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Take Advantage of Summer Wage Subsidies!
Many businesses hire part-time and seasonal workers in the summer months as a way to manage short term projects. However, did you know that you can hire students to help out at your small business next summer and your business can qualify for a wage subsidy? The wage subsidy can help you pay up to 50% of the salary to an eligible full-time student. In order to qualify: Students must be between 15 and 30 years old, you should have fewer than 50 full-time employees, and you need to meet the priorities set by your region. The value of the subsidy is based on the adult minimum wage in your region. To qualify, your application will first be reviewed to ensure it meets the basic eligibility requirements. It will then be assessed, on a constituency-by-constituency basis, using the following criteria: service to local communities; jobs that support local priorities; jobs that provide career-related experience or early work experience; jobs with a salary that contributes to the student’s income; employers who provide supervision and mentoring; project activities that are directed toward members of, and support the vitality of, an Official Language Minority Community; and employers who intend to hire priority students (students with disabilities, Aboriginal students and students who are members of visible minority groups). Don’t wait until summer has arrived. Your application must be submitted before March 2013! To find out more about this program, call us at 416-746-9044 or email us...
read moreAutumn Brings a Cooling Housing Market In 2012
The number of new homes being built in Canada fell more sharply than expected in October. Last week’s news will be welcome to the government which has repeatedly tightened mortgage rules. Meanwhile, new home prices continued their modest rise in September. Recent reports indicate that the Canadian housing market is cooling, but there is little cause for concern. Housing prices and construction soared in 2011 and the first half of 2012 thanks to low interest rates. Since then, the government has tightened the rules on mortgage lending for the fourth time since 2008 in an attempt to prevent home buyers from taking on too much debt. While this means that the housing market will not be as powerful a driver of economic growth as it was in recent years, we can expect property owners to invest in renovations and upgrading existing property to create value which will attract the few qualified buyers which are still in the market. Contractors across Canada have already taken note of the shifting market demands. Jeff Bain, owner of JKB Construction in British Columbia, has noted that renovations always pick up when sales of new homes fall. Kitchens, bathrooms and basement suites continue to be the most popular renovations, and many clients are also renovating their entire homes. While home owners may find difficulty in obtaining financing from the banks, it is important to remember that many projects qualify for rebates and tax incentives for energy efficient upgrades and installations. Such incentives are not just for residential property owners. Commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects can qualify for up to 50% of the total project costs. Sovereign Consulting will handle all of the necessary documentation to provide you with the the best value and service. For more information or a free consultation, call...
read morePlanning a Major Construction Project?
Time is running out for high-rise and multi-storey buildings scheduled to finish before 2015. Grants are available for energy conservation initiatives taken at the design, development and construction phases of new and existing properties. Residential, commercial, institutional or industrial projects can be reimbursed up to 50% of the costs of implementing commercially available energy-saving measures. The amount of the reimbursement will depend on the estimated energy savings, as well as the type of conservation project. Due to the vast number of programs available, there are many ways your project can qualify for these grants. Heating and air condition systems, lighting systems and controls, high-rise construction, and innovative energy saving architecture and designs are just some of the many ways to qualify. Currently, an incentive for high-rise and multi-storey buildings is expiring at the end of 2014. It is available for new buildings and major renovation projects in office buildings, industrial buildings, retail spaces, multi-residential buildings, housing complexes, colleges, universities, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, hotels, and motels. If eligible, your project can receive: 100% reimbursement (up to $10,000) for modelling a building Up to $400 every kilowatt saved for lighting measures up to $800 for every kilowatt saved for non-lighting measures up to $75 per appliance All applications need to be submitted before beginning construction in order to qualify for the program. The projects must be in Ontario, comply with Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and be intended for commercial, institutional, industrial or multi-residential occupancy. We can provide you with the guidance you need to take advantage of these and other available financial incentives. We only charge on a contingency basis. These opportunities won’t be available forever, so call us for a free consultation at 416-746-9044 or send us an...
read moreGlobal Energy Career Expo 2012 Coming To Toronto
Next week, the Global Energy Career Expo arrives in Toronto to showcase career opportunities at some of the top companies in the energy and service industry. Will you be there? Metro Toronto Convention Centre Tuesday, November 6 – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 7 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm With an estimated 100,000 jobs being created over the next 8 years, employers can expect stiff competition for talented individuals entering the industry. Many of the top energy and service companies will be there to recruit for the positions in: Certified Trades Construction/Design Engineering Geotechnical Health & Safety IT/Network Administrators Land Management Project Management Schedulers/Superintendents Skilled Labour Supply Chain/Purchasing/Procurement Qualified job seekers can attend the event for free by registering online and there is still time for companies to register a spot in the exhibit. What are you waiting...
