iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 15/06/2026

Rayah Cafe's landlord in Toronto is trying to illegally evict them - this happens to businesses all the time. Why? We have no rules that stop this from happening. @betterwayalliance.bsky.social is pushing for changes so businesses are free to negotiate from a place of fairness - instead of fear.

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Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 09/04/2026

My Fixed Cost Crunch details how retail rents (your local cafe/dry cleaner/maker studio) outpaced minimum wage increases in Toronto from 2019-2024. Rent + insurance are killing good jobs & successful businesses in the city. But we can fix it. Find out how - commercialrent.ca/fixed-cost-c...

An illustration showing megaphone, "Fixed Cost Crunch" stamp, and bar chart on dark blue circular background. Simple line-drawn style graphic representing business cost pressures and data analysis.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Canada Post has seen better days but that doesn't mean we should axe it. The carrier is one of Canada's greatest small business assets. Instead of privatization, let's invest and make it better. Read the Business Case for Investing in Canada Post | betterwayalliance.ca/business-cas...

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 12/01/2026

Most business owners want to create good jobs - but our biggest costs keep spiking. Avg. retail rent in Toronto jumped from $19/sq ft to $49/sq ft between 2019 - 2024. That's a job, business and economy killer. We need to get this under control so Canada's small businesses can invest in workers.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Lucky Lin's in Scarborough closed after 34 years. Their landlord chose not to renew the lease. In Canada, commercial tenants have zero protections. A landlord's decision can erase decades of work overnight. We're working with all three levels of government to change this at commercialrent.ca

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Youth unemployment is a crisis. Small biz wants to hire but costs keep rising. 70%+ of CDN businesses have <10 employees & face the same cost pressure as workers. Good jobs policy IS small biz policy. @votetanille.bsky.social @heathermcpherson.bsky.social @avilewis.ca @tonymcquailndp.bsky.social

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Comics from St. John's. Literary mysteries from Ottawa. Small-batch skincare from Ontario. BWA members do it right. They create good jobs, support workers & build community across Canada. This holiday season, make your spending count. Shop the BWA 2025 Market: betterwayalliance.ca/bwa-2025-hol...

BWA 2025 Gift Guide cover on evergreen background with text "Discover gifts from Canadian businesses creating good jobs & supporting strong local neighbourhoods across the country

Holiday gift guide featuring Downtown Comics (St. John's), Little Mushroom sustainable hosting guide (Cambridge), and Designs by Nature jewelry (Toronto) against evergreen background.

Holiday gift guide featuring Sparx Publishing's Circular Economy Magazine (Vancouver), Sugarmoon skincare balm (Ontario), and The Spaniel's Tale book subscription box (Ottawa) against evergreen background.

Holiday gift guide featuring Broadview Press classic literature box set (Peterborough), Bode Spa beard oil (Ottawa/Toronto), and Crank Coffee beans with mug (Canada-wide) against evergreen background.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

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.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 02/10/2025

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 · 25/09/2025

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 · 15/09/2025

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 · 28/07/2025

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

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.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 12/06/2025

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 · 09/06/2025

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.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

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.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 21/05/2025

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 · 09/05/2025

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 · 07/05/2025

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!

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

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. 1/2

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Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 29/04/2025

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 · 29/04/2025

Helllooooooooooo 👇👇👇👇👇👇

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

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.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 17/04/2025

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. 1/3

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

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...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

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

bit.ly

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

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

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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Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 14/04/2025

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 · 11/04/2025

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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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 09/04/2025

Culture is THE 2025 growth strategy for Canadian business. As some U.S. companies gut DEI & slash investment in people, it's Canada's time to invest in workforce & unlock productivity + stability. Read in the @betterwayalliance.bsky.social blog | betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Why are so many Canadian small businesses stuck or shutting down? It’s not a mystery: 👉 Commercial rent hikes (100-300%) 👉 No access to capital 👉 Rising costs + stagnant supports We unpack it all in our new video. 🎥 Full convo here: youtu.be/eBWCFhmcKWU

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

@dxcsummit.bsky.social 2025 was stellar. So glad to hear a vision for community wealth building from @mendelmatt.bsky.social and Claire Trottier. A strong Canadian economy starts with fair business rent, investment in local biz, and - yes - taxing the wealthy. @scpartners.bsky.social for more!

The image shows a stage at the "Democracy Xchange" event, presented by The Dais. On the large screen behind the stage, a panel discussion titled "Plenary: New Ideas for a Democratic Economy" is being introduced, featuring speakers Matthew Mendelsohn from Social Capital Partners, Dan Draper from Build Canada, Clare Trottier of Exotraic Millionaires Canada, and The Logic's Murad Hemmadi.

Four people are seated on black chairs on the stage, engaging in a panel discussion. The stage is lit with purple and pink accent lighting.

In the foreground, a sign reads "DEMOCRACY XCHANGE" along with logos of the event sponsors.

