Please rest assured, we will remain highly focused on this evolving matter. Richard Alexander, our Executive Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, will provide more insights below on our ongoing work regarding tariffs, including his upcoming trade mission to Washington with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you didn\u2019t catch our webinars on tariffs, you can watch them here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced<\/a> the 2025 Express Entry categories. Cooks were added as a new occupation under the Trades category, which is one of four priority categories. The occupations included in the Express Entry system are usually ones in which workers in Canada are not available, and that require immigration to fill key labour gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a very positive development. Restaurants Canada has been advocating for the labour force needs of the foodservice sector with all levels of government, including keeping immigration streams open for our industry. We will continue to work on this file and keep you updated on any developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In challenging and uncertain times, it’s essential to remember the immense strength of our industry and the impact we can make when we come together. This is one of the driving forces behind my excitement in bringing Chef Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s to the RC Show 2025. If you haven\u2019t yet, be sure to register for the event and secure your ticket for this exclusive closed gathering here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we hit March, we\u2019re excited to once again celebrate and amplify International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) 2025, under the powerful theme of #AccelerateAction. This is a time to reflect on the importance of community and solidarity, especially during challenging times. Together, we can fast-track progress toward gender equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join us on March 10th for our inaugural event, dish<\/em><\/strong>., where we\u2019ll be celebrating IWD 2025 and working together to #AccelerateAction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the World Economic Forum\u2019s report stating that, at the current pace, gender parity won\u2019t be achieved until 2158\u2014five generations from now\u2014this year\u2019s theme underscores the urgency of tackling the systemic barriers and biases women face in both personal and professional environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s unite to accelerate meaningful change. Together, we can create a more equitable world for everyone. Purchase your ticket today<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We look forward to expanding this event across the country in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was pleased to host our February board meeting in Toronto last week. It\u2019s an important opportunity to share progress, report on priorities, and engage with our board comprised of industry leaders from across Canada. Mark your calendar for our virtual AGM on March 26th from 12:00pm to 12:45pm EST, where we\u2019ll introduce new Directors and a new Chair from Quebec. A notice of the AGM will be sent to members this week with more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Richard Alexander | Executive Vice-President, Government Relations & Public Affairs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On March 4th, President Trump plans to implement sweeping tariffs: 25% on Canadian goods<\/strong> and 10% on energy exports<\/strong>. In response, Minister Joly has announced Canada\u2019s intention to impose counter-tariffs on $155 billion worth of American imports<\/strong>. Canada is the only country to publicly outline such a retaliation plan. If these tariffs proceed, numerous products vital to our industry will be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurants Canada<\/strong>, in collaboration with industry partners, continues to push for exemptions on critical food products, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our core argument: Food is essential<\/strong>. Unlike an automobile purchase, food consumption cannot be deferred. These tariffs will disrupt restaurant operations and drive-up costs for both businesses and consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through our involvement in the Canada-US Trade Council<\/strong> and the Coalition for North American Trade<\/strong>, we have engaged directly with high-ranking trade negotiators and advisors. Their message is clear: If US tariffs proceed, Canada\u2019s goal will likely be to drive inflation in the US as high and as fast as possible.<\/strong> This strategy aims to create domestic opposition to the tariffs, applying pressure through rising costs and market reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While economic pain may be unavoidable, Canada’s approach seeks to minimize its duration<\/strong>. In addition to lobbying against harmful tariffs, we have also advocated for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This week, we will be in Washington, D.C.<\/strong> for a Tariff Trade Mission<\/strong>, collaborating with other business associations to push back against these damaging policies. This trade mission will help garner support from US Congress and Senate members, build ties with other allies in the US and ensure conversations about tariffs in Washington include considerations for the restaurant industry on both sides of the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurants Canada is working closely with the Retail Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to maximize the impact of this trade mission and minimize the impact of potential tariffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Actions Taken<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We will continue working aggressively to protect our industry, advocating for policy changes that mitigate the impact of these tariffs. We encourage all members to stay engaged and prepared for potential disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For further updates, stay tuned to our Tariff FAQ<\/a> page and reach out with any concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to the ongoing spread of avian flu (H5N1) across North America, members may be seeing increased media coverage on egg supply shortages and rising costs. Despite this, it is important to note that the Canadian system is not<\/strong> experiencing the same market volatility as the US due to a more diversified and supply managed system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact to Members:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n US Situation:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurants Canada is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to keep members informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Jillian Rodak | Vice President, Sustainability<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Across Canada, municipalities continue to take steps to manage commercial waste and limit single-use plastics by developing new bylaws. To ensure restaurants have a strong voice at the table, Restaurants Canada has been engaging in the following high-priority jurisdictions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will continue to keep members updated as these policy discussions evolve nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Janick Cormier | Vice-President, Atlantic Canada<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a surprise press conference, Premier Dennis King announced his resignation on February 20th<\/sup>. A day later, Minister of Education and Early Years, Rob Lantz, was sworn in as Premier. The legislature has since been prorogued as the Progressive-Conservatives deal with this transition and organize a leadership race. As interim premier, Lantz has said he plans to bring a steady hand to government during this time. A new session will begin on March 25, complete with a speech from the throne by Lt.