There are only six weeks left for you to act and support our campaign to reduce your operating costs.
Summer 2024 has been a busy period for the foodservice industry, as regions across the country capitalize on the peak tourist season, outdoor dining opportunities and longer daylight hours. However, amidst these busy days, challenges have arisen nationwide, starting with retraction in consumer spending across the country. Western regions have been affected by heat waves and forest fires, most recently and tragically impacting the historic town of Jasper and the surrounding area of Jasper National Park, while Ontario faces heavy rains, flooding and a liquor board strike. In the east, weather-related issues have also posed difficulties, compounded by stringent enforcement actions targeting restaurants during Montreal’s F1 weekend.
As the industry confronts these challenges, its primary ongoing struggle remains converting top-line revenue into bottom-line profits. Addressing this issue remains our foremost priority. While there’s no singular solution, we are focusing on implementing a series of strategic policy reforms aimed at fostering a more sustainable and viable business model for our industry.
This is why we need YOUR HELP!
There are only six weeks left for you to act and support our campaign to reduce your operating costs. Write your MP by following this link.
Small restaurants could save several hundred dollars, and larger restaurants could save thousands. It is a small ask of government, and something they could do to help in the short term.
Our Restaurants Canada commissioned report shows us that, for the long term, we need our government to look at ways to meaningfully ease the EI payroll tax burden on small business. Download the report here.
In Ontario, now that the LCBO strike has concluded, it is evident that returning to normal operations will require some time. We have maintained ongoing communication with LCBO management to address the hurdles they face in reopening and to help mitigate the ongoing impact on restaurants and foodservice licensees. Additionally, we have scheduled quarterly meetings to discuss concerns related to the modifications made to the licensee program and services in May of this year.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE
From Richard Alexander | Executive Vice-President, Government Relations & Public Affairs
Top Seven Things you can do to help reduce your EI Premiums
Our campaign to reduce your EI premiums continues in earnest. Because our industry is labour intensive, any lowering of EI premiums will have a positive impact on your costs. But we need your help to make this happen.
We are a community of 97,000 restaurants that make up the fourth largest private employer in the country, reaching almost every community in Canada. Our numbers represent a tremendous opportunity. Think of the impact our campaign would have if every member called for an EI Premium reduction. It would be impossible for government to ignore our industry and your challenges.
Act Now:
- Take two minutes to participate in our letter writing campaign. This is our most important ask. A widget on our website enables you to automatically send a form letter to your local MP asking for support on lowering EI premiums. Follow this link.
- Our paid social media campaign to lower your EI premiums will commence in the next week. Like and share our posts on your own channels. Links to follow Restaurants Canada can be found at the end of this message.
- Create your own social media post calling for a reduction in EI premiums. You can download premade social assets from our campaign here.
- Become a visible champion. We are looking for operators to become local faces for our paid social media posts like the one below. If you would like to be one of these operators, please contact me directly at ralexander@restaurantscanada.org.
- Read and share our commissioned report on the benefits of reducing EI premiums. The report can be found here.
- If you have a connection with an MP, please help your regional VP arrange a meeting. Find your regional VP here.
- Regional VPs are meeting with MPs during the summer asking for their support on lowering EI premiums. Please consider participating in those meetings and tell your story about the impact high costs are having on your operation.
There are only six weeks left to make an impact. Take action now.
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
From Jillian Rodak | Vice President, Sustainability
Toronto: Circular Economy Roadmap Survey Reminder – Deadline: August 7
Reminder for members with operations in Toronto: Please fill out the City’s survey to inform the development of the city’s Circular Economy Roadmap.
PEI: Food Waste Reduction Strategy Survey Reminder – Deadline: August 14
Reminder for members with operations in PEI: Please fill out this survey to help inform the early stages of PEI’s food waste reduction strategy prior to August 14th.
BC: Restaurants Canada Submits Response to Paper and Packaging Waste Consultation
Last week, RC submitted a written response to British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regarding its consultation on preventing paper and packaging waste in the institutional, commercial and industrial sector. This is the first stage of the consultation, and we look forward to playing a role in shaping future policies on this issue.
Federal: Restaurants Canada meets with ECCC on Plastic Waste Prevention and Reduction – Reporting Portal Development Survey – Deadline: Today
RC’s Sustainability Committee met with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) last week to discuss the current challenges and potential industry opportunities associated with plastic waste prevention and reduction. We aimed to surface specific focus areas to prioritize with ECCC to help shape solutions that support Canada’s transition to a circular economy while reflecting the realities of our industry. As part of the Federal Plastics Registry, ECCC has released a survey to inform the development of the reporting portal for the Federal Plastics Registry. We encourage our members to take a few minutes to complete this survey today.
