Chamber Updates & Local News

Thanks to all who joined us at our State of the City, and a special thanks to our title sponsor Bell Canada, and partner sponsors RBC and St. Lawrence College. I’m Karen Cross, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce. I’m pleased to welcome you to our 2023 State of the City…

In the post-pandemic world, leaders must put their stamp on issues beyond the bottom line Years ago, Canadian management guru Henry Mintzberg was asked to identify the most important quality of great leaders. The notorious iconoclast impishly replied that he had compiled a list of 52 leadership qualities and that he considered all of them the most important. Read more

Changes to Impact Business and IT Consultants Effective January 1, 2023, the Employment Standards Act (ESA) will no longer apply to employees who are defined in the ESA as business consultants or information technology consultants, providing they meet specified criteria outlined in the Working for Workers Act. More information about the change will soon be…

Life-saving kits required to be on hand in at-risk workplaces by June 1, 2023 The Ontario government is launching a first-of-its-kind program to make free naloxone kits (and free training) available at workplaces where there is a risk of staff witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose. Read more

New pilot program will increase consumer choice and support provincial grid The Ontario government is launching a new pilot program to explore dynamic electricity pricing and its ability to lower electricity bills for small and medium-sized businesses including retail stores, commercial offices and farms. This new program builds on the government’s commitment to give consumers…

the Tourism Industry of Ontario (TIAO) and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the inaugural State of the Ontario Tourism Industry Report, a blueprint for the growth and recovery of the sector. the Tourism Industry of Ontario (TIAO) and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the inaugural State of the Ontario Tourism Industry…

Kingston is full of amazing locally owned and operated businesses. Their passion and hard work help make Kingston the amazing place it is. When you buy local, you support these businesses, and support local jobs. The holidays are mere days away and with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday now in the rear-view mirror, you’re…

Misconceptions about disabled workers are causing companies to miss out on fantastic talent The employment rate among Canadian working-age adults with a disability is 49 per cent compared to 79 per cent for those without a disability. In the United States, the numbers are even worse. Read the full article.

Ontario’s Fall 2022 Red Tape Reduction Package includes 28 initiatives that would help develop a strong, secure food supply chain from farm to fork, support Ontario’s farmers, food processors and agri-businesses, and attract and grow a strong labour force so Ontario can continue to be competitive in a global market The Less Red Tape, Stronger…

The 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review includes the government’s first-ever progress report on its plan to build Ontario, as well as new targeted measures that advance its plan to build the economy, address the province’s labour shortage and help families and businesses keep costs down. On November 14, 2022, the Government of Ontario…