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Dear BCCTC members and friends,
Last month we were delighted to represent our members at the Niagara Networks and Industry Collective, sponsored by BCCTC member Niagara Economic Development and hosted by the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce.
The day was filled with conversation and connection, with morning roundtables focused on 4 main topics identified by last year’s participants: Employer Learning and/or Capacity Building; Demographic Changes; Modernizing Employee Recruitment; and the use of A.I., and a roundtable on getting newcomers into the workforce.
While there was a very diverse group of local businesses and organizations, there were very clear trends and consistent themes that were identified and it was a great opportunity to learn about priorities and challenges in the market.
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This was BCCTC’s first participation in the tradeshow and it was highly valuable - the opportunity to connect one on one is the most powerful tool we have in business. Many thanks to those who participated as exhibitors, and also those who took the time to walk through and have real conversations with real people. Congratulations to the winner of British scrumptious basket of goodies donated by Morgan Williams International Inc.
We see many opportunities for our partnership with the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce and will share these as they become available with our membership. One of our key priorities this year is to strengthen our relationship with local chambers of commerce.
This Thursday, June 13, we will have another opportunity to connect in person with our fellow European Chambers at the European Networking event - make sure to register as these events usually sold out.
Last but not least, we leave you with the latest monthly update from BAB CEO Duncan Edwards "The Big Story From the Last Couple of Weeks….and the UK Election!" available to read online here.
BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US (BABC) and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK. BCCTC is Canada's co-ordinating Chapter of the BABN.
British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce
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BCCTC June Newsletter
UK-Canada Industry News and Updates
- 🇨🇦 Global Affairs Canada launches CPPTP Public ConsultationsPartnership (CPTPP)
- The UK has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
- “Solid GDP Growth Undershoots Bank’s High Expectations” Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Ontario: Innovation Road Trip
- Non-competes in Canada by Gowlings WLG
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Expanding Your Engineering Company into Canada By Fiona Brown, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Member and Forum Updates
- BCCTC Sponsor Member Thinc hosts official launch at UK Consul General Residence
- BABN 2024/25 UK-US Trade and Investment Guide
- Welcome new BCCTC members!: Helen Filed, Mark Field, Connie Carter, Andrew Bates and Paul Harrison with Payments International Inc (PIIFX).
- Dr. Rosemary Sadlier OOnt receives second Honorary Doctorate from the University of Toronto.
Member offers
UK-EU Trade
British community in Canada
- CIMA Mayor's Trophy with OSCA - Ontario Schools Cricket Association - June 22
- Commonwealth Garden Party & Luncheon with the Royal Commonwealth Society of Toronto - August 11
Upcoming Events
- European Chambers Networking Night - June 13
- Canada Day London Briefing Session - June 14
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Save the date! "Leveraging the CPTPP: Personnel Opportunities for UK and Canadian Businesses" - June 26
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Canadian Premiere of “The Trouble with Jessica” UK Film by Matt Winn featuring Shirley Henderson, Alan Tudyk, Rufus Sewell, Indira Varma and Olivia Williams - July 8, by ICFF.
- everywoman in STEM Early Careers Day - September 12
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Help to Grow SME Campaign
What is it: The UK Department for Business and Trade launched its 'Help to Grow SME campaign', alongside the creation of a new Small Business Council which is chaired by Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake, brings together SME leaders from across the country to tackle the key issues facing small firms who will ne given new levels of direction access to government. The Help to Grow website has also been refreshed to create a one-stop stop for SME's to find information they need to grown and scale up.
Want to find out more?: Browse through the campaigns website here, and ask Francesca Lentini, flentini@babinc.org, if you would like to know more.
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UK-Canada Industry News and Updates
🇨🇦 Global Affairs Canada launches CPPTP Public Consultations
Global Affairs Canada will be launching public consultations on June 3, 2024, to solicit views from Canadians on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as part of the Agreement’s mandated General Review. The purpose of the General Review is to reflect on the operation of the Agreement with a view to updating and enhancing it, as appropriate, to ensure that the Agreement remains relevant to the issues and challenges confronting the Parties.
