In pursuit of a fair and affordable future for Canadians.
Since our last update two weeks ago and as noted by our VP of Federal Government Relations, Maximilien Roy, the Canadian government has announced further changes to immigration targets. This follows several reductions in the past three months that are highly detrimental to our industry and the economy.
Describing this announcement as disappointing is an understatement; it reflects political motivations rather than sound economic policy. Over the last few weeks, I have connected with a number of our members about these impactful changes and the feedback across the country has been the same: anxiety and bewilderment. Since the start of these announcements, the team has taken a number of steps to advocate on behalf of the industry as highlighted by Maximilien Roy in his report below.
Permanent immigration has given Canada a skilled and diverse workforce, which is essential for stability as we deal with declining birth rates that won’t counterbalance retirements and an aging population in the coming decades. Securing access to a worldclass workforce is a key priority for our association and a core principle of our advocacy guiding principles.
In the months ahead, we will continue working together with industry partners and other business associations to tackle the challenges Canada will encounter due to these recent changes. Please watch for upcoming surveys that will aid our advocacy efforts in workforce and immigration.
Restaurants Canada welcomes the Ontario government’s $200 relief initiative for residents facing affordability challenges announced during the delivery of the Fall Economic Statement on October 30th. This support will enable Ontarians to enjoy dining out, coffee and family meals.
Since 2019, per capita restaurant spending has dropped 9 per cent as people reduce dining out. The $200 initiative will aid struggling residents and benefit the 445,000 employees in the restaurant sector, plus another 102,000 indirectly.
We also look forward to the government’s upcoming consultation on alcohol tax and wholesale pricing. Increasing wholesale discounts, especially for beer after the Master Framework Agreement with The Beer Store ends, will greatly benefit our industry and customers.
Vice President of Central Canada, Kris Barnier, provides more details below.
Recently I had the pleasure of traveling to British Columbia to attend the BCRFA Restaurant Hall of Fame Awards Gala. We would like to congratulate all the restaurant industry leaders being inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. It’s always a pleasure to return to my hometown and engage with industry leaders in this exceptional restaurant region of Canada.
While we were in B.C., we connected with several members including long-time partners like White Spot, one of our founding members. We’re proud to have them and value their commitment to excellent employee experiences. White Spot has over 100 culinary team members in the Red Seal Program, with chefs dedicating about 5,000 hours—three years—apprenticing in their kitchens. This significant investment delivers impressive results!
Our EI campaign, Lift the Strain on Small Business, continues. We recently conducted polling that reinforces our position, and discussions are ongoing with several cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister’s Office. EVP Richard Alexander will share more details below, along with a recent press release.
Please see our recent media on this here:
Toronto Sun – October 31st – Trudeau Liberals aren’t paying enough attention to affordability: Poll
Retail Insider – October 31st – Restaurants Canada urging government to improve affordability
I’m excited to highlight Hakan Uluer, our board director at Restaurants Canada and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Atlantic Award winner!
At just 12, Hakan began selling clothes to support his family after his father’s tragic passing, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. He gained culinary and leadership experience in hospitality before joining The Bertossi Group in Halifax, where he embraced their commitment to traditional Italian cuisine and took the lead in 2014.
Under Hakan’s guidance, The Bertossi Group has expanded to include renowned restaurants like The Bicycle Thief and La Frasca Cibi & Vini, with two luxury cafés and three more restaurants set to open this year. Known for excellence and exceptional service, his establishments attract both locals and international visitors. A successful partnership with Goodfood has also raised the brand’s national profile.
Restaurants Canada is pleased to announce that Restaurants Canada has partnered with Moneris, Canada’s leading payment processing provider, to offer our members exclusive preferred rates on credit and debit card transactions. We are proud to partner with a Canadian company like Moneris because it aligns with our commitment to promoting and strengthening the local economy. By partnering with a trusted Canadian provider, we not only ensure our members have access to top-tier payment solutions, but we also foster growth and innovation within the foodservice industry across the country.
