
CAW has seen a tremendous growth in its membership in the last 20 years
fueled by its commitment to working people, social justice and democratic
structure at all levels. The membership has surged from 125,000 at its
inception in 1985 to the current 265,000 strong, with hundreds of local unions
in communities across Canada
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USW International Women's Conference promises to be largest gathering of working women
TORONTO - With over 1,000 delegates expected, the United Steelworkers (USW) International Women's Conference at Toronto's Sheraton Centre Hotel Sept. 23-26 is expected to be the largest gathering of working women ever.
"Local union women from all sectors of the USW in Canada and the United
States are expected, and we are reaching beyond our borders with women
attending from unions across the globe to make for a truly international
conference," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
"Our conference theme, "Women of Steel: Building Power, Taking Action",
reflects the activist role of USW women," said USW Assistant to the President
Leeann Anderson, who is also the conference chair. "Strong unions need women,
and it is clear that women in every nation need strong unions. We will
highlight the critical role women play in the USW, how society and governments
are failing women and working families, and what actions we can take as trade
unionists to build awareness and power for change."
The conference centres on engaging women in the work of the union, skills
enhancement, global solidarity and political action. Workshops will focus on
building participants' skills so they can be even more effective union leaders
and activists.
International guests from South Africa, Mexico, Sweden, Brazil, Chile,
the United Kingdom and Germany will discuss how to improve working conditions,
stop worker exploitation, improve work-life balance and other issues that
affect women in their daily lives.
"These women know that in today's global economic society that solidarity
must reach across nations to the furthest regions of the world," said Women of
Steel Director Ann Flener. "We must talk with each other, compare situations,
and learn best practices from each other's experiences."
Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential candidate John
Edwards, and Vancouver MP Libby Davies, Labour Critic for the New Democratic
Party (NDP), will be two of the featured speakers.
USW President Leo W. Gerard will address delegates on Monday, Sept. 24,
followed by Davies. Gerard will speak about the Protect Our Kids - Stop Toxic
Imports international campaign the union is unveiling in Canada the next day.
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Edwards will speak, followed by former USW
President Lynn Williams. US National Labor Committee Executive Director
Charles Kernaghan and journalist Arianna Huffington will speak on Wednesday,
Sept. 26.
At around 6 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 26, conference participants will
engage in some political action on the streets of downtown Toronto, aimed at
getting out the vote for the Oct. 10 Ontario provincial election. This will be
followed by a Women's Vote Breakfast, with special guest Ontario NDP Leader
Howard Hampton.
Throughout the four-day event the Sudbury Women of Steel Choir will
perform.
The USW is the largest and most diverse industrial union in North
America, representing more than 850,000 men and women working in every sector
of the economies of Canada and the US.
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CAW Members Ratify New Agreement, Strike Over at Great Blue Heron Charity Casino
TORONTO - CAW Local 1090 members voted in favour of a new collective agreement at the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino ending a strike that began September 7 at the Port Perry, Ontario gaming facility.
The membership voted 58 per cent in favour of the agreement at a
ratification meeting today. They return to work starting Wednesday,
September 19th at 4pm.
The new contract includes a minimum wage increase of $2.20 per hour over
the life of the agreement. It also includes signing bonuses of up to $2,000,
increased dental coverage, gains in bereavement, short term disability,
vacation, patron behaviour language, as well as benefits for part-timers.
There are also strong gains in language covering dealer issues and also
improvements in dealer training that for the first time makes it possible for
all dealers to progress to the highest dealer wage classification.
CAW Local 1090 President Steve Batchelor said the solidarity of the
membership and the strong strike vote of 92 per cent made the new agreement
possible, despite many tough challenges.
"We've achieved an important new agreement that helps move working
conditions and wages a long way forward for our membership at the Great Blue
Heron Casino. In the face of strong opposition from management, the
determination of our bargaining committee was key to this success," Batchelor
said.
"We likely would have had a higher percentage at ratification but some of
our members remain apprehensive about the company's commitments."
CAW Local 1090 represents 825 workers at the casino, including dealers,
slot attendants, food and beverage, and maintenance employees.
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United Steelworkers versus TD-Canada Trust: Federal Court of Appeal quashes anti-union application
SUDBURY - Reacting to what should be the final word on the issue, United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Monday that a judgment by the Federal Court of Appeal has again upheld the 2005 decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to certify the USW as the union to represent TD-Canada Trust employees in Sudbury.
As well, the judicial review ordered TD-Canada Trust to pay the union for
costs associated with the bank's application.
"This nonsense has gone on far too long," said Fraser. "But fortunately
it has not stopped the USW from representing the 112 TD-Canada Trust employees
at all eight Sudbury branches and negotiating continued improvements in their
collective agreement."
As is their right, a small group of workers at the bank's branch in
Lively, ON, did not sign union cards during a 2004 organizing campaign. The
ultra-conservative National Citizens Coalition (NCC) got involved and promoted
their 'cause' as "Free the Lively Seven". The NCC website called - and
continues to call - for donations to fund the campaign against the
Steelworkers, citing a number of so-called facts that the CIRB found had no
merit. The judicial review upholds that conclusion.
"The ... natural justice argument raised was that the Lively Seven were
not accepted as intervenors in the original hearing . . .," said the review
decision. ". . . this oversight, however, was later remedied when they were
granted intervenor status in the reconsideration hearing. . . A
reconsideration hearing is meant to be serious review of the original decision
and there is no indication that this was not such an exercise, giving full
consideration to the applicants' material and submissions. . ."
The decision also addressed the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms'
section on freedom of association:
"There is no requirement in this case to become a member of the union nor
even to pay dues. Actually, all but one of the complainants are not members of
the union. Nor is there sufficient material to demonstrate any pressure for
ideological conformity or compulsion on the individuals."
"This latest decision is a victory for democratic institutions and the
processes that protect democracy," said Fraser.
The workers' latest collective agreement, reached in July after a
month-long strike, the first multi-branch strike in modern Canadian banking
history, included retroactive performance review increases and a
35-cent-an-hour increase for all employees. Employees are also guaranteed
increases of 2.2 per cent as of Jan. 1, 2008. The agreement expires Jan. 15,
2009.