-Gov. Wassim Salamoun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In another stunning resignation, Premier Andrew Furey announced on February 25th<\/sup> that he was resigning as Premier. Unlike PEI\u2019s Premier King though, Furey will stay on as leader and Premier until a new leader is chosen. This is an election year in Newfoundland and Labrador so we expect the new leader to be chosen relatively quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finance Minister John Lhor presented his budget for 2025. We were pleased to see that the PCs kept their commitment to lower the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1.5% and to up the threshold to $700,000. Also included in this budget is a reduction of the HST of 1%, increasing the basic personal amount from $8,744 to $11,744, and a $200-million reserve fund to support Nova Scotians through a tariff war with the United States. From Kris Barnier | Vice President, Central Canada and the North<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This past week I was in Manitoba to meet with government officials and to attend an incredible MRFA-hosted gala.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaun Jeffrey and I had productive meetings with Justice Minister Wiebe, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister\/Minister Responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Glen Simard, Public and Government Services Minister Sandhu, and with the Mayor of Winnipeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had additional meetings with Tourism Minister Kennedy, and with senior staff representing the ministers of Finance and Business, Trade and Job Creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The meetings focused on a set of key issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was an incredible night last Thursday, when MRFA inducted the first three members to its Hall of Fame<\/a>: Doug Stephen \u2013 WOW Hospitality (and Past Chair of Restaurants Canada) <\/em>Steve Hrousalas \u2013 Rae and Jerry\u2019s; and <\/em>Gord Howard \u2013 The Keg Steakhouse. <\/em>Paljor Dolma, Restaurants Canada, Senior Manager, Member Marketing & Engagement and I were on hand for the incredible dinner and wonderful night that paid tribute to three of Manitoba\u2019s most well-known and respected industry leaders. Learn more about the award winners here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, Ontario elected the Progressive Conservative Party to a third straight majority government. In the coming days Premier Doug Ford will announce his new cabinet and we will reach out to key ministers to renew and\/or build relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a summary of key commitments made by the PCs that are of relevance to our industry:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Mark von Schellwitz | Vice-President, Western Canada<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On February 14th<\/sup> BC\u2019s Minister of Labour issued apress release<\/a> announcing that minimum wage would<\/strong> be increasing by 2.6% ($.45) from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour effective June 1st<\/sup>, 2025.<\/strong> The increase follows the minimum wage CPI indexation formula which was enshrined in the BC Employment Standards Act last spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After consulting stakeholders, including Restaurants Canada, last year, the City of Vancouver is asking for member feedback on their proposal<\/a> to modernize the City\u2019s liquor serving hours which have remained unchanged since 2004. The proposed changes also consider opportunities to reduce regulatory licensing barriers. Proposed changes would allow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Members are encouraged to provide feedback by completing the following <\/strong>survey<\/strong><\/a> by March 9th<\/sup> and can stay updated on developments by signing up for the <\/strong>mailing list<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Western Community College (WCC) has reached out to Restaurants Canada asking members to participate as work experience mentors and hosts for their Bachelor of Hospitality Management students. For more information members can review the WCC Bachelor of Hospitality Management Work Experience Handbook<\/a>. Any members interested in providing work experience for these students should contact WCC\u2019s Director of Hospitality Programs Dhananjay (DJ) Kshirsagar at dhananjay@wcc.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On February 27th<\/sup> Alberta tabled their 2025 budget<\/a>. Unlike the 2024 budget surplus, the 2025\/26 budget projects a $5.2 billion deficit given the economic uncertainty of US tariffs and counter tariffs. The deficit could go as high as $8.7 billion in a worst-case US tariff trade war scenario. The budget projects total revenue at $74.1 billion versus total expenditures of $79.3 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The highlight of the 2025 budget was a sooner-than-promised personal income tax cut creating a new tax bracket of 8% on the first $60,0000 of income effective January 1, 2025. The $1.2 billion tax cut comes two years ahead of schedule and is estimated to save the average Albertan $750 in 2025. The personal income tax reduction further increases Alberta\u2019s competitive advantage as the province with the lowest personal and corporate tax rates in addition to no sales tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The budget also includes a few tax increases including an Education Property Tax rate increase from $2.56 to $2.71\/$1,000 on equalized assessments for residential and farmland properties as well as a $3.76 to $4.00\/$1,000 on equalized assessments for non-residential properties. Licensed members will also be impacted by some adjustments to the liquor markup system, including changes to standard rates and to rates for qualifying small manufacturers. AGLC sent all Alberta licensees the following Liquor Bulletin<\/a> outlining the liquor markup increase details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edmonton members should have received an invite from the City of Edmonton to participate in upcoming collaborative workshops on organics diversion within Edmonton\u2019s Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) sector. You can register for one of two virtual workshops using the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\nImmigration: Cooks added to 2025 Express Entry categories<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Harnessing the Power of Our Industry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Celebrating International Women\u2019s Day 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRestaurants Canada\u2019s February board meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nGOVERNMENT RELATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Donald Trump\u2019s Tariffs Set for March 4th<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Industry Impact & Our Advocacy Efforts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mitigating the Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Upcoming Advocacy Actions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Next Steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avian Flu Outbreak & Egg Supply Impacts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nSUSTAINABILITY UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Evolving Municipal Bylaws Across Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nATLANTIC UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prince Edward Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Newfoundland and Labrador<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nova Scotia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On February 25th<\/sup>, the government also introduced legislation to remove all trade barriers with provinces who also adopt a similar legislation. We were very pleased to see movement on this issue and hope other provinces will follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCENTRAL CANADA UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Manitoba<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Government Relations Update<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mar-3-CEO-Kris-.png\")
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MRFA Gala<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mar-5-CEO-Gala.png\")
Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWESTERN UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BC Announces 2025 Minimum Wage Increase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proposed Changes to Vancouver\u2019s Liquor Serving Hours<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Western Community College (WCC) Work Experience Host Request<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alberta Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reminder – City of Edmonton IC&I Waste Strategy Workshops<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n