Federal: PFAS Report and Revised Risk Management Scope Available Now, Review of Voluntary Food Packaging Evaluation Program on the Horizon
Health Canada and ECCC have released an updated report on PFAS and Revised Risk Management scope, which is now open for consultation to determine whether PFAS should be considered toxic (PFAS is a chemical used in some food packaging, such as coating on fibre-based containers as grease-proofing). RC will be working with members to better understand how a potential change in policy regarding PFAS could impact our industry and is preparing a submission response (due September 11th).
In addition, Health Canada’s Chemical Hazards Bureau has committed to undertake a review of its voluntary food packaging evaluation program, and to develop options for the introduction of a mandatory chemical safety program for food packaging materials, by March 2027. RC will be working with members to understand whether and how they have been engaging with this program and will be preparing a submission response with considerations for our industry (due September 30th).
Federal: Consultation on Amendments to the Competition Act Launched in Response to Requests for Guidance on Greenwashing Provisions
The Competition Bureau has launched a consultation following the passage of amendments to the Competition Act on June 20, 2024, after receiving a large number of requests for guidance on the interpretation of new provisions aimed at greenwashing. RC is reviewing this consultation to inform our next steps for engagement on this issue.
Federal, Provincial & Municipal: Multiple Consultations Launched
The last two weeks have been filled with several new consultations launched at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, shared in both this and the previous CEO note. If you would like to have input into RC’s response to these consultations, please connect with me directly at jrodak@restaurantscanada.org.
FEDERAL UPDATE
From Maximilien Roy | Vice-President, Federal & Québec
Federal: Ongoing Consultation on NOC Codes and TEER System
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada are currently consulting on potential changes to the National Occupational Classification’s (NOC) codes. NOC codes help categorize and define various job roles. When categories are aligned with restaurants’ needs, operators can better align their job postings with recognized standards, attracting the right candidates and ensuring that job descriptions are clear and accurate.
We are working with other associations to ensure that any changes to the NOC Codes will be beneficial to the foodservice industry. Notably, Maîtres d’hôtel are currently classified under the same NOC code as Hosts and Hostesses (64300), and Sommeliers are classified under the same NOC code as Food and Beverage Servers (65200). We’ve received feedback from some of our members that this classification does not properly represent the functions and responsibilities entailed by each of these roles.
We’d appreciate any feedback you may have on the current classification. Please do not hesitate to contact me at MRoy@restaurantscanada.org.
Federal: Hitting the Pause Button on Regularization
As we pointed out earlier this year, the federal government is studying the possibility of helping more individuals living in Canada without official status become permanent residents. However, Immigration Minister Marc Miller hit the pause button on this process, called “regularization”, citing lack of support on how to move forward with it.
It is estimated that Canada has between 300,000 and 600,000 individuals living without official status. Integrating these individuals more fully into the economy would benefit not only them, but also Canada’s economy and particularly the foodservice industry as we face systemic labour shortages.
We are continuing to advocate in favour of a robust and predictable regularization process, along with a proper matching and training program to help these individuals fully integrate into our communities, and our economy. Stay tuned for more information.
ATLANTIC UPDATE
From Jordi Morgan | Vice-President, Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia: RANS Issues Survey on F&B Industry Education and Training Opportunities
The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) is surveying to get some insight into the needs of the food and beverage industry regarding education and training opportunities for both owners and employees.
They want to know how and where restaurant owners are currently accessing their education and human resources needs, their current level of training (both for themselves and employees), and their future intentions for training opportunities. Restaurants Canada is pleased to amplify their reach into our membership. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Find the survey here. Your input and information will remain private.
Atlantic: Restaurants Canada Seeking Solutions to Labour Challenges and Welcomes Your Input
Access to labour remains a challenge for many operators in Atlantic Canada. Throughout the region, changes to the Provincial Nominee Programs have created confusion and concern. Restaurants Canada met with the provincial immigration departments in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to address these concerns and advocate for their support in the development of a program to connect open work permit newcomers with employment opportunities within the foodservice sector. We have reached out to both New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador and are awaiting meetings.
We are also looking to provide input to the provincial governments on the management of their respective PNP challenges before the 2025 allocations are being considered. I have established a small working group of operators to generate ideas specific to the Atlantic region. If you would like to participate, please connect with me at JMorgan@restaurantscanada.org.
CENTRAL CANADA UPDATE
From Kris Barnier | Vice President, Central Canada and the North
Kris is away on holiday, returning next week.