"All of the bank's employees, including the so-called Lively Seven, are
benefiting from the work of the union on their behalf," said Fraser. "We are
proud to represent them and will continue to do so to the best of our
ability."
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Canadian Chamber: Act Now to Boost Canada's Competitiveness
MARKHAM - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is calling on all levels of government to address increasing global competition from economies like China, India and Europe. Some 400 delegates from all areas of Canada are meeting in Markham at the Canadian Chamber's annual meeting to set the Chamber's policy agenda for the year ahead.
"In the global economy, you lead or you lose. Changes in technology and the explosion in emerging markets like India and China mean the pace will never again be slow, competition will only get fiercer, and complacency will spell disaster," said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, at the conclusion of a Canadian Chamber board meeting earlier today.
"Canada must act now to address skills shortages, build a competitive tax and regulatory system, and boost our productivity. We need to work together so all Canadians can look ahead to a bright economic future. In this new age of doing business - an era of both opportunity and challenge - Canadian businesses can drive change and be global leaders," added Mr. Beatty.
It is clear that Canadians need to think on a bigger scale and to be more ambitious. Making incremental improvements no longer works in a world economy that advances by leaps and bounds.
"Both government and business have a role to play. Canadian businesses need to develop ambitions beyond the domestic, or even North American, market," said John Peller, incoming chair of the board and CEO of Andrew Peller Ltd. "Canadian businesses have all of the attributes to thrive in the global economy. We must provide them with the tools and regulatory environment to succeed."
In the coming session and Speech from the Throne, the government must focus on framework policies that can help Canadian companies become global champions, said Mr. Beatty. An effective policy framework would include competitive tax levels (Canada's marginal effective tax rate on capital is the sixth highest in the world), better transportation infrastructure (such as the Asia-Pacific Gateway Initiative), policies that promote R&D and innovation, as well as aggressively opening up foreign markets.
"The issues Canadian businesses face are urgent," said Mr. Beatty. "How Ottawa responds will affect the living standard of every Canadian family."
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Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Provincial Minister Sandra Pupatello and Olympic gold medallist and World Champion Adam van Koeverden Keynotes at Canadian Chamber AGM September 16-17
MARKHAM - The Voice of Canadian Business speaks again: business delegates from across Canada will meet on Sunday and Monday (September 16 and 17) to discuss the state of the Canadian economy, and issues relating to the Canada-U.S. border, international trade and commerce at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting in York Region (Markham), ON. The theme for the AGM is "Winning Ways: Productivity, Diversity, Competitiveness".
Keynote speakers include The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and Adam van Koeverden, Canadian Olympic medallist and World Champion kayaker.
Visit www.chamber.ca to view the full program.
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Ontario has become the Child Poverty Centre of Canada
TORONTO - The Social Planning Network of Ontario (SPNO) today launched its cross-community campaign to make poverty reduction a priority election issue across Ontario.
Social planning councils in ten local communities across Ontario will
conduct public events over the next two weeks to promote the Poverty Reduction
Strategy released yesterday in Ottawa by National Campaign 2000. Local
councils and community partners will urge all political candidates to support
specific measures for reducing child and family poverty in Ontario.
Commenting on data that shows Ontario's share of Canada's children living
in poverty has increased significantly since 2000 compared to other provinces,
Janet Gasparini, SPNO Chair and Executive Director of the Sudbury SPC, said:
"With 44% of Canada's poor children, Ontario has become the child poverty
centre of Canada, and there has been no measurable progress in the past
five years. The proposals in Campaign 2000's Poverty Reduction Strategy
are concrete and achievable. We expect candidates from all political
parties running for election in communities across Ontario to respond by
committing to real targets and timelines for poverty reduction as one of
their top priorities."
The National Report proposes a number of wide-ranging recommendations for
joint action by the federal and provincial governments to reduce child poverty
by at least 25% by 2012 and 50% by 2017.
Social planning council leaders from Sudbury, Cornwall, Cambridge,
Halton, and Toronto assembled in Toronto today to launch the cross-community
campaign on behalf of their own and five other communities across the
province. Joey Edwardh, Executive Director of Community Development Halton
commented:
"Poverty is a concern of Ontarians in all parts of the province. It is
important that they know there are demonstrated ways for the next Ontario
Government to seriously reduce child and family poverty in the next five
and ten year period."
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Ontario Election 2007: After 100 years, Orillia company gives workers 20 minutes to clear out
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Tuesday that the recent closure of Otaco Seating Co. Ltd. in Orillia is another reason to get rid of the McGuinty Liberal Government and replace it with politicians who will be committed to saving jobs in Ontario.
"This government has allowed hundreds of thousands of jobs, and even
communities, to disappear over the last four years," said Fraser. "There
should be deterrent penalties against companies like Otaco, which gave 20
minutes notice to workers that their livelihood is gone and all production has
moved to the US. Beyond that, Otaco had reduced its workforce to the point
that, by current Ontario law, the company is no longer required to provide
even basic severance.
"That means legislation is as much to blame as a runaway company that
thinks nothing of destroying people's lives - and at a moment's notice. We
need laws that protect workers from corporate thieves."
Local candidates in next month's provincial election were invited to a
weekend membership meeting to discuss the Otaco closure. The only no-show was
Liberal candidate Laura Domsy.
"It shows that the McGuinty Liberals have no interest even in their own
communities. Election time is a good time to make them accountable."
Otaco has been owned by Michigan-based American Seating since 1985, and
before that had a foundry division at another site in Orillia. Some workers
terminated in this latest move had worked there for over 30 years. The Orillia
operation has been part of the community for over a century, producing
everything from farm equipment to parts for Second World War bombers and heavy
duty sleds for Arctic exploration.
"This kind of history is not insignificant," said Fraser. "These people,
like so many in this province over the last four years, have been robbed of
their future, and denied their right to severance pay because of a loophole in
the Ontario Employment Standards Act. That has to change."
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Steelworkers win solid wage gains in agreement with Bon-L Canada Inc.
TORONTO - Members of the United Steelworkers (USW), local 2784 in Pickering, have voted in favour of a three-year agreement with Bon-L Canada Inc. that increases wages by 2.25 per cent in each year of the contract.
USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser praised the negotiating
committee for standing up to Bon-L's demand for benefit concessions.
