Franchise Awareness Day 2024

June 10, 2024

Advocacy

This year, the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchise Awareness Day was held on May 29, 2024, at Queen’s Park, in Toronto, Ontario.

Franchise Awareness Day is one of the many opportunities throughout the year for franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers to come together to protect and advance franchising in Canada. Throughout the day, CFA members had the opportunity to meet with Ministers, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), and staff to discuss issues that affect franchised small businesses and advocate for changes that would encourage the expansion of the franchise business model.

Breakfast Networking and Honourable Encounters

The day started with the CFA’s Franchise Awareness Breakfast Reception, which was again graciously sponsored by The UPS Store Canada. The breakfast reception has become a must-attend event at Queen’s Park, giving Minister’s and MPPs from different parties the opportunity to network with CFA members and learn more about the impact of franchising on the economy. One of the distinguished attendees was the Hon. Nina Tangri, Ontario’s Associate Minister for Small Business, who discussed how to reduce the burden on small businesses across Ontario.

Impactful Meetings With MPPs

Throughout the day, the CFA team navigated a whirlwind of meetings with twenty-four (24) MPPs, including nine (9) Ministers. These critical engagements were meticulously planned to convey the value of franchising while shedding light on the pressing issues faced by the industry. Notable attendees included MPPs from various regions, directors of policy from key ministries, and senior advisors from government departments.

Each meeting was an opportunity to educate and influence decision makers, fostering a deeper understanding of the positive impact franchising can have on the economy and local communities.

Here are the members we met with:

Hon. Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
Hon. Doug Downey, Attorney General
Hon. Paul Calandra, Government House Leader, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister Responsible for Red Tape Reduction
Hon. Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board
Hon. Mike Harris, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Hon. Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests
Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
Hon. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business
Hon. Nolan Quinn, Associate Minister of Forestry
Marit Styles, MPP, Leader of His Majesties Loyal Opposition

Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Mississauga – Lakeshore, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Rick Byers, MPP Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Stephanie Bowman, MPP Don Valley West, Liberal Party of Ontario
Laura Smith, MPP Thornhill, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Sheref Sabawy, MPP Mississauga – Erin Mills, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Victoria Podbielski, Office of the Premier of Ontario
Taylor Putnam, Special Advisor, Office of the Minister of Finance
Susan McGovern, Executive Advisor, Office of the Minister of Finance
Joel Cook, Stakeholder Relations Advisor, Office of the Minister of Transportation
Giancarlo Da-Ré,Stakeholder Relations Manager, Office of the Minister of Transportation
Alex Piccini, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Office of the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
Paul Szachlewicz, Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Office of the Associate Minister of Small Business

The Power of Advocacy

Franchise Awareness Day yielded significant takeaways. The event highlighted the collective power of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers coming together under the CFA’s advocacy umbrella. By raising awareness, engaging in meaningful discussions, and sharing success stories, we left this Franchise Awareness Day with new connections and a series of follow-up conversations with key Ministers over the coming weeks and months. Franchise Awareness Day serves as a reminder that every individual within the industry has the power to contribute and make a difference.

It is a catalyst for progress, but the momentum does not end there. You too can play a role in propelling the industry forward. By supporting the CFA’s advocacy work through donations, you actively contribute to a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of franchisors, franchisees, and the entire franchise community. Together, we can continue to advocate for a thriving and dynamic franchising landscape in Canada.

DONATE TO CFA ADVOACY

Conclusion

Franchise Awareness Day 2024 was a smashing success, showcasing the Canadian Franchise Association’s commitment to being the voice of franchising in Canada. Through impactful meetings, insightful discussions, and networking opportunities, Franchise Awareness Day underscored the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change. Franchise Awareness Day was a resounding call to action, reminding us that by working together, we can shape a future where franchising continues to thrive, creating opportunities and prosperity for all.

You can dive in deeper to know more about CFA’s lobbying priorities: