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News, updates, and so much more…
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Regional Chair Bradley makes announcements on housing, shared services and advocacy at 2023 State of the Region
Speaking to a sold-out audience of business and community leaders from across the region, Chair Jim Bradley delivered his message for the future: to grow a better Niagara we must do it together.
The Chair’s keynote address, delivered at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, made three key announcements which aligned directly with Regional Council’s priorities for this term.
Specifically, Chair Bradley announced:
- The creation of an Office of Attainable Housing
- The creation of the Office of Share Services
- The return of the highly-successful “Niagara Week” at Queen’s Park
In a media release, GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom welcomed the announcements, remarking that “in the GNCC’s municipal election platforms, we had campaigned for the dedication of staff and funds to find new opportunities for shared municipal services. At the GNCC, we really felt that the best way to make progress was to make it the primary responsibility of a department. We are pleased to see this being done.
“We have also prioritized attainable and affordable housing at the GNCC. The cost of housing is not only a social problem, but an economic one. We hope that the Office of Attainable Housing will be able to make progress on this problem.
“The GNCC is also pleased to be partnering with Niagara Region on the Niagara Week advocacy project at Queen’s Park. The meetings we hold will help advance the causes that are important to Niagara and ensure that our region and our business community gets the attention it needs.”
Regional Chair Jim Bradley also announced the names of the six winners of the 2023 Niagara Impact Awards. Now in their third year, the Niagara Impact Awards were created to recognize individuals, non-profit organizations and private sector businesses who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life of those living in the Niagara region.
Click here for the transcript of the Chair’s address.
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Niagara Health launches digital platform to improve surgical care experiences for patients
Niagara Health has launched a new digital platform to improve patient outcomes and surgical care experiences.
Called SeamlessMD, the digital platform guides patients with personalized education materials, reminders, progress tracking, post-surgery symptom monitoring and other services. Available on smartphones, tablets and computers, the tool aims to improve recovery outcomes, reduce hospital stays and readmissions, and Emergency Department visits.
Click here to read more.
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10 key steps to getting a small business loan
Thinking of applying for a small business loan? At first, the process might seem daunting. The more prepared you are for the application process, however, the more likely you are to have your loan approved. Click here to read the 10 key steps to securing your small business loan.
At Meridian, we’re proud of the ways we help small businesses thrive in our community. Whether you need start-up funding or an injection of cash to help you grow, be sure to ask about the Canada Small Business Financing Program, through which you can qualify for a guaranteed loan from Meridian.
We also offer a wide range of flexible, industry-specific, and alternative financing solutions for small business.
If you’re considering a loan for your small business, talk to a Meridian Business Advisor today.
Sponsored content from Meridian Credit Union
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Here’s how a strike by public service workers could impact federal services
The clock is ticking towards possible strikes by tens of thousands of federal public service workers.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada announced Wednesday its members voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of a strike if a deal is not reached with the federal government. Last week, 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency workers voted in favour of strike action.
If the five large bargaining groups go on strike, many federal services could be affected, including processing tax returns and passports, and services with Indigenous Services Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada and Service Canada.
Click here to read more.
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Bank of Canada maintains interest rate, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
In Canada, demand is still exceeding supply and the labour market remains tight. Economic growth in the first quarter looks to be stronger than was projected in January, with a bounce in exports and solid consumption growth. While the Bank’s Business Outlook Survey suggests acute labour shortages are starting to ease, wage growth is still elevated relative to productivity growth.
Click here to read more.
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Regards,
Alexis Higginbotham
Executive Director
WDBIA
60 East Main Street
Welland, ON
L3B 3X4
905.736.2884
downtownwelland.ca
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