Bon-L is part of the US-owned William L. Bonnell Company, which in turn
is owned by Tredegar Corporation, a global manufacturer of plastic films and
aluminum extrusions. The Pickering facility makes aluminum extrusions for
industrial, residential, commercial and automotive industries.
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Ontario Government Opens New Small Business Enterprise Centre In Stratford
Office To Provide Support And Resources To Local Small Business Community
STRATFORD - The Stratford & Perth Small Business Enterprise Centre officially opened its doors for business September 5, 2007. Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar and local MPP John Wilkinson were in Stratford for the opening.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of Ontario's economy,"
said Takhar. "This new office will give local small businesses the tools they
need to develop and grow, leading to job creation and increased prosperity."
The office will support local small business owners and entrepreneurs
during their early years of operation by providing consulting services,
business training and information about management, marketing, technology and
financing.
"As someone from small business I know our government is committed to
helping small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Perth County succeed,"
said Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Middlesex. "By working together this office will
help transform local entrepreneurs' hard work and innovation into successful
enterprises. And a strong small business sector builds stronger rural
communities."
Dan Mathieson, the Mayor of Stratford, recognizes the importance of
today's announcement for the local small business community.
"This centre will help local entrepreneurs capitalize on business
opportunities and advantages right here in Stratford and across Perth County,
providing economic growth and prosperity," Mathieson said.
"The County has been working on business retention and expansion and this
new business centre will complement our efforts," said Ron McKay, Warden of
Perth County.
Jointly operated by the Ontario government and local municipalities,
Small Business Enterprise Centres provide support to start-up and small
enterprises during their initial years of development and operation and
deliver youth entrepreneurship programs, including Summer Company.
"The opening of this office is another example of the McGuinty
government, municipalities and local business communities working together to
build a stronger Ontario," said Takhar. "Together, we are encouraging the
growth of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring Ontario
is a great place to live and do business."
For more information on the locations and services offered by Small
Business Enterprise Centres, contact the Ministry of Small Business and
Entrepreneurship's website at www.sbe.gov.on.ca
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Steelworkers reach tentative agreement with Aeroguard Eastern Limited
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Tuesday that a tentative agreement has been reached with Aeroguard Eastern Limited on behalf of 600 security officers at eight Ontario airports.
Details of the settlement will not be released until ratification
meetings are held. Those meetings will be scheduled once the agreement is
approved by Aeroguard's board of directors.
If approved and ratified by USW members, the agreement would apply to
Aeroguard employees at airports in Ottawa, Hamilton, Waterloo, Sarnia,
Windsor, Sudbury, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie.
The USW is Canada's most diverse union, representing more than
280,000 men and women working in every sector of the economy.
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More women in unions than men, a first ever in Canada
TORONTO - Women are joining unions in greater numbers than
men for the first time in Canadian labour history, according to a recent
Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey release.
The number of women in unions has increased each year over the last 10
years to the point that women have finally tipped the scales. The most recent
data, from January to June 2007, finds 2,248,000 women represented by unions,
with 2,237,200 men represented.
"Increasingly women see unions as more than just better wages and
benefits," said Julie White, CAW Director of Women's Programs. "Women see
unions at the forefront of fighting for issues like child care and an end to
violence against women."
The higher numbers of unionized women also reflect the larger range of
sectors now represented by unions such as retail, health care and hospitality,
which are dominated by women.
"With the current attacks on equality under the Harper government, unions
have become all the more relevant for women with the work we do around human
rights and equality," said White.
The CAW has an ongoing national child care campaign and also lobbies the
government for policies and programs that target violence against women. The
CAW has also negotiated the training and funding for a women's advocate in
many workplaces across the country.
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Labour's gains threatened by Harper government actions
OTTAWA - Labour Day provides an opportunity for Canadian workers to shed light on the work they do-both in their communities and across the country. According to Paul Moist, CUPE national president and Claude Généreux, national secretary treasurer, the Harper government is working hard to erase worker gains and impede progress.
In fact, say the leaders of Canada's largest union, the Harper government
has recently brought about some very harmful changes in our democracy.
In a message prepared for Labour Day 2007, Moist and Généreux point out
that Stephen Harper's government has operated behind closed doors, shutting
out the very people his government is elected to serve.
They cancelled the Kelowna Accord that promised to provide housing,
water, and education for Aboriginal people. Child care agreements with the
provinces were cancelled and a universal quality child care system was
abandoned. They are ignoring green house gas emission targets in the Kyoto
accord. Funding to women's programs, literacy, and court challenges have all
been drastically chopped or eliminated. Funding for municipal infrastructure
renewal is inadequate and contingent on privatization through P3s. Students
are suffering under inadequate funding for post-secondary education.
Behind closed doors Harper is looking to minimize the impact of a strong
labour force whether it is within Canada through inter provincial trade deals
or in collusion with attempted partnerships with the US and Mexico, and the
removal of barriers for the continued exportation of resources-both raw
materials and human.
On this Labour Day, 2007 CUPE's national leadership is reiterating its
pledge to move the union line forward. Those who attempt to erode public
services and our manufacturing economy will be challenged by Canada's largest
union. CUPE's primary effort will continue to be focused on building strong
communities for our families, friends and neighbours.
LABOUR DAY MESSAGE 2007
Workers didn't build Canada to see it torn apart
By Paul Moist and Claude Généreux
Labour Day is a moment in the long work year when we take time to reflect
on the contribution of working people to the building of our great country. It
is a historic day that commemorates that role, but it is also a day to
contemplate the road ahead.
This year, Labour Day comes on the heels of some of the most harmful
changes in our democracy that we have ever seen. First, we have watched as the
federal government of Stephen Harper has moved behind closed doors, shutting
out the people his government is elected to serve. They cancelled the Kelowna
Accord that would provide much needed access to housing, water, and education
for Aboriginal people. Child care agreements with the provinces were cancelled
and a universal quality child care system was abandoned. They are ignoring
green house gas emission targets in the Kyoto accord. Funding to women's
programs, literacy, and court challenges have all been drastically chopped or
eliminated. Funding for municipal infrastructure renewal is inadequate and
contingent on privatization through P3s. Students are suffering under
inadequate funding for post-secondary education.
