Wednesday, 6 May 2020

N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Second new case confirmed, top doctor says

https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies




Replying to @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks Jim Cormier the Atlantic director of the Retail Council of Canada won't forget our conversation this morning anytime soon or my first blog name ain't "Just Dave" N'esy Pas? 


https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/05/nb-covid-19-roundup-second-new-case.html






 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-outbreak-roundup-cases-1.5557442



N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Second new case confirmed, top doctor says

Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell will be providing a coronavirus update at 2:30 p.m.



Elizabeth Fraser · CBC News · Posted: May 06, 2020 1:32 PM AT



Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, confirms second active case of COVID-19 in the province. (Government of New Brunswick/Submitted)

Latest

  • Local businesses want province to let them reopen too
  • Province to share virus update Wednesday 
  • Residents concerned over extra traffic in Shediac area 
  • New case of COVID-19 not surprising, epidemiologist says 
  • What to do if you have symptoms
New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health has announced one new case of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total number of active cases to two.

In an interview with CBC's News on Wednesday morning, Dr. Jennifer Russell said the latest case was travel-related.

Russell said the case that was announced Tuesday is still under investigation and it's not known yet if it's travel-related or a community transmission.



The province has confirmed 120 cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 118 people have since recovered from the virus. The province had no confirmed active cases between Saturday and Tuesday.

Russell has said people should expect there will be more cases and must stay vigilant as the province starts to reopen.

"It's about setting expectations," she said. "So if the public understands and is able to internalize the fact that we are going to be living with COVID-19 for 18 to 24 months until there's a vaccine, we're pretty much past mile one of a 26-mile marathon.

At Tuesday's news briefing, Russell also said that an individual passing through the Moncton airport last week tested positive for COVID-19.

That individual was not tested in New Brunswick. Russell didn't say how long that person may have been in New Brunswick or what province they went to.

Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health will provide a virus update at 2:30 p.m. in Fredericton



Local businesses want province to let them reopen too

New Brunswick businesses are ready to reopen — they're just waiting for the province to give them the green light, the Retail Council of Canada says.

Earlier this week Premier Blaine Higgs said businesses could be allowed to open in the next phase of recovery as early as Friday, as long as they're following orders from public health.

"If you are a retailer that's not doing things the right way, it won't be long before that message is out there on social media," said Jim Cormier, the Atlantic director for the Retail Council of Canada.

"It's not going to be good for your business in the long term. People won't be showing up to shop in your store if they don't feel safe and confident when they're in there."
The new rules could include everything from Plexiglas booths for cashiers to more signs in retail stores.

Cormier some employees have expressed concerns aabout returning to work during a pandemic, even if New Brunswick has seen a relatively low numer of cases.


These concerns have been countered with additional worries over what impact a prolonged closure could do to some businesses.



Businesses across New Brunswick are hoping the province will loosen more restrictions this week and allow them to reopen. (Photo: Mike Heenan/CBC News)

Cormier said employees have rights when it comes to safe workplaces, and there are procedures in place to address unsafe conditions.

"That can all be dealt with through, you know, in this case speaking to WorkSafeNB," he said.

"They would send a person into the workplace to say 'OK, well the employee has a point here or no they don't and these are the changes that should be made to ensure that there is a safe workplace.'"
 

Jim Cormier, Atlantic director of the Retail Council of Canada, says consumers can expect to see more Plexiglas booths for cashiers and signage at retail stores in the future. (CBC)

Scientific consensus is that a vaccine for COVID-19 would not be available until sometime next year at the earliest.

But Cormier said some new practices may continue even after COVID-19.



"I think you're going to see going forward the retail floor space will be changed forever and that there will be more spacing to ensure people can be physically distant," said Cormier.

"You know the Plexiglas barriers at the cash, those might end up becoming the new norm."

Residents concerned about extra traffic in Shediac area 

Plenty of New Brunswickers were out and about in the warm weather last weekend, causing an uptick in traffic in the Shediac area.

As part of loosening restrictions last month, the province reopened parks and beaches, including Parlee Beach.

However, the province did not reopen the main road heading into the park, Parlee Beach Road, which connects the beach directly with the twined Route 15.

This led to travellers to take smaller streets in residential areas to get to the beach, which turned into a headache for residents.



"We were bumper-to-bumper traffic," said Fred Durette of Pointe-du-Chêne.
 

After Premier Blaine Higgs banned temporary foreign workers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, farmers lost some of their best workers and are struggling to keep up. 4:50

"Nobody could get into Shediac to get their groceries or get their drugs because everybody was coming from Moncton and wherever to go for a little drive."

Durette said the traffic woes were multiplied because people were also trying to go to the Pointe-du-Chêne wharf, which is still closed.

Durette said residents of the community are upset and feel if the province wanted to reopen the park, it should have also reopened the road.
 

As the province begins to loosen restrictions at provincial parks, more people were visiting Parlee Beach over the weekend. (Paul Hantiuk/CBC)

"People love to come here and we love having people here, but right now this little community — which borders the park and the beach, and borders the road to the wharf, with a road in the middle — is suffering when we're stifled like that with people."

Durette said he was also concerned about possible COVID-19 spread, as he witnessed many people not observing physical distancing rules.



"We watch groups of students go to the beach arm-in-arm with beer in their hand, hauling their coolers," said Durette.

"There are no social distancing at all."

New case of COVID-19 not surprising, epidemiologist says 

Colin Furness, an epidemiologist based in Toronto, said New Brunswickers shouldn't be too concerned about a new case popping up, especially after more than two weeks with no new cases.

