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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 2d

Wealth inequality is one of the greatest threats to a stable society.

Without a solid balance, local businesses & our workers suffer.

Great video by Bravos Research detailing what has happened historically under similar conditions to what Canada and the US are going through now.

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 2d

"Lower corporate taxes have allowed profit margins to stay resilient, even while the US consumer stays under a lot of pressure."

Even the stock market analysts are talking about wealth inequality now.

🔗 | youtu.be/YXFvwJQBzJc?...

A Once in a Lifetime Economic Reset is Coming.

YouTube video by Bravos Research

youtu.be

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 6d

Ontario's minimum wage went up on Oct 1.
Good for workers, good for small businesses.

What's actually killing biz?
Toronto retail rent jumped 142% in 5 years.
That's an extinction level increase.

Here's how we save good jobs and businesses: betterwayalliance.ca/the-fixed-co...

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 13d

I spent last month analyzing Toronto business costs to figure out what's actually squeezing small businesses.

Turns out commercial rent jumped 142% over 5 years while wages went up 23%. For a typical 3 employee micro-business, rent increases cost $1,540 MORE per year than wage increases.

👇👇👇

Infographic showing 'Retail rent up 142% since 2019' in large yellow and red text. Contains two data visualizations: a year-over-year comparison chart showing decline from $19.54 in Q4/19 to $17.39 in Q1/20, and a commercial retail square footage chart comparing Q3/23 ($28.01) to Q3/24 ($47.21), showing 68.5% increase. Bottom text reads 'For a 1,000 sq. ft. space, that's +$27,670 extra/yr after 5 years.' Data credited to Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. Better Way Alliance branding at bottom.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 23d

A constant hiring cycle b/c you can't retain staff is expensive & exhausting.

BWA Director Lili Locke breaks down our approach to ethical employment on TIAO's Forward Motion podcast: more than minimum wages, paid sick days, stable scheduling.

👂👂 to the full ep: www.tiaontario.ca/cpages/forwa...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Jul 28

We KNOW business can be done better.

Good jobs create resilient businesses - which in turn build thriving neighbourhoods.

We're empowering Canadian business owners who care about community. Join a network rooted in values, good ideas, and shared success.

betterwayalliance.ca

Canada's Ethical Employer Network | Better Way Alliance

Canada's Better Way Alliance supports business owners who care about community, good jobs, and sustainable growth. We are where good business grows.

betterwayalliance.ca

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Jun 24

Bill Zheng isn’t a typical entrepreneur.
While studying nursing, he co-founded RadiCare. Creating jobs for folks facing barriers. Now it powers free Pop-Up Care in Calgary.

Business at its best.
https://calgaryjournal.ca/2025/04/15/from-nursing-student-to-up-and-coming-calgary-entrepreneur/

From nursing student to up and coming Calgary entrepreneur

Despite studying to be a nurse, Bill Zheng wanted to help people on a larger scale, so he co-created RadiCare and the Pop-up Care Village, two organizations dedicated to helping at-risk individuals…

calgaryjournal.ca

Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Jun 12

A $100M fund is helping Indigenous communities buy local businesses across Canada.

Corner stores, auto shops, restaurants and more that already employ people.

This is economic development that really works. Skip the unicorn startups & focus on proven businesses with real cash flow.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Jun 9

Apps like Doordash and Ubereats are like casinos for businesses.

Exciting at first - but over time they manage to eat more of your $$$ and eventually become purely extractive.

Great to see @keldonb.bsky.social in this @cbcnews.ca article.

www.cbc.ca/news/busines...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Jun 9

Retailers are facing a fixed-cost crisis across Canada.

Skyrocketing rent, spiking insurance and uncontrolled utilities are hindering the ability to create good jobs and even keep the doors open.

We're hopeful that @toronto.ca and @jasonthorne.bsky.social can push for right-sized retail.

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Jun 9

Great article in @thestar.com about Toronto's need for small retail.

With businesses facing a skyrocketing rents, downsizing may be the only option to keep running. But only if the space exists.

