GTA HotNews

December 2006

Stay Connected!

Archives 2006

May  June  September  October November

 GTMA Activities & Announcements:

1

Join the GTMA’s Business Mission to India • February 2 - 13, 2007

Join the GTMA’s mission to India in partnership with ITAC, OTC members OCRI and CTT, the Toronto Board of Trade/World Trade Center Toronto and Accenture. Cities on the itinerary include New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai.

In Mumbai, the mission will focus on the NASSCOM conference and will include pre-qualified meetings, roundtables, site visits and presentations, in addition to a stellar collection of leaders from around the world. NASSCOM, the National Association of Software and Services Companies serves as a key interface to the Indian software industry and facilitates business and trade to encourage advancement of research in software technology. Its member companies, now representing more than 1,000 of India’s top ICT firms, are in the business of software development, software services and IT-enabled/BPO services. The GTMA has participated in past NASSCOM conferences and highly recommends it to anyone considering entering the marketplace attempting to learn about the ICT and BPO industry in India, seeking partners or attracting investment to Canada. NASSCOM’s leadership forum also attracts global leaders and heavyweights from the ICT industry worldwide as speakers and active participants. Networking with some of these heavyweights is truly phenomenal! more information on this particular aspect of the GTMA's mission

In New Delhi, we will focus on activities around the International Engineering & Technology Fair, which will also include opportunities for meetings and presentations assisted by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). In Bangalore we will meet with industry and organize a presentation focused on the OTC. The program will be entirely modular and allow you to undertake the whole mission from Feb 2 -13, or participate in modules in each city.

TESTIMONIAL:

“I had an absolutely incredible experience last year in India and recommend the GTMA’s Business Mission to India to anyone considering entering the market, seeking partners or looking to attract investment to Canada from Indian companies as they globalize. What you hear or read about the world becoming flat is nothing compared to actually seeing it and experiencing it first hand. The GTMA’s contacts and program of meetings, site visits and networking opportunities in India are exceptional and certainly worth every rupee you invest in going on this trip!”

David Ticoll, Strategy Advisor and co-author (with Don Tapscott),

The Naked Corporation: How the Age of Transparency Will Revolutionize Business,

and co-author (with PricewaterhouseCoopers),

A Fine Balance: The Impact of Offshore Outsourcing on Canada’s IT Landscape

as well as a participant in GTMA’s India Mission 2006

2

Join the GTMA on an Energy and Environment-Focused Business Mission to Sweden • June 10 - 17, 2007

The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance through the Advanced Manufacturing Program is undertaking a case study research project in partnership with the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC), to demonstrate the impact of design on advanced manufacturing firms within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Design is considered by many to be a key driver of innovation, competitiveness, sustainability and organizational effectiveness in the 21st Century. Investing in design can help companies to establish and sustain competitive, social and environmental advantage in an increasingly challenging global marketplace. The GTA is a major design hub for North America, with expertly trained designers working in almost every sector of the economy. This research project explores the ways in which advanced manufacturing firms in the GTA have leveraged local design capability to put themselves on the competitive edge. The research team will be speaking to companies willing to have their commitment to design researched and celebrated. The researchers will be exploring how advanced manufacturers in the GTA are using design in core business activities. The final case studies will be expertly designed and illustrated to help brand the sector and market the GTA as a location for investment.

4

We Are Delighted to Announce Our New Corporate Partner, Accenture and Renewed Corporate Partner, Deloitte

The on-going support and participation of the private sector is essential to the success of the GTMA. We encourage you to consider using the products and services of the GTMA’s corporate partners. view complete listing of GTMA Partner’s Resources and Services

GTA News:

In 2007, Durham Region will deliver programs and services worth close to a billion dollars to over 500,000 residents in an area of about 1000 square miles. Our Region is an emerging power in the Greater Toronto Area, and continues to experience growth and economic prosperity.

The Province of Ontario plays a vital role in this growth. We must find ways to engage the Province on Durham's issues and show them that working with the Region will help them meet their own goals. We must also make the federal government aware that national economic prosperity begins in communities like Durham. Looking to the future, we need to build on Regional strengths and enhance our economic potential in energy, agriculture and advanced manufacturing, specifically the automotive sector.

On December 6th, Seneca College officially opened its doors to their new Markham Campus. In welcoming guests for the official ribbon cutting, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti commented, “Markham is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario and we need post-secondary educational institutions like Seneca to support our growing population. Seneca provides the access to the kinds of educational and skill development opportunities that employees need and students want.”