Click here and log in to the member portal to learn more and access the exclusive lead form. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Members@restaurantscanada.org.
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE
From Richard Alexander | Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs
How is Trudeau doing on the affordability crisis?
Not so good, says a recent poll.
Restaurants Canada recently commissioned and released public opinion polling on affordability and how reducing Employment Insurance Payroll Taxes could help.
The findings are clear: the majority of Canadians are not confident the federal government is committed to making life more affordable, and that reducing payroll taxes would relieve some pressure.
Less than half of Canadians (43 per cent) believe the federal government is putting enough of a priority on making life more affordable.
Nearly eight in 10 Canadians (77 per cent) say they would benefit from the government reducing payroll taxes, with 42 per cent saying it would have a major positive impact on them and their family.
While only 43 per cent of Canadians currently feel the federal government is making affordability a priority, 63 per cent say implementing this policy would show them that the federal government is prioritizing the issue.
Restaurants Canada has been and continues to urge the federal government to make a firm commitment to improve affordability by reducing payroll taxes for employees and employers in its upcoming Fall Economic Statement. Our ask is for a modest 2 per cent reduction in the tax.
This public polling has been presented to government and opposition parties, and we believe it is making an impact in their deliberations on reducing EI payroll tax. Our wider campaign on reducing operating costs for restaurants and their employees continues and will likely draw to an end with the Fall Economic Statement, likely to be released in November.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and participated in our campaign. If you haven’t already, there is still time to send a letter to your MP asking for their support on this ask. Click here to send your letter today.
When our industry comes together, we can accomplish great things.
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
Restaurants Canada
sustainability@restaurantscanada.org
Ontario & Alberta: Recycling program fees and consultations.
We are busy wrapping up a number of consultations related to program oversight fees for packaging and paper recycling programs in Alberta and Ontario. Key asks include the fair allocation of costs among obligated producers, and clear and consistent communications. To help members budget for 2025, final fees will be posted in December.
Please note, these are program oversight fees, and so are in addition to any recycling fees you pay to producer responsibility organizations (PROs), such as Circular Materials. For more information on PRO fees and recycling program budgets by province, please see the 2024 Report to Producers.
Restaurants Canada: November Sustainability Committee meeting.
At our upcoming November Sustainability Committee meeting, we will be welcoming Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to provide an update on federal work related to plastics, chemicals and the circular economy. To ensure ECCC is aware of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the foodservice industry, particularly as relates to the implementation of reusable packaging, there will also be an opportunity for members to share learnings.
Note: Restaurants Canada’s VP of Sustainability is currently on maternity leave. We congratulate her on the birth of her new baby boy. Sustainability initiatives are being managed by the team at Clear Strategy. Contact Kelsey Meyer at the email address above for any questions related to sustainability files.
FEDERAL & QUEBEC UPDATE
From Maximilien Roy | Vice-President, Federal and Quebec
Federal: Ongoing advocacy on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).
Our advocacy efforts on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) have been extensive and sustained since December 2023, following the government’s directive to reduce the number of TFWs. Recognizing that TFWs make up only 3 per cent of our industry’s workforce—but critically, two-thirds of those are essential cooks and supervisors—we have engaged in a series of high-level discussions, press releases and public education efforts to highlight the issue’s significance.
Key Advocacy and Engagements:
- Press & Public Engagement: Restaurants Canada has issued three press releases resulting in 367 editorial mentions, amplifying our voice and bringing critical attention to the matter.
Timeline of Advocacy Efforts:
- January 2023: Restaurants Canada began a new round of discussions with Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller’s team.
- February 8, 2024: We met with Minister Miller directly to outline concerns and industry needs.
- February–September, 2024: We engaged with key offices, including federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, as well as the Tourism Minister and Small Business Minister, with multiple meetings throughout this period.
