December, 2015


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The Voice of Business in Saskatchewan

action! online

December, 2015 edition

In this issue... • • • •

WHMIS for small business Emerging Agriculture Financial Literacy Network Saskatoon leads the pack in CD Howe report ... and more!

From our house to yours - the Board and Staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce wish you a happy, healthy holiday season, and greetings for a joyous and safe New Year.

Social Media www.facebook.com/saskchamber www.twitter.com/SaskChamber

Get in Touch Tel: 306.352.2671 Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents 3

CEO’s Message

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Members in the News

5

Dates to Remember

6

Emerging Agriculture

7

Advocacy in Action

11

Thanks to our Sponsors

12

CD Howe Report

12

WHMIS for small businesses

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Membership Central

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to issues with the survey host site, the deadline for the 2016 pre-budget survey has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11. Sask Chamber members are asked to visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCCPREBUDGET2015 to complete this short (but important) survey by December 11, to assist us in planning our advocacy efforts. Thanks for your help!

JANUARY

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What will YOU be doing on January 14? Tickets for the 2016 Political Forum are now available online! Come out to this exclusive members-only event to share discussions with issues that matter to you and your business with members of the Opposition and the Provincial Government. The number of tickets sold is limited; the event always sells out quickly. Don’t miss out! Visit our website at www.saskchamber.com for more information.

CEO’s Message The Christmas Season

A time of thanks, resolutions and celebration

in depth. That’s my resolution this year - to spend some quality time with each person I can, and really catch up to hear from them what happening in their world.

Christmas means different things to different people, from the sheer joy of a young child’s face looking forward to the thrill of Christmas morning, to the annual gathering of old friends and family. From a business perspective (especially retail) it is a critical time as many see 25-40 per cent of their annual sales made up of items destined to go under a tree somewhere. As we look to the season and, remarkably (at least for we southern Saskatchewan residents) dream of snow with mixed emotions, it is truly a time for celebration and sharing. We all need to be thankful for the many blessings we have in this province. Even when some of us face challenges due to layoffs, declining sales or one of life’s other battles, remember that we are still living in one of the greatest and safest places on Earth. We need to be thankful for the many opportunities offered to our children in terms of education and activities, all in a safe and modern environment. The future is very bright for the young person who is about to celebrate their first Christmas; look ahead 20 years as they move to adulthood. The possibilities are endless and also very exciting! For the person who is celebrating their 85th Christmas morning, it will be a time of reflection as they think of Christmases past. Christmas for my family is one of many gatherings with friends and family . I sometimes find myself speaking to lots of people but do not really take time to talk with them

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It may be because I am getting wiser (or maybe simply older), but I plan to make this Christmas one of special moments with close friends and relatives. In my normal year I am on the go and in a hurry from one meeting to the next, so this Christmas, life will slow down because I will make it so. I have learned that time can travel at the speed I want it to; it just takes an effort. 2016 will be a year of change for the business community and for Saskatchewan. We will have some new residents, we will see our economy change in reaction to the markets both globally and provincially, and most of all, we will ready ourselves for another period of economic growth that I predict will soon be upon us. So my Christmas wish is to make sure I say ‘thanks’ to all those who deserve it, whether they’re from work, my group of friends, or members of my family. And for each of you, my wish is that you find some time during the holiday season to celebrate all your gifts, and not just those you find under a tree. It’s also important to reflect on how truly blessed we are blessed without comparison to others. Merry Christmas to all of you and thanks for all the blessings you have given me and my work and home families this past year.

Members in The News By Elissa LaLiberte, Director of Membership Engagement

Long-time SCC member, Access Communications is growing. Access Communications recently acquired two wireless Internet and cable service providers that serve customers in central Saskatchewan. “We’re committed to serving Saskatchewan communities with exceptional communications and entertainment products,” says Jim Deane, CEO, Access Communications Co-operative. The two wireless Internet and cable service providers acquired were Little Loon Wireless and Askivision – both Saskatchewan-owned and operated. To read more about this acquisition click here.

