There’s nothing like ending the work week off with a little good news, eh? As the Synergy Merchant Services Blog continues to keep a close eye on the financial landscape of our great nation, we are happy to report today that job opportunities are becoming more plentiful.

As one of our favourite writers from QMI Agency, Sharon Singleton reports today on The Toronto Sun’s website, over 93,000 new jobs were created in the month of June sending Canada’s unemployment rate down to 7.9 per cent. Last month’s job growth was actually five times greater than what economists had expected.

As Singleton points out that this provides proof that Canada’s economy continues to get stronger in the post-recession era as the jobless rate is now below 8 per cent – a feat not accomplished since January 2009. Economists, expected for there to only be 18,000 new jobs in June. Good thing they were wrong!

The most significant thing about the spike in job opportunities last month is the fact that Canada has now recovered almost all of the jobs that were lost during the global financial crisis. In the United States, the unemployment rate continues to be stagnant.

In fact, Canada is easily outdoing its counterpart to the south by leaps and bounds in the job creation field. Singleton writes that according to TD Bank Financial and “adjusting for population, Canada has created four million jobs since July 2009 compared with 176,000 in the U.S.”

Said BMO Capital Markets economist, Benjamin Reitzes: “There’s no arguing with this strong report. The jobs picture clearly shows that the Canadian recovery hasn’t stalled yet, despite signs of slowing momentum in the U.S. and other economies.”

“The provinces of Ontario and Quebec accounted for nearly all the gains,” adds Singleton as the two provinces created 90,000 new jobs in June. Ironically, the controversial G8 and G20 Summits may have been responsible for the addition of so many new job positions in the region.

Singleton notes that the new jobs were split between full-time and part-time workers. The biggest increases were found in the retail, business, health care, service and automotive repair sectors, according to Statistics Canada. The only provinces to experience job declines were Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.

As we mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Toronto has been experiencing quite the scorcher recently. With today marking the fifth straight day that the city has been under a heatwave, the effects that it has had on the economy have become more noticeable.

As QMI Agency’s Sharon Singleton reports today, the extreme heat has significantly increased the demand for such items as fans, sunscreen, water, sports drinks, coolers, picnic-ware, sporting goods and of course, summer clothing. The weather, naturally, presents the perfect opportunity for retailers to cash in on their ‘cooling down products’.

Toronto isn’t the only city experiencing such warm weather in Southern Ontario, obviously. Temperatures in the high 30s on the Celcius thermometre were recorded in Ottawa and in some parts of Quebec, reports Singleton. Many states south of the border are feeling the heat as well.

All of these areas are realizing that beating the heat does come with a price. In addition to the variety of items that become more like necessities during the hot days of summer, natural gas prices also become more costly. With households cranking up the air conditioning and fans, electricity bills are sure to spike as well.

Singleton reports, however that Ontario is prepared for the increased demand for hydro. Apparently, the province is yet to hit record numbers thus far. Explains Singleton: “On Wednesday, demand topped 25,000 megawatts, compared with record demand of 27,005 megawatts on August 1, 2006. In more normal summer temperatures, demand runs at about 20,000.”

Added IESO communications advisor, Martina Holmsen: “This week we’ve had adequate supply to meet demand. In the past few years Ontario has been bringing more supply online and we are in a positive supply situation.”

So it doesn’t look as if we’ve hit the hottest temperatures of all time just yet, but the way things are looking, records may be broken in the coming days. We would like to remind everyone to do their best to beat the heat by keeping hydrated and not staying in the sun for too lengthy a time period this week.

In addition, we would also like to congratulate all of the small business owners how are prospering from the summer heat. We are sure there is nothing better for them than to have their sales heat up along with the weather.

Could it get any hotter in Toronto? The home of the Synergy Merchant Services headquarters has been experiencing quite the scorcher lately. With temperatures in their mid-30s, that feel like they are in their early 40s (Celcius, of course), the City of Toronto is definitely in the midst of yet another heatwave.

With that, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to suggest to business owners from all over Canada that they start heating things up. In the past, we have thrown quite a few suggestions and tips the way of the Canadian entrepreneur. Our clients are very well aware of just how helpful these tips have been in getting their businesses to experience a new hot streak.