- August 28, 2024: Restaurants Canada held a key meeting with the PMO to request an exemption for cooks under the 6 per cent rule—a request met with a hard “no”, though there remains a small chance for exemptions in rural, remote and tourist areas.
- September, 2024: We submitted feedback through the Finance Committee’s pre-budget consultation and met with relevant ministers (Ferrada, Valdez, Boissonnault, and Miller) ahead of the Fall Economic Statement.
- October 16, 2024: We participated in the Workforce Development Summit in Montreal to address wider labour needs and challenges.
Future Actions: Despite strong opposition to lifting certain restrictions, the RC team continues to press relevant ministers (Prime Minister’s office, Minister Boissonnault, Minister Martinez Ferrada, Minister Valdez, and Minister Hutchings) to protect TFW access, especially for areas facing unique labour shortages. While moving the needle on TFW policy will be challenging in the short term, we remain firmly focused on solutions to the current and chronic labour shortage our industry is facing.
ATLANTIC & CENTRAL CANADA UPDATE
From Kris Barnier | Vice President, Central Canada and the North
New Brunswick: New Premier, Susan Holt sworn in.
Susan Holt and her cabinet was sworn in as Premier on November 2nd. Restaurants Canada looks forward to building relationships with the incoming Liberal government.
Nova Scotia: Election called, and affordability is on the menu.
On October 27th Premier Tim Houston met with the Lt. Gov to ask for an election. Nova Scotians will go to the polls on November 26th. It appears that the election will primarily be fought on affordability, with opposition parties likely to also focus on health care.
Restaurants Canada is also focused on affordability and will continue to advocate for measures that will help reduce operating costs for restaurants and put more money back into the pockets of Nova Scotians so that they can afford to enjoy restaurant meals.
You can learn more about the election and the parties’ platforms below:
- Elections Nova Scotia Information, Statistics and Resources. – Visit this site for information about election rules, local candidates, and voting.
Nova Scotia: Are you compliant with CRA when it comes to gratuities?
Our provincial partner, The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia, is offering a webinar with by James Rhodes, Taxation Lawyers and Afshin Mousavian, Atlas Direct Tips:
Date: Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (ADT)
This webinar will provide you with in depth knowledge of how to distribute tips to your employees in compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and help you learn the distinct differences between “controlled” vs “direct tipping” practices. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
To register click here.
Newfoundland: Over $1.2M in federal and provincial funding for Hospitality NL Culinary Tourism Initiative announced.
The provincial and federal governments announced support for the Hospitality NL Culinary Tourism Initiative, investing in helping expand and promote the region’s culinary tourism offerings. See here for more details.
Ontario: Fall Economic Statement released.
The provincial government delivered its Fall Economic Statement (FES) on Wednesday, October 30th. As referenced in the FES, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to consult on alcohol taxation and wholesale pricing for bars and restaurants. We will work aggressively in the coming weeks to influence the outcome of the consultation.
To review the member update we shared immediately after the delivery of the FES, please click here.
Manitoba: Province funds additional patrol officers to address crime concerns in Winnipeg.
The Manitoba government has announced it is funding the addition of 12 patrol officers in Winnipeg as it continues to make efforts to tackle crime targeting small businesses leading into the holiday season. Click here for more information.
Northwest Territories: Business licensing service now available online.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a new Business Licence eService. It aims to allow business owners to easily apply for and renew business licences online. Click here to learn more.
Northwest Territories: 2025-29 Climate Action Plan
Have your say on the Northwest Territories 2025-29 Climate Action Plan. Click here for more information.
WESTERN CANADA UPDATE
From Mark von Schellwitz | Vice-President, Western Canada
B.C.: Incumbent BC and Saskatchewan governments re-elected with slim majorities.
Voters in British Columbia and Saskatchewan have spoken, delivering slim majorities to the incumbent governments in both provinces, despite a noticeable shift in voter sentiment toward change.