WESTERN UPDATE
From Mark von Schellwitz | Vice-President, Western Canada
Wildfire Updates
Alberta: Jasper Wildfire State of Emergency Evacuation
The Government of Alberta issued an Alberta Emergency Wildfire Alert for the municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park including an Evacuation Order. The evacuation of Jasper and Jasper National Park took place on July 23rd. Members who may be impacted by the Jasper wildfires are encouraged to go the 2024 Wildfire Resources website for updates on evacuations and available supports.
Earlier this spring the Government of Alberta also passed Bill 21 – Emergency Statutes Amendment Act to ensure the provincial government is better able to respond to wildfires and keep Albertans and communities safe.
British Columbia: Wildfire Information and Supports
There are also several wildfires burning in British Columbia. Members who may be impacted by wildfires in their area are encouraged to keep informed by visiting the BC Wildfire Status website. Earlier this spring, the BC government also announced new tools to help prepare and stay informed during emergencies. Members impacted by the wildfires can register for Emergency Support Services and apply for financial disaster assistance.
BC: Review of Rodenticides Regulatory Changes
In January 2023, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy implemented new regulatory changes regarding second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). The new regulations limit the use of SGARs to Essential Services, including restaurants, and permit their use only in specific scenarios as a last resort. Rodenticides and rodent control tools and best practices for rodent management can be found here.
The Ministry has reached out to Restaurants Canada asking members for feedback on how the new SGAR requirements have impacted restaurant operators and has requested Restaurants Canada and our members complete a brief BC Restaurant rodenticide amendments questionnaire by August 2nd, 2024.
Any member input would be appreciated. The Ministry is also interested in members’ input on developing new or improving its existing guidance materials.
BC: WorkSafeBC Announces Preliminary 2025 Rates
WorkSafeBC presented their preliminary WCB base rates for 2025. While most base rates across all industries will not change, I am pleased to report that base rates for the restaurant classification will drop by 12.6 per cent (from $.89 to $.78) on top of a six per cent restaurant classification reduction in 2024.
Restaurants Canada is also addressing the issue of some inspectors demanding that restaurants add gratuities to assessed payroll which, in Restaurants Canada’s view, should not be treated as wage income for WCB assessed payroll purposes.
BC: Follow Up Meeting with BC Tourism Minister on Save BC Restaurants Policy Priorities
On June 27th, BCRFA and Restaurants Canada had a productive meeting with Tourism Minister Lana Popham, who was designated lead Minister in the BC Government. Discussions addressed restaurant industry policy priorities, along with our Save BC Restaurants Menu of Issues policy priorities including recommendations to streamline BC’s employer foreign worker registry and implement a new Tourism and Hospitality PNP stream, the implementation of restaurant energy/environment rebates, and moving to disallow WCB policy to add gratuities to assed payroll.
We are looking forward to our follow up meeting with Minister Popham today to discuss the BC government’s response to our priority policy recommendations. We are hoping the BC government will be able to implement some of our recommendations to help provide relief to struggling restaurateurs.
BC: BC CADE Victory – City of Vancouver Reverses Natural Gas Ban on new Building Construction
Last Tuesday evening, Vancouver City Council voted by a six-to-five margin to include the choice of
renewable natural gas, natural gas and hydrogen fuels for home and business heating in new
construction. This is a significant win for the foodservice sector that reverses a decision from the previous Vancouver City Council to accelerate the imposition of bylaws in line with the BC Zero Carbon Step Code regulation, which come into full effect across the province by 2030.
This is the first major victory for the BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy (BC CADE), of which Restaurants Canada is a founding member. BC CADE was launched in March 2024 with the ask that municipal governments stop eliminating choice for new residential and commercial buildings and let builders decide what’s best for themselves.
You can find the BC CADE press release that was sent out following the Vancouver City Council decision here. More information on the new BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy can be found on the BC CADE website.
Restaurants Canada joins our BC CADE partners in thanking Vancouver City Council for its common-sense decision to reallow natural gas in new construction.
The Summer issue of MENU magazine is out now, featuring RC Show highlights and insights along with wonderful interviews with Chef Joseph Shawana and the great Kate Gerwin. I particularly encourage you to read the article on the impact newcomers have on Canadian restaurants, with wonderful contributions from Boston Pizza and Denny’s. If you haven’t received your print copy yet, you can access the digital magazine here.
August marks a time of preparation and renewal, and it is my hope that each of you enjoys a safe and prosperous month. Together, we continue to navigate unprecedented challenges, and I am confident that our collective resilience, creativity and innovation will drive us forward to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Yours in championing the vibrancy and opportunity restaurants bring to our communities and the dedicated people behind that strength,
Kelly Higginson
