Current Issues Facing Businesses Today

​This week’s Voice of Business hits on a few pressing business issues, including the election of our next member of parliament, high-speed internet investments, vaccinations in the workplace, and vaccines to access businesses and events.
Election Day Election day is Monday, Sept. 20. We’ve provided a variety of information 
regarding business issues, both through this Voice of Business column and online at peterboroughchamber.ca. But by far one of the most compelling and engaging ways to get to know your local candidates, the issues, and where people stand is by watching a local debate. This election most debates have been recorded and made available online.
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Peterborough and District Construction Association, Peterborough and the 
Kawarthas Association of REALTORS® Inc., Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders 
Association, Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and YourTV to host our own business issues debate. Held Sept. 8 at the Peterborough Curling Club, the full video of the debate is available on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Additional debates were held locally, including debates focused on the arts, climate change, and community issues. 
High Speed Internet
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is calling on our next parliament to commit to making strategic investments in infrastructure, including broadband internet access, as a key part of our economic recovery. 
High Speed Internet is a critical tool for business in terms of accessing resources, managing teams, hiring talent, and reaching larger markets.
Investments in broadband Internet are included in the Ontario Chamber of 
Commerce Ontario Business Matters federal election campaign. Visit OCC.ca to see the full campaign.
Peterborough Public Health Recommends Businesses Develop a 
Vaccination Policy
As per Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health:
"In an effort to save lives, reduce illness, and keep the economy strong, I am strongly recommending that all workplaces in the City and County of Peterborough develop (or enhance) their workplace policies to include a requirement that all employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise medically exempt. 
I urge employers to establish workplace COVID-19 vaccination policies that require, at a minimum: 
• Workers to provide proof of their vaccination series approved by Health Canada or the World Health 
Organization 
• Unvaccinated employees to provide written proof of a medical exemption from a physician or nurse 
practitioner that includes whether the reason for exemption is permanent or time-limited 
• Unvaccinated workers to complete a vaccination education course on the risks of being unvaccinated in the workplace
Employers should also identify how workers’ vaccination status information will be collected and protected in accordance with privacy legislation and explain the level of risk posed by COVID-19 in each unique workplace setting." 
For full details on the recommendation, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 22, the Government of Ontario will require proof of 
vaccination to access certain business and settings. Patrons will need photo ID and proof that they received their 
second dose more than 14 days ago to access:
• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
• Nightclubs (including 
outdoor areas of the 
establishment);
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and 
personal fitness training, 
such as gyms, fitness and 
recreational facilities with 
the exception of youth 
recreational sport;
• Sporting events;
• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
More details at Ontario.ca.

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