Canadian government won't rule out changing immigration targets to address housing challenges
Canada’s housing minister says the federal government isn’t ruling out changes to its ambitious immigration targets, but maintains the country should also focus on what it can do to increase housing supply when it comes to addressing current housing challenges.
“When we look to the future of immigration levels planning, we want to maintain ambition and immigration, but we want to better align our immigration policies with the absorptive capacity of communities that includes housing, that includes health care, that includes infrastructure," Sean Fraser said in an interview.
Fraser said he believes the federal government has “some work to do” with its temporary immigration programs, which currently operate on the basis of demand in an “uncapped way.“
#housing #immigration
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada’s housing minister says the federal government isn’t ruling out changes to its ambitious immigration targets, but maintains the country should also focus on what it can do to increase housing supply when it comes to addressing current housing challenges.
“When we look to the future of immigration levels planning, we want to maintain ambition and immigration, but we want to better align our immigration policies with the absorptive capacity of communities that includes housing, that includes health care, that includes infrastructure," Sean Fraser said in an interview.
Fraser said he believes the federal government has “some work to do” with its temporary immigration programs, which currently operate on the basis of demand in an “uncapped way.“
#housing #immigration
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🎓Canadian universities don’t want a cap on international students
There has been some discussion about possibly limiting the number of international students due to the housing crisis.
Canada currently has 800,000 student permit holders and several federal ministers have hinted that the number be capped in the future to ease housing demand.
At the same time, universities and colleges are pushing back as experts say the fees they can charge international students “fill the gap” in funding for their operations.
Universities' reliance on international students has increased over the past few decades, with the number of international students quadrupling since 2000.
According to Statistics Canada, the gulf between domestic and international fees is significant. In the 2022/2023 academic year, the average domestic student in Canada paid $6,834 in tuition. By contrast, the average international student paid nearly six times that amount at $36,123.
A Global Affairs Canada report said international students in Canada spend $22.3 billion on tuition, accommodation, and discretionary spending every year. This is in addition to international students being a major source of labour for Canada, which has faced a severe worker shortage in recent years.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
There has been some discussion about possibly limiting the number of international students due to the housing crisis.
Canada currently has 800,000 student permit holders and several federal ministers have hinted that the number be capped in the future to ease housing demand.
At the same time, universities and colleges are pushing back as experts say the fees they can charge international students “fill the gap” in funding for their operations.
Universities' reliance on international students has increased over the past few decades, with the number of international students quadrupling since 2000.
According to Statistics Canada, the gulf between domestic and international fees is significant. In the 2022/2023 academic year, the average domestic student in Canada paid $6,834 in tuition. By contrast, the average international student paid nearly six times that amount at $36,123.
A Global Affairs Canada report said international students in Canada spend $22.3 billion on tuition, accommodation, and discretionary spending every year. This is in addition to international students being a major source of labour for Canada, which has faced a severe worker shortage in recent years.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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BC begins construction of 50-kilometer Woodfibre LNG pipeline
Construction crews have begun working on a 50-kilometer liquified natural gas project that is expected to provide 2.1 million tonnes of LNG per year to Asia and other parts of the world.
The Woodfibre LNG pipeline is being built near Squamish and construction modules are being fabricated in Qingdao City, China which will then be transported to Canada upon completion.
According to Woodfibre LNG president Christine Kennedy, the pipeline will play a critical role in the world’s energy future.
Fortis BC already began constructing the 50-kilometer long pipeline in August which will be used to deliver the fuel to the Squamish Compressor Station.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Construction crews have begun working on a 50-kilometer liquified natural gas project that is expected to provide 2.1 million tonnes of LNG per year to Asia and other parts of the world.
The Woodfibre LNG pipeline is being built near Squamish and construction modules are being fabricated in Qingdao City, China which will then be transported to Canada upon completion.
According to Woodfibre LNG president Christine Kennedy, the pipeline will play a critical role in the world’s energy future.
Fortis BC already began constructing the 50-kilometer long pipeline in August which will be used to deliver the fuel to the Squamish Compressor Station.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Poll finds more than half of Canadians want fewer immigrants than Ottawa’s target
🔹More than half of Canadians want the federal government to accept fewer immigrants than it is planning for in 2023, a new poll shows – a rise from one in three in March.
The poll also found that 55 per cent of Canadians want Canada to accept fewer international students than the 900,000 expected by the government this year.
A Nanos poll found a rise of almost 20 percentage points in the past six months in the number of Canadians who think this country should accept fewer immigrants than Ottawa’s 2023 target.
🔹In its 2023-2025 plan for immigration levels, Ottawa set its target for this year at 465,000 new permanent residents, with a target of 485,000 in 2024 and another 500,000 in 2025.