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) approved 2016 employer premium rates. Due to improved safety records in 45 out of 50 industry codes, the premium rates are the lowest average in three decades. “Better safety records in 45 industry rate codes have resulted in lower 2016 premium rates for 45,683 employers,” WCB Chairperson, Gord Dobrowolsky said. “This is all a testament to the commitment of Saskatchewan employers and workers to keep their workplaces safe.” Click here to read the news release in its entirety.

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Once again, Saskatchewan was very well represented in Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition. Please join us in congratulating the following SCC members on their recognition: BDC/Business Development Bank of Canada Cameco Corporation Canadian National Railway Company/CN Deloitte LLP Desjardins Group Enbridge Inc. Graham Group ISM Canada KPMG LLP Labatt Breweries of Canada Loblaw Companies Limited Mosaic Company, The PCL Construction RBC Saskatchewan Government Insurance/SGI Solvera Solutions TD Bank Group

The Mosaic Company visited Habitat for Humanity this month to provide a generous donation of $50,000 worth of tools and equipment. The donation will help Habitat for Humanity to build homes faster and easier. Habitat for Humanity has built over 40 homes in Saskatchewan this year for hard-working, low-income families in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina, Weyburn and Yorkton. To learn more click here.

On November 26th The International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) announced their new Executive Director, Al Shpyth effective January 1, 2016. Mr. Shpyth brings to the table over 20 years of experience in the mining and mineral industry. To read more about IMII and to read the complete media release, click here.

Saskatoon International Airport (YXE) announced in November that it had the highest customer satisfaction scores across Canada for the second consecutive quarter. “Saskatoon International Airport is committed to being the most valued airport experience in Canada,” says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority. “Together with our airport partners, we have made significant strides in improving service quality to earn the top standing in Canada.” The 2015 Canadian Tourism Awards (Tourism Industry Association of Canada) were held December 2, 2015 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel. The Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel was named the InnVest REIT Tourism Employer of the Year. To view all of the 2015 Canadian Tourism Award Winners click here.

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DATES to REMEMBER Keep January 14th open on your calendar - that’s the date of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Political Forum 2016! Political Forum is your best chance to discuss the issues that matter to you and your business with our province’s elected officials. Connect with the Premier, key Ministers and Critics in an exclusive gathering, and help present the viewpoints of Saskatchewan’s business community. Tickets are available by clicking here. The Saskatoon Junior Chamber is holding its second hackathon, Emerging Agriculture, at Innovation Place in Saskatoon on January 9-11, 2016. For more information, to sponsor, or to purchase tickets, visit www. emergingagriculture.com. Do good this Christmas, and join Junior Achievement in Saskatoon and Regina at the Jingle Bell Lunches to learn about, celebrate and support JA. The Saskatoon lunch is Wednesday, December 9 at the Saskatoon Travelodge (www.picatic.com/JBLSaskatoon) and the Regina lunch is Thursday, December 10 at the Delta Regina (www. picatic.com/JBLRegina). Save the date for the Saskatchewan Chamber annual conference May 11 & 12, 2016 in Saskatoon; more details to come! Also keep June 9, 2016 open in your calendar for the Make a Connection Reception in Regina!

2016 January 9-11 Innovation Place, Saskatoon Building from the success of their inaugural Emerging Agriculture event of last year, the Saskatoon Junior Chamber of Commerce presents the 2016 Emerging Agriculture event. Emerging Agriculture is a three-day hackathon event that connects non-students and students from many areas of study together to collaborate on agriculture-based ideas. Students from colleges across Canada have been invited to participate, to create more collaborative opportunities. As well, this year’s hackathon will be held prior to the Crop Production Show, and all participants will receive free admission to the weeklong event. Keynote speaker and technology futurist Nikolas Badminton will kick the event off with a presentation. Also featured will be a panel discussion between leading industry professionals and professors of economics and agriculture policy, on “The Future of Agriculture: Understanding the value added benefits of innovation and collaboration to its sustainability”. How can YOU get involved? Sponsor (Monetary or in-kind donations, mentorship opportunities) Promote (Send information to your friends and colleagues, follow us at Twitter.com/EmergingAg; Like us at Facebook.com/EmergingAgriculture; visit our website at www.emergingagriculture.com) Attend (email [email protected] for more information)

We hope to see you there! 5

Applied training. Real results. Tap into the expertise of the country’s largest and oldest trade and industry association, with high-impact lean, leadership, project management, and advanced technology training — right here in Saskatchewan. Lean Belt Certification Training

Manufacturing Management Certificate

From one-day workshops to intense, master-level black belt programs, our ‘learn and do’ approach to lean training blends tools-based theory and group simulations with on-site, applied experience, providing students the well-rounded education necessary to drive total business improvement.