The CPTPP offers Canadian businesses greater access to key markets in Asia and Latin America. As a high-standard Agreement that eliminates tariffs across virtually all sectors, Canadian exporters can conduct business on a level playing field, increase their competitiveness abroad and gain access to new customers. All CPTPP Members, including Canada, will have the opportunity to contribute to the General Review.
Global Affairs Canada encourages you to join the discussion as the views of interested parties will inform Canada’s input in the General Review process. They are eager to hear how they can leverage this opportunity to improve the Agreement, address specific interests or concerns, and help Canadian businesses utilize the CPTPP to share in the gains from rules-based free trade.
Global Affairs Canada welcomes your written response on this issue by July 31, 2024, by email to CPTPP-PTPGP.Consultations@international.gc.ca or you may mail your submission, contact us.
⭐🇬🇧 The UK has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Only six economies, in addition to the UK, need to ratify by October for the deal to enter into force by the end of the year. The UK government has confirmed its expects the protocol to come into force in the second half of 2024.
British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce Board Director, and British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai Advisor to the Board, James Dunn, stated: “The impending ratification of the CPTPP by the UK underscores a significant stride towards cementing the Indo-Pacific trade pact. This milestone heralds a wealth of opportunities for businesses in both the UK and Canada. As we edge closer to the agreement's enactment by the end of 2024, we urge businesses to prepare to leverage the upcoming benefits. We are here to support businesses every step of the way.”
🇨🇦 “Solid GDP Growth Undershoots Bank’s High Expectations” Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s GDP grew by 1.7% annualized in Q1 2024, falling short of the Bank of Canada’s 2.2% forecast. Despite strong consumer spending and renewed investment growth, the economy’s performance was weaker than anticipated, with Q4 2023 GDP also revised downward.
In a new commentary, Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Economist, Andrew DiCapua, expects that April’s projected 0.3% GDP growth may prompt the Bank to hold off on policy changes, though moderating inflation and tepid growth demand could lead to a rate cut in June. Read more…
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Government of Ontario: Innovation Road Trip
The Government of Ontario, together with municipal partners, is excited to invite the international delegates travelling to Toronto for Collision 2024 to participate in a complimentary Innovation Road Trip!
The road trip(s) will take place on Monday, June 17, 2024.
This document provides general descriptions and agendas for six road trip programs to the municipalities of Brampton, Markham, Mississauga and Toronto, and the regions of Durham and Halton. Each tour will highlight the innovation ecosystem that exists in each of these municipalities and regions within Ontario. Interested participants should review each description carefully to determine whether the tour is appropriate for them.
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Non-competes in Canada
Impact on Employment law and IP protection
With the recent US Federal Trade Commission announcement of its Final Non-Compete Clause Rule (the "FTC Rule"), establishing a nationwide prohibition against non-compete agreements in employment relationships, we can see a broader policy shift against the enforceability of non-competes, and in favour of promoting employee mobility in the labour market. The same trends and principles are apparent in Canada.
There is no nationwide ban against employment non-competes in Canada, but it is extremely difficult for Canadian employers to enforce such restrictions.
The non-competition covenants of an employment agreement are presumptively unenforceable. Canadian courts are particularly cautious about enforcing non-competes because they are viewed as a restraint of trade that can potentially limit an individual's ability to earn a living in their area of expertise.
Read more here about Impact on Employment law and IP protection wiht Gowling WLG multi-disciplinary approach. If you would like to discuss these issues further, please reach out to Jordan Epstein and Anita Nador.
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Expanding Your Engineering Company into Canada
By Fiona Brown, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP.
The demand for engineers in Canada remains strong, and foreign engineers have been increasingly drawn to the Canadian market due to its robust economy and stable political environment. Canada’s emphasis on technological advancement and investment in research and development will continue to provide engineers with opportunities for growth and innovation. Additionally, Canada’s proximity to the U.S. provides easy access to cross-border partnerships, further enhancing Canada’s appeal for both individual engineers and engineering companies.
