Report on Small Business newsletter: Employers who don’t realize the job market has changed are in for a nasty surprise

Employers who don't realize the job market has changed are in for a nasty surprise

Homeowners don't typically think about installing a new alarm system until after they've been robbed. The same can be said about employers when it comes to protecting staff – their most valuable asset. If the 2018 job market turns out how I think it will, employers will need to immediately change their mindset to avoid having their best people stolen from under their noses.

Reading the Globe and Mail's recent report on Canada's jobless rate hitting a four-decade low reinforced the results from our annual Salary Guide Report. We connected with thousands of employers across Canada to get a read on their attitudes heading into 2018.

One common theme is that most employers are charging into the new year with confidence about their business and the economy. More than half told us their business activity increased over the past year and nearly three-quarters said they expect similar results in 2018. By most accounts, it was a great year and in response, many employers began building up their permanent staff levels. Full story

Reports urge more diversity in tech sector to bridge 'digital divide'

The tech and innovation sector needs to do a better job of recruiting visible minorities to boost Canada's economic output, two forthcoming studies say. Full story

Vegetable growers convert to cannabis to help boost margins

Ahead of Canada's legalization of recreational cannabis, a slew of partnerships are cropping up between greenhouse farms and medical cannabis companies. Full story

Ontario homes for disabled 'in real trouble' because of minimum wage hike

The recent spike in Ontario's minimum wage is creating financial hardship for cash-strapped private care homes for people with special needs, some of which face closing without immediate government assistance. Full story

Why small businesses don't deserve tax breaks

Small businesses have been getting special tax breaks for years because they claimed to be job-creation machines. But it turns out they're no better at creating jobs than anyone else Full story

How to ensure a smooth succession

As the saying goes, nothing is certain but death and taxes. For entrepreneurs, you can add "exiting the business," whether through a sale, transfer to the next generation or their own passing. Full story

A Canadian genius in Silicon Valley is leading the race to launch the driverless car

Canadian robotics genius Chris Urmson and his mysterious Silicon Valley Startup are racing to commercialize the driverless car. But they're going up against his old employer, Google, plus just about every carmaker and tech giant in the world Full story

Vancouver restaurant moves toward cash-free transactions as diners ditch paper

Cold, hard cash won't get you delicious, hot noodles at this Vancouver restaurant. While cash-only restaurants are a common sight around town, one restaurateur is going cash-free instead. Full story

$230 million sale of Vancouver Island craft cannabis producer shocks local industry

A massive deal for a Vancouver Island cannabis grower could be an indication of what's in store for the local craft cannabis industry. Full story

A scary time to be in small business': Retailers also slammed by affordability crisis

Last year, Nick's Spaghetti House on the Drive served its last meatball. In Little Mountain, Bean Around the World served its last cup of coffee and Hong Kong café Mui Garden its last bowl of bright yellow curry. Gone also are Calhoun's Bakery, the Dover Arms Pub, outdoor gear go-to 3 Vets and the West End's Cardero Grocery and West Valley Market. Full story