The Harper government is committing the lives of Canadian sons and
daughters to a field of battle overseas that most Canadians see as fruitless
and unnecessary.
There are the secretive trade deals we have witnessed of late. Just a few
weeks before we are getting set to celebrate a day that has been celebrated
for over 110 years, workers in Canada face the potential devastation of their
communities, their jobs and their local economies as more and more
manufacturing jobs and Canadian natural resources slip to our neighbours to
the South and into the bottom lines of corporations under a globalization
agenda.
Our Premiers gathering in Moncton, N.B. in August were keen to discuss
the two most prominent inter-provincial trade deals. Fortunately, they didn't
come to any hard decisions about adopting these deals because both Atlantica
for the east and the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)
for the west would see jobs, natural resources and our pride go South.
The Security and Prosperity Partnership meeting in Montebello, Quebec,
saw the "three amigos" - the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico -
meet in a secluded setting to carve up the resources of North America.
We also see the continued threat of private health care. Canadians are
rightly proud of our universal health care program. Over 47 million Americans
do not enjoy such access. How many more times will we have to prove that our
system is what Canadians want and need to enjoy a healthy life? And yet, just
weeks before Labour Day, the Canadian Medical Association welcomes a new
president who is committed to private clinics.
This Labour Day, we wish that we could praise new infrastructure in
cities across the country. We cannot do so. As we watched the bridge in
Minnesota tumble on television in August, we feared for our own bridges,
roads, sewer and water systems. Will the present aging and ailing
infrastructure in our cities and towns be strong enough to keep our citizens
safe from disaster? Like other Canadians, we worry that it will not.
We worry, too, that governments at every level will embrace privatization
as a cure-all. Corporations are promising saved tax dollars and better
services than CUPE members can provide. We think not. Privatization is, in
fact, the source of more problems than it can ever hope to solve. And CUPE
members care about the communities they serve. They spend their hard-earn
wages in those local economies to keep them strong and efficient. Their
families live where they work and, therefore, have a personal investment in
ensuring public services are top of the line.
Finally, on this Labour Day, we want to salute the young workers entering
the labour force. Whether they are graduating university or community college
students, entering an apprenticeship program or starting their very first job,
these workers deserve healthy and safe working conditions, good pay, benefits,
opportunities for pensions in later life, and job security within a healthy
and productive economy. Joining a union, standing up for workers' rights and
fighting for fundamental human rights is central to achieving those goals.
We also salute our brothers and sisters who are currently locked out or
on strike in Quebec City and Vancouver. These workers are on the front line to
defend media diversity and quality services.
Let's celebrate this Labour Day with a pledge to move the union line
forward, to challenge those who would erode public services and our
manufacturing economy, and to build strong communities for our families,
friends and neighbours.
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CAW Statement on Layoff at the Oshawa GM Truck Plant
TORONTO - CAW members at the Oshawa truck plant were informed this morning that GM plans to eliminate one shift of production at this facility on January 1, 2008. This will result in the loss of over 1000 direct jobs at the plant in addition to the 3,000 jobs that will be lost in the Fall of 2008 when the car plant number 2 in Oshawa closes. This means at least 4,000 jobs will be lost within the next year.
This is a devastating blow to thousands of families in the Oshawa-Durham
region.
In addition to the jobs lost at GM, several hundred other jobs will be
immediately lost in the region, as companies which supply GM (with parts,
seats, and components) also scale back employment.
At least $100 million of annual family incomes in the region will be
lost, as a result of this decision. This in turn will destroy more jobs in
every business in the region that depends on the spending power of autoworkers
- everything from restaurants to home builders.
This is the last thing that Canada's economy, and Ontario's economy, need
right now, given the economic and financial uncertainty which we already face.
The CAW will start work immediately to try to ease the pain of this
layoff for our members, as much as is possible. We will attempt to negotiate
buyout incentives with GM that would allow many of the 1000 jobs to be offset
through voluntary early retirement. GM is not contractually obligated to
provide these packages, since this is a volume-related decision. But we will
press the company hard to provide these incentives.
First and foremost, responsibility for this and other devastating
developments in Canada's auto industry lies with the federal government,
headed by Stephen Harper. Since its election in 2006, this government has done
nothing as this crucial industry, which supports hundreds of thousands of
Canadian families, melts away before our eyes.
The auto assembly industry has lost 10,000 jobs since peaking in the late
1990s. The auto parts industry has lost 13,000 jobs since 2001. How many
plants must close, how many more jobs must be lost, before this government
finally admits there is a crisis and acts to support Canada's most important
manufacturing industry? Will auto follow steel in disappearing entirely from
Canada's industrial landscape?
Special responsibility for this development lies with Finance Minister
Jim Flaherty. Many of those losing their jobs as a result of today's
announcement are his constituents. He is the second-most powerful figure in a
government which has a clear responsibility to advance Canada's economic and
industrial interests. Even worse than its inaction in attracting auto
investment and developing a fair trade policy, has been Flaherty's leading
role in implementing the so-called "feebate" program - which taxes larger
North American vehicles, and subsidizes smaller imports. This program has been
roundly criticized by environmentalists, auto stakeholders, and policy experts
alike for its shoddy design, political motivation, and destructive industrial
effects.
Instead of protecting Canadian auto jobs, Flaherty has actively
participated in destroying them. Out of respect for the constituents whose
jobs have been lost today, Flaherty should resign.
These are terrible times for the auto industry, which is Canada's most
important manufacturing sector and still our most important exporter. The CAW
has been leading the fight for a new auto policy for Canada since the crisis
began in 2002. This crisis is not inevitable: it is the result of clear,
irresponsible decisions by our policy makers regarding trade policy, exchange
rates, and industry policy. Those decisions and policies must be changed, and
that will make a huge difference to the future of this industry.
We will step up our efforts to defend as many auto jobs as we can -
including by continuing to produce vehicles and parts with unsurpassed
quality, productivity, and competitive cost. But we can't do this alone. It
requires a realistic and active auto policy from our governments.
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Real leadership can fix Canada's jobs crisis
TORONTO - Strong leaders galvanize peoples across lines of income, race, class and gender. Former United Auto Workers (UAW) President Walter Reuther was such an individual and one of the most progressive thinkers of the twentieth century. At the time when the world was recovering from the Second World War, Reuther's ingenuity and vision convinced hundreds of thousands of people across both Canada and the United States that a high quality of life, living wages and social equality were achievable goals worth fighting for.
