Addressing Food and Commercial Waste Practices in Ontario

Addressing Food and Commercial Waste Practices in Ontario

Waste has been a growing concern across Ontario for over 40 years. Despite the desire to reduce our garbage output, Ontarian’s generate over 12 million tonnes of food and commercial waste per year. To mitigate this issue, the government has focused its efforts on “waste diversion”, which helps prevent waste from ending up in landfills…

Trillium Manufacturing Network Releases Interactive Business Directory

Trillium Manufacturing Network Releases Interactive Business Directory

The Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing (also referred to as the Trillium Manufacturing Network) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Ontario’s manufacturing industry. Funded through the Canadian federal and provincial governments, the Trillium Manufacturing Network is uniquely focused on helping Ontario manufacturers grow through mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. Recently, the organization was awarded…

Greenbelt Fund Awards Agriculture Grants to 24 Local Food Projects

Greenbelt Fund Awards Agriculture Grants to 24 Local Food Projects

In April 2017, the Government of Ontario committed up to $830,000 in funding toward local agri-food projects. In total, 24 projects will use these agriculture grants to increase consumer awareness, demand, and consumption of local foods and beverages. Ontario government funding was awarded through the Greenbelt Fund: Local Food Investment Fund. The program offers up…

Ontario’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 16-Year Low

Ontario’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 16-Year Low

New data released by Statistics Canada has shown that Ontario’s economy is strengthening, particularly in relation to employment. Although some metrics may fluctuate from month to month, contrasts to the same period last year (or even the last 10+ years) show some emerging trends all businesses should be aware of. In April 2017, Ontario’s unemployment…

Red Tape Challenge’s Impact on Ontario Food and Automotive Manufacturing

Red Tape Challenge’s Impact on Ontario Food and Automotive Manufacturing

Sometimes, well-intentioned rules and regulations developed by the government affect business’ ability to act on growth opportunities and efficiently use resources. These laws and regulations are often referred to as government red tape by the general public. They often relate to additional paperwork, hidden costs, and project delays, and make companies less responsive to market…

Highlights of Ontario’s Economic Performance in 2016

Highlights of Ontario’s Economic Performance in 2016

Ontario’s economy is expected to achieve a 3% growth in GDP based on the province’s performance this year. Previous growth projections expected a 2.6% increase to the province’s GDP, however favourable conditions enabled businesses to increase their competitiveness and drive sales, both domestically and internationally. This is just one of the many trends identified in…

Growing Forward 2 Ontario’s Farm to City Project Increases Local Beef Sales

Growing Forward 2 Ontario’s Farm to City Project Increases Local Beef Sales

As the December 13, 2016 intake deadline approaches for the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Ontario Organizations and Collaborations Stream, many agricultural producers and processors may be considering the differing ways in which they can create a viable project. One of the best projects that we’ve seen successfully receive GF2 Organizations and Collaborations funding is the…

Government of Canada Funds $377,800 in 6 Infrastructure Northern Ontario Projects

Government of Canada Funds $377,800 in 6 Infrastructure Northern Ontario Projects

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) recently announced support for six northern Ontario infrastructure projects. Up to $377,800 in Canadian government grants will be provided to northern Ontario municipalities and First Nations communities completing critical infrastructure projects. These investments are result of the federal government’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150)….

What is the Ontario Cap and Trade Program?

What is the Ontario Cap and Trade Program?

With cap and trade programs making an increasing appearance in news headlines, Ontario businesses should be aware of the carbon tax regulations that are coming into effect. Ontario’s Cap and Trade regulation went into force on July 1, 2016 and will officially launch on January 1, 2017, which businesses should look at closely, as energy-based…

The Economic Recovery is Fueling Ontario’s Auto Sector Growth

The Economic Recovery is Fueling Ontario’s Auto Sector Growth

Home to five auto assemblers, 700 parts suppliers, and more than 500 tool, die, and mould makers, Ontario is regarded as a source of high-quality automotive manufacturing. Over the last five years, Ontario assembly plants produced nearly 16 per cent of North American-made vehicles; more than any other North American state or provincial jurisdiction. The…