He said a pattern of new cases would be more concerning.

"It would have been surprising if you'd hit absolute flat zero and never come off it. … Some people may be sick mildly for a while before they seek help. So this is not concerning at all."

He said the rest of the country will be looking at New Brunswick to see what a new normal might look like following the pandemic.



This could include keeping store hours shorter, relying on takeout instead of dining in, and continued restrictions on travel.
 

Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, says it would be surprising if New Brunswick did not see new cases. (University of Toronto)

He also expects to see changes in the design of cubical-based office spaces and closed quarters of factory lines.

One thing he's also hoping will change is the traditional handshake greeting.

"Handshaking is a really deep seated human behaviour," he said. "It's also a really risky behaviour as we now know."

The province's ability to reopen will be based on how effectively it can restrict New Brunswick's border crossings. Furness even suggested only allowing people to come into the province who have been tested

"I think you could open up wide right away, because you don't have community spread."

What to do if you have symptoms

People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment on the government website.  People with two of those symptoms are asked to:
  • Stay at home.
  • Immediately call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor
  • Describe symptoms and travel history.
  • Follow instructions.

About the Author



Elizabeth Fraser
Reporter/Editor
Elizabeth Fraser is a reporter/editor with CBC New Brunswick based in Fredericton. She's originally from Manitoba. Story tip? elizabeth.fraser@cbc.ca
With files from Jordan Gill

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 





 41 Comments 





David Amos
Methinks Jim Cormier the Atlantic director of the Retail Council of Canada won't forget our conversation this morning anytime soon or my first blog name ain't "Just Dave" N'esy Pas? 


Toby Tolly
Reply to @David Amos: you read someone interviewed for a cbc story and then call them ?
how often does this happen


David Amos 
Reply to @Toby Tolly: Very often
David Amos 
Reply to @Toby Tolly: However this time I heard him talking at about 8 AM on my radio and called him and serval of his cohorts almost immediately afterwards Obviously I did not know they would be publishing something about Cormier this afternoon 
 

Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: That's pathetic. A pest 


Rob Sense
Reply to @David Amos:
he won't but you will


Rob Sense 
Reply to @David Amos:
we know who you are and the type of psychological help you need.





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Main Office

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Toronto, ON M4S 3C4
info@retailcouncil.org
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Atlantic Office

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Jim Cormier
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 902-422-4144 or 1-855-422-4144



Retail Council of Canada is overseen by our Board of Directors, who are senior executives from leading retailers in Canada.
For more information, please contact Susan Roche at sroche@retailcouncil.org

Greg Hicks, Chair

President & CEO
Canadian Tire Corporation

Anne Martin-Vachon, Vice Chair

Chief Retail Officer
Rogers Communications Inc.

Nicolas Caprio, Treasurer

COO & General Manager
Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd.

Marie-Claude Bacon

Vice-President, Public Affairs & Communications
Metro Inc.

Alain Baird

Founder & CEO
The Stitch It Group Inc.

David Boone

Chief Executive Officer
Staples Canada, Inc.

Troy Dunn

Director of Retail Canada
Apple Canada Inc.



Duncan Fulton

Chief Corporate Officer
Restaurant Brands International

Clint Mahlman

President & COO
London Drugs Limited

Sam Wankowski

Chief Operations Officer
Walmart Canada

Iain Nairn

President
Hudson's Bay Co.

Doug Nathanson

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Sobeys, Inc.

Pietro Nenci

Vice-President, GMM Corporate Foods
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Garry Senecal

Chief Customer Officer
Loblaw Companies Limited

Paul Simmonds

President & CEO
Robert Simmonds Clothing

Dr. George Soleas

President & CEO
Liquor Control Board of Ontario

Gillian Stein

Chief Executive Officer
Henry's

Ron Wilson

President, International
Best Buy Co. Inc.


 https://www.ccab.com/main/ccab_member/apple-canada-inc/



CCAB > President and CEO

President and CEO

Tabatha Bull

416.961.8663 ext. 223
tbull@ccab.com

Tabatha Bull

President & CEO
Tabatha is Anishinaabe and a proud member of Nipissing First Nation near North Bay, Ontario. She is currently the President & CEO of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business working with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses to help strengthen a prosperous Indigenous economy and Canadian market. Also, a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce board, Tabatha is committed to working with members to improve business competitiveness across all industry sectors. Prior to her current role as CEO, Tabatha joined CCAB in the fall of 2018 as Chief Operating Officer.
Tabatha, an electrical engineer from the University of Waterloo, led the First Nations and Métis Relations team at the IESO, Ontario’s electricity system operator. Supporting and advising Canada’s energy sector, academics and organizations to ensure a collaborative approach with Indigenous leaders, communities, heads of industry and government, Tabatha sits as a member on both the Positive Energy Advisory Council and the C.D. Howe Institute’s Energy Policy program.
As a testament to her passion to better the lives of Indigenous people and stay connected to her community, Tabatha serves as a director on the board of Wigwamen Housing Inc.; the oldest and largest urban Indigenous housing provider in Ontario.
Tabatha is also an active member on the board of Young Peoples Theatre in Toronto and the Canadian advisory group to UN Women “promoting women’s economic empowerment through responsible business in G7 countries”.
Tabatha is the proud mom to two boys and can often be found in a hockey arena or at the baseball diamond.

 https://thefutureeconomy.ca/interviews/tabatha-bull/


 
Tabatha Bull
President & CEO – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)

Corporate and Government Partnerships Helping Indigenous Businesses Through COVID-19

COVID-19
Aboriginal Business
Indigenous
Policy
Published on

Listen to the interview via our AI text-to-speech service.