The juxtaposition of the panel screen introducing new ideas for democracy with the "Democracy Xchange" branding suggests this is a conference focused on discussing and sharing innovative approaches to strengthening democratic systems and economies. The range of speakers from business, non-profit and media backgrounds implies a multidisciplinary approach to the topic.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 04/04/2025

Canada is going through a tough time. But what do we have going for us? Find out at Advantage Canada. @lilianac.bsky.social & I wrote short essays on how Canadian governments can rise to the moment by supporting small biz. Read @betterwayalliance.bsky.social | betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

HOVR is a Toronto based ride-share company that believes "100 Fare is 100% Fair". Their drivers receive the full amount you pay in app - and many are direct shareholders in the company. It's time Uber & Lyft are held to account by a better real-life option. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 15/03/2025

I'm technically on vacation but have to talk about this one. In 2024/25 I've spoken to many biz owners forced out when landlords jacked rent by 10s or 100s of percentage points. Their spaces are increasingly filled by US chains. Why won't these landlords support Canadian businesses over dollars?

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Golden Wheat Bakery on Toronto's College Street is gone after 32 years because of a giant rent hike. Toronto retail rents have jumped 130% in 5 years - what business can afford this? In some towns, increases hit 300%. Unaffordable rent hike are killing small businesses across Canada. 1/2

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Wages. Rent caps. They're way more tied together than most people think. Most businesses want to pay more - but in a city like Toronto, landlords have raised retail rents almost 130% on average in 5 years. Making it impossible to even keep the doors open. Fair rent = better wages. Listen 👇👇👇

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 12/03/2025

Let's not call a giant rent increase unprecedented. Retail rents in Toronto have jumped 130% since 2020. This is SUPER precedented in every neighborhood across TO. Worse? Like many locally owned businesses, Golden Wheat will likely be replaced by an American chain. www.blogto.com/eat_drink/20...

A display case filled with a variety of colorful and appetizing pastries and desserts. The shelves are packed with different types of cakes, tarts, eclairs, and other baked goods, featuring yellow, red, chocolate, and white colors. The image accompanies an article about a Toronto bakery shutting down after 32 years due to a significant rent increase.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Imagine being the landlord that tells Glenda her rent is going up by 120%. It's easy to assume that giant rent increases are something that only businesses in Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary experience. But it happens everywhere, including Cowichan BC. www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/home/lake-co...

An elderly woman with short, curly hair and glasses sits at a desk in an office. She is wearing a burgundy blouse and a dark jacket, and is working on paperwork with a desk lamp nearby. The desk is cluttered with documents, a laptop, and some decorative wooden boards. The image is of Glenda Osborne-Burg, manager of Gerard's Specialty Foods in Lake Cowichan, who is concerned about rising commercial rent in the town.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 10/03/2025

Want to know why big American tech is so hard to compete with? Toronto is promoting 'Buy Canadian' while reimbursing staff Uber & Lyft rides. It's time for them to ditch the US techbros and support local companies like Beck + HOVR. @thestar.com | www.thestar.com/news/gta/tor...

A text passage discussing ride-hailing services in Canada, featuring quotes from Harrison Amit, CEO of Hovr, and Kristine Hubbard from Beck Taxi. The text focuses on supporting local transportation businesses and criticizing unregulated American companies like Uber and Lyft. The article suggests stopping reimbursements for rides with U.S.-based ride-hailing services and prioritizing domestic transportation options.

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Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 08/03/2025

Coming soon from our team at the @betterwayalliance.bsky.social... If you own a business or run a BIA/Chamber, dm me for more details.

A promotional poster with a black background featuring the text "THIS BUSINESS IS PROUDLY CANADIAN" in white and red letters. A red maple leaf, symbolizing Canada, is centered on the poster. At the bottom, there's a web address: "PROUDLYCANADIANOWNED.CA" and text encouraging viewers to print their own flyer and support local businesses.

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Reposted by Better Way Alliance

Aaron Binder @aaronbinder.com · 04/03/2025

Tariffs just hit Canada. Does your biz need to save $$$ while keeping staff employed? The Canadian government's Work-Sharing Program lets businesses reduce hours instead of jobs, with EI helping cover lost wages. Keep staff. Stay stable. Ride this out. Learn more: www.canada.ca/en/employmen...

This image is a reminder about Canada’s Work-Sharing Program in the context of a 25% tariff imposed on Canada by the US. It includes a brief text emphasizing that the program helps keep staff employed on modified schedules. The image shows a worker in a factory environment, wearing safety goggles and ear protection, using a measuring tape on a piece of metal or other material. The design features bright borders and modern text highlighting the work-sharing reminder.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Canada can supercharge small business with smart investments: ↗️ NextGen Ownership Fund – Help local entrepreneurs buy retiring businesses 🏡 Biz Owner Mortgages – A path to property ownership 💰 Business Insurance Reform – More competition, lower costs 🏢 Fair Commercial Rent – Stop predatory leases

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Matthew Mendelsohn @mendelmatt.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Political parties that care about small businesses and Canadian sovereignty should be making commitments on commercial rent. Our economy is being transformed. We are losing independent Canadian businesses. We own less of our economy. There are real solutions.

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Wondering why your favourite small businesses keep disappearing? It's often not bad luck - it's bad rent. To stop main street chainification - Ontario businesses need better this election. Fair rent, insurance & pathways to owning instead of renting. Discover | betterwayalliance.ca/ontario-elec...

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Better Way Alliance @betterwayalliance.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

🚨 68% rent increases. Soaring insurance costs. Lingering debt. Tariff threats. Ontario’s small businesses don’t need band-aid fixes—we need real solutions. Here’s how the next government can supercharge local businesses: 1/3 👇👇

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