The MMC is a joint educational initiative between CME and Athabasca University, designed to provide the necessary skills training to develop and nurture new managers and supervisors from within existing manufacturing operations.

Public courses are typically held in both Saskatoon and Regina. Customized, organization-specific programs are also available. Tuition: Lean White Belt (Introductory) 1 Day | $499 (plus GST) Lean Yellow Belt (Level 1) 6 Days | $1,799 (plus GST) Lean Green Belt (Level 2) 15 Days | $5,799 (plus GST) Lean Black Belt (Level 3) 20 Days | $10,999 (plus GST) Includes a one-week benchmarking trip to Japan “It would be very beneficial for anyone within manufacturing operations, or finance, to pursue belt certification training. It’s a great opportunity to network with other individuals motivated around continuous improvement, as well as to further your knowledge around the principles of lean and how to apply them best in your organization.” John Povhe Chief Financial Officer Superior Cabinets (Saskatoon, SK)

Each course is delivered online over a span of four weeks, and requires approximately 8–12 hours per week for readings, discussions and assignments. The next intake begins April 2016. Tuition: $8,864 (or $1,108 per module) “The MMC almost feels like mentorship. You can bounce ideas off other people in industry, and the academic coaches are irreplaceable. Never having that formal education in management, this course has just opened my eyes.” Chad Fenrick Assistant Branch Manager Ardel Steel (Regina, SK)

Manufacturing Leadership Boot Camp This program is a crash course in leadership fundamentals, designed for current manufacturing employees and front-line leaders, who exemplify the potential or interest in growing and taking on more responsibility. Contact us for upcoming course offerings! Tuition: 3 Days | $1,499 (plus GST)

For more information, or to register, visit saskmanufacturing.ca or call (306) 713-3765. Please note that many of CME’s training programs are eligible under the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant, which provides reimbursement equivalent to two-thirds tuition upon program completion. For more information about eligibility or your application, contact CME’s Director of Workforce Development, Rodelle Genoway, at [email protected].

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ADVOCACY in ACTION By Curtis Hemming, Director of Government Relations

In Canada, November each year is Financial Literacy Month (FLM) and businesses, governments, and associations promote financial literacy for people of all ages across the country. FLM is a movement with a goal to help Canadians better manage their finances and get the knowledge, skills, and confidence to improve their financial health. While there has been a steadily increasing number of financial literacy-related events and programs being created in Saskatchewan over the past number of years, our province has never formally joined the FLM movement. That all changed this year when the provincial Minster of Education proclaimed November 10 to be Financial Literacy Day in Saskatchewan. Since this was an important occasion for our province, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC), in partnership with Affinity Credit Union, the Saskatoon

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Industry Education Council, Square One, and other organizations launched the Saskatchewan Financial Literacy Network (SFLN) on November 12 in Saskatoon. The SFLN is intended to gather and distribute information to ensure that consumers are well-equipped with the financial knowledge to make decisions that will affect their livelihood and their future. In attendance at the SFLN launch was Ms. Jane Rooney, Canada’s first Financial Literacy Leader with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, who spoke to the crowd of 75 people about the importance of financial literacy during the all-day launch event. As another show of support for Financial Literacy Day and the importance of promoting financial literacy throughout the province, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association passed a resolution at their annual AGM in Saskatoon on November 10 that supports putting a greater emphasis on financial literacy in classrooms.