For engineering companies looking to expand into Canada, there are many considerations, including choosing the appropriate company structure, navigating the regulatory environment and determining suitable management and oversight processes. This article summarizes the requirements for setting up a company in Ontario that will be eligible to perform engineering services. Read more...
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BCCTC Sponsor Member Thinc hosts official launch at UK Consul General Residence
Hosted at the Residence of the British Consul General in Toronto, Fouzia Younis, and joined by friends old and new from Toronto’s trade and business communities, Thinc officially launched and were welcomed by Stephen Lund ICD.D, Chief Executive Officer at Toronto Global.
"It was a wonderful evening - always a pleasure to support our members", said Adwet Sharma, BCCTC Director. Photo credit: Thinc.
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BABN 2024/25 Trade and Investment Guide
This year, it was BABN's turn to focus on the US inbound market and this Guide is the most comprehensive resource for British companies seeking to expand their business in the US. If you have any questions, or would like hard copies (at cost), please reach out. Link to guide here.
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Welcome new BCCTC members! | |
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Helen Field
Helen is an experienced, highly organised and good-humoured operational planner with a firm grasp of the bigger picture, able to develop, build and nurture relationships at all levels.
Since moving to Ontario in 2021, Helen has launched her English etiquette consultancy, HF Etiquette, to share her expertise by delivering training and private tuition to individuals and businesses in all fields, particularly those in events and hospitality. Connect with Helen on LinkedIn.
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Mark Field
Experienced and adaptable commercial leader with 20+ years in the Boardroom for global enterprises, operating in a range of business sectors. Multilingual and culturally astute, with an in-depth practical understanding of the full 360 operational lifecycle of business leadership.
Currently engaged as a Consultant with a Toronto-based business and technology group. Both Helen and Mark moved to Canada from Norfolk where they spent over 25 years. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.
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Paul Harrison
Paul co-founded Payments International Inc., which provides global payment and foreign exchange services to corporate and individual clients. He has extensive experience within the global currency markets, working for financial institutions in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia. Payments International can offer members bank and currency accounts in the UK, Europe, and Canada alongside other countries. Payments International is a cloud-based online FX and Payments Platform with 24/7 access.
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To send secure documents, please click here and follow the instructions
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To set up a meeting, please click here
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Open an Account – Get Started
Paul Harrison, Managing Director, Payments International Inc (PIIFX)
Offices in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Dublin, Ireland & London, GB
Email paul.harrison@piifx.com Website www.piifx.com Office 888-588-4538 Direct 647-496-1553
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Dr. Rosemary Sadlier receives second Honorary Doctorate, from the University of Toronto.
Hearfell congratulations to author, historian, educator, and social justice advocate Dr. Rosemary Sadlier OOnt for receiving her second Honorary Doctorate, Doctors of Law, from the University of Toronto.
Rosemary was the president of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) from 1993 to 2015. As president, she contributed to the recognition of Black history through education, research and outreach programs. Rosemary’s pressure was central to the Canadian government’s 1995 decision to make the celebration of Black History Month a national annual event.
Along with the 1995 establishment of National Black History Month, in that same year Sadlier also initiated the formal celebration of August 1st as Emancipation Day, which is still being sought nationally. For Rosemary, such events have helped and will continue to help Canadian students and teachers to recognize the contributions of Black people in Canada.
Rosemary has been a speaker at the BCCTC’s International Women Day’s celebrations and has received several honours and awards including the Order of Ontario, the William Peyton Hubbard Race Relations Award, Women for PACE Award, the Black Links Award, the Planet Africa Marcus Garvey Award and the Harry Jerome Award. Most recently, she was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Women’s Empowerment Awards 2023.
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Member Offers
Father's Day Gift Ideas 🎁 with Truefitt & Hill 🇬🇧
Celebrate the men who have shaped our lives with the perfect Father's Day gift. Our sophisticated range of colognes, aftershaves and premium grooming essentials ensures that every dad feels cherished and impeccably groomed. Plus, for a limited time only, receive a complimentary silk pocket square on orders +$200*. Click here.