Both the Saskatchewan Party in Saskatchewan and the NDP in B.C., while victorious, are left with far fewer governing-party MLAs and far more opposition MLAs including many rookie MLAs elected for the first time. Both premiers were humble in their election victory speeches, acknowledging they need to do more to address the concerns of voters who voted against them as they both lost several incumbent MLAs.
For the week that followed the October 19th election, the outcome for British Columbians remained unclear as the initial results after election night had the NDP with 46 seats, the Conservatives with 45 seats, and the Green Party at two seats, while several ridings that were too close to call waited for absentee and mail-in ballot counts to determine the winner. Once counted between October 24th and 26th, those mail-in and absentee ballots heavily favoured the NDP, which impacted the final election results giving the incumbent NDP an additional seat for a razor thin, 47-seat majority. This left the B.C. Conservatives with 44 seats and the Green Party with two seats (pending a couple of judicial recounts). With just a one-seat majority and the need to still elect an MLA as Speaker, it will be a difficult challenge for the newly elected government to get legislation passed and maintain the confidence of the Legislature.
In Saskatchewan, the October 28th election result was not quite as close as B.C. The Saskatchewan Party was declared the winner on election night with a majority of 35 seats versus 26 for the NDP with two ridings still too close to call awaiting mail-in and absentee ballots to be counted. However, no matter what the final result is in those two ridings, it will not impact the Saskatchewan Party winning its fifth straight majority government.
Restaurants Canada congratulated both BC Premier Eby and Saskatchewan Premier Moe on their election victories and looks forward to working with both re-elected governments on hospitality industry priorities once their new cabinets are sworn in in the coming weeks.
Applications are being accepted now for the lineup of captivating culinary competitions happening live on stage at RC Show 2025 in Toronto. Encourage your team members to seize the spotlight in these best-in-class competitions to recognize their excellence on a national stage and fuel their personal and professional growth. From the Garland Canada Culinary Competition and Restaurants Canada Pizza Competition to the John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition and the all-new and on-trend Breakfast Sandwich showdown, participants will gain invaluable experience, expand their networks, and earn recognition on a national stage. Let’s fuel the future of Canadian foodservice—urge your shining stars to learn more and apply today!
Time is running out to grab your tickets for Yes Shef! Join us this Wednesday, November 6th, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver for an extraordinary evening honoring the creativity and expertise of leading women chefs from across B.C. This cocktail-style reception will feature over 20 tasting stations with innovative dishes and specialty drinks that celebrate the vibrant flavours of the region. Don’t miss your chance to support these talented chefs and experience an unforgettable night of culinary excellence. Reserve your tickets now!
Managing costs is a constant challenge for restaurant operators. Join us for a cost savings webinar presented by Groupex, a trusted partner for foodservice professionals focused on improving profitability. This webinar, Unlocking Cost Savings through Volume Pricing & Rebates, streams live on November 19th at 1:00 p.m. (EST), and will guide you through cost analysis and provide effective strategies to reduce expenses while showcasing exclusive programs that offer significant savings. Whether you operate a single location or a multi-unit chain, you will gain valuable tools and insights to help you take control of your expenses and make a real difference to your bottom line. Discover why many foodservice operators across the industry rely on Groupex to streamline purchasing and gain access to exclusive discounts that will take your success up a notch! Register here.
The Mythbusting: Sustainable Seafood and Plastics Explained webinar, presented by Restaurants Canada and Ocean Wise is available now to watch on demand. Ocean Wise experts will debunk greenwashing myths around plastics and sustainable seafood and share how they’re combating plastic pollution. Learn about their Seafood Program’s partnerships with local restaurants and national brands to promote sustainable seafood and discover how overfishing impacts ocean health—and how your business can make a difference.
Yours in pursuit of a fair and affordable future for Canadian consumers, small businesses and communities,
Kelly Higginson
