Better Way Alliance

SURVEY LAUNCH! We know high commercial rent rates and a lack of rights and protections for commercial tenants have created huge stresses, problems and expenses for businesses across Ontario. We know high commercial rents pre-date Covid and won't magically disappear when it's over. That's why we're hoping to achieve some workable long-term solutions - and that's where you come in! In order to make sure we target the right problems with the right solutions, we need informa...tion on your experiences with renting space for your business. Please fill out this survey, which should take roughly 5-10 minutes, and pass it on to any of your contacts who are also business owners. We will ensure responses are anonymous. Any potentially identifying information is not required and will be kept separate and confidential if you do provide it. We appreciate your valuable input and generosity with your time! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommercialRent

Paid sick days aren't just the right thing to do for our staff and our communities. They're also good for our businesses and our bottom lines.

The Better Way Alliance, a coalition of business owners for decent work, say presenteeism leads to lost productivity and costs higher than the employee’s wages themselves... Small business margins are very thin, so I do worry about not being able to pay the bills. But providing paid sick leave allows me to operate without the fear of what would happen if we all contracted COVID. Workers who are encouraged to take care of their health and given the necessary tools to do so are also loyal. My employee turnover is almost non-existent, which is a huge savings for my bottom line. https://www.thespec.com//paid-sick-days-make-sense-for-bus

Sam Conover, a business owner of Broad Lingerie in Toronto, who also spoke at the conference, says she is tired of small businesses being used as a scapegoat as to why paid sick leave can’t be mandated provincially. "Something as important as paid sick days can’t simply be left up to the goodwill of conscientious employers," says Jessica Carpinone, co-owner of Ottawa’s Bread By Us bakery. And Helmi Ansari of Grosche International sees sick leave as a form of 'business insura...nce. "Not only is our staff more engaged and more committed, it gives better business results. At the end of the day, they know you have their back." https://bit.ly/3b1rT5v

ICYMI Take a listen to Josh McJannett of Dominion City Brewing in Ottawa on CBC explaining why paid sick leave and decent work pays dividends for small businesses. There are advantages across the economy and guaranteed standards level the playing field. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-100/clip/15824164

"I know small business owners can feel overwhelmed by the prospect of yet another expense.. but I urge them to think of paid sick days as an investment in our greatest assets, our team," said Jessica Carpinone, owner of Bread By Us. "It is in our best interest as employers to employ a healthy workforce." https://bit.ly/3jEWMAt

ICYMI Last night, Jessica Carpinone of Bread By Us spoke to CBC Ottawa. (She's at 22:44!) She explains paid sick leave protects her bottom line and customers' confidence by making sure sick workers can stay home and recoup rather than spread illness. It's a smart investment! https://bit.ly/2MUQKzB