The new campus, which is located near the intersection of Highway 7 and 404, is the former Allstate building. The building’s 10 stories have been converted into a high-tech learning environment, with classrooms, computer labs and study areas as well as Seneca’s Corporate Training Centre, Office of Research and Innovation and Business Research and Intelligence Centre

Mississauga, December 7, 2006 -- The City of Mississauga won the 2006 World Leadership Award for its Healthy City Stewardship Centre (HCSC) initiative in a ceremony held yesterday in the Royal Courts of Justice in London, England. The announcement was made before a number of guests including His Excellency Mr. James R. Wright, High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom and other distinguished guests.

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, City Manager and CAO Janice Baker and Vice-President and Principal of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Ian Orchard presented the Stewardship Centre initiative before a panel of judges from the health sector including Professor Rod Griffiths, President, Faculty of Public Health in the U.K. The City of Mississauga competed against Madrid, Spain and Lima, Peru to win the health category award.

In November, Oshawa Mayor John Gray was one of four Durham Region speakers to address the federal Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Mayor Gray spoke about the assistance Durham Region municipalities require from the federal government in order to secure the future of manufacturing in the area.

This presentation followed Pival’s announcement of a $40-million investment in the construction of an Oshawa Logistics Centre to coincide with the production of the new Chevrolet Camaro at GM’s Oshawa plant. Pival’s investment will create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in revenues. With long term deals already in place, the Oshawa Logistics Centre will be a permanent fixture in the city, helping to grow the local economy.

The General Motors Centre located in downtown Oshawa opened November 2006. Over 100,000 visitors have passed through its doors to enjoy sports and entertainment events. Nearby restaurants and shops are extending their hours for the influx of fans who stroll through the downtown.

Halton Hills 401-407 Gateway Business Park has had a record year for new business in 2006, attracting both high tech firms and new manufacturing business.

With over 1000 acres of industrial land, between Steeles Avenue and Highway 401 and between James Snow Parkway and Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills is proving to be a big winner in the GTA. New corporate investments in 2006, includes three new manufacturing businesses: Hayward Gordon, (pumps)  Patlon Aircraft & Industries, (aircraft supplies) Sensient Flavours, (food flavouring). Construction is well underway for 3 high quality industrial buildings that will eventually employ 175 persons. In addition, Sun life Financial completed a purchase of 20 acres, on Steeles (northeast corner of 5th line) with plans to construct a 387,000 sq. ft. all enclosed building for rental to a major tenant.

In Georgetown, Communications and Power Industries (which makes medical equipment and satellite communication equipment) is building a 52,000 sq ft addition and will add up to 100 employees to its existing high tech manufacturing plant. Acton welcomes Select Ornamental Precast; with 10-15 employees, Select manufacturers’ ornamental precast arches, casement bottoms and other products for doorways and window areas in residential construction.

GTAA Welcomes Transport Canada’s Blue Sky Announcement

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) was pleased with the announcement of Transport Canada’s “Blue Sky” international air policy. As a result, the GTAA expects that changes to Canada’s regulations on route frequency and airlines offering service will allow more choice and bring new markets and destinations to Toronto Pearson’s passengers and cargo operators.

“The announcement opens the door to consumer choice and increased competitiveness between airlines,” said John Kaldeway, President and CEO of the GTAA. “We are hopeful that changes can take place within the aviation business that will allow the market to respond to the needs of passengers.”

Seventy-nine airlines from all corners of the globe now operate from Toronto Pearson, Canada’s busiest airport. Numerous other airlines are awaiting federal approval to begin service to and from Toronto.

The GTAA operates Toronto Pearson, which was recently recognized as the Best Global Airport for 2006 by the Institute of Transport Management. In 2005, 29.9 million travellers passed through the airport.

For additional information on the Blue Sky announcement, contact Scott Armstrong, Manager, Media Relations at 416-776-3709.

Sustainable Pickering

The City of Pickering is on a path to becoming a leader in sustainable community development, with the launching of “Sustainable Pickering.”  Sustainable Pickering is a better way of doing business, requiring the City to integrate economic, social and environmental objectives when making decisions.

Over the past year Pickering has been setting the foundation for its Sustainable Pickering initiative through community and staff consultations, including town hall meetings, the first annual Sustainable Pickering Day, and citizen and staff ideas challenges. The City has also established baseline conditions, set targets and completed a Local Action Plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the municipality (Milestone 1-3 of the Partners for Climate Protection program). Work is also proceeding with the development of sustainable neighbourhood design guidelines, building on the LEED-ND standards under consideration in the United States.

Corporate Performance, Shareholder Expectations and Future Challenges Focus

On November 30th, Ontario Power Generation’s President and CEO Jim Hankinson spoke to more than 250 power industry leaders at an Ontario Energy Network luncheon. In his comments, he discussed OPG’s operating and financial results for the first nine months of 2006, emphasizing the company’s commitment to performance as well as its contribution to the province’s energy supply through new generation projects. He also touched on some of the challenges OPG faces, concluding his remarks with observations on how OPG can continue to meet its commitments. view Mr. Hankison’s speech

Directory of Professional & Trade Associations for the Toronto Region

Just Released by The Toronto Board of Trade!

Do you need to flush out a business plan, track an industry, get a job?

 This unique 200-page directory published internally by the Toronto Board of Trade contains 1,400 Toronto-based associations including chambers of commerce and boards of trade; international, national, provincial and local associations; societies, federations, institutes and alliances; unions and marketing boards; foreign business and cultural associations and business improvement areas (BIAs). They are all great sources of business opportunities, qualified leads and mailings lists, salary sources, government regulations and networking events.

Target Audience

Canada's Economic News, A Report by the Invest in Canada Bureau

Canada's Economic News is a bi-weekly report compiled by the Investment Strategy and Analysis Division (IPS) of the Invest in Canada Bureau (IIP). This report uses data from a variety of official sources, primarily Statistics Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Conference Board of Canada. It provides current economic information that could assist you in your investment marketing activities. Please note that the report focuses primarily on positive economic news within selected macroeconomic and sectoral indicators. It is not intended to be a balanced presentation of the current economic situation. view December 6 report

Doing Business in the GTA:

BDO's Monthly Tax Tip

Pay for medical expenses and charitable donations in one year

There is usually an added benefit if payments for charitable donations for two years are grouped into one year. This is due to the fact that the first $200 of donations are eligible for a 15.25% federal non-refundable credit in 2006 while the excess over $200 is eligible for a 29% credit. You'll receive a larger credit if you group two years' donations in one year.

Immigration Update from Gowlings

New Passport Policy for All Travel to the United States Begins on January 23, 2007

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative ("WHTI") is a US policy going into effect on January 23, 2007 requiring all travellers (including Americans) to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present passports or other "secure documents" to enter or re-enter the U.S. Secure documents are defined by the WHTI as documents containing special security features that follow specific manufacturing and issuing processes. To safeguard against counterfeiting, these documents meet certain standards to help ensure they are not improperly acquired, issued, altered or used by impostors. At the moment, only passports will be accepted, however, the U.S. and Canadian governments are assessing what other secure documents might be considered adequate.

People News:

Chris Paterson Joins IBM Canada

Chris Paterson, formerly with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade as Manager, Information Technologies Communication Sector, has left the Ontario Public Service to join IBM Canada. Chris assumed his new role as Government Program Executive on December 2 and can be reached at IBM by email at chrispat@ca.ibm.com.

back to top

Upcoming Events:

The Park Plaza Hotel 

Led by Stephen Ng, a retired Call Centre Executive from a major bank and the former Director for Centennial College's Call Centre Management Program, this course is perfect for anyone in a Call Centre Operational role.

Day 1 of the program covers Call Centre basic technologies and the roles they play - including telephony, telephone networks, PBX, ACD, VRU, CTI, call load forecasting, scheduling, predictive dialler and call monitoring systems, as well as emerging technologies and next generation call / contact centres.

Special Event – Breakfast – Registration Required 7:30-9:00am, Held at the Chamber Office

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce is having a special breakfast to educate the membership of a new program launched by the Durham Region Local Training Board and Tradability.ca.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Fazio's Restaurant, 33 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa

ICF will offer its “Immersion Lab ASIA 2007” a unique opportunity to see three of Asia's top Intelligent Communities first-hand: Tianjin, China (Top Seven 2005-2006); Mitaka, Japan (Intelligent Community of the Year 2005); and Taipei, Taiwan (Intelligent Community of the Year 2006) as well as an optional visit to Seoul, Korea’s Gangnam District, one of the most dynamic broadband-based communities in the world. The eight-day, three-country Laboratory will feature meetings with technology leaders, senior government officials and business executives as well as visits to technology sites, briefings, lectures and networking events. The ICF Immersion Lab is an "action learning" experience which allows you to see first-hand the world's leading Intelligent Communities and to travel with key leaders in the Intelligent Community movement. Space will be limited. Contact Glynnis Rengger at 416-406-1233 or glynnis@immersionlab.com.

Linking Business Competitiveness, Environmental Protection & Technology Innovation in the Great Lakes , Metro Toronto Convention Centre

EECO, Environment and Energy Conference, is the premier bi-national Business and Environment Forum that shines a spotlight on critical market risks and opportunities. EECO 2007 will focus on three issues which require new solutions and innovative approaches if the Great Lakes Region is to maintain a sustainable development path: Clean Energy, Climate Change, Clean Air.

back to top