Archive for 2023

In a significant stride toward addressing the gender gap in healthcare, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) recently launched a comprehensive study on women’s health. Amid heightened scrutiny over existing disparities in healthcare and increased strains across the nation, this initiative reflects a crucial step towards understanding and rectifying the unique health challenges faced by women.

The study ranges from improved mental health resources for women to enhanced breast cancer screening and reproductive health services, along with necessary protections for LGBTQ2 and Indigenous women in Canada.

A major topic of concern was cervical cancer screenings. Several provinces are contemplating a shift from the traditional Pap test to the human papillomavirus (HPV) test as the primary screening method. These changes aim to enhance the accuracy and efficacy of screenings, ensuring early detection and intervention. SWON Public Affairs is proud to work with Gillian Cameron and her campaign to make the HPV vaccine free for anyone under the age of 26 in Ontario.

The start of this study represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to address existing healthcare gender gaps and create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape for all women in Canada.

Yesterday, Canada’s Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, unveiled the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. Cost of living is the top issue Canadians face today. The holiday season is upon us, but most Canadians are wondering how they’ll afford their groceries and pay their rent on top of buying gifts for their loved ones. This issue, coupled with the housing crisis, has caused Trudeau’s government to fall in the polls. This year’s FES includes clear-cut spending measures to address the cost of living and housing crisis. These measures are an attempt to change course and turn things around for the Trudeau Liberals.

Housing and Affordability

• Investments of over $20 billion over the next 6 years to incentivize construction of new housing supply.
• Cracking down on unfair junk fees charged by banks, airlines, and telecommunications providers. These include NSF fees and roaming charges.
• Amending the Competition Act to mitigate the effects that large companies have in predatory pricing.

Clean Energy

• Expanding the Clean Tech Investment Tax Credit to include electricity or heat producing equipment from waste biomass.
• Expanding the Canada Growth Fund to be the principal federal entity for issuing carbon contracts for difference, allocating $7 billion out of its $15 billion budget.

Taxation

• Amending the Excise Tax Act to eliminate the GST and HST for psychotherapy and counselling services.
• Advancing legislation to implement a minimum tax for multinationals that use Canada as a tax haven.

This year’s federal FES is centred on showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing that issues Canadians most care about, particularly concentrating in key constituencies in Ontario in which the Liberals depend on for support. With this announcement, Trudeau is hoping Canadians see his government as one that will make life more affordable.

This marks the official start for the federal government to kick off consultations for the 2024 budget. If you’d like to submit a budget proposal but don’t know where to start, at SWON Public Affairs we are ready to ensure your voice is heard. Give us a call to book a free consultation!

Photo Credits: The Globe and Mail

What is Public Policy, And Why Is It Important To You?

Public policy refers to the set of principles, guidelines, decisions, and actions adopted and implemented by governments or other authoritative bodies to address specific issues or achieve particular goals within a society. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including social, economic, environmental, and political aspects.

Understanding public policy is important for several reasons. Public policy affects the lives of citizens on a daily basis. Being informed about policies enables individuals to make educated decisions about who to vote for, what causes to support, and how to engage in the democratic process effectively. When citizens understand public policies, they can hold elected officials accountable for their decisions. This knowledge allows voters to evaluate whether politicians are fulfilling their promises and working in the best interests of the public.

Public policies have a significant impact on the social and economic well-being of a society. Policies related to healthcare, education, the environment, and the economy shape the quality of life for individuals and communities. Understanding these policies can help citizens advocate for changes that benefit them and society as a whole. Public policy often addresses complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these policies is essential for identifying and implementing effective solutions to these challenges. Public policies also determine how resources, such as tax revenue, are allocated. Understanding these policies can help individuals and organizations navigate government programs, access funding, and advocate for equitable resource distribution.

While the idea of public policy may be complex or new, understanding public policy is essential for informed citizenship, holding officials accountable, promoting social and economic well-being, solving complex problems, allocating resources, and actively participating in the democratic process. It empowers individuals and communities to shape the policies that impact their lives and society as a whole.

Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape Canada’s Energy Landscape

Last week, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, introduced the government’s 2023 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, commonly known as the Fall Economic Statement (FES). The FES outlined the government’s current and intended investments, centred around building key infrastructure, stimulating economic and job growth, and keeping costs down for Ontarians. In addition, the FES highlighted Ontario’s fiscal landscape, with a plan to balance the budget by 2025-2026.