ADVOCACY in ACTION cont’d While November is the focus of many financial literacy activities throughout the country, the SCC does a variety of things throughout the entire year in order to promote the importance of youth financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship. Each year, the Chamber provides free tickets to high school, college, and university students to allow them to attend many of our business and advocacy events, including the annual ABEX awards, Political Forum, Make a Connection Reception, and our Conference on Business. The SCC also provides a variety of sponsorships to Junior Achievement, the Martin Initiative, various high school business programs, and also purchases products from student companies to give away as gifts at events. There is certainly a lot of work that remains to be done in order to raise awareness of financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship, but with this renewed focus by the provincial government, non-profit organizations, and businesses, things seem to be quickly moving in the right direction.

A M A R T I N A B O R I G I N A L E D U C AT I O N I N I T I AT I V E

A M A R T I N A B O R I G I N A L E D U C AT I O N I N I T I AT I V E

Nominate a Champion of Aboriginal Entrepreneurship for our next poster. Contact Yves Bousquet, AYEP coordinator at [email protected] Deadline to submit your nomination is January 1, 2016.

Champions of Aboriginal Entrepreneurship

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www.saskschoolboards.ca

www.maei-ieam.ca

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Proud to support the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. TD Commercial Banking is working together with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to make a difference in our province. Shirley Jacobs Relationship Manager 1904 Hamilton St. Regina 306-780-0222 [email protected]

®

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

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Beth McConnell Relationship Manager 170 - 2nd Avenue S., 3rd Floor Saskatoon 306-975-7229 [email protected]

M05236-MOD2 (1115)

ConneCt Yourself ReGISteR AS ALUMnI If you graduated from SIAST or any of the other previous institutions that make up the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic, you are a part of our alumni family. • Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (KIAAS) • Northern Institute of Technology (NIT) • Prince Albert Community College • Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (SIAAS) • Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI) • SIAST • Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (WIAAS)

Presented by Loraas Recycle, and in partnership with the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, the Jingle Bell Lunch provides an opportunity for our business community to learn about, celebrate, and support Junior Achievement. The luncheon will feature guest speakers Michael Goldney & Cary Bowman from LB Distillers, as well as an opportunity to meet many of our junior achievers at the student-run company trade show. Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Location: Saskatoon Travelodge Student Trade-show at 11:00 AM & Meal at 11:45 AM Guest speakers: Michael Goldney & Cary Bowman Tickets and more information on the event are available at: www.picatic.com/JBLSaskatoon or by calling 306.955.5267 This event is proudly presented by:

Special thank you to our partnering sponsors for this event:

Register or update your contact information at saskpolytech.ca/alumni.

The Jingle Bell Lunch provides an opportunity for the Regina business community to learn about, celebrate, and support Junior Achievement. The lunch will feature guest speaker Thomas Sierzycki, Mayor of La Ronge and one of Canada’s youngest elected leaders. This event is also a great opportunity to meet our Junior Achievement young entrepreneurs and check out their tradeshow just in time for your holiday shopping! Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015 Location: Delta Regina Student Trade-show at 11:00 AM Meal & Program Begin at 11:45 AM

Tickets are $50/each or $400 for a table of 7 (you will be seated with one of our JA young entrepreneurs)

Tickets and more information on the event are available at: www.picatic.com/JBLRegina or by calling 306.955.5267

This event is proudly presented by:

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The holiday season is a time of friendship and gratitude - and the Saskatchewan Chamber is so grateful to our friends in business, who have sponsored our events this year. We extend a sincere ‘Thank You’ to the following businesses - we simply couldn’t achieve what we have this year without YOU!

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CD Howe Study finds Saskatoon leading the pack with advantage of lower business tax burden Saskatchewan fared quite well in terms of business tax burdens as compared to its counterparts across the country in the CD Howe Institute e-brief Business Tax Burdens in Canada’s Major Cities: The 2015 Report Card by Adam Found, Peter Tomlinson and Benjamin Dachis. Based on the premise that business startups must take into account the total tax burden of the investment, and its effect on potential return; businesses and governments which seek to attract investment must compare tax burdens. It notes that gaps exist in the way Canadian governments measure taxes on business investment, ignoring provincial and local property taxes and land transfer taxes, a substantial oversight which represent about two-thirds of the total tax on investment. The study added this factor back into the equation to arrive at a more accurate tax calculation for the largest city in each province. With St. John, Charlottetown and Montreal having the highest total tax rates, the study was favourable for Saskatoon, which along with Calgary has the lowest overall business tax environments.