#immigration
🍁 Maple Chronicles
🔹More than half of Canadians want the federal government to accept fewer immigrants than it is planning for in 2023, a new poll shows – a rise from one in three in March.
The poll also found that 55 per cent of Canadians want Canada to accept fewer international students than the 900,000 expected by the government this year.
A Nanos poll found a rise of almost 20 percentage points in the past six months in the number of Canadians who think this country should accept fewer immigrants than Ottawa’s 2023 target.
🔹In its 2023-2025 plan for immigration levels, Ottawa set its target for this year at 465,000 new permanent residents, with a target of 485,000 in 2024 and another 500,000 in 2025.
#immigration
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🏠 B.C. sets maximum allowable rent increase for 2024 below inflation rate
The provincial government has set the maximum allowable rent increase for 2024 at 3.5 per cent, which is below the inflation rate.
In a statement, the B.C. government said the rent cap is “well below” the 12-month average inflation rate of 5.6 per cent and applies to rent increases with an effective date on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
Any landlords wanting to increase rent must provide three month’s notice to tenants and rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
The government said as inflation returns to normal levels, it intends to return to an annual rent increase that is tied to B.C.’s Consumer Price Index.
#BritishColumbia #housing
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The provincial government has set the maximum allowable rent increase for 2024 at 3.5 per cent, which is below the inflation rate.
In a statement, the B.C. government said the rent cap is “well below” the 12-month average inflation rate of 5.6 per cent and applies to rent increases with an effective date on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
Any landlords wanting to increase rent must provide three month’s notice to tenants and rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
The government said as inflation returns to normal levels, it intends to return to an annual rent increase that is tied to B.C.’s Consumer Price Index.
#BritishColumbia #housing
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Canadian actors' union blames 'corporate greed' for long-running labour disputes
Two unions representing actors and media professionals held a rally on Saturday outside the Toronto headquarters of Amazon and Apple, to highlight the plight of their members in long-running labour disputes.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists is seeking higher pay, protections and benefits for its members. Members of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have been striking for better pay and protection from the use of artificial intelligence, among other things.
ACTRA president Eleanor Noble said her union has been locked out of its commercial jurisdiction by Canadian advertisers for "an unconscionable 501 days," while SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for 58 days.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Two unions representing actors and media professionals held a rally on Saturday outside the Toronto headquarters of Amazon and Apple, to highlight the plight of their members in long-running labour disputes.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists is seeking higher pay, protections and benefits for its members. Members of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have been striking for better pay and protection from the use of artificial intelligence, among other things.
ACTRA president Eleanor Noble said her union has been locked out of its commercial jurisdiction by Canadian advertisers for "an unconscionable 501 days," while SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for 58 days.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Trans Mountain oil pipeline faces nine-month delay over route dispute
The expansion of a government-owned oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Coast could be delayed by nine months if regulators don’t approve a route alteration, the project’s builder said in a regulatory filing.
The expanded Trans Mountain might not be completed before December 2024 in a “worst-case” scenario where regulators force the company to stick with a plan to tunnel under land that’s important to a local indigenous community, according to a filing with the Canada Energy Regulator. The earliest the tunneling could be completed is by April, the company said.
The Trans Mountain expansion has already faced repeated delays since it began more than a decade ago, causing the price tag to more than quadruple to $30.9 billion (US$22.8 billion). The project — which would more than triple the volume of crude Alberta’s producers can pipe to the West Coast to 890,000 barrels a day — was due to start operations by the end of the first quarter.
#Alberta #BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The expansion of a government-owned oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Coast could be delayed by nine months if regulators don’t approve a route alteration, the project’s builder said in a regulatory filing.
The expanded Trans Mountain might not be completed before December 2024 in a “worst-case” scenario where regulators force the company to stick with a plan to tunnel under land that’s important to a local indigenous community, according to a filing with the Canada Energy Regulator. The earliest the tunneling could be completed is by April, the company said.
The Trans Mountain expansion has already faced repeated delays since it began more than a decade ago, causing the price tag to more than quadruple to $30.9 billion (US$22.8 billion). The project — which would more than triple the volume of crude Alberta’s producers can pipe to the West Coast to 890,000 barrels a day — was due to start operations by the end of the first quarter.
#Alberta #BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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No new money for asylum seekers in Toronto after Chow meets with federal Immigration Minister
Mayor Olivia Chow is urging the federal government to pick up the tab needed to cover costs incurred by several Toronto churches while caring for asylum seekers.
In a closed-door meeting today, Chow made a pitch to federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller, asking for assistance with the costs associated with the crisis.