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ACCA – Free Webinar
Growing your Practice: Scaling up with the Right Team
June 12, 2024
Are you ready to elevate your practice to new heights? The secret lies in assembling the right team and investing in your people – the greatest asset to your firm. Join us for our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, June 12, where our panel of practitioners will unveil proven strategies for attracting and developing top talent, empowering your practice’s growth potential.
Building on the ACCA Practice Room community sessions, this webinar is the first of our Growing your Practice series.
- Starting a Practice: Turning Expertise into Enterprise (On Demand)
- Growing your Practice: Scaling up with the Right Team (June 12, 2024)
- Growing your Practice: Green and Resilient (Sept 25, 2024)
- Growing your Practice: Future Proofing with AI (November 6, 2024)
Register for the free series here. On demand access will be available.
“Startup Success - Mastering the Product Discovery Process” (webinar)
June 11, 2024 with BCCTC Members Rootquotient.
This online workshop guides individuals on how to accurately identify and solve customer problems through a structured Product Discovery approach. Led by Moshe Mikanovsky, a seasoned product leader from RootQuotient Technologies, participants will learn to define customer profiles, assess market demands, and integrate effective tools and strategies into their development process. If you're ready to transform your startup ideas into viable products that meet real-world needs, join us for this essential workshop. Register here.
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UK-EU Trade
Trade Policy Updates
As of 1 April 2024, certain clauses for EU Cumulation and origin quotas in the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) have expired. In the UKCTA , the UK and Canada agreed time-limited clauses for ‘EU cumulation’ and origin quotas.
What does this mean for businesses? UK exporters cannot consider EU inputs as originating when exporting to Canada. Traders must ensure that products still meet the Rules of Origin set out in Annex 5 of the TCA after this change if they want to benefit from preferential access. Also, the alternative rules set out in Annex 5-A (Origin Quotas and Alternatives to the Product Specific Rules of Origin in Annex 5) no longer apply, and producers must meet the Rules of Origin set out in Annex 5. Read more.
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British community in Canada
OSCA - Ontario Schools Cricket Association's founding partner The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA, BCCTC Member), launched CIMA Mayor's Trophy (CMT) as a corporate social responsibility projects in 2005.
CMT brings together a wide cross section of Toronto Communities through cricket - England’s national sport. The event has attracted media, Transit, Finance and the Public Sector organizations to a unique Toronto celebration.
The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce kindly invites you to join us, and other Toronto's British organizations, this Saturday 22 June for "The Mayor's Trophy", and enjoy a day of cricket and celebration of the sport in the city.
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Royal Commonwealth Society of Toronto
Commonwealth Garden Party & Luncheon
A Salute to the Royal Canadian Navy
Sunday, August 11, 2024 at The Toronto Hunt
Speaker: Commander Paul Smith, MSM CD
Commanding Officer, HMCS York
More info here.
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European Chambers Networking Night, 13 June 2024
Join us for the summer edition hosted by Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce. This past year was a tremendous success, with each of our six events attracting over 100 attendees, and on several occasions, tickets were completely sold out! Don’t miss your chance – secure your tickets today!
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Canada Day London Briefing Session
14 June 2024
We invite you to the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce celebration of Canada Day and join John Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada Day London, for a comprehensive update on the events taking place at Canada House and Trafalgar Square for Canada Day London.
This session offers an invaluable opportunity to delve into the exciting world of the Business Conference, Pancake Breakfast, Canada Day London Festival, and the exclusive VIP experiences in store for our esteemed guests.
Don't miss this remarkable occasion to engage with the finest elements of Canada's cultural and business landscape in the heart of London.
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everywoman in STEM Early Careers Day
12 September 2024
everywoman in STEM Early Careers Day is a one-day virtual event that will take place online on 12 September 2024. This event is completely free for students/graduates to attend and is designed specifically for individuals planning or early in their careers in STEM. Interested individuals can register for the event for free by visiting the website.
About everywoman
Founded in 1999, everywoman has been at the forefront of the international movement for gender parity in the workplace. Over the past 25 years we have had the privilege of building a community of over 130 corporate partners and a network of more than 50,000 women around the world.
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