As we celebrate Reuther's 100th birth date this Labour Day, Canadians are
challenged with one of the most devastating manufacturing jobs crisis in
decades. With this crisis, working people and their families risk losing many
of the gains made since the time of Reuther.
In less than five years, we have seen 300,000 manufacturing jobs vanish
from our economy. In 2007, so far there have been a loss of more than 70,000
and the year is not even over.
Unlike the economic downturns of the past, this comes at a supposed
"boom" time for Canada. Our dollar is soaring, our unemployment rate is
dropping and corporate profits are swelling.
Why then are we witnessing unprecedented plant closures and layoffs?
Workers are losing good jobs and left with few alternatives. Families are
being torn apart in the search for work. Funding for local services is drying
up because good paying jobs are disappearing. Aging workers are discouraged
from retiring because pensions are underfunded and for younger workers, there
appear to be fewer and fewer real job opportunities.
Yet, the federal Conservative government refuses to admit a problem even
exists. They accept no responsibility for this national crisis, resulting
directly from poor planning and glaring gaps in political judgment.
Here's the most recent example: the federal government opted to send a
$14 million Canadian defense contract to a German manufacturer. In doing this,
the government overlooked three world-class bus manufacturers in Canada. This
is unacceptable.
Government purchases, made possible by Canadian tax payers, are one of
the simplest ways to support Canadian workers and industry - it's in our own
best interest.
The challenges that we face are immense. But if we learn anything from
the lessons of Walter Reuther it is that together, nothing is impossible.
The CAW led a major campaign that brought national attention to
manufacturing job losses in Canada. Across the country, local union leadership
and members joined in solidarity with the Canadian Labour Congress, other
unions, local labour councils, politicians and community groups to challenge
the federal government's inaction on job loss. The forums that were held in
communities across Canada, and the major rallies that took place in Windsor,
Oshawa, Kitchener and Ottawa, built a momentum unseen since the free trade
debates of the late 1980s. From the director of the local United Way to the
Chamber of Commerce member, citizens recognize the importance of protecting
manufacturing jobs. We must continue pushing forward to see much needed
change.
As provincial elections are held across Canada it is critical that
working people participate. In Ontario, we must fight to ensure that all
workers reap the benefits of targeted investments. The CAW will continue to
support the principles of strategic voting to ensure that an attack on working
people and the poor, similar to what happened under Mike Harris' conservative
government, is not repeated.
Federally, we have already seen the dangers citizens would face should
Stephen Harper's Conservative government win a majority in the next election.
This government has steadily pushed forward its agenda of free trade, economic
and political alignment with the US and tax cuts while slashing programs for
women, children, culture, and destroying other important areas of community
life.
The government has also continued to show a glaring lack of support for
Canada's auto industry through its inaction on trade and wrongheaded feebate
program, which have encouraged the purchase of offshore vehicles and are
destroying Canada's important auto jobs.
Even Harper's recent cabinet shuffle has done little to change the path
that this government has set for Canada - one that fails to address the
concerns of working people and provides no solid plan for the future.
Collectively, we can set Canada on a new course.
We must demand that our government take immediate action in addressing
the global trade imbalance that is hurting Canadian industry, and in turn
Canadian workers. We must ensure that all public tax dollars support our
domestic economy by developing a "Buy Canadian" procurement policy. And we
must insist that our government defend Canadian industry by regulating foreign
investment and controlling the dollar.
Canadians know that there is a lot at stake. Our jobs, our communities
and our future depend on the decisions we make today.
As we continue to build on the success of our manufacturing campaign, and
keep the pressure on our politicians to hear our demands, the words of Walter
Reuther will ring loud and clear: "Let's go to work and let's make this fight
and let's win together."
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Bob White Charity Golf Invitational to raise thousands for local women's shelters
LONDON - One of the country's most respected labour leaders, former CAW President and former President of the Canadian Labour Congress Bob White will be teeing off on September 9, in an effort to raise thousands of dollars for two London area women's shelters. Joining him on the green will be longtime champion of workers' rights, CAW President Buzz Hargrove.
White is credited with the founding of the Canadian Auto Workers union in
1985 and pushing forward on issues of harassment and violence in the
workplace, while Hargrove's action-oriented leadership has motivated both
women and men across the country to fight for equality and put an end to
violence against women.
As part of the CAW's ongoing commitment to ending family violence, the
union will be sponsoring the golf tournament, with a donation of $5,000 to the
event.
The CAW hopes the tournament will raise $100,000 which will go to the
London area Women's Community House and the Women's Emergency Centre - Oxford.
The Women's Community House is the largest high security shelter for
abused women and their children in Canada and offers both short term emergency
housing and longer term accommodations.
The Women's Emergency Centre - Oxford offers child support services and a
program for children that are exposed to violence in the home, in addition to
a number of other services.
The first annual Bob White Charity Golf Invitational will take place at
Forest City National Golf Club in London.
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Workers at Tinnerman Engineered Products choose Steelworkers to represent them
HAMILTON, ON - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Friday that employees at Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products Canada Corp. have for the first time in the company's 60-year history in Hamilton chosen a union to represent them. And that union is the United Steelworkers.
The 151 workers at the Parkdale Avenue North plant produce clips,
fasteners and connection devices for the Ohio-based company.
"More than anything, these workers were seeking a voice in their
workplace," said Fraser. "It is as important to be able to influence change as
it is to ensure economic rights.
"We welcome these new members and look forward to negotiating a
collective agreement with Tinnerman."
The USW is Canada's most diverse union, representing more than 280,000
men and women working in every sector of Canada's economy.
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Canadian Chamber Welcomes Progress at Leaders' Summit, But Calls for Greater Sense of Urgency
OTTAWA - The SPP leaders' summit concluded August 21, 2007 with good progress, but much more needs to be done. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce supports regular exchanges among the three leaders and looks forward to the now-annual meetings. The Canadian Chamber welcomes the commitments on a number of Chamber priorities.