Last week, council voted on a motion to ask the federal government to reimburse churches and community organizations who have provided funding for refugees to the tune of up to $750,000.
The city has also asked Ottawa to reimburse $200 million in 2023 shelter system costs, inclusive of the $97 million the feds already committed in July, totalling $103 million.
Chow said she will need to know by next Monday if the feds will pay the $750,000 – otherwise, the city will be forced to cover the sum in full. “Toronto has time and time again begged for some crumbs,” Chow said. “I met with the minister, I pled my case about refugees and they’re thinking about it.”
Miller pointed out Tuesday the absence of the Ford government at the meeting, adding that the province has a role to play as well.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Mayor Olivia Chow is urging the federal government to pick up the tab needed to cover costs incurred by several Toronto churches while caring for asylum seekers.
In a closed-door meeting today, Chow made a pitch to federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller, asking for assistance with the costs associated with the crisis.
Last week, council voted on a motion to ask the federal government to reimburse churches and community organizations who have provided funding for refugees to the tune of up to $750,000.
The city has also asked Ottawa to reimburse $200 million in 2023 shelter system costs, inclusive of the $97 million the feds already committed in July, totalling $103 million.
Chow said she will need to know by next Monday if the feds will pay the $750,000 – otherwise, the city will be forced to cover the sum in full. “Toronto has time and time again begged for some crumbs,” Chow said. “I met with the minister, I pled my case about refugees and they’re thinking about it.”
Miller pointed out Tuesday the absence of the Ford government at the meeting, adding that the province has a role to play as well.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🦠😷Canada’s chief public health officer wants to bring back masks
Chief public health officer Theresa Tam thinks "now is the time to get your mask ready."
“It is a layer of protection,” Tam said. “We hope people have developed the habit to be able to use masks as needed during the respiratory virus season, not just for COVID.”
Tam appeared on Tuesday along with a bevy of other doctors and health professionals to announce that Canada had approved the latest COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna.
As Tam and the other doctors participated in the news conference, it was notable that they were all masked and sitting very far apart.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Chief public health officer Theresa Tam thinks "now is the time to get your mask ready."
“It is a layer of protection,” Tam said. “We hope people have developed the habit to be able to use masks as needed during the respiratory virus season, not just for COVID.”
Tam appeared on Tuesday along with a bevy of other doctors and health professionals to announce that Canada had approved the latest COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna.
As Tam and the other doctors participated in the news conference, it was notable that they were all masked and sitting very far apart.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🌱🔌EV battery subsidies to take 20 years to break even, not five as government claimed
It will take 20 years for the federal and provincial governments to break even on massive subsidies to auto giants Volkswagen and Stellantis, not the five years that the government initially pledged, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Volkswagen, which plans a massive electric vehicle battery plant in St. Thomas, Ont., and Stellantis, which is building a plant with LG in Windsor, Ont., both received massive production subsidies from the provincial and federal government.
Those subsidies will pay the companies for every battery they produce at the new facilities on top of money both companies received for building the plants. Volkswagen is set to get $13.2 billion and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Jeep, is set to receive $15 billion.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne defended the subsidies when they were announced, insisting they would pay off in just five years. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux looked at the numbers and said it will actually take much longer for the governments to get a return on their investments.
“We estimate that federal and provincial government tax revenues generated from the Stellantis-LGES and Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing plants over the period 2024 to 2043 will be equal to the total amount of production subsidies,” he said in a news release.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
It will take 20 years for the federal and provincial governments to break even on massive subsidies to auto giants Volkswagen and Stellantis, not the five years that the government initially pledged, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Volkswagen, which plans a massive electric vehicle battery plant in St. Thomas, Ont., and Stellantis, which is building a plant with LG in Windsor, Ont., both received massive production subsidies from the provincial and federal government.
Those subsidies will pay the companies for every battery they produce at the new facilities on top of money both companies received for building the plants. Volkswagen is set to get $13.2 billion and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Jeep, is set to receive $15 billion.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne defended the subsidies when they were announced, insisting they would pay off in just five years. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux looked at the numbers and said it will actually take much longer for the governments to get a return on their investments.
“We estimate that federal and provincial government tax revenues generated from the Stellantis-LGES and Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing plants over the period 2024 to 2043 will be equal to the total amount of production subsidies,” he said in a news release.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🏠 Housing gap to restore affordability remains at about 3.5 million units
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the projected housing supply gap has shrunk slightly from last year, but that Canada still needs to build about 3.5 million more houses by 2030 than what's on track to restore affordability.
The federal housing agency says in its updated outlook that the supply picture has improved somewhat in Ontario, but has worsened in other provinces like Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Ontario still makes up the bulk of the shortfall with a 1.48 million gap, but that's down from the 1.85 million projected last year.