So what can you do to fire things up with your company? Many business owners have utilized our innovative merchant cash advance program to renovate their locations. We often hear, that a fresh start always brings about fresh interest. Perhaps, it’s time to repaint the walls, get new signage for the front of the store or even revamp your entire set up.

There are other ways in which you can turn up the heat on your competitors, of course. Many Synergy clients enjoy putting their cash advances towards new advertising campaigns. Do you operate your business in an area where a new flyering strategy may be appropriate? Is taking out ads in the newspaper or local magazine a more sound strategy? Maybe it’s even time for you to be heard on the radio!

It doesn’t stop there. One of our most excited clients is one who purchases new inventory each and every summer. Knowing that he will be able to get a good deal during the warmer months of the year on winter clothing, he always turns a fantastic profit once the weather cools down and everyone heads to his store to pick up their gear for the upcoming cold season.

This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve suggested this but it begs repeating. With such sunny and hot days taking place, it provides the opportune time for your company to host an outdoor event of some kind. Perhaps your merchant cash advance would best be spent on creating a contest of some kind that customers can enter when they visit your event.

A barbeque is always fun. Free food and prizes will be relatively small expenditures when compared to the large increase in your customer base that is a benefit to holding such events. Now, we know it’s hot outside, but there’s always time to heat things up even more.

So contact a licensed funding specialist at Synergy Merchant Services today. It’s the least you can do for your company. Discover just how much hotter your company can be through a simple and timely review of your monthly merchant statements. No collateral, no liens, no sweat!

Back in April, when the BP oil rip mishap caused the worst oil spill in American history, many became outraged at the irreparable harm that was being done to the environment. And even though we began blogging on this issue in early May, some Canadians still consider the issue a foreign concern.

Well, today Lesley Ciarula Taylor of The Toronto Star reports on just one of the many ways in which the horrific oil spill is affecting Canadians. Most specifically, a certain type of Canadian is experiencing some lasting negative effects at the hands of the thousands of barrels of oil being pumped into the Gulf of Mexico each day.

That Canadian would be the loon. The loon, which perhaps, is best known for adorning the face of the Canadian one dollar coin – thus, giving it the nickname “loonie” – is among the “up to 60 species of Canadian migratory birds that are in danger of being trapped in the toxic net of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.”

Taylor reports that bird experts notice that dozens of Canadian bird species migrate to the south beginning in July. Sadly, this year that very migration has lead to the soiling (to put it mildly) of many of these birds, who all risk death, as a result.

In an interview with The Star, Ted Cheskey of Nature Canada said that “The Gulf is at the crossroads of the Americas for migrating birds. Several species are going to take huge hits. The reality is that birds seem not to be able to avoid it really well.”

In addition to loons, Taylor notes that “pelicans, ducks, geese, cormorants, gannets, herons and grebes are among the many species that could get sucked into the spill vortex during their migrations.” According to Greg Butcher, the director of bird conservation for the U.S. National Audubon Society, upwards of one billion birds may be affected by this tragic oil spill.

Canadians may be wondering what action, if any, may be taken by the United States to help wildlife who migrate from the north. Interestingly, Taylor reveals that there is a migratory bird treaty that exists between the North American nations. Therefore, the U.S. is responsible for helping the loons, and other birds that are affected by the oil spill.

Carrol Henderson, the non-game wildlife program supervisor of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reveals this, in addition to noting that the loon also happens to be the state bird of Minnesota. Helping these birds, are necessary, she mentions as birds see oil and water in the same way and are generally unable to tell the difference between the two.

Naturally, there are many who will fall victim to the polluted waters off the shores of Louisiana this summer.

As our blog reported on June 29th, extensive damage was caused by protesters and rioters to storefronts in the downtown Toronto area during the G20 Summit. Many of these small business owners are seeking compensation from the government to cover the numerous repairs that are necessary to get the businesses back up and running as normal.

Today, The Toronto Star’s business reporter, Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew reports that receiving compensation will not be an easy task. Although commercial businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals do have 90 days to apply for the compensation, accountants reveals that the claims will require extensive and detailed information.

