Business Start-Up Information a Phone Call Away
ServiceOntario and Industry Canada are working together to provide a toll-free Business Information Line that will help start or grow a business. The toll-free number is 1-888-745-8888. Information at this number covers topics such as:
• Starting or growing a business
• Financing options
• Managing employees
• Developing business plans
• Government programs and services
• Regulations and tax implications
• Importing and exporting requirements
The Province of Ontario is home to 37.4 per cent of all businesses in Canada. It is Ontario’s small and medium enterprises that are the engine for growth in the Ontario and the Canadian economy. The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre is already assisting more than 1.6 million web users annually. You can also get business start-up and general business information online at www.serviceontario.ca/business and www.canadabusiness.ca .
ServiceOntario offers access to provincial government services through local offices, kiosks, and online at www.serviceontario.ca. Health care registrations, birth, marriage and death certificates, business registration, newborn registration, and Ontario government publications are a few examples what is available through ServiceOntario. I would welcome feedback from anyone who has had the opportunity to use provincial/federal business help lines and web sites. Was the information helpful? Do you have suggestions that would improve the service? I may be reached at (905) 697-1501 and at 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.
Family Fishing Weekend Held Feb. 13-15
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) works with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to support Family Fishing Weekends. The winter weekend was held in conjunction with the provincial Family Day holiday February 13 – 15. Family fishing weekends are an opportunity to get outdoors and to try fishing licence-free. The licence requirements for Canadian residents were waived across Ontario from February 13-15. Special fishing events were held at several Ontario communities. The next Family Fishing Weekend is July 9-11, 2010. More details are online at www.familyfishingweekend.com. You can also learn more from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters web site, www.ofah.org.
New Auto Research Centre Nearing Completion
Durham Region is home to the new $123 million Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) being constructed on the north campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa. The Centre is scheduled to open later in 2010. In addition to classrooms, labs and research areas, the building houses a new climatic wind tunnel that will be one of the largest and most sophisticated wind tunnels in the world. An estimated 485 direct jobs are being created as the result of this project. When completed, it will provide 35 full time jobs that include administrators, technicians and researchers. ACE has been designed to accommodate cars, trucks and buses as well as locomotives, aircraft components and alternative energy technology such as wind turbines. The wind facility also has the potential to help train military personnel, rescue crews and competitive athletes. It may be used to assist the movie industry and to test products that are subject to severe wind, snow, ice, humidity or heat. Further information is available online at www.ace.uoit.ca .
Bill Proposes Crackdown on Energy Retailers
When the Ontario Legislature resumes sitting, it will consider new rules to protect energy consumers. Problems such as hidden contract costs, excessive cancellation fees and so called “negative-option” contract renewals are the focus of the new legislation. Greater fairness and transparency through rate comparison, plain language explanations of contracts and a new licencing and training regime are also covered in the legislation.
We do receive complaints regarding energy retailers at our Constituency Office.
The proposed Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2009, would enable individual suite metering in apartment buildings, which may give tenants more control over energy costs. The Ontario Energy Board would be granted more authority to set policies on security deposits and shutting off an individual’s electricity.
Many provisions from the proposed legislation would involve consultation and regulations to be set at a later date. I encourage all consumers to monitor the passage of the legislation and watch for opportunities to comment in the future. You can find more details about Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2009 at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Their web site address is www.mei.gov.on.ca.
Funding Helps in Removal of Old Orchards
Under the federal-provincial Orchard and Vineyard Transition Program, the Province of Ontario is adding $2 million to help grape, apple and tender fruit producers. Eligible participants receive $1,618.74 per acre towards removal and disposal of their old orchard and/or vineyard stock. These funds help the fruit-growers adapt to changing markets for their products by removing old stock. Applications are to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The final deadline is March 31, with removals completed by November 30. More information is available online at Ontario’s Ministry of agriculture wet site, www.omafra.gov.on.ca.