Notable investments include:

1. Launching the Ontario Infrastructure Bank. The arm-lengths bank will receive $3 billion in initial funding, and it will target projects with a focus in affordable housing, long-term care homes, energy, and transportation.
2. $100 million investment into the Invest Ontario Fund. The province is making it a priority to attract companies and create jobs.
3. Removal of the 8% provincial portion of the HST on new purpose-built rental housing. While the Federal government had already dropped their GST for the same purpose, Ontario has joined them in an effort to increase housing supply.
4. An additional $12 million per year in tax credits for the critical minerals mining industry.

This marks the official start for the Ontario government to kick off consultations for the 2024 budget. If you’d like to submit a budget proposal and don’t know where to start, at SWON Public Affairs we are ready to ensure your voice is heard. Give us a call to book a free consultation!

Harvard University is embarking on an exciting journey into the world of psychedelics with a ground-breaking study supported by a $16 million gift from the Gracias Family Foundation. This forward-thinking venture represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of psychedelic research.

Harvard’s vision is clear: to transform the landscape of psychedelic research and foster discussions on its profound societal and cultural implications. With a broad focus on human health, the study comes at a time when scientific and academic interest in psychedelics is on the rise, driven by their potential in treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction when coupled with therapy.

SWON Public Affairs is proud to work with London, ON native KGK Science, a leading organization in the field of psychedelic research, spearheading the efforts to expand access to psilocybin assisted therapy.

Embracing Ethics:

We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone in our company’s journey, one that truly exemplifies our unwavering commitment to ethics and customer satisfaction. We are proud to announce that we have recently become accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Canada, further solidifying our dedication to ethical business practices and our customers’ trust.

At SWON Public Affairs, our core values have always revolved around integrity, transparency, and putting our customers’ needs at the forefront of everything we do. We firmly believe that business success should never come at the expense of compromised ethics.

As we move forward, we remain committed to upholding the principles that led us to this accomplishment. Our goal is to continue providing exceptional service, cultivating open and honest relationships, and always acting with integrity.

We sincerely thank you for your continued trust and loyalty. Together, we will shape a future where ethical business practices are the foundation for success.

October Newsletter

Four Key Aspects of Lobbying You Need To Know:

Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials or legislators in order to advance a particular cause or interest. This influence can take various forms, including advocating for or against specific policies, legislation, regulations, or government actions.

Key aspects of lobbying include:

1. Advocacy: Lobbying allows individuals, organizations, and interest groups to advocate for their concerns and interests in the political process. In a diverse and complex society, various groups have different needs and priorities. Lobbying provides a mechanism for these groups to have a voice in government decision-making.

2. Access: Lobbying can serve as a bridge between the general public and government. Lobbyists often engage in advocacy campaigns and grassroots organizing, mobilizing citizens to participate in the political process and voice their concerns to elected officials.

3. Information and Research: Lobbyists often provide valuable information and expertise to policymakers. They can help lawmakers understand complex issues, provide data and research, and offer insights into the potential consequences of policy decisions. This information can lead to more informed and effective policymaking.

4. Making Change: Advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations use lobbying to push for social and environmental changes, such as civil rights, environmental protections, and public health initiatives. Lobbying can have significant economic implications. Businesses, industry associations, and labor unions, for example, lobby to promote economic growth, protect jobs, and influence trade policies.

Canada’s CSA Announces ESG Reporting Requirements

Canada’s securities regulators are set to implement new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements, including climate disclosures, for major players in the financial industry. Here’s everything you need to know about this significant development:

Starting in 2024, large Canadian banks, insurance companies, and federally regulated financial institutions will be required to provide comprehensive ESG disclosures. These disclosures will revolve primarily around climate-related risks and opportunities and will cover four key areas:

• Governance: Companies will need to disclose how their boards oversee and manage climate-related risks and opportunities.
• Strategy: Detailed information on the short-, medium-, and long-term climate-related risks and opportunities identified by the company, along with their impact on business, strategy, and financial planning, will be made public. Notably, the proposed disclosure will differ slightly from the TCFD recommendations as it will not include “scenario analysis,” which describes a company’s strategy resilience in various climate-related scenarios.
• Risk Management: Companies will have to outline their processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks. These processes should be seamlessly integrated into their overall risk management strategies.
• Metrics and Targets: Companies will disclose the ESG metrics and targets they employ to assess and manage climate-related risks and opportunities. This will encompass Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions where the information is deemed material.

These new reporting requirements aim to enhance the transparency of Canada’s financial sector while helping investors make more informed decisions regarding climate and ESG-related risks. It’s a pivotal step toward aligning Canadian financial institutions with global ESG standards.

London Housing Crisis: A Call for Unity and Action

London is facing a pressing challenge—one that has not only captured local attention but has become a topic of discussion at both the provincial and federal levels. The issue at hand? A housing crisis that demands immediate and collective action.