Acharya-Tom Yew notes that “claims must include information on revenues and costs from the preceding three years, or the inception of the business.” Assembling all of this information, of course, is bound to take quite a bit of time for most business owners. For many, an accounting nightmare is ahead.

Said forensic accountant, Ari Kashton of Soberman LLP: “Ninety days sounds like a long time but it’s really a very short time frame. To assemble all this information takes time. Companies have to find the extra time and resources to file a properly supported claim when many are already stretched for resources.”

Acharya-Tom Yew goes on to reveal that supporting documentation will be required by those making claims in order to back up their estimates for damage. This may include everything from daily sales reports, tax filing and even bank or credit card statements.

Not only will documentation be required but written explanations will have to be submitted outlining such things as how much money the business could have earned had the G20 Summit not encouraged the destructive rioting. Other details include the steps that businesses may have taken to minimize damage during the summit, if any.

Explains Acharya-Tom Yew: “As well, they have to show that any lost sales were not subsequently recovered. For instance, a retailer that saw a slowdown in business prior to the summit could see a sharp spike in sales in July if customers simply delayed their purchases. That pattern would have to be taken into account when applying for compensation.”

Evidently, the damage done to storefronts in downtown Toronto is set to have long-lasting effects on the store owners. Recouping their losses will require a great deal of effort and time, not to mention hassle and inconvenience.

As we announced in yesterday’s blog, Harmonized Sales Tax has officially come into effect in both British Columbia and Ontario. Although many Ontarians have been vocal in their opposition of the new 13% tax which combines GST and PST, B.C. residents have been especially outspoken against the new tax.

Lobbying against the HST for months leading up to its inception, many groups are worried about the significant increase to the cost of living that will be thrust upon families. Even for some business owners, trying to calculate the new tax into the cost of their products has already become a nuisance.

As Kim Westad and David Karp report on The Vancouver Sun’s website, having HST take off on Canada Day was an annoying circumstance for a number of entrepreneurs in British Columbia. Hot dog stand owner, Fred Picard is one of them. Insisting that Canada Day is his busiest day of the year, Picard couldn’t be bothered to reconfigure his prices to include HST so he was forced to “eat” the tax for the day.

Before he even opened his stand yesterday, he had a line up of customers waiting. He wasn’t in the spirit of keeping them waiting any longer. His slogan for the day: “Today, you eat our dogs and we’ll eat the extra tax.”

Restaurant meals, remind Westad and Karp, are among the most popular expenditures that will be subject to the new HST. Previously, people were not taxed both the five per cent GST and the seven per cent PST in B.C. to dine out.

The writers also cite The Noodle Box general manager Sarah Wagstaff who said that she was forced to spend nearly a month preparing the chain’s two locations for the change to HST. The majority of her work involved manually changing prices on menu boards to incorporate the new tax.

In addition, the restaurant’s tills had to be reprogrammed. Needless to say, it was a cumbersome experience that Wagstaff is happy to now have over.

So far, however, tourism in B.C. has not been affected by the new Harmonized Sales Tax, as most visitors are not even aware of the change. Said Maryland native, Sabra Kurth: “It wouldn’t have made a difference to us — we wanted to see B.C.”

B.C. residents, however, are already feeling the pinch in their wallets. The ever-popular Tim Hortons coffee and donut chain has had its prices impacted by HST – something that many will notice in a quick period of time. Just ask Curtis Gregory who bought a large coffee yesterday morning for $1.70. That price would usually get him an extra large.

Said Gregory about the new HST: “They say it’s going to create more jobs and business, but it’s not going to because people aren’t going to be spending as much money out.”

Happy Canada Day everyone! Or is it? Today, in Ontario and British Columbia, the dreaded Harmonized Sales Tax officially took effect. As of midnight last night, HST became law in both provinces. As Antonella Artuso reports on The Toronto Sun’s website, HST will now combine the former Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), meaning that services and utilities that were previously exempt from provincial sales tax will be up 8 per cent starting today.