read moreA Silver Lining in the Wake of Natural Disasters
The end of October, 2012, has witnessed one of the largest storms in recorded history to devastate the eastern coast of North America. The estimated damage to public and private property continues to rise as the cleanup process begins. However, many economists predict a net-neutral impact on the national economies of Canada and the United States due to increased spending on construction and the re-investments required in the public and private sector. Amidst the reconstruction efforts, there are opportunities to look forward and to begin thinking about the kinds of buildings that will be in demand in the future. In the coming days and weeks, economic and ecological concerns will once again be at the forefront in the news. Throughout North America, offices, homes, and industrial buildings consume enormous amounts of energy, often unnecessarily. Inefficient heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, equipment, appliances, and construction techniques can all add up to higher operating costs for property owners in addition to causing excessive ecological harm. The destruction caused by natural disasters can give property owners and construction companies a chance to build (or rebuild) with energy efficiency in mind through the design, construction, and retrofitting of processes. We understand the challenges and the concerns faced by home and business owners. While many desire to make more ecological choices, it is not always easy to finance the next step. That is why we are offering our services to administer and secure financial grants. We work for you to submit claims with no upfront costs. Here are some of the other programs currently available in Ontario: Energy Consumption Audits High-rise and multi-story construction New Home Construction Retrofitting Small Business Lighting And more… With the professional advice and guidance we can provide, you can take the next step towards environmentally friendly operations while reducing your ongoing expenses. You have the chance to make a significant impact in your community and there is no better time to begin. Call us for a free consultation at 416-746-9044 or send us an...
read moreRed Seal Trades, Great Opportunities For Everyone
The Federal and Provincial Governments provide funding to encourage you Canadians pursuing a career in a skilled trade. Did you know that they also provide funding for small businesses to encourage the hiring of young apprentices in certain high demand trades? Employers and workers in the Red Seal Trades should take note of these opportunities which facilitate the mobility and ongoing training of workers across provincial boundaries. The Red Seal allows qualified tradespeople to practise their trade in any province or territory without having to write additional examinations. Workers qualified in a particular occupation in one jurisdiction have access to similar employment opportunities in any other Canadian jurisdiction. Current funding programs can provide employers with incentives for job creation as well as training on an annual basis based on the salaries and wages of the qualifying apprentice for up to 4 years. Sovereign consulting specializes in administering these and other financial programs on behalf of Canadian businesses. Talk to a Sovereign Consulting representative today to find out how you can qualify. Call 416-746-9044 or send us an...
read moreCanadian manufacturers are ready to grow!
According to a recent survey of nearly 650 factory executives by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), there are a lot reasons to be optimistic about the next three years as manufacturers plan to boost spending, hire more workers, and generate greater profits. “That’s what I see out there – a lot of optimism,” CME chief executive Jayson Myers said in an interview. “Canadian companies have weathered the deepest recession since the 1930s, and the companies that have survived have found more market opportunities. Many of them are busier than ever.” Two-thirds of those surveyed intend to increase spending on machinery and equipment, and more than half said they would increase spending on research and development. Local manufacturers who plan to export their products can take advantage grants available to cover the costs of travel and marketing expenses to industry events outside of Canada. With coverage of up to 50% of eligible expenses, now is the time to consider your move into the global marketplace. Talk to Sovereign Consulting representative today to find out how you can qualify. Call 416-746-9044 or send us an email! Source: Globe and...
read moreInternational Trade Show Opportunities, Upcoming Events Nov-Dec 2012
Has your company taken advantage of the export grant program this year? The cost of marketing your business across national borders can be reduced for our clients. We’ll help you determine which costs can be reduced by up to 50%! Typical expenditures include: Round-trip airfare for two company officials Rental cost of booths at trade shows The production and development of marketing tools, e.g. market research and market entry plans Translation of documents into local languages for your target market Marketing materials and other promotional collaterals The cost of consulting fees Per Diem allowances for company officials while on travel status Time is running out, but there are plenty of opportunities left. We’ve compiled a list of events taking place in the United States that you may consider. Dining By Design, 01 to 03 November, Chicago Dining By Design is a spectacular event and will assemble some of the most talented, intriguing, and celebrated individuals in the Chicago design community and pairs them with generous Table Hosts to create three-dimensional dining installations that are works of art. This 3 days exhibition is being organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. Design-Build Conference and Expo, 07 to 09 November, New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Centers, this conference is a professional show to discuss all the techniques of the building. The aim to promote the value of design-build project delivery and teaches the effective integration of design and construction services. Many renowned companies and industry will participate in this leading international show. Exhibitors will be participating and providing all the information about the product, technique and services. Capital Building & Facility Maintenance Show, 13 to 14 November, Chantilly Positioned to serve the needs of Facility Management and Maintenance professionals from across the region. Providers of plant, building & grounds, and maintenance products and services will be targeting professionals who are involved in management, operation, or maintenance of industrial plants. Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, 14 to 16 November, San Francisco A great opportunity to build new relationships and connect with your peers and colleagues from throughout the industry and around the world. Greenbuild will feature a number of special events to showcase the best of what Chicago and the green building movement have to offer. Stay tuned for more information about the Welcome Gala, the annual Leadership Awards celebration, and other special events. Ecobuild America, 05 to 06 December, Washington Ecobuild America will feature and educate design and construction professionals on how to improve built environment. This unique conference and exhibition will introduce a new strategies and materials to create high performance, sustainable structures technology. The event is being organized by AEC-St. JLC Live-Portland, 06-07 December, Portland At JLC LIVE, the industry’s original interactive tradeshow, you’ll learn new techniques to help you build better, smarter and faster. You’ll get the strategies, knowledge and skills needed to edge out the competition with improved profits, quality and service throughout your business. Sovereign Consulting can help you take the next step in becoming a multi-national enterprise. Our expertise will help you access financial incentive programs to help that lead to business growth. Contact us today for more...