1. Smart and Secure Borders: An agreement to develop and coordinate the management of the movement of goods and people during a border incident; promoting a seamless operation at the Canada-US border; expanding NEXUS and FAST; and renewed commitment to enhancing capacity at Windsor-Detroit.
2. Regulatory Framework: Commitment to strengthen cooperation and help remove the thousands of small differences undermining North American job creators. Specific sectors such as automotive and ICT were identified for action, providing an opportunity to measure progress at the next Leaders Summit.
3. Counterfeiting and Piracy: It is very encouraging to see an Intellectual Property Action Strategy, designed to combat counterfeiting and piracy, identified as one of the top North American priorities. It is vital to implement the SPP commitment for a Fake Free Americas=2E This includes implementing the strong recommendations found in the two Parliamentary committee reports from this spring.
4. Environmental Technologies: An integrated approach to climate change and air pollution along with the development of clean and sustainable energy; cooperation on auto fuel efficiency standards; and the development and employment of new environmental technologies will enhance a sustainable and competitive North America.
The Chamber welcomed discussions by Prime Minister Harper and President Bush on improving the implementation on the US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the ongoing, strong commitment to a successful and ambitious outcome to the WTO negotiations.
"Today's announcements were another important step forward for the three countries," says Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. "However, the pace of progress is still too slow. North American businesses are still confronted by a border that is becoming thicker, stickier and more costly. We urgently need to make greater progress.
"We are facing global challenges from economies like China, India and Europe that are putting our competitiveness to the test. There is no turning back. The global marketplace only gets fiercer from here, and our three countries must work in partnership to protect the prosperity of our citizens and businesses".
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American Conservatives Protest Montebello Summit
News Conference in Ottawa, Canada, on Monday August 20, 2007 at 10 a.m.
OTTAWA - Prominent conservative leaders and politicians opposing a North American Union with the United States, Canada, and Mexico are holding a News Conference at the Ottawa Marriott (100 Kent Street) in Ottawa, Ontario, today, Monday, August 20, at 10 a.m.
The News Conference is sponsored by the Coalition to Block the North American Union, which is protesting the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) meeting of U.S. President George Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, and President Felipe Calderon of Mexico. The secret summit is being held in Montebello, Quebec, from August 20-21.
The Coalition is made up of nearly one hundred U.S. leaders, including public policy advocates Phyllis Schlafly, Bay Buchanan, and L. Brent Bozell III. Speaking at the News Conference are Howard Phillips, Chairman of the Coalition and of The Conservative Caucus; Connie Fogal, leader of the Canadian Action Party; Tom DeWeese, President of the American Policy Center; John McManus, President of the John Birch Society; and Bob Park, Founder, Veterans for Secure Borders.
U.S. Congressman Virgil H. Goode (D-Virginia), the chief sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 40 which opposes the North American Union and the NAFTA superhighway, will make a statement at the News Conference via a video feed.
Popular entertainer, Pat Boone, presidential candidate U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas), and U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-North Carolina) also are releasing statements at the news conference.
"Our message is 'President Bush, President Calderon, Prime Minister Harper, tear down the wall of silence and let the people see what you are scheming to do,' explained Coalition Chairman Howard Phillips. "Behind closed doors, step-by-step, the leaders of Mexico, Canada, and the United States are setting the stage for, first, a North American Community and, ultimately, a North American Union (NAU), in which new transnational bodies would gain authority over our economy, our judiciary, and our lawmaking institutions."
"In Europe today, border control has been surrendered. Each person who enters one EU country is free to travel through any and all of the others with virtually no restrictions. That is what the elites of the United States, Canada, and Mexico have in mind for us. That helps explains why the Montebello meeting is being held behind closed doors, with little access to SPP deliberations by the general public or even by the media and elected politicians from the three countries," Phillips continues.
"That is why the Coalition to Block the North American Union, of which I am Chairman, is conducting this news conference. Our message to Messrs. Bush, Harper, and Calderon is similar to the one which Ronald Reagan delivered to Mikhail Gorbachev when he said 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall,'" Howard Phillips concludes.
Connie Fogal, leader of the Canadian Action Party, will say that the "SPP is a hostile takeover of the apparatus of democratic government and an end to the rule of law. There has been kind of a coup d'état over the government operations of Canada, U.S.A., and Mexico."
Tom DeWeese of the American Policy Center, will warn: "Beware. Bonds between government and private international corporations are a double-edged sword. They come with government's power to tax, the government's power to enforce policy, and the government's power to enforce eminent domain. ...Such a process allows the private companies to be little more than government-sanctioned monopolies, answerable to no one. Their power is awesome and near absolute. Some call such policy corporatism. Another term would be corporate fascism."
"The American people don't want to tear up our Declaration of Independence. Nor do the people of Canada and Mexico want to cancel the independence of their nations," explains John F. McManus of the John Birch Society. "Roman Herzog, the former president of Germany, now realizes that Germany has essentially lost its independence to the EU bureaucrats in Brussels. The leaders of Canada, the United States, and Mexico will issue denials but the hidden motive propelling them into creating the Security and Prosperity Partnership is to advance one step closer to the centuries-old goal of a world government, also known as the New World Order."
"America's veterans say NO to the North American Union by any name!" says Bob Park, founder of Veterans for a Secure Border. "American soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen swear to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution - not some borderless, mishmash, some elitist pipe dream, some giveaway of the only thing that can preserve our liberties as American citizens: our sovereign nation, our form of government, our way of life, our nation's unique culture that makes America America."
Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-North Carolina), an original sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 40 which opposes the North American Union and the NAFTA Superhighway, said in a statement to be released at the news conference that "Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that Congress - not the executive branch - has the power to 'regulate commerce with foreign nations.' Many SPP working group meetings are held in secret and the public, the press, and members of Congress have no opportunity to participate or conduct oversight."
"When patriot Nathan Hale proclaimed, as he was about to executed by the British, 'I regret that I have but one life to give to my country,' he wasn't referring to Mexico or Canada," entertainer and American idol, Pat Boone, said in a statement prepared for the news conference. "No. Nathan Hale was willing and ready to die for the dream called America, under a Declaration of Independence - independence from the perversions of other nations."
