About the Better Way Alliance
The Better Way Alliance is Canada’s Ethical Employer Network.
Our team advocates for decent work employment practices with governments, politicians, and media. Our members are business leaders that invest in workers as their organization’s greatest asset.
Decent work practices develop resilient and community-focused Main Streets across Canada.
Recently we’ve launched our Commercial Rent Reform campaign to update Commercial Tenancy Acts & ensure that business owners have a level playing field when negotiating commercial leases.
We can’t create and maintain good local jobs if we can’t pay the rent!
BWA Beginnings
The BWA was launched in 2017 by a group of business owners that saw the economic and human value of higher minimum wages. Our efforts helped lead the Ontario government adopting a $15 minimum wage. Subsequent study has shown this was a huge benefit to the province’s economy.
Since then, the BWA has added Paid Sick Days and Fair Scheduling policy ideas to our ethical employer platform. These policies benefit businesses by creating higher retention along with healthier and more productive employees.
Does this sound like you?
Join us – membership is free for 2025.
Our Values
Our mission is rooted in the belief that business success should harmonize with societal welfare, advocating for policies that ensure equitable opportunities and benefits for all.
Champions of Fair Business Practices
The Better Way Alliance (BWA) believes in the power of fair business practices to foster a thriving, sustainable economy.
We advocate for policies that ensure fair wages, reasonable work hours, and equitable workplace conditions. Our commitment is to a business environment where fairness prevails over exploitation, promoting prosperity for business owners, employees, and Canada’s economy.
Advocates for Equality in the Workplace
Equality isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. That’s why we push for inclusive policies that support diversity and equal opportunity across all levels of employment.
The BWA stands against discrimination and champions a workplace where everyone, regardless of background or identity, can succeed.
Supporters of Economic Justice
We strive for a level playing field in the business world. This means tackling the systemic barriers that small and medium-sized enterprises face in competing with larger corporations.
Fair commercial rent policies & supporting legislation that helps locally owned businesses – our goal is to enhance economic justice for business owners & their employees.
Believers in Community Collaboration
Community and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. The BWA fosters partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and community leaders to enhance the social and economic well-being of the neighborhoods we serve.
By working together, we believe it is possible to achieve changes that build a fair economy for every Canadian.
Pioneers of Ethical Employment
Ethical employment practices are key to our philosophy. We promote not just the creation of jobs but the creation of good jobs—positions that offer decent pay, respectful conditions, and opportunities for advancement.
Our members are role models within their respective industries, proving that ethical employment is possible, profitable, and an integral part of community-building.
Our team primarily works in 3 areas:
Policy Development and
Government Relations
We’re constantly developing deeper relationships with all 3 levels of government to create better policies for business owners and their employees.
We’re leading the way to a better and fairer economy for everyone in Canada by engaging with elected officials and key bureaucrats. From time to time, we call on our Members to write letters, speak to media, and join us in meetings with elected officials.
Business Owner and
Workforce Development
Your business may find ideas like Paid Sick Days, Fair Scheduling and Higher Wages commonplace.
You know why they’re better for your business – but not everyone does. It’s why we love telling our Member business stories far and wide. Their success helps other business owners understand the value of good jobs.
We develop tools that help business owners realize the improved resilience and financial viability that decent work jobs bring to an enterprise – creating more resilient businesses and economic communities in Canada.
Sustainable Economy Development
We’re keen believers that people are any organization’s greatest asset. Every step we take toward helping businesses & government’s realize this through action equals a rising tide that lifts all boats.
We believe that businesses should be able to make profit – but not at the expense of people and poverty. And this is possible – our members prove it every day. To build a strong and sustainable future economy, we need to put people first.