As the economic fallout from COVID-19 continues to impact all Canadians, TheFutureEconomy.ca spoke with Tabatha Bull, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. She discussed how the crisis is impacting Canada’s Indigenous economy, and what the government and corporate Canada must focus on to ensure Indigenous businesses get the support they require to weather the crisis’ challenges.

Takeaways

  1. There are over 50,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada and 99% of them are small- or medium-sized enterprises, which are being hardest hit by the pandemic. 
  2. Indigenous businesses are pivoting and retooling in order to provide personal protective equipment to the federal government and communities during Covid-19.
  3. Indigenous businesses on reserve face unique barriers at this time because of the lack of broadband and infrastructure that enables e-commerce.

Action

The federal government needs to continue to work towards a 5% procurement of Indigenous businesses. Corporate Canada must also ensure that Indigenous businesses remain part of their supply chains during this crisis. These measures will help to close the economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and communities during Covid-19 and Canada’s economic recovery.

The Coronavirus’ Impact on Canada’s Indigenous Communities  

We’ve definitely seen in recent days and weeks that the virus has hit some communities, and we’ve seen a few deaths as well in recent days.
I think the concern is in ramping up our communities—any vulnerable population is going to be more impacted by a virus and a pandemic, and the gap between Indigenous populations and average Canadians is quite wide.
Any vulnerable population is going to be more impacted by a virus and a pandemic.
We need to be thinking about how we are getting that PPE equipment to those communities. We are thinking actively about food scarcity and the risk of food scarcity for those communities, and also just from having healthcare workers within those communities. How do we ensure that they have proper accessibility to testing and to healthcare?

The Size and Make-Up of Canada’s Indigenous Economy  

The Indigenous economy currently contributes $31 billion to Canada’s GDP. If we continue to include Indigenous businesses in corporate supply chains and continue our push to get the federal government to increase their supply chain from Indigenous business, we see that that can increase significantly.
Already there are over 50,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada, and Indigenous people are creating businesses at nine times the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians. We expect that and hope that that will continue to grow.
There are over 50,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada, and Indigenous people are creating businesses at nine times the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians.
We see Indigenous businesses across all sectors and every shape and size, but we do see a significant number of those businesses in the small- and medium-sized enterprise—about 99%, in fact.

The Crisis’ Impacts on Indigenous Businesses  

We do hear the same concerns from small Indigenous businesses as we do from [non-Indigenous businesses]. But there are some different factors that make the impact more severe. One being that there is such a high percentage of small- and medium-enterprises and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Indigenous economy and in Canada’s economy.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses released a study that said that 25% of small- and medium-sized enterprises will not be able to sustain a closure of 30 days. If we look at the high number of small- and medium-enterprises in the Indigenous business sector, that’s going to significantly impact those businesses.
The other thing is that about one third of Indigenous businesses are on reserve and there are some unique barriers for those businesses to be able to access financing, and also currently to be eligible for some of the programs that are coming out of the federal government—with respect to payroll, for example. As a non-taxable business on reserve through the Indian Act there are some questions that we have raised to the government on the eligibility of those businesses.

The Federal Government’s Response and Support for the Indigenous Economy  

I have been really pleased with the government’s response and with the proactive nature of how they have been dealing with the crisis, but specifically from an Indigenous lens. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business has been approached by a number of ministries to understand what the gaps are, what is the impact on Indigenous business, and how can we work to ensure that communities are okay through this crisis as well.
We need to look at where the funding may be able to flow, so that we can ensure that Indigenous businesses can access the same type of programs as the emergency business account.   
We have been having discussions with Indigenous Services Canada and a number of Indigenous economic associations, and one of those has been specifically about the financing and financing through traditional financial institutions. And currently less than 20% of Indigenous businesses have financing through those traditional financial institutions. We need to look at where the funding may be able to flow, so that we can ensure that Indigenous businesses can access the same type of programs as the emergency business account.
Those discussions have been going well, and I am hopeful that there will be some type of stimulus for Indigenous business either through other means or through the existing Aboriginal Financial Institutions that businesses access—or separate programs to ensure that financial institutions can take on new clients if Indigenous businesses that are not currently banking with them. 
Those discussions have been going well, there is real interest in understanding what the impact is and understanding what is needed. It gives me a sense that there will be other measures that they will be able to roll out.