Last month, at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario meeting, London’s innovative housing plan to combat homelessness garnered widespread attention. Additionally, the city received a substantial boost with a $74 million allocation for local housing development. These developments underscore the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and highlight London as a microcosm of a broader challenge facing our nation.

Recognizing the gravity of the housing crisis, both provincial and federal governments have taken decisive steps. Ontario’s Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack has assumed the role of Associate Minister of Housing, while London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos has been appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Housing. These appointments reflect a commitment to prioritize housing as a critical issue.

Rob Flack has made it clear that the scale of the challenge is significant. To address the crisis, a staggering 1.5 million homes must be constructed in Ontario by 2031. This ambitious target underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for innovative solutions. Both Flack and Fragiskatos emphasize the importance of eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and outdated regulations to facilitate housing construction.

Peter Fragiskatos is resolute in his belief that housing should transcend political divides. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, stressing that this issue should remain non-partisan. Rob Flack echoes this sentiment, expressing his eagerness to work alongside Fragiskatos and others to streamline processes and make housing construction more efficient.

Both politicians share a conviction that London can serve as an example to the rest of the nation. With its unique blend of high-density housing and smaller surrounding communities, London is a microcosm of the larger housing challenge. It is poised to demonstrate how swift action, innovative solutions, and cross-government collaboration can lead to meaningful progress.

Campus Chronicles: Historic Merger as Canada’s Only Women’s University Joins Forces with Western University

In a transformative move after 104 years as Canada’s only women’s universities, Brescia University College in London, Ontario, has announced its full integration into Western University, set to commence in May. This merger holds promising changes for the educational landscape and the future of its students.

Lauretta Frederking, President of Brescia, emphasized the significance of this decision, saying, “Today’s agreement is about meeting present needs of students, with an eye to the future. We are now at a point where women make up the majority of post-secondary learners in Canada, and there is an equally important need to adapt to new realities, including the underrepresentation of equity-deserving groups in our post-secondary institutions.”

Brescia University College was founded in 1919 with the mission to bridge educational gaps for women at the time. Currently, Brescia is an affiliated university college with Western, alongside King’s University College and Huron University College. It boasts a student body of 1,200 and offers diverse programs, including Behavioral and Social Sciences, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Humanities. Degrees are conferred by Western.

As part of the merger, Western will establish a $25 million Brescia Legacy Fund, which will support access to education through scholarships, bursaries, and programs. Frederking noted that the fund will specifically target academic disciplines at Western where women are underrepresented.

The merger between Brescia University College and Western University holds the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for students and the continuation of a rich legacy in education.

Is “Momager” The New Side Hustle?

In a recent tax case, the question of whether a parent’s expenses incurred to support their child’s artistic career can be tax-deductible was examined. The case involved a taxpayer who used his business management and contract negotiation skills to assist his musically talented daughter’s career. They entered into a “personal management contract,” with the father incurring expenses in exchange for a commission if his daughter signed with a major record label. While the Canada Revenue Agency initially disallowed his expense deductions, the Tax Court ruled in favor of the taxpayer. The judge considered the taxpayer’s prior entrepreneurial success, his experience in negotiating contracts, and his engagement of an accountant with music industry knowledge. The judge concluded that the taxpayer’s activity was carried out in a sufficiently commercial manner to be considered a source of business income, making his 2017 business expenses tax-deductible.

SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Lessons in Public Affairs – What is a contingency fee, and why isn’t it allowed?

In the world of public affairs, various financial arrangements are utilized to ensure effective representation and advocacy for clients seeking to navigate the complex landscape of strategic communications, government policy, and regulatory issues. One such arrangement is the contingency fee, a model that offers distinct advantages and considerations for both clients and public affairs practitioners.

Defining Contingency Fees: A contingency fee in the context of public affairs refers to a compensation structure where a public affairs firm or consultant is paid based on the successful outcome of their efforts. Unlike traditional billing models that involve hourly rates or fixed project fees, a contingency fee ties compensation directly to achieving predetermined goals, such as passing specific legislation, influencing public opinion in favor of a particular cause, or securing a favorable regulatory decision.

Contingency Fees in Canada: The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada prohibits consultant lobbyists from receiving payments based on the success of their lobbying work. Likewise, clients of these lobbyists are not allowed to make payments contingent on the lobbyist’s achievements. During the registration process, lobbyists must confirm their commitment to not accepting contingency fees for their work.

This underscores the importance of transparency and ethical engagement in our pursuit of meaningful impact in the realm of public affairs.

New justice minister appoints more than a dozen judges in effort to address vacancies

In a significant step towards resolving the persistent vacancies in Canada’s judicial system, Justice Minister Arif Virani recently unveiled the appointment of more than a dozen judges. As of July 1, a staggering 81 federally appointed judicial positions remained unfilled across the country, prompting urgent action to reinforce the judiciary’s effectiveness and ensure timely access to justice.