Biographies and full statements of all the speakers is available. Also more information can be found at http://www.conservativeusa.org
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University of Windsor CUPE locals fight administration concession demands - stage set for September strike
WINDSOR - Two locals of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reached an impasse in bargaining with the University of Windsor yesterday, as the administration continued to demand concessions and failed to move towards fair contract settlements in conciliation talks. "We have asked the conciliation officer to file a 'no-board' report with the ministry of Labour, starting the countdown to a legal strike or lockout in early September," said CUPE national representative Joel Bentley.
"The administration is determined to roll back many provisions in our
collective agreements, including job security, monetary and benefit
concessions," said Aldo DiCarlo, president of CUPE 1393, representing 210
technical, professional and trades staff at the university.
"The university wants to further cut part-time hours to create 6, 8 or 9
hour per week positions - it's impossible to create a stable work environment
that way," said James Kehoe, CUPE 1001 vice-president, representing 400
custodial, food services, trades assistants, grounds and shipping and
receiving employees.
"Both of our CUPE locals have begun strike preparations, with near
unanimous strike votes," said Bentley. "With monetary, benefit concessions and
weakened job security and advancement clauses on the table, the administration
seems intent on provoking a strike or lockout that will hurt students and
disrupt classes this fall."
Both CUPE locals have begun to prepare for a strike, while informing the
conciliation officer they are prepared to meet for mediation talks to try and
avert a strike.
"The administration has been pursuing a policy of 'work casualization',
pushing for more casual and part-time workers, with reduced hours of work,"
said Bentley. "This is not good for students or the university community, as
these employees provide frontline support for students and faculty. We urge
students, parents and faculty to contact university administrators to demand
they stop their attacks on our collective agreements, and take steps to reach
settlements without a disruption that will hurt the university's reputation."
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Strike looms at Carleton University September 5th
OTTAWA - Professional, office, technical and support staff at Carleton University, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), will be in a legal strike or lockout position September 5th, at 12:01 am, after the university failed to make a fair settlement offer during conciliation talks.
"We have been trying to reach a negotiated settlement to avoid a
disruption as fall classes resume," said CUPE national representative Susan
Arab. "Unfortunately, Carleton administration has failed to move towards a
fair settlement, refusing so far to make a contract offer similar to what
faculty negotiated with the university earlier this year." CUPE 2424
represents 700 workers at Carleton, who've been working without a contract
since June 30, 2007.
"All it takes is a fair deal to prevent a strike," said Arab. "We will do
everything we can to achieve a settlement in mediation, but it really depends
on a change of attitude from management." In addition to wages, outstanding
issues include benefits, job postings and employment security. A strike or
lockout would suspend all office work at the university, IT support, libraries
and other technical and support functions. Mediation talks have been scheduled
for August 30, and September 3 and 4.
"We would prefer a negotiated settlement, but the administration's
approach to negotiations so far indicates that we must begin strike
preparations," said Arab. "We call on students and the university community to
contact Carleton's administration to urge them to make a fair contract offer
and prevent a strike so classes can resume without a disruption this fall."
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American Leaders Question Purposes of Security and Prosperity Partnership meeting with President Bush, P.M. Harper, and President Calderon
News Conference at Bush Summit on August 20: Coalition To Block The North American Union
OTTAWA, CANADA- A coalition of American leaders has been formed to halt the North American Union and to protest the upcoming Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America, being held at Montebello, Canada, with U.S. President George Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, and President Felipe Calderon of Mexico.
The organization, The Coalition to Block the North American Union, headed by Howard Phillips, is having a News Conference at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 20, at the Ottawa Marriott (100 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) to protest the SPP meeting, particularly the secrecy and exclusion of all but a few business leaders at the meeting.
Howard Phillips has been Chairman of The Conservative Caucus since 1974. The Caucus is a non-partisan, nationwide, grassroots public policy advocacy group, which has launched campaigns to oppose NAFTA and the World Trade Organization, passage of the U.S. Constitutional Restoration Act, and withdrawal from all institutions of the New World Order, as well as ongoing efforts to oppose socialized medicine, abortion and special rights for homosexuals.
A life-long political activist, Mr. Phillips headed two federal agencies during the Nixon Administration, spearheaded efforts to support freedom fighters in Central America and Angola, led a campaign to end judicial tyranny, and founded a third political party, the U.S. Taxpayers Party in 1992, which was later renamed The Constitution Party. He ran as a presidential candidate for that party three times. (A complete bio can be found at http://www.conservativeusa.org/hpbio.htm.)
U.S. Congressman Virgil H. Goode, Jr. (D-Virginia) is expected to participate at the news conference (either in person or via video tape), and U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-North Carolina) is releasing a statement at the news conference. Congressman Goode is the chief sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 40 opposing the North American Union and the construction of a NAFTA Superhighway system. Congressman Jones is a co-sponsor of the Resolution.
Other spokesmen at the News Conference will include Connie Fogal, leader of the Canadian Action Party; Tom DeWeese, President of the American Policy Center, a leading American grassroots foundation devoted to free enterprise and limited government; Jack McManus, President of the John Birch Society; and Bob Park, Founder, Veterans for Secure Borders; Board Chairman, ProEnglish.
Coalition members include many prominent U.S. political activists including Phyllis Schlafly, Bay Buchanan, and 90 other state and national leaders concerned about the North American Union.
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CAW members ratify agreement with VIA Rail
ST. JOHN'S - The more than 2,600 CAW members working at VIA Rail have overwhelmingly ratified the new collective agreement by 82 per cent overall.
The new agreement is retroactive to January 1, 2007, including wages and
benefits and extends to December 31st, 2009. Members work in the areas of
maintenance, ticket sales, clerical and on-board services.
The CAW master bargaining committee came to an agreement with VIA Rail
early in the morning of July 21, after days of round the clock negotiations,
avoiding a possible strike that would have halted services.
"This is an excellent agreement which includes significant progress in
many areas such as an important gain in the new apprenticeship program in the
skilled trades agreement," said Bryon DeBaets, President of CAW Local 100.
The collective agreement includes a three per cent per year wage
increase, new benefit improvements, including a new Long-Term Disability (LTD)
plan and an apprenticeship program for skilled trades and numerous changes
which improve the working lives of our members.
"It was a challenging process and the bargaining committee should be
commended for their determination and the membership for their support of this
new agreement," said Bob Fitzgerald, President of CAW National Council 4000.