I'm hopeful that @jasonthorne.bsky.social's team can push for right-sized retail spaces.

A stylized illustration depicting a vibrant, neon-lit commercial district reminiscent of Tokyo's bustling neighborhoods, but set within Toronto's urban landscape. The image shows a pedestrian street lined with glowing purple and pink signs for various businesses including "BAMBOO," "COMMON ROOM," "Bloom Couture," "LEE," "EDS," "Napoleon Gelato," and other retail establishments. People are walking along the street level, creating a lively atmosphere. The scene is framed by Toronto's iconic CN Tower on the right and modern high-rise condominium buildings on both sides, creating a striking contrast between the intimate, human-scaled commercial corridor and the towering residential developments. The overall aesthetic combines Tokyo's famous neon-soaked commercial districts with Toronto's distinctive skyline, illustrating the article's concept of creating more dynamic, walkable neighborhoods within condo developments that prioritize small businesses and street-level retail activity over sterile residential towers.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 22

Yeah, it's the rent.

Businesses are getting bounced from main street because of giant rent increases.

So next time you go to your favourite sandwich joint and wonder "why did this delicious panini go up in price?"

Yeah, it's the rent.

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · May 22

Yeah, it’s the rent.

Retail rent in Toronto has jumped 130% in five years.
That’s what’s pushing local businesses out - not wage increases.

Businesses need:
Transparent leases | Predictable terms | Dispute resolution

If you love local - sign and support:
commercialrentrights.ca

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 22

Yeah, it's the rent.

Businesses are getting bounced from main street because of giant rent increases.

So next time you go to your favourite sandwich joint and wonder "why did this delicious panini go up in price?"

Yeah, it's the rent.

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · May 22

Yeah, it’s the rent.

Retail rent in Toronto has jumped 130% in five years.
That’s what’s pushing local businesses out - not wage increases.

Businesses need:
Transparent leases | Predictable terms | Dispute resolution

If you love local - sign and support:
commercialrentrights.ca

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · May 21

MEC is back in Canadian hands.

It's not quite a co-op but the new ownership group has a "vision of reshoring some manufacturing to Canada."

Personally praying for the return of a co-op model down the road.

@cbcnews.ca | www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Screenshot of a CBC News article with the headline: “MEC back under Canadian ownership after 5 years of U.S. management.” The subheading mentions the previous sale to a U.S. equity firm being seen as a betrayal. Below, there’s a photo of an MEC storefront with green signage on a beige building.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 8

A new Canadian study links precarious jobs to early death.

This isn’t just unfortunate - it’s the result of policy that allows low wages & unstable work.

BWA members are proving better jobs are possible & good for biz.

🔗 | betterwayalliance.ca/
In SafetyMag | www.thesafetymag.com/ca/topics/ps...

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · May 7

My business does better when my team isn’t burned out, broke, or sick.

It’s good business to:

- Pay people properly
- Give them PAID time to recover
- Provide predictable schedules

Do this & watch turnover drop while performance rises.
We’ve been doing it for years & it works!

Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 5

Missouri just voted in a $15/hr minimum wage and paid sick days.

Not just a win for workers — this is a win for smart business. Our Director @aaronbinder.com runs two businesses that already offer both.

What's the outcome? Lower turnover. Better customer experiences. Stronger teams.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 5

Biz costs like rent & insurance are in chaos right now - people are the only stable foundation left.

When workers have $$ to eat & recover from being sick - that business gets quality work & retention. Worker protections are economic infrastructure.

Read in @apnews.com | apnews.com/article/mini...

Missouri court upholds voter approval of minimum wage and paid sick leave initiative

The Missouri Supreme Court has upheld a voter-approved ballot measure gradually raising the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour and requiring employers to provide paid sick leave.

apnews.com

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · May 5

Missouri just voted in a $15/hr minimum wage and paid sick days.

Not just a win for workers — this is a win for smart business. Our Director @aaronbinder.com runs two businesses that already offer both.