What a way to celebrate the nation’s birthday, eh? Of course, many people are worried about having the cost of living increase significantly. In an attempt to avert Ontarians from worry, the provincial government sent out mini-booklets in the mail last week to serve as information packages about the new HST.

In the booklet, it reminds citizens that they already pay 13 per cent tax on most items as GST was 5 per cent and PST was 8 per cent previously. On things that required no PST or GST – groceries, prescription drugs and public transit, as examples – there will still be no sales tax.

As well, products like books and children’s clothing will still only be taxed 5 per cent under HST. However, legal fees, gas and home heating will all be subject to an 8 per cent tax increase under the new Harmonized Sales Tax implementation.

Artuso reports that to assist citizens with this change, “the government has cut personal income taxes, mailed HST rebate cheques and ushered in a seniors property tax cut beginning Canada Day.”

Revenue Minister John Wilkinson attempts to explain the benefits of HST to Ontarians: “It will take some time for the tax cuts to work their way through the system…We have to stop in this province having two governments tripping over themselves trying to tax every transaction twice when once will do.”

Wilkinson also believes that HST will help repair the damage done to Ontario by the loss of a quarter million jobs in 2009. A more “efficient and competitive business environment” is expected to be an inevitable result of introducing HST in the province.

Artuso also mentions that “British Columbia is harmonizing its sales taxes on the same day, and the furious response from its citizens far outstrips any reaction in Ontario.” B.C. residents have significantly been more vocal about the changes to their taxes that start today. Apparently, they are not convinced that HST will create improvements of any kind. Instead, it will cost the average family a lot more money to live. Happy Canada Day indeed.

On the eve of Canada Day, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all visitors to our great country. And hey, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting the Great White North (it’s really not all that white, to be honest with you!), now would be the best time.

In addition to the numerous Canada Day celebrations that will be taking place all over the country tomorrow, the summer months offer up the best weather and most exciting experiences. And believe it or not, Canadians really know how to party! Please don’t let the events surrounding this past weekend’s G20 Summit in Toronto deter you.

Now if you were to travel to Canada this summer, you would be joining a long list of others who have made our nation their travel destination of choice this year. As The Canadian Press reported earlier today on The Toronto Star’s website, “tourism spending in Canada increased 1.3 per cent in the first quarter, as both international visitors to Canada and Canadians spent more.”

Statistics Canada reports that this marks the “third straight increase in tourism spending after four consecutive quarters of declines.” Spending by international visitors also increased by 5.9 per cent, creating the largest quarterly increase in visitor spending since the end of 2003.

Naturally, the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games held earlier this year contributed to the increase. People from all over the world flocked to the west coast of Canada to cheer on their country’s athletes in what became one of the most thrilling Olympic events ever.

Canada, of course, must have left a great impression on the many visitors by racking up a record number of medals. Not to mention, the hospitality that Canadians are known for always makes a great impact on those visiting the country.

It’s no wonder then, that “spending by international visitors on accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, and non-tourism commodities, such as groceries and clothing, all increased during the first quarter.”

So on the day before Canadians celebrate the birth of their nation, we would like to congratulate…well, ourselves! Good job Canada. You continue to lead the world in recession recovery AND showing the world your nation is a great place to visit.

The past weekend, and practically all of last week, the G20 Summit made headline news. The Synergy Merchant Services Blog also covered the events and sadly, pointed out that the news was not all very positive. Of course, as we all know, protests swelled into riot-like behaviour causing extensive damage to a number of businesses in the downtown core.

Today, CTV reports that “Toronto business owners are looking for compensation for smashed windows and damaged storefronts resulting from the weekend’s G20 protests, but so far the federal government has given no indication whether it plans to pay up.”

Ironically, many of the protesters were rallying against the G20 Summit due to the enormous cost it had for the City of Toronto to host it. Now, many of the protesters who involved themselves in acts of criminality will essentially be costing the nation even more money to repair the abundance of damage.

CTV’s website points out that the federal government did think about offering compensation for business owners who were operating within security zones before the Summit began. Evidently, many of these businesses had to shut down over the weekend while the G20 Summit was taking place.