Government Procurement’s Role in Supporting Indigenous Businesses  

We have been working with our members to provide lists of businesses that can provide personal protective equipment. It is a good pivot to provide that type of equipment, and we have been sharing those lists with procurement and with Indigenous Services Canada—really as many ministries as we can—and we continue to share those lists.
We are really pushing to say that yes, even during this crisis, we need to ensure that we are working towards the 5% [government procurement for Indigenous businesses.] It has been an incredible response from Indigenous businesses that have been able to pivot their manufacturing or are open to that.
Even during this crisis, we need to ensure that we are working towards the goal of 5% government procurement for Indigenous businesses.
We have seen businesses that are interested in buying 3D printers and can make face shields. We have seen businesses pivot their tooling to be able to provide hand sanitizer, and businesses that are able to access hand sanitizer and face shields as well, and we are continuing to work with the government on that procurement part. It is going to be very important, not just through this crisis, but to ensure that we have economic recovery.
There is going to be a time where government needs to stockpile and ensure that we can get back and build up our stockpile of PPE—so we want businesses to be ready to part of that as well. 
Currently and in the past the government has never been over 1% procurement for Indigenous business—so 5% is significant, definitely. And I think from where we were, if we can come out of this crisis and continue to push for a 5% procurement, for sure it is going to help with the recovery.
Everyone is starting to look a little bit towards what economic recovery is going to look like. Yesterday National Chief Bellegarde called for an economic recovery team and for First Nations to be a part of that. And I think that is going to be very important for us to ensure that businesses are, one, ready to be a part of that and be part of the procurement needs of government, and that we are enabling them to retool in order to be ready for that time. For sure, it is going to be a significant impact.
The other thing is that it is money that is going to be spent anyway. It is not an ask for the federal government to increase tax dollars in order to put money into the Indigenous economy and into Indigenous peoples’ pockets and into Indigenous communities. It is very clear that Indigenous businesses employ more Indigenous people, and Indigenous businesses give back to the Indigenous community. Through procurement they can make a significant impact on the Indigenous community, Indigenous people and closing the gap.
We talk a lot about federal government, but provincial and territorial governments have a role to play here as well, as do cities and municipalities. All provinces are looking for PPE, and so are major cities, so we have been working to make sure they are aware of the Indigenous businesses that are out there—and that they are looking to partner with those businesses to help communities.
From a more political point of view, I think every province has the responsibility to ensure the safety of their communities and all communities, regardless of whether they are First Nation or not. And we have seen some of the provinces make a play there.

Corporate Canada’s Role in Supporting Indigenous Businesses Through the Crisis 

We have still seen a real interest in corporate Canada and in our corporate members understanding what they can do to help Indigenous businesses and communities. We have had Sysco Foods, for example, just come on as a patron member of the CCAB—and they are really wanting to see what they can do for food scarcity in communities.
I think there are definite opportunities for us to partner Indigenous businesses and corporate Canada for the immediate needs, but it is very important for corporate Canada continues with their procurement strategies in their supply chain. It must continue to ensure they can keep the Indigenous employees—that they have worked so hard to bring into their organization—employed. The change on the 75% wage subsidy to allow larger businesses to also access that was key for them to be able to keep those Indigenous employees employed. I think that has been a real benefit.
We have also seen some really great opportunities from corporate Canada in helping us to develop programs that will help Indigenous businesses through this crisis. Those might be how to move your platform to e-commerce or shipping—if you are moving to an e-commerce platform, UPS has offered a 50% off discount for shipping for Indigenous businesses. There are lots of ways that corporate Canada cannot just continue what they were doing before but ensure that they can specifically help the Indigenous economy growing.
If you are moving to an e-commerce platform, UPS has offered a 50% off discount for shipping for Indigenous businesses. 

The Switch to Remote Work and Impact on the Indigenous Workforce 

Even when we see Indigenous businesses that are already in e-commerce and on reserve, those businesses prior to this pandemic already had some barriers to ensuring they can deliver their products based on the infrastructure and lack of broadband within their communities. And those are communities like Six Nations in Southern Ontario.
Then when you look further out to more rural communities, particularly remote communities, there is a significant lack of broadband. We know that this was in the budget in 2019 and 2018 by the federal government, but there is going to need to be a push to move that financing forward to ensure we can get broadband to all First Nations communities across Canada.
We have definitely seen, as an example in the oil and energy sector, a number of Indigenous people that would have been employed and the downturn in that sector is definitely impacting Indigenous people and Indigenous businesses that support that sector. We have had some interesting conversations this week with other businesses that are ramping up in terms of trying to understand how we can move that workforce from one business to another. You know we are all looking for innovative ways to get through this and I think that is something we are going to be focusing on in the coming days.

The Crisis’ Silver Lining  

It has been really heart-warming to see people, towns and cities come together, and corporate Canada and Indigenous businesses come together as well. We have this Team Canada idea that everyone has been speaking about, and Team Ontario. Even as Indigenous organizations, we have been meeting more regularly to talk about how our staff is doing and our employees are doing, and sharing ideas around remote working—but also how do we continue to ensure, as Indigenous economic associations, that we are doing all that we can to keep the Indigenous economy going and to ensure that our communities are safe through this crisis. I hope that that collaboration will continue after this crisis is over.
I think we have also seen some really great innovation from businesses. As I said, Raven Brewing, which is a certified Aboriginal business, they have changed to start to make ethanol and hand sanitizer, which is really exciting. We have seen great partnerships with another member, Shared Value Solutions, and Diageo to make ethanol and hand sanitizer. They are partnering with FedEx and Air Canada to get that hand sanitizer to remote communities in Ontario. Those type of innovative ways of asking how do we work together to solve problems has really been heart-warming, and I really hope that is going to continue. 

On Becoming CCAB’s New President as the Crisis Hit  

Some days I feel quite optimistic when I think about the questions that are being asked of us and the real interest of what the impact is on Indigenous business. Those days are optimistic, but also trying in that I cannot leave any of those questions unanswered.
Things are changing so fast, and programs are being rolled out so quickly that we need to be able to respond very quick. I think in some way, on the silver lining side, this is an opportunity for me as a new leader to make connections and to build relationships, because people need information right away.
And I think I am very well-supported by our team and I am very lucky to have the strong team that we have. I think it probably has helped that I became a leader from the inside. It would be very difficult to bring someone in not from CCAB at this time. I think that we announced to the staff that I had got the role and then we moved to work from home the next Monday.
So, I really have not been President and CEO in the office with the team since it was announced. But we are all a really supportive team, we are keeping very well connected through media, seeing each other’s faces, and it has really stuck with me what a family our team is—with everyone checking in on each other—and that has been very positive. It is positive to know there are a lot of leaders within the organization—not just me. At all levels, everyone is looking out for each other and helping out with each other, so in that way it has been an easy transition.

