{"id":4194,"date":"2024-11-04T15:03:46","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T20:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/?post_type=ceo-notes&p=4194"},"modified":"2024-11-04T15:03:49","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T20:03:49","slug":"in-pursuit-of-a-fair-and-affordable-future-for-canadians","status":"publish","type":"ceo-notes","link":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/ceo-note\/in-pursuit-of-a-fair-and-affordable-future-for-canadians\/","title":{"rendered":"In pursuit of a fair and affordable future for Canadians."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since our last update two weeks ago and as noted<\/a> by our VP of Federal Government Relations, Maximilien Roy, the Canadian government has announced further changes to immigration targets<\/strong>. This follows several reductions in the past three months that are highly detrimental to our industry and the economy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Describing this announcement as disappointing is an understatement; it reflects political motivations rather than sound economic policy. Over the last few weeks, I have connected with a number of our members about these impactful changes and the feedback across the country has been the same: anxiety and bewilderment. Since the start of these announcements, the team has taken a number of steps to advocate on behalf of the industry as highlighted by Maximilien Roy in his report below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permanent immigration has given Canada a skilled and diverse workforce, which is essential for stability as we deal with declining birth rates that won\u2019t counterbalance retirements and an aging population in the coming decades. Securing access to a worldclass workforce is a key priority for our association and a core principle of our advocacy guiding principles<\/strong><\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the months ahead, we will continue working together with industry partners and other business associations to tackle the challenges Canada will encounter due to these recent changes. Please watch for upcoming surveys that will aid our advocacy efforts in workforce and immigration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada welcomes the Ontario government\u2019s $200 relief initiative for residents facing affordability challenges announced during the delivery of the Fall Economic Statement<\/strong> on October 30th<\/sup>. This support will enable Ontarians to enjoy dining out, coffee and family meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2019, per capita restaurant spending has dropped 9 per cent as people reduce dining out. The $200 initiative will aid struggling residents and benefit the 445,000 employees in the restaurant sector, plus another 102,000 indirectly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also look forward to the government\u2019s upcoming consultation on alcohol tax and wholesale pricing<\/strong>. Increasing wholesale discounts, especially for beer after the Master Framework Agreement<\/a> with The Beer Store ends, will greatly benefit our industry and customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vice President of Central Canada, Kris Barnier, provides more details below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently I had the pleasure of traveling to British Columbia to attend the BCRFA Restaurant Hall of Fame Awards Gala<\/strong>.  We would like to congratulate all the restaurant industry leaders<\/a> being inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. It\u2019s always a pleasure to return to my hometown and engage with industry leaders in this exceptional restaurant region of Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we were in B.C., we connected with several members including long-time partners like White Spot<\/strong><\/a>, one of our founding members. We\u2019re proud to have them and value their commitment to excellent employee experiences. White Spot has over 100 culinary team members in the Red Seal Program<\/strong><\/a>, with chefs dedicating about 5,000 hours\u2014three years\u2014apprenticing in their kitchens. This significant investment delivers impressive results! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our EI campaign, Lift the Strain on Small Business<\/strong><\/a>, continues. We recently conducted polling that reinforces our position, and discussions are ongoing with several cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister\u2019s Office. EVP Richard Alexander will share more details below, along with a recent press release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please see our recent media on this here:<\/strong> 
Toronto Sun<\/strong> \u2013 October 31st<\/sup> –  Trudeau Liberals aren’t paying enough attention to affordability: Poll<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retail Insider<\/strong> \u2013 October 31st<\/sup> – Restaurants Canada urging government to improve affordability<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m excited to highlight Hakan Uluer<\/strong>, our board director at Restaurants Canada and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year<\/strong>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\u202f2024 Atlantic\u202fAward<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>winner! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At just 12, Hakan began selling clothes to support his family after his father’s tragic passing, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. He gained culinary and leadership experience in hospitality before joining The Bertossi Group<\/a> in Halifax, where he embraced their commitment to traditional Italian cuisine and took the lead in 2014. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Hakan\u2019s guidance, The Bertossi Group has expanded to include renowned restaurants like The Bicycle Thief<\/a> and La Frasca Cibi & Vini<\/a>, with two luxury caf\u00e9s and three more restaurants set to open this year. Known for excellence and exceptional service, his establishments attract both locals and international visitors. A successful partnership with Goodfood has also raised the brand\u2019s national profile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada is pleased to announce that Restaurants Canada has partnered with Moneris, Canada\u2019s leading payment processing provider<\/strong>, to offer our members exclusive preferred rates on credit and debit card transactions. We are proud to partner with a Canadian company like Moneris because it aligns with our commitment to promoting and strengthening the local economy. By partnering with a trusted Canadian provider, we not only ensure our members have access to top-tier payment solutions, but we also foster growth and innovation within the foodservice industry across the country.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here<\/a> and log in to the member portal to learn more and access the exclusive lead form. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at\u202fMembers@restaurantscanada.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Richard Alexander | Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Trudeau doing on the affordability crisis?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not so good, says a recent poll.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada recently commissioned and released public opinion polling<\/a> on affordability and how reducing Employment Insurance Payroll Taxes could help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The findings are clear: the majority of Canadians are not confident the federal government is committed to making life more affordable, and that reducing payroll taxes would relieve some pressure.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less than half of Canadians (43 per cent) believe the federal government is putting enough of a priority on making life more affordable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly eight in 10 Canadians (77 per cent) say they would benefit from the government reducing payroll taxes, with 42 per cent saying it would have a major positive impact on them and their family.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While only 43 per cent of Canadians currently feel the federal government is making affordability a priority, 63 per cent say implementing this policy would show them that the federal government is prioritizing the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada has been and continues to urge the federal government to make a firm commitment to improve affordability by reducing payroll taxes for employees and employers in its upcoming Fall Economic Statement. Our ask is for a modest 2 per cent reduction in the tax.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This public polling has been presented to government and opposition parties, and we believe it is making an impact in their deliberations on reducing EI payroll tax. Our wider campaign on reducing operating costs for restaurants and their employees continues and will likely draw to an end with the Fall Economic Statement, likely to be released in November.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to everyone who has supported and participated in our campaign. If you haven\u2019t already, there is still time to send a letter to your MP asking for their support on this ask. Click here<\/a> to send your letter today.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When our industry comes together, we can accomplish great things.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada<\/strong> 
sustainability@restaurantscanada.org<\/a>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ontario & Alberta: Recycling program fees and consultations.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are busy wrapping up a number of consultations related to program oversight fees for packaging and paper recycling programs in\u202fAlberta<\/a>\u202fand\u202fOntario<\/a>. Key asks include the fair allocation of costs among obligated producers, and clear and consistent communications. To help members budget for 2025, final fees will be posted in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note, these are program oversight fees, and so are in addition to any recycling fees you pay to producer responsibility organizations (PROs), such as Circular Materials. For more information on PRO fees and recycling program budgets by province, please see the\u202f2024 Report to Producers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants Canada: November Sustainability Committee meeting.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At our upcoming November Sustainability Committee meeting, we will be welcoming Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to provide an update on federal work related to plastics, chemicals and the circular economy. To ensure ECCC is aware of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the foodservice industry, particularly as relates to the implementation of reusable packaging, there will also be an opportunity for members to share learnings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Restaurants Canada\u2019s VP of Sustainability is currently on maternity leave. We congratulate her on the birth of her new baby boy. Sustainability initiatives are being managed by the team at Clear Strategy. Contact Kelsey Meyer at the email address above for any questions related to sustainability files. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FEDERAL & QUEBEC UPDATE<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Maximilien Roy | Vice-President, Federal and Quebec\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Federal: Ongoing advocacy on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our advocacy efforts on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) have been extensive and sustained since December 2023, following the government\u2019s directive to reduce the number of TFWs. Recognizing that TFWs make up only 3 per cent of our industry\u2019s workforce\u2014but critically, two-thirds of those are essential cooks and supervisors\u2014we have engaged in a series of high-level discussions, press releases and public education efforts to highlight the issue’s significance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Advocacy and Engagements:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n