However, business owners operating outside of the security zone who still became victims of vandalism and senseless destruction are unsure about whether or not they will be compensated.

According to Joe MacDonald of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area, owners will be contacting their insurance companies to discover the type of coverage they have against the damage done to their storefronts. However, recourse from any level of government is very much on the minds of many who operate businesses in the downtown core.

Said MacDonald: “There is a clause that seems to work in our favour, but we have to pursue that with the federal government and with the City of Toronto.”

City councilor Adam Vaughan represents a downtown Toronto ward that was hit hard by rioting. He remarked that most of the businesses in his district are small, family-run companies.

Implored Vaughan: “They are simply asking Ottawa to provide compensation and pick up the tab for what clearly is exceptional damage to businesses and much of it is not covered by insurance — you can’t get much coverage for broken windows and vandalism in Toronto…Surely Ottawa and Stephen Harper has an obligation to render the city whole again.”

Well, we were warned. But even with all of the information provided by the news media last week about the threat of impending violence at the hands of G20 protesters, it was still horrifying to witness the unabashed events of this past weekend.

Last week, the Synergy Merchant Services Blog discussed the G20 Summit being held in Toronto, Ontario by touching upon some of the financial implications that it would have on local business. In addition, we discussed the numerous rallies and protests that were in the works. Everything from equal rights to poverty were issues that were being raised by protesters.

But, as was alluded to earlier, the protests were marred by merciless vandalism and destruction by who most people would refer to as “thugs”. Television sets across the nation were emitting live feeds from the streets of Toronto depicting police cruisers being torched and storefronts being vandalized. Known as the “Black Bloc”, this group of people took to the streets with one thing on their minds: destruction.

To be clear, Wikipedia.org describes “black bloc” as a tactic, not an organized group. So the individuals dressed in black garments causing most of the damage this past weekend were not necessarily part of some vigilante organization. Instead, they were viewed as hoodlums who were hurting the overall objective of the peaceful protesters who took to the streets to raise awareness for their causes during the G20 Summit.

As Don Peat of The Toronto Sun reported earlier today, a shocking 900 arrests were made in Toronto over the past weekend. He describes: “Most of those arrests occurred after a peaceful protest turned into a violent rampage through the city by a group of protesters using so-called Black Bloc techniques. Before Saturday’s riot that left four police cruisers burning in the city’s streets, police had only arrested 32 individuals for G20 security-related incidents.”

By today, the various world leaders attending the Summit had already left the city. But left behind was the damage done to numerous shops on Toronto’s major streets. Stores and banks on both Queen Street and Yonge Street were among those that suffered the most significant damage.

The Integrated Security Unit reports that while a number of individuals who were arrested over the weekend will be released, many others will be attending court. As of today, the security perimeters that were set up are now essentially being lifted so that citizens are no longer required to show identification to move through it.

The G20 Summit is over. But the scars left on the City of Toronto have been left behind. News reports have indicated that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has viewed the Summit as a success. However, many business owners and citizens alike in the downtown area likely disagree.

The G20 Summit is officially underway in Toronto. As has been reported widely throughout the week, the meeting of twenty world leaders in the largest city in Canada has brought with it great controversy leading to mass protests and rallies.

In support of many seemingly forgotten issues and in opposition to the monstrous cost of hosting the summit, citizens have gathered in abundance in an effort to make a point. Predicting conflict, police donning riot gear have been stationed all over the downtown core.

Today, Jenny Yuen of The Toronto Sun reports that protesters have been clashing with police and some arrests have been made. There has been pushing and shoving in addition to the throwing of random objects, but thankfully no major violence to speak of.

Some G20 protesters were marching along Carlton Street in downtown Toronto today. Organized by the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, its organizer John Clarke warns that the protests that are approaching in the upcoming days “will not be friendly”.

Announced Clarke: “Down with the filthy G-20 and everything it represents. Your system is bankrupt, your system is vile and we’re going to fight it.” Yuen reports that, so far, police have made 18 arrests. Clarke’s words caution, however, that there may be more.