#StayAtHome Top Do’s  

I have really started to make a point of leaving my computer and my phone for half an hour, a couple of times a day to check in with the kids, make lunch and have lunch with the kids. The first couple of weeks I was really at my desk for ten hours straight a day, on phone calls back-to-back, so I have managed to get myself out of that routine and into a better routine. Also, just to take a mental break and give yourself a relaxation moment—I have been encouraging our team to do that as well.
The first couple of weeks I was really at my desk for ten hours straight a day, on phone calls back-to-back, so I have managed to get myself out of that routine and into a better routine.
I think in terms of supporting Indigenous business, personally I have been reaching out and going online and finding a number of Indigenous businesses that I can support and buy products from and I have been sharing that information. A lot of Indigenous businesses make soap, for example, and hand salve, and those are things that we need right now.
I am just trying to promote and do what I can from the Indigenous economy from home, and that has been really important. And staying connected to my family and friends has been a big key need for me and particularly for my parents and my brothers and sisters. I have one brother that is an emergency physician, so I am making sure I am checking in on him. All of us our trying to support each other and playing games online—that has been really important for us and for the kids.


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TheFutureEconomy.ca conducts interviews with Canada’s leaders from business, government, academia, youth and other key stakeholder groups to define a strong vision for Canada’s future economy.
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Born and raised in Montreal, Tim spent the last 15 years living and working around the world: East and Central Asia, the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Western Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America – he’s seen a few things. It is during this decade and a half on the road that he gained invaluable experience covering countries and industries on all four corners of the globe for highly respected international business titles. He founded Milestone GRP in 2011 with the mission of producing in-depth investment publications that provide international investors and businesses essential information on growing economies and industries around the world. The resulting Global Investor’s Guide series has been widely acclaimed by companies and investors alike, and has completed high-profile projects in Asia, the Middle East, South America, Europe as well as three repeat projects in Canada.
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Tim holds a Masters degree in International Relations from London Metropolitan University. He speaks English, French, Spanish, Japanese and Italian. He now lives in his hometown with his family.


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Florent (‘Flo’) has been the Canada Director for Milestone GRP since 2012 and assumes the same role for TheFutureEconomy.ca. He successfully led Milestone’s three high-profile projects in the country, including the acclaimed ‘The Future of Oil & Gas’ events held in Calgary in February 2016 and 2017.
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Flo has a BA in Business Administration from the Hotelschool The Hague and has conducted over 500 top-level interviews around the world, including with Heads of States, Premiers, Ministers, Central Bank Governors, Deans and top executives of the largest corporations in each country. Ask him for a good travel story – he’s got a few!


 http://www.ibftoday.ca/western-canada-oil-gas-industry-roadmap-event/


Western Canada Oil & Gas Industry Roadmap Event

Press Release
CALGARY, ALBERTA–( Feb. 10, 2016) – Media Alert:
What:  Milestone GRP, in collaboration with TinePublic, hosts the Western Canada Oil & Gas Industry Roadmap Event
When:  Monday, February 29, 2016, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MST)
Where: The Imperial Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, Calgary, Alberta
Participants:  21 speakers are confirmed so far, including: -Marie-José Nadeau, Chair of the World Energy Council  Keynote on The Global Energy Transition -Perrin Beatty, President & CEO of The Canadian Chamber of Commerce -Tim McMillan, President & CEO of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) -Avik Dey, Head of Natural Resources of Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) -Ed Whittingham, Executive Director of Pembina Institute   See link below for full speakers list.
Audience:  Over 700 stakeholders in the oil and gas industry: government leaders, CEOs and executives across the energy value chain, environmental groups, First Nations representatives, financiers, regulators, community leaders and more.
Tickets:  Tickets can be purchased through the event webpage: www.milestonegrp.co.uk/our-events/western-canada
Conference Topics and Objectives:
Low price. Low carbon. Reduced investment. Many challenges.
Now is the time to ask and answer the question: “What’s next for Western Canada’s oil and gas industry?”
Based on extensive research, expert contributions and face-to-face interviews with over 100 Western Canadian government leaders, industry CEOs and industry stakeholders, the following key topics have been identified as the most important factors defining the future of Western Canada’s oil and gas industry. Moderators and expert panelists will discuss and debate the following:
  • The Global Energy Context
  • Market Access & Nation-Building
  • Environmental Leadership
  • Innovation & Productivity
  • Investment Attraction
Organizing Interviews with Speakers and Participants:
Milestone GRP can coordinate interviews and quotes from event speakers and participants of its soon-to-be-released 250-page publication on Western Canada’s oil and gas sector for media who will publish pieces or stories ahead of the event. Contact Tim Penketh (email below) to coordinate.
Additional Information:
For a full list of speakers, sponsors, partners and all event info visit:
www.milestonegrp.co.uk/our-events/western-canada
Visit: www.milestonegrp.co.uk
Like: www.facebook.com/Milestone-GRP-182923688450942
Follow and Comment: @Milestone_GRP & #IndustryRoadmap
About Milestone GRP
Publisher of the acclaimed “Global Investor’s Guide” series, Milestone GRP covers national economies, regions and industries of interest to global investors by holding face-to-face interviews with government leaders, top CEOs, national and international experts, and other key personalities. Its investment and business intelligence is rooted in an on-the-ground perspective and is widely distributed in print, online, via its mobile app and by its many international partners.
Contact Information
Florent Thévenin
Director – Canada, Milestone GRP
thevenin@milestonegrp.co.uk
+1 403 471 3192
@MilestoneFloTim Penketh (For onsite media access and accreditation)
Managing Partner, Milestone GRP
penketh@milestonegrp.co.uk
+1 514 550 1705