WHMIS 2015: A big deal for small business? The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, better known as WHMIS, is Canada’s comprehensive system for providing health and safety information on the safe use of hazardous products in workplaces. WHMIS changed on February 11, 2015 to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS is a worldwide system and provides a common set of rules for classifying hazardous products, and for labels, and a standard format for safety data sheets (SDSs).

this transition. With credible resources readily available, small businesses can be equipped with the necessary information to ensure their employees are educated and have the information they need to work safely. Take advantage of this free certificate course online: WHMIS for Workers: http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_ workers/

What the New WHMIS means for small business owners While WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria and requirements, the roles and responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers have not changed. Employers must ensure that there is workplace-specific education and training in place that reviews the hazardous products in their workplace and safe work procedures. Smaller organizations often don’t have dedicated departments or resources to provide health and safety education or informational updates to their employees. As a result, they can feel burdened with yet another thing to add to an already long to-do list. Health Canada has recognized this and has developed free resource material to prepare, inform and support smaller enterprises during

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MEMBERSHIP Central

Welcome to our new members! Canmar Grain Products Ltd. Regina www.canmargrain.com

By Jesse Chatterson, Director of Membership Sales

Smiths’ Tractor Wrecking 1986 Ltd. Allan

Thanks to our returning members! Thank you to our members who renewed last month! Your continued support of the Chamber movement makes it possible for us to achieve on your behalf, and we want you to know we appreciate you as members! • • • • • • • • • • •

Chemtrade West Limited Partnership Bennett Dunlop Ford Robinson Residential Design Hill Companies ISC BLS Asphalt Prairieland Park Valleyview Developments Institute of Corporate Directors Miller Thomson Border Line Feeders

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

En Vogue Day Spa Nelson Motors Trikoot Real Estate Sask Assoc. of School Business Access Communications Sask School Boards Assoc. Northridge Developments GNC Bioferm Heli-Lift International Dr. Buwembo IIBC Business Furnishings Saskatoon Co-op Triple 4 Advertising Sask Potash Producers Association Dura Structures Regina Alternative Measures Program Business Development Bank Whitecap Resources

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Bit Service Company SaskCerntral Prairie Mud Clifton Associates CIBC Allstar Technology Universal Bindery Regina Hotel Association Corps of Commissionaires West Wind Group of Companies Candle Lake Golf Resort Robwel Construction Souris Valley Industries Panter Agencies Sundance Communications Alliance Grain Traders Canadian National Virtus Group Dr. Muriel Kriel Dillon Accounting & Consulting

action! online is a monthly membership e-publication of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER STAFF Steve McLellan CEO [email protected]

Kristin McKee (currently on leave) Director of Policy Development [email protected]

Elissa LaLiberte Director of Membership Engagement [email protected]

Marilyn Leier Executive Assistant [email protected]

Curtis Hemming Director of Government Relations [email protected]

Dawn M. Barker Director of Communications [email protected]

Cindy Wright Director of Special Events [email protected]

Jesse Chatterson Director of Member Services [email protected]

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair - Randy Beattie (PFM Capital Inc.) 1st Vice-Chair - Shawna Nelson (Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon) 2nd Vice-Chair - Patricia Warsaba (McKercher LLP) Immediate Past-Chair - Bruce Anderson (b-creative group)



Directors Trina Warren (MNP LLP) Sean Young (Young’s Equipment) Monica Kreuger (Global Infobrokers Inc.) Peter Clarke (Seed Hawk Inc.) Ricardo Silva

1630 - 1920 Broad Street



Greg Hanwell (Beer Bros. Gastropub & Deli) Michael Cossar (Federated Co-operatives) Kendal Netmaker (Neechie Gear) Clayton Veresh (MNP LLP)

Regina, SK S4P 3V2



www.saskchamber.com