According to Ontario Community Safety Minister Rick Bartolucci, the police have responded very well to the security of the international event. Earlier today, he spoke about their ability to keep both the citizens of Toronto and the participants of the summit safe.

Said Bartolucci: “My understanding is that there has only been 18 arrests and only two of those 18 arrested are being detained. When you consider what has happened in the past in other jurisdictions, I think there’s something to be said for the level, the competency and the expertise of the policing in the province of Ontario.”

It is advisable, however, that if you are in the Toronto area, you may want to avoid visiting downtown this weekend. There are many barricades up that citizens are being requested not to come five metres within. Needless to day, police are taking the security of the G20 Summit very seriously.

In addition, with more protests to come, it is evident that many people plan on doing everything they can to express their displeasure with the event being hosted in Toronto.

Is there really ever such a thing as the “wrong time” to get money for your business? Many business owners across Canada have responded by saying that “it’s not the right time” when they were first asked about getting additional working capital for their companies.

What exactly does that mean though? It would be strange if a business owner actually meant to say that he or she would wait until things got worse for the company before considering trying to save it. Synergy Merchant Services, of course, is not in the business of trying to save companies.

Instead, our objective has always been to work with companies who are doing well…in an effort to help them to do even better. So when entrepreneurs respond with a “not the right time” response when asked if they could use some extra money, we always remind them that there is no better time than the present to invest into their businesses.

We are firm believers that to assume that there is any time when a business owner should NOT think about growing his or her business is equivalent to having a defeatist attitude. It is no different than assuming that one cannot be successful if they were to put forth an idea into action.

Most often, business owners feel that they will not be successful with their plans because they do not have the working capital necessary to put the plan into action. The notion that banks are making it harder for business owners to get business loans is getting more and more popular.

This is, obviously, due to the fact that banks are lending less and less these days. So, it’s no wonder that some company owners feel that now may not necessarily be the time to grow their businesses through expansion, renovations or the purchase of new inventory.

The quick and easy steps taken to get a merchant cash advance, on the other hand, have helped many a Canadian entrepreneur become successful in making their business dreams come true. There is never a wrong time to take your business to the next level. There is only a wrong attitude in thinking that your business cannot grow now.

Give one of our licensed funding specialists a call today and we are sure that you’ll be glad you did. You know the time is right.

Talking about small businesses in Canada is what the Synergy Merchant Services Blog does best. And how couldn’t it? Providing small businesses in Canada with the easiest way to get extra working capital is what Synergy Merchant Services does best. So it’s not surprising for this blog to discuss different ways in which entrepreneurs in Canada can grow their own small businesses.

This week, however, the City of Toronto – which happens to inhabit Synergy’s headquarters – has been taken over by the anticipation of this coming weekend’s G20 Summit. And while we have touched upon the disruptions in the city as a result of protests and rallies, today we recognize those who have taken the G20 situation as an excellent business opportunity.

In yesterday’s edition of The Toronto Star, Emily Mathieu revealed that “gas masks, flexible plastic sheeting, T-shirts and bullet-proof glass” are all the rage now that the G20 has hit T.O. Apparently, these items will be and are in high demand due to the controversies surrounding the hosting of the summit this weekend.

Mathieu discusses Stadia Industries Ltd., a window and door installation and repair business, which is preparing its workers for action “the moment a brick or rock is thrown through a window.” Apparently, the potential of a riot can translate into big business. However sad this may be, Stadia owner Tim Byrne is confident that this is true.

Said Byrne: “All the guys, all the trucks are being parked at every single building…They are going to sit there until the first rock hits the glass.” He will have employees set up in temporary workshops all over the downtown core this week with several more on call. In the event of a violent protest, they will be ready.

Mathieu writes that “there will also be trucks on standby, ready to drive around the city to seal off broken windows with plywood and boards.” She also notes that Byrne has invested about $65,000 into buying supplies, expanding his staff and arranging for transportation during the G20 Summit.

Evidently, from potential tragedy can come financial triumph. As Byrne explains: “As a Canadian I don’t want anything to happen. But I am also a businessman and I need to take advantage of the situation as business arises.”