Industry Roadmap: The Future of Oil & Gas 2017 Calgary, January 17 Hosted by TheFutureEconomy.ca and Milestone GRP

Press Release - updated: Jan 5, 2017
TheFutureEconomy.ca & Milestone GRP Alberta, Canada, January 5, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​Join the Canadian oil and gas industry’s most innovative and forward-looking companies to dissect and debate how energy companies must navigate the global energy transition through their approach to innovation, commercialization and productivity. The event will feature industry experts, innovators, disruptor and out-of-the-box keynotes.
Expert Panels
The day’s 3 main panels will each focus on a key transition challenge.
1. The Innovation Challenge
​How can we instill a stronger culture of serial innovation within Canada’s oil and gas companies’ practices, strategies and DNA?
2. The Commercialization Challenge
​How can we accelerate the path to local and international commercialization for Canadian oil and gas innovation?
3. The Productivity Challenge
​How can we increase the speed at which we integrate productivity-boosting technologies and best practices within Canadian oil and gas companies’ operations and organizations?
Focused Interactive Breakout Sessions
The sub-themes to be analyzed in breakout sessions are currently being finalized with our Advisory Board. The following topics are among those identified as the most important to be covered.
  • GHG Reduction
  • A.I. in Oil & Gas
  • Financing Clean Tech
  • Climate Risk and Disclosure
  • Educating Tomorrow’s Innovators
Post-Event Recommendation Piece
The Delphi Group will produce a thorough recommendation report highlighting the event’s key insights, opinions, conclusions and recommended action points for industry and the Federal and Provincial Governments. The piece will be distributed to both levels of government, as well as to industry, all key stakeholders and the media.
Top-class Speaker Lineup
a) Keynotes:
  • Stewart Beck, President & CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada​
  • Don Romano, President & CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada
  • IBM Watson: A unique interactive session by IBM Watson, the leading cognitive/A.I. platform on its insights and predictions for the Canadian oil and gas industry in 2017
b) Speakers:
  • Richard Adamson, President, CMC Research Institutes
  • Lynne Allan, Dean of the McPhail School of Energy, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
  • Bruce Edgelow, Vice President – Strategic Initiatives, ATB Corporate Financial Services
  • Mike Gerbis, CEO, The Delphi Group
  • Jean-Michel Gires, CEO of NextTier Energy Solutions & former President & CEO of Total E&P Canada
  • Gordon Lambert, Chair of Alberta Climate Leadership Task Force on Technology & Board Member of Alberta Innovates
  • Nick McKenna, VP Oil Sands Development & Subsurface, ConocoPhillips Canada
  • Todd Parker, CEO, Blue Spark Energy
  • Alicia Quesnel, Partner, Burnett, BD&P LLP
  • Marty Reed, CEO, Evok Innovations
  • Joy Romero, VP Technology & Innovation at Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNRL)
  • Cecile Siewe, Director General CanmetEnergy Devon, Natural Resources Canada
  • Mark Summers, Director – Projects, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
  • Alex Zahavich, VP Corporate Development and Applied Research, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Event Info
www.thefutureeconomy.ca/future-oil-gas-2017.html
2016 Edition
The 2016 Industry Roadmap event featured government addresses, and attracted over 400 high-level attendees from government, industry, First Nations, environmental groups, academia, the media, and other stakeholders. Building on this success, the follow-up 2017 edition is definitely not to be missed.
To Purchase Tickets
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-future-of-canadas-oil-gas-industry-tickets-29257441796?ref=ebtn
Organized by:
​TheFutureEconomy.ca & Milestone GRP
For More Info or Media Accreditation
Contact Tim Penketh
penketh@milestone-grp.com
(514) 550-1705


 http://www.ibftoday.ca/ontario-extends-electricity-rate-relief-during-covid-19/

Ontario Extends Electricity Rate Relief During COVID-19

Press Release
Residential, farm and small business customers continue to benefit from temporary relief measure
May 6, 2020
TORONTO — The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This electricity rate relief, initially provided for a 45-day period starting on March 24, 2020, has been extended by an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The rate relief is intended to be in place for an additional 24 days.
“During this extraordinary period, many people are struggling to pay the bills as they do the right thing by staying at home, as well as our farmers and those whose businesses have closed or suffered reduced customer traffic,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Although we are making progress in our fight against this COVID-19 outbreak, we are not out of the woods yet. The extension of this electricity rate relief will leave more money in people’s pockets until businesses can start to reopen and people can get back to work.”
On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is also extending all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 19, 2020. The emergency orders include:
Quick Facts
  • The Government of Ontario declared a provincial emergency on March 17, 2020 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This declaration of emergency was last extended on April 14, 2020 and is currently in effect until May 12, 2020.
  • There are approximately five million residential consumers, farms and some small businesses billed using time-of-use (TOU) electricity prices under the Regulated Price Plan.
  • The current off-peak Time of Use electricity rate is 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour for Regulated Price Plan customers.
Additional Resources
  • Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
  • Learn more about Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.
  • Emergency information and orders
  • For public inquiries, call ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 (toll-free in Ontario only).
Media Contacts
Ivana Yelich
Premier’s Office
Ivana.Yelich@ontario.ca
Stephen Warner
Solicitor General’s Office
Stephen.Warner@ontario.ca
Greg Flood
Ministry of the Solicitor General
Greg.Flood@ontario.ca



https://www.canadalife.com/about-us/news-highlights/community/canadian-business-resilience-network.html 


Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Government of Canada team up to launch Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses get through COVID-19

April 6, 2020
(OTTAWA) – April 6, 2020 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) in partnership with the Government of Canada to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CBRN is a coordinated, business-led, inclusive campaign that will focus on providing businesses the tools they need to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on them, our economy and communities across the country. Its goal is also to help businesses emerge from this crisis and drive Canada’s economic recovery.

The CBRN will:
  • Give tools and supports to businesses in their continuity efforts – from development to implementation.
  • Provide a consistent and reliable flow of accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Work closely with federal government and within the business community to ensure the right supports are in place, and to be a conduit for information from the government to the private sector (and vice versa).
  • Aim to instill confidence in Canadian business and the economy.
The campaign will feature:

A standalone website that serves as a central hub for credible information, the latest news and insights, tools and resources and as a platform for engaging businesses.

https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/

Information sharing and awareness building initiatives, including newsletters and webinars.

Analysis and reporting on business, industry and economic trends across the country to see what is working and where gaps might exist.

The Canadian Business Resilience Network brings together the Canadian Chamber’s vast network of over 450 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, along with over 100 of Canada’s leading business and industry associations, including the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. It will also have the support of partners such as Canada Life, Export Development Canada, Grant Thornton LLP and Advertek.

Quotes

 “COVID-19 has provided us with an unprecedented challenge, but Canadians are resilient. The Canadian Business Resilience Network is about business and government stepping up together to make sure every Canadian business has the information it needs and a fighting chance to make it through,” said Jackie King, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“We know that Canadian businesses of all sizes are facing incredible economic hardship in these difficult and uncertain times. Our government is taking strong and decisive action to provide them with immediate relief—helping them keep costs low, keep up with their operational costs like rent, and keep Canadians employed. The Canadian Business Resilience Network will support businesses and keep them informed as we navigate this incredible challenge,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.
“Small- and medium-sized businesses are an integral part of the Canadian economy. We recognize that many businesses are challenged right now and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting them however we can. This campaign is one way we can do exactly that,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada, at Canada Life, presenting supporter of the CBRN campaign. “This campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians, and we’re proud to support it.”

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Because Business Matters

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps build the businesses that support our families, our communities and our country. We do this by influencing government policy, by providing essential business services and by connecting businesses to information they can use, to opportunities for growth and to a network of local chambers, businesses, decision-makers and peers from across the country, in every sector of the economy and at all levels of government, as well as internationally. We are unapologetic in our support for business and the vital role it plays in building and sustaining our great nation.

For more information, please contact:

Phil Taylor
ptaylor@chamber.ca (preferred and fastest response time)

Download

Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Government of Canada team up to launch Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses get through COVID-19 PDF  (80 kb)




https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/




http://www.chamber.ca/media/news-releases/200406-canadian-business-resilience-network/

Canadian Chamber and Government of Canada team up to launch Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses get through COVID-19

Phil Taylor – 06/04/2020 – 0
(OTTAWA, ON) – April 6, 2020 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) in partnership with the Government of Canada to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CBRN is a coordinated, business-led, inclusive campaign that will focus on providing businesses the tools they need to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on them, our economy and communities across the country. Its goal is also to help businesses emerge from this crisis and drive Canada’s economic recovery.
The CBRN will:
  • Give tools and supports to businesses in their continuity efforts – from development to implementation.
  • Provide a consistent and reliable flow of accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Work closely with federal government and within the business community to ensure the right supports are in place, and to be a conduit for information from the government to the private sector (and vice versa).
  • Aim to instill confidence in Canadian business and the economy.
The campaign will feature:
  • A standalone website (www.cbrn.ca) that serves as a central hub for credible information, the latest news and insights, tools and resources and as a platform for engaging businesses.
  • Information sharing and awareness building initiatives, including newsletters and webinars.
  • Analysis and reporting on business, industry and economic trends across the country to see what is working and where gaps might exist.
The Canadian Business Resilience Network brings together the Canadian Chamber’s vast network of over 450 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, along with over 100 of Canada’s leading business and industry associations, including the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. It will also have the support of partners such as Canada Life, Export Development Canada, Grant Thornton LLP, CWB Financial Group and Advertek.
Quotes
 “COVID-19 has provided us with an unprecedented challenge, but Canadians are resilient. The Canadian Business Resilience Network is about business and government stepping up together to make sure every Canadian business has the information it needs and a fighting chance to make it through,” said Jackie King, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“We know that Canadian businesses of all sizes are facing incredible economic hardship in these difficult and uncertain times. Our government is taking strong and decisive action to provide them with immediate relief—helping them keep costs low, keep up with their operational costs like rent, and keep Canadians employed. The Canadian Business Resilience Network will support businesses and keep them informed as we navigate this incredible challenge,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.
“Small- and medium-sized businesses are an integral part of the Canadian economy. We recognize that many businesses are challenged right now and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting them however we can. This campaign is one way we can do exactly that,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer at Canada Life, presenting supporter of the CBRN campaign. “This campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians, and we’re proud to support it.”
-30-
About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Because Business Matters
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps build the businesses that support our families, our communities and our country. We do this by influencing government policy, by providing essential business services and by connecting businesses to information they can use, to opportunities for growth and to a network of local chambers, businesses, decision-makers and peers from across the country, in every sector of the economy and at all levels of government, as well as internationally. We are unapologetic in our support for business and the vital role it plays in building and sustaining our great nation.
For more information, please contact:
Phil Taylor, Managing Director of External Communications, at ptaylor@chamber.ca.