What's the outcome? Lower turnover. Better customer experiences. Stronger teams.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Apr 29

Congrats to PM @mark-carney.bsky.social + all elected MPs. Our 3 priorities at the @betterwayalliance.bsky.social:

✅ Fix small biz financing so entrepreneurs can start, grow & buy businesses
✅ Create paths to commercial property ownership
✅ Get runaway "fixed" costs (rent & insurance) under control

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 29

Helllooooooooooo
👇👇👇👇👇👇

Chapman's Ice Cream @chapmans.ca · Apr 29

📢 Chapman’s first ever Ice Cream Festival is on May 17, 2025, at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma! Here is an exclusive invite from Ashley Chapman! 😉 You can find all the event details by following the link in our bio.

Have questions? Leave them in the comments section below. 👇 #event #Toronto #Ontario

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 28

An Ottawa (CHEO) hospital is using hybrid work to free up beds and support staff.

Good management finds new ways to stretch resources while building stronger long-term systems. In this case, flexibility is infrastructure, too.

Read in the @ottawacitizen.com | ottawacitizen.com/news/cheo-ve...

A social media post with a headline reading, “How an Ottawa Hospital Is Solving Space Challenges with Smarter Workplaces.” Below, a news article snippet says, “CHEO considers new ways to free beds, reduce hospital wait times,” mentioning Dr. Vera Etches. A smiling woman, arms crossed, stands in an office with a plant and an Ottawa Senators hockey jersey behind her.

Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Apr 17

I spend maybe an hour a week on Instagram.

And lately half my feed is local Canadian businesses shutting their doors. Cafés. Bakeries. Small manufacturers.

Not because they weren’t making money - they’re just burnt out after 5 years of chaos and the last 6 months of being kicked again.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 22

Minimum wage increases aren't causing Canadian businesses to close.

It's the giant rent hikes, skyrocketing insurance, and uncertainty caused by Trump tariffs.

We've got a plan that benefits workers, businesses & communities: betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Apr 22

Local 🇨🇦 businesses are struggling to pay more, but let's talk about the REAL pressures:

📈 Retail rent up 100%+ in major cities
💰 Insurance premiums 2x overnight
📦 Trump tariffs = total chaos

When wages go up, that $$ stays in your community.
When insurance goes up? That money vanishes.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 16

Indigenous leadership is essential to Canada’s economic future.

New report from OCC & CCIB shows how:

• Indigenous youth = up to 15% of the future labour force
• Skills-based hiring makes business stronger
• Flexible work is key to retention in remote communities

📘 Read it here: bit.ly/4jtILmQ

A Way Forward: Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Unveil Report Series on Economic Reconciliation

bit.ly

Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 16

We always have fruitful discussions with @kristynwongtam.bsky.social & @chrisgloverndp.bsky.social on the challenges and opportunities facing Toronto & Ontario businesses.

Read our ideas to build better through good jobs, biz owner support & systemic change: betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...

Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with 18 participants from various organizations, including MPPs, BIAs, and business leaders. Faces appear in video tiles, with names and affiliations like “Bloor-Yorkville BIA,” “Preservation House,” “The Cabbagetown BIA,” and “Better Way Alliance.” Smiling and engaged expressions suggest an active discussion.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · Apr 14

Trump's tariffs aren't actually helping US manufacturers.

But they are crushing border-city tourism businesses & stifling good businesses in Mexico, US & Canada.

One more reason for Canada to diversify + bolster our global trade.

@businessinsider.com | www.businessinsider.com/made-in-usa-...

The image shows a quote about US-Canada trade relations attributed to Eva Kuhle, CEO of Epaulet. The quote suggests that rising costs in the US and Canada have negatively impacted Kuhle's business in Canada, to the point that Canadians who "very reasonably hate the US" may boycott her remaining operations.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · Apr 11

This video is auto-posting on Friday April 12. We don't know if tariffs are on/off today.

But we know Canada's businesses are struggling. Rent & insurance = skyrocketing. We need fundamental changes, not tax cuts.

Our #AdvantageCanada series has solutions | betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...

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