The announcement comes as Chief Justice Richard Wagner of the Supreme Court has been advocating for a swift appointment process to address the concerning backlog of cases. Chief Justice Wagner’s call to expedite these appointments reflects his concerns about the potential crisis in the justice system, as the delays have the potential to undermine both access to justice and the functionality of democratic institutions.

A total of 14 judges have been appointed, spanning various provinces and territories. Manitoba will see five new judges, including four promotions, while Ontario will receive four fresh appointments. Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador will each welcome one new judge. Furthermore, the appointment of a Federal Court judge underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of the federal courts.

The urgency for these appointments is amplified by the Supreme Court’s 2016 R. v. Jordan decision, which stipulated specific timeframes for the conclusion of trials following an individual’s charge. The ruling mandates that trials must conclude within 18 or 30 months, depending on the type of trial. Delays deemed unreasonable can result in cases being stayed, effectively preventing the trial from moving forward. This has led to instances where accused individuals have been allowed to go free due to the shortage of judges and ensuing delays in the trial process.

Upon assuming the justice portfolio, Minister Virani vowed to expedite judicial appointments, emphasizing the need to maintain quality while ensuring swift action. The challenges associated with judicial appointments include not only the shortage of applicants but also the goal of achieving a bench that is representative of Canada’s diverse population.

In addressing these concerns, the federal government continues to fulfill its role in appointing judges to federal courts, superior courts of provinces and territories, and the Supreme Court of Canada. The recent appointments signify a step towards alleviating the strain on the justice system, enhancing efficiency, and safeguarding access to justice for all Canadians. As the newly appointed judges assume their roles, there is renewed hope for a more expeditious and effective judicial process across the nation.

Celebrating Excellence in Ontario’s Agriculture Sector: The 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Program

Ontario’s dedication to recognizing exceptional achievements, innovations, and contributions within the agriculture and food sector takes center stage with the introduction of the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture program. This initiative holds a strong commitment to highlighting individuals, businesses, and organizations propelling progress, embracing technological advancements, and fostering awareness throughout the agri-food value chain in Ontario.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, stated, “Ontario’s agriculture and food industry includes some of the most dedicated and innovative individuals provincewide. The Excellence in Agriculture Awards will give recognition to the people in these industries that go above and beyond, setting the standard and leading by example to ensure we can continue to Grow Ontario!”

The program takes pride in acknowledging the contributions of those who positively impact farmers, processors, and the industry at large. With a focus on 11 categories, including Excellence in Food Processing, Research and Innovation, Women’s Excellence, Youth Excellence, and more, the program underscores the significance of these diligent contributors who form the bedrock of Ontario’s agriculture and food industry.

Through the Excellence in Agriculture program, the province further underscores its commitment to fostering thriving rural communities while nurturing the success of the agriculture and food industry. This initiative celebrates local agri-food entities, youth, women, primary producers, Indigenous businesses and communities, processors, and more, all of whom drive innovation and sustainability within the sector.

The launch of the Excellence in Agriculture program aligns seamlessly with the Grow Ontario Strategy, furthering its goal to bolster awareness and fortify the agriculture and food sector. As the program illuminates those shaping the industry’s future, Ontario’s path towards a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural landscape is illuminated.

City of London Wraps Up Successful 2023 AMO Conference

As the 2023 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference concludes, the City of London extends its gratitude to the over 2,400 delegates who participated in AMO’s largest-ever conference. Throughout the event, which celebrated London as Canada’s City of Music, attendees engaged with thought leaders, industry experts, and received key announcements from Premier and Provincial leaders.

Led by Mayor Josh Morgan, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Budget Chair Elizabeth Peloza, and Councillor Anna Hopkins (London’s AMO board member), the city showcased its commitment to municipal priorities such as housing, health, homelessness, and economic development. With a robust program spanning four days, London interacted with nearly 20 Provincial Ministers and party leaders, fostering collaboration among municipal peers and decision makers.

Mayor Morgan seized the opportunity to present London’s pioneering Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response—a model of care that supports the city’s most vulnerable populations. He expressed pride in hosting AMO’s largest conference, underscoring London’s reputation as an innovator in addressing common challenges.

Beyond the conference’s agenda, London shone a spotlight on its vibrant community, offering attendees access to signature events, study tours, and local experiences. The event, supported by the City of London, Tourism London, and RBC Place London, significantly contributed to the local economy with an injection of over $3 million and a showcase of more than 25 local artists.

Looking ahead, the next AMO Conference is slated for Ottawa in 2024, and London eagerly anticipates its return as the conference host in the summer of 2027.