"This agreement has produced historic work rule changes and an update to
antiquated rules which will now provide improvements to the quality of work
life for our members."
Improvements were also made in health and safety, employee assistance
programs, life insurance, seniority protection and increases in short term
disabilities.
This settlement closely follows the pattern set earlier this year by CN
workers and puts in place historical improvements for CAW members at VIA Rail.
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CAW-TCA Unveils New Policy on Protecting the Environment and Canadian Jobs
ST. JOHN'S - The 1,000 delegates to the CAW Joint Council meeting in St. John's unanimously endorsed a discussion paper that fully commits the CAW to the fight against climate change, while also strengthening Canada's auto industry and other crucial domestic sectors.
The paper contains a detailed strategy for "greening" the Canadian
automotive industry, which directly employs over 150,000 manufacturing
workers, but has suffered deeply in the face of one-way offshore imports.
The CAW's plan includes the following elements:
- Support for compulsory fuel efficiency regulations on new vehicles,
so long as standards are defined according to vehicle size and have
adequate phase-in periods. This ensures that the burden of new
standards is fairly shared among all automakers, both domestic and
importers.
- Major public supports for Canadian manufacturing investments in
green vehicles and components (like hybrid vehicles, clean diesel
engines, and other opportunities).
- A joint government-business-labour strategy to improve the economic
viability of small car production within Canada.
- Limits on the explosion of offshore imports to our domestic market,
to ensure that environmental rules do no further undermine the
domestic industry.
- Major investments in public transit. (The CAW represents several thousand members who work in public transit services, and in manufacturing public transit equipment.)
The paper strongly criticized the federal government's recently announced
"feebate" program, which provides a government rebate to purchasers of small,
imported vehicles, but imposes new taxes on larger domestic vehicles.
"There's no inherent conflict between protecting our jobs, and protecting
the environment," said CAW President Buzz Hargrove after the paper was
adopted. "And our union has always supported good environmental policies."
"I am confident we can find policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and strengthen our domestic industries," Hargrove said. "But to do this, we
have to do better than the shallow, politically-driven band-aids which the
Harper government is applying to this issue."
The full text of "Climate Change and our Jobs: Finding the Right Balance" policy paper will be available on the CAW website (www.caw.ca) later Monday, August 13.
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Chamber After Five regional business tradeshow
The seventh annual regional business tradeshow will be taking place on September 18, 2007 at Bingemans. This annual joint venture with the Guelph, Cambridge and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chambers of Commerce sells out every year. Booths are now available for sale to chamber members only on a first come, first served basis. |
Ontario Government To Host International Labour Relations Agency Conference
Ontario To Share Labour Relations Successes
TORONTO - Ontario will share its expertise in labour relations with delegates from Canada and the U.S. at the annual conference of the Association of Labor Relations Agencies (ALRA), which will be held July 28 to August 1, Minister of Labour Steve Peters announced July 26.
"I am delighted that Ontario has been chosen this year to host the
conference," said Peters. "We have much to learn from the delegates and a lot
to share. I am proud that almost 98 per cent of recent labour contracts in
Ontario have been negotiated without work stoppages.
"In 1996, almost two million person days were lost to strikes and
lockouts. But 10 years later, the annual days lost per year have dropped to
fewer than 400,000," he added.
Conference delegates include mediators, arbitrators and other labour
relations neutral facilitators. The Advocates' Day proceedings will also
involve public and private sector managers and union officials.
"The conference is a place to share experiences and learn new ways of
doing business," said ALRA president Marilyn Glenn Sayan. "We have a lot to
learn from each other, and especially from Ontario, which is one of North
America's largest labour relations jurisdictions."
Peters will greet delegates at the Advocates' Day proceedings on Monday,
July 30. "I'm looking forward to sharing Ontario's view that a fair and
balanced labour relations environment is a key component of economic success."
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Ron Neumann joins Communitech as next Executive-in-Residence
WATERLOO REGION - High-calibre resources for the entrepreneur get another big boost forward in Waterloo Region, as Ron Neumann becomes the next serial tech CEO to join Communitech's Executive-in-Residence in-house, startup mentorship program.
"I'm excited to be able to apply my significant expertise in startup and
business management to the benefit of tech firms across Waterloo
Region," says Neumann, "providing advice and guidance on everything from
a bullet proof business plan to a manageable exit strategy."
On July 25, Neumann joins Carol Leaman, CEO-in-Residence, who was
appointed as the first such mentorship role for Communitech earlier this
year. At full capacity, the Executive-in-Residence program will
accommodate up to three seasoned CXO-level executives working out of the
Communitech offices on a part-time basis, sharing their considerable
experience and expertise by coaching small firms at no cost to startups.
Neumann brings over twenty years of successful management experience to
the role of Executive-in-Residence at Communitech. His entrepreneurial
spirit and strong technical skills have driven SlipStream Data's
phenomenal growth and penetration in new markets, such as the market for
Mobile Service Providers (MSPs). Under Neumann's management, SlipStream
remained highly profitable, won over 2000 service provider customers in
45 countries, and tripled employee size in two years. Neumann led the
successful acquisition of Slipstream Data by Research In Motion (RIM)
earlier in 2006.
Prior to joining SlipStream in 2001, Neumann held other local positions
as President at LivePage, (which was sold to Janna Systems) and was the
founding President at Waterloo Maple, profitably growing it from a
startup to over 50 people. He has also held senior positions at Cebra
(the electronic commerce division of the The Bank of Montreal),
Tallgrass Technologies and MicroWare Distribution. Neumann is a graduate
of the Systems Design Engineering program at the University of Waterloo.
"With additions like Ron Neumann to our line-up of stellar resources,
Communitech continues to build on Waterloo Region's resources dedicated
to entrepreneurs," adds Iain Klugman, President and CEO, Communitech.
"Another powerful step toward realizing our vision of becoming a
tier-one tech cluster in North America."
Neumann begins his tenure as Communitech Executive-in-Residence July 25,
and can be reached at Communitech offices in the Accelerator Centre,
University of Waterloo Research + Tech Park, Waterloo, at 519-888-9944.
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Exchange Business CommunicationsCopyright 2007- 08
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