Staff Directory

To contact a staff member by email, our addresses follow this format: FirstInitialLastName@chamber.ca (e.g., jdoe@chamber.ca).

President's Office

The Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC, OC
President & Chief Executive Officer
613 238-4000
Janet Boden
Executive Assistant to Perrin Beatty & Secretary to the Board of Directors
613 238-4000 ext. 2245

Operations

Jackie King
Chief Operating Officer
613 238-4000 ext. 2249
Kimberley Dubois
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer & Manager, Operations
613 238-4000 ext. 2260
Rebecca Derry
Administrative Assistant & Committee Coordinator
613 238-4000 ext. 2248
Natalie Ouellette
Coordinator, Administration
613 238-4000 ext. 2221

Policy & Advocacy

Trevin Stratton, Ph.D.
Chief Economist & Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
613 238-4000 ext. 2284
Mark Agnew
Senior Director, International Policy
613 238-4000 ext. 2230
Susanna Cluff-Clyburne
Senior Director, Parliamentary Affairs
613 238-4000 ext. 2225
Jarred Cohen
Policy Advisor
613 238-4000 ext. 2223
Patrick Gill
Senior Director, Tax and Financial Policy
613 238-4000 ext. 2243
Ryan Greer
Senior Director and Cannabis Policy Lead
613 238-4000 ext. 2250
Aaron Henry, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Natural Resources & Environmental Policy
613 238-4000 ext. 2287
Leah Nord
Director, Workforce Strategies & Inclusive Growth
613 238-4000 ext. 2236

Chamber Relations

Ian Faris
Senior Vice President, Chamber Network Relations and Advocacy
613 238-4000 ext. 2233

Member Relations & Services

John Maus
Senior Vice President, Member Relations & Services
416 868-6415 ext. 3250
Jean-Jacques Hermans
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations & Services
514 866-4334 ext. 4223
Kimberly Gale
Vice President, Corporate Relations, Northern & Western Canada
403 271-0595
Lianne Cheng
Administrative Coordinator, Corporate Relations & Services
416 868-6415 ext. 3221
Stephen Johns
Senior Director, Corporate Member & Association Relations
416 868-6415 ext. 3239
Megan McElwain
Vice President and General Manager, GTA
416 868-6415 ext. 3250
Alexandra Miceli
Manager, Corporate Relations & Sponsorship
416 868-6415 ext. 3232
Kristy Murray
Manager, Events and Sales Operations
613 238-4000 ext. 2283

Carnet & Document Certification Services

Ottawa

Anick de Sousa
Director, Services
613 238-4000 ext. 2239
Ariola Jakupi
Manager, Carnet Risk Assessment
613 238-4000 ext. 2240
Melissa Lamirande
Manager, Import/Export Services
613 238-4000 ext. 2224
Stephanie Louis
Coordinator, Services
613 238-4000 ext. 2222

Montreal

Daniella Labonne
Regional Supervisor, Services
514 866-4334 ext. 4227
Emma Souchu
Representative, Services
514 866-4334 ext. 4221

Toronto

Helen Chang
Regional Supervisor, Services
416 868-6415 ext. 3227
Sarah Jaigobin
Representative, Services
416 868-6415 ext. 3251

Corporate & Marketing Communications

Stacey Roy
Vice President, Corporate & Marketing Communications
613 238-4000 ext. 2237
Michelle Croteau
Senior Web & Graphic Designer
613 238-4000 ext. 2247
Alita Fabiano
Officer, External Communications
613 238-4000 ext. 2255
Jennifer Hagen, CAE
Managing Director, Member & Internal Communications
1-800-661-2930 ext. 2232
Amy Orfanakos
Manager, Marketing Communications (Maternity Leave)
613 238-4000 ext. 2227
Ashley Ruess
Senior Officer, Marketing Communications
613 238-4000 ext. 2226
Graham Scott
Web & Graphic Designer
613 238-4000 ext. 2263
Phil Taylor
Managing Director, External Communications
613 238-4000 ext. 2231
Ryan Wieczorek
Officer, Member & Internal Communications
613 238-4000 ext. 2241

Human Resources

Catherine Urbanowicz
Manager, Payroll & Human Resources (Maternity Leave)
613 238-4000 ext. 2234
Craig Thomas
Coordinator, Payroll & Human Resources
613 238-4000 ext. 2273

Risk and Compliance

Adèle Laronde, CPA, CA
Chief Risk & Compliance Officer
613 238-4000 ext. 2229

Finance

Manuela Lacroix, B.B.A.
Vice President, Finance
613 238-4000 ext. 2242
Marilyn Aitken
Accounts Payable Analyst
613 238-4000 ext. 2257
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