Menswear store, GreenShag Bespoke Clothier on Queen Street West feels the exact same way. They currently have a limited edition collection of G20 t-shirts that feature the CN tower fashioned in a way to resemble two fingers flashing the peace sign. They have another with the same tower transformed into just one finger. We’ll allow you to guess which one.

In yesterday’s blog, we visited the most pressing issue in Toronto today. The G20 Summit takes place this coming weekend and has created quite a stir among a large number of citizens of the country’s largest city.

In today’s Toronto Sun, Tom Godfrey reports that protesters of the Summit will be targeting banks and gas stations in the downtown area in the days ahead. Knowing full well that people visit both banks and gas stations on a daily basis, it is evident that protesterts intend on causing major disruptions for Torontotians this week.

At a news conference earlier today, protesters insisted that this weekend’s meeting at the Metro Convention Centre will be met with “days of action” that include rallies in favour of equal rights for people of all genders and races. Two of downtown Toronto’s major streets – Queen and Yonge – became the venues for such rallies earlier today.

Sharmeen Khan, of Toronto Community Mobilization Network, feel that activists are being targeted by police as every rally organizer has been spoken to by law officials. As Godfrey writes, Kahn noted that “two protesters were detained and realeased without charges during a rally on Monday.”

Syed Hussan is the spokesman for Toronto Community Mobilization Network. When asked about why gas stations were being targeted as locations for protesters, he mentioned that they are symbolic. Specifying a short-lived occupation of an Esso station yesterday, Hussan said that “Esso was one of the multinationals bailed out by the government. This is part of our ongoing resistance.”

Toronto sports fans may have something to protest themselves. The furor of the upcoming G20 Summit in Toronto this weekend has forced Major League Baseball to relocate the Toronto Blue Jays’ weekend series with the Philadelphia Phillies to Philadelphia. Blue Jays fans were eagerly anticipating the return of Roy Halladay to Toronto, and now will not get the chance to watch one of their favourites pitch again.

In an extreme rarity, even though the three game series, which takes place June 25-27 will be played in Philly, they will still be considered Toronto home games, with the Jays batting last. The designated hitter rule, which is reserved for American League play, will be in effect as well, even though the Phillies are a National League team.

Needless to say, the G20 Summit in Toronto this weekend is already having a far-reaching impact.

Back after a one week hiatus is your favourite blog – the Synergy Merchants Services Blog! Hey, we all need a vacation right? And with today being the first day of summer, you would figure that a lot of people likely have a lot to get excited about. Well, not so much so in Toronto.

This week, Ontario’s capital is preparing for the G20 Summit. And while this event has made news headlines for weeks, things are truly coming to a head this week as the summit is set to get underway this upcoming weekend. The protests are starting as angry citizens are making their displeasures heard loudly.

G20.org explains that “The Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was established in 1999 to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The inaugural meeting of the G-20 took place in Berlin, on December 15-16, 1999, hosted by German and Canadian finance ministers.”

In today’s edition of The Toronto Sun, Ian Robertson explains that the first major disruptions surrounding this year’s summit are beginning to mount in the city of Toronto. Apparently, such issues as animal liberation to the overwhelming cost of the summit are drawing the ire of Toronto residents.

One protester, Kitchener student Chris Barton insisted that he was present in Toronto for a “peaceful” protest. A member of Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP), Barton simply wished to express the “rights and freedoms” of his group, which has been made to feel ignored by powerful governing bodies.

Said Barton: “If I’m going to be corralled, I’m going to try and break out by any means as long as it’s not violent against a human being.” Robertson reports that no arrests were made today, but the outlook for the rest of the week does not appear as promising.

Venay Menon of The Toronto Star went so far as to suggest that Prime Minister Stephen Harper must hate Toronto for having the G20 Summit take place there. Insisting that the summit has effectively “shackled” the city, Menon outlines that because of the event, Torontonians will be subject to “squadrons of heavily armed officers”, street cameras and military-style checkpoints.

Writes Menon: “Toronto the Good has morphed into Toronto the Caged. We are animals in Mr. Harper’s riled kingdom and he’s the one growling.” The Synergy Merchant Services Blog will keep its eye on this situation throughout the week.