National
Participation in Research Network for Business Sustainability. Business sustainability has been identified as a key issue by RCC's Board of Directors, and there's no doubt that Canada's political landscape is being shaped by environment-related issues and concerns. This year, RCC accepted an invitation by Dr. Tima Bansal of the University of Western Ontario as the sole industry association to join an exclusive network of businesses, government representatives and academics. The goal of the network is to bridge the gap between business sustainability researchers and practitioners, and to identify evidence-based best management practices and public policy in the area of business sustainability.
Privacy. RCC continued its proactive efforts with the Federal Privacy Commissioner's Office by facilitating a joint mailing to RCC members of a brochure entitled Your Privacy Responsibilities. This information provided RCC's independent retail members with clear directions on how to ensure their businesses are compliant with Canada's privacy laws. RCC also worked during the year to help the Commissioner develop and launch an e-learning privacy tool for independent retailers.
Participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Privacy Conference. RCC was asked by B.C. Privacy Commissioner David Loukidelis to join a meeting of privacy officials from APEC countries in Vancouver to discuss privacy issues regarding cross-border flows of information. With many RCC members conducting business throughout the world — whether it be through international parent companies, online sales or international call centres — this issue is of increasing importance to the trade.
RCC's Kim Kurlong and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the annual Northern Alberta Conservative Caucus BBQ in Edmonton July 2007. |
Competition Bureau and Mail-in Rebates. The Federal Competition Bureau has asked for RCC help in developing guidelines relating to mail-in rebate programs, giving retailers a chance to influence the design of the guidelines.
Counterfeiting. In March 2007, RCC joined the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in endorsing a report entitled Report on Counterfeiting and Piracy in Canada: A Road Map for Change. RCC has been a strong advocate of the need for regulatory changes and strongly supported the decision of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology to review the issue and hear witnesses. The Committee's report was endorsed by the Government and was recognized in the Government's throne speech and in its anti-camcording/piracy legislation.
Port Tracker Update. In May 2008, RCC brought to its members a monthly "Port Tracker" update, which includes information on labour updates, container traffic flows and other relevant information to assist members with the monitoring of their supply chain out of the Port of Vancouver. In the coming months, RCC will be reviewing the viability of extending the service to include the Prince Rupert, Montreal and Halifax ports.
Meeting with Human Resources Social Development Canada (HRSDC). RCC President and CEO Diane J. Brisebois met with officials at HRSDC on December 4, to discuss future partnerships. The meeting was extremely productive and RCC has been asked to put forward terms of reference and provide an outline for a sector study of the retail sector and its labour needs.
Ottawa Day. In October 2007, RCC hosted its annual Ottawa Day on Parliament Hill, bringing retailers and elected officials together to discuss retail-related matters. The day was a great success in terms of member participation and reception by government officials.
The Hill News Newsletter. A quarterly publication with highlights from Parliament Hill was launched for RCC members in 2007, which includes updates on retail industry-related federal legislation and parliamentary affairs.
Product Safety. RCC responded to numerous media calls when a number of product recalls focused attention on the safety of imports, particularly from China. RCC represented retailers' interests in the press, expressing that retailers work hard to protect the health and safety of their consumers and are committed to selling safe products.
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