read moreGarfield Dunlop speaks out against the Ontario College of Trades
The direction being taken by the Ontario College of Trades will lead to an over-regulation of hundreds of thousands of skilled trades and create a barrier to employment, especially for young people, a PC MPP told Niagara builders Tuesday night. Addressing the Niagara Home Builders’ Association at its annual general meeting, MPP Garfield Dunlop, PC critic for skilled trades and apprenticeship reform, said when he was given the file by party leader Tim Hudak just over a year he knew of only some of the issues. However, he did have a keen interest. A plumber before he entered politics, Dunlop said he was particularly interested in positioning trades as a viable career pursuit for young people, and he hoped the new College of Trades might help in providing opportunities for them. “That was my primary concern going into this,” he said. What he found, though, is a governing body for the province’s apprenticeship and skilled trades system, which has the power to make licensing compulsory, forcing costly fees upon workers and businesses. “What this is, in my opinion, is another kind of bureaucracy growing wild,” he said. And so Dunlop has travelled the province since last spring, holding talks such as the one he did Tuesday to inform key stakeholders about the coming changes. The Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act passed third reading in 2009 but has not yet been implemented. Today there are four certified trades in the residential housing sector: plumbers, electricians, sheet metal workers and crane operators, each paying $60 every three years. Under proposed changes, the fees would jump to $120 per year, Dunlop said, and could see certification requirements for a much broader swath of the skilled trades sector. The effect, he said, would see the ‘jack of all trades’ eliminated, creating a scenario whereby 11 tradespeople would be needed to renovate a bathroom. What will happen, he said, is much of this work will move underground. Dunlop told the audience that most people aren’t aware of these proposals, as there’s been little consultation with the public. “People don’t know this is coming at them,” he said. He said his party would abolish the College of Trades and instead work on reinforcing the already working community college system in Ontario. His party would also gradually lower the journeyman to apprentice ratio from 3:1 to 1:1. After his presentation, Dunlop sat on a panel for a question and answer session with NHBA president Jon Whyte, government liaison Chuck McShane and Ontario Home Builders’ Association government relations rep Stephen Hamilton. McShane said the move towards licencing is being pushed by unions, who have seen membership drop and are trying to build their strength back up. When arguing against lowering ratios, the unions point to supposed safety concerns. “They’re tugging at the heartstrings,” he said. “They’re not worried about quality (of the product), they’re worried about the safety. That’s the selling point.” However, he said, he defies anyone to find safety problems at the work sites of any of the home builders in the room. When asked what could be done to change the proposals, all said the best course of action now is a political one: write your MPP, sign a petition, and, most important, spread the word. “The more people understand the implication...
read moreIHSA Certifies 18 Firms with Certificate of Recognition
The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association has recently awarded the Certificate of Recognition to eighteen companies; together they have become the first to receive the distinction since the program was launched. The COR program enables Ontario workplaces to demonstrate their standards of health and safety management systems and provides validation to potential constructors and buyers. It also recognizes aims to improve the health and safety systems that control hazards and provides employers with a means of assessing management systems. Workplaces that achieve COR demonstrate that they are controlling hazards and risks on their work-sites through the development of appropriate standards, employee communications and training, as well as regular reviews. The following firms were their COR certification (alphabetical): Aecon Buildings Aecon Construction and Materials Limited Aecon Constructors Aecon Industrial Aecon Materials Engineering AME Aecon Mining / Leo Alarie and Sons Aecon Utilities Aecon Utilities Inc. Allerion Oilfield Services Inc. Karson Asphalt & Paving Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. K-Line Maintenance & Construction Limited L&H Electrical Inc. Lockerbie and Hole Eastern Miwel PCL Constructors Inc. Tri-Star Electric Inc. Voith Hydro The Certificate of Recognition program began in Alberta more than 20 years ago and has become the accepted standard of health and safety measurement in that province. It is currently used in jurisdictions across Canada as a pre-qualification requirement for contractors working in and out of the province and on public and private-sector projects. Source: Daily Commercial...
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