Quebec needs an estimated 860,000 units, up 240,000 from last year, B.C. needs 610,000 for a 50,000 increase, and Alberta needs 130,000 compared with the 20,000 projected last year.
#Housing #Ontario #Quebec #BritishColumbia #Alberta
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the projected housing supply gap has shrunk slightly from last year, but that Canada still needs to build about 3.5 million more houses by 2030 than what's on track to restore affordability.
The federal housing agency says in its updated outlook that the supply picture has improved somewhat in Ontario, but has worsened in other provinces like Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Ontario still makes up the bulk of the shortfall with a 1.48 million gap, but that's down from the 1.85 million projected last year.
Quebec needs an estimated 860,000 units, up 240,000 from last year, B.C. needs 610,000 for a 50,000 increase, and Alberta needs 130,000 compared with the 20,000 projected last year.
#Housing #Ontario #Quebec #BritishColumbia #Alberta
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Quebec reaches highest life expectancy in North-America
Life expectancy is stagnating or decreasing across North America, except in Quebec.
After being weighed down by the pandemic, life expectancy has started to increase again in Quebec, to now exceed the 2020 level.
For Quebec women, this average lifespan has now reached 85 years. This is one year more than the Canadian average. Among men, it reaches 81.3 years, compared to 79.3 years in the rest of Canada in general.
At the same time, life expectancy in America has declined by more than two years in recent years to 76.3 years.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Life expectancy is stagnating or decreasing across North America, except in Quebec.
After being weighed down by the pandemic, life expectancy has started to increase again in Quebec, to now exceed the 2020 level.
For Quebec women, this average lifespan has now reached 85 years. This is one year more than the Canadian average. Among men, it reaches 81.3 years, compared to 79.3 years in the rest of Canada in general.
At the same time, life expectancy in America has declined by more than two years in recent years to 76.3 years.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🗳🇨🇦 Voter sentiment: Conservatives in the lead
There are many issues that concern Canadians on a day-to-day basis. Among them are above-average inflation, the highest key rate in decades, and rising housing costs. Social issues are also of concern: the promotion of the LGBT agenda in schools, drug legalization and the expansion of the assisted suicide program.
Dissatisfaction with current events is well reflected in voter sentiment. Mainstreet Research surveyed Canadians in August 2023 to see how they would vote if the election were held today.
🔹Not surprisingly, the majority leans toward the Conservative Party, as many of the problems stem directly from the Liberal government's policies. 37% of voters would vote for the Conservative Party, versus 24% for the Liberal Party. More than 1 in 10 respondents could not choose which party they would vote for.
The Conservatives recently discussed their party's policies at a convention where they outlined their disapproval of the LGBT agenda, which many voters see as a reflection of their values. Meanwhile, the Liberals continue to promote ideas that were popular in calmer times and now do not reflect the concerns of real citizens. The government's ambitious plans to take in refugees have faced the harsh realities of a financial crisis and a severe housing shortage. But the government is continuing with the plan.
🔹Looking at the individual leaders, voters' views on both Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre are very polarized. 58% of respondents view Trudeau in a negative way (very unfavourable + somewhat unfavourable), while 45% view Poilievre in the same way. More people feel strongly negative (very unfavourable) toward Trudeau (41%), than toward Poilievre (31%).
🔹Only 37% of respondents see Trudeau in a positive way (very favourable + somewhat favourable), while 44% feel that way about Poilievre. Poilievre has a higher level of strong support (24%) than Trudeau (13%) amond respondents.
These data suggest that while support for conservative ideas is higher, voters still do not see either leader of the major parties as capable of solving their problems. The lingering crisis is lowering citizens' overall trust in their government.
It will be interesting to watch which party will use current problems to attract more voters to their side in the upcoming election.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #election
🍁 Maple Chronicles
There are many issues that concern Canadians on a day-to-day basis. Among them are above-average inflation, the highest key rate in decades, and rising housing costs. Social issues are also of concern: the promotion of the LGBT agenda in schools, drug legalization and the expansion of the assisted suicide program.
Dissatisfaction with current events is well reflected in voter sentiment. Mainstreet Research surveyed Canadians in August 2023 to see how they would vote if the election were held today.
🔹Not surprisingly, the majority leans toward the Conservative Party, as many of the problems stem directly from the Liberal government's policies. 37% of voters would vote for the Conservative Party, versus 24% for the Liberal Party. More than 1 in 10 respondents could not choose which party they would vote for.
The Conservatives recently discussed their party's policies at a convention where they outlined their disapproval of the LGBT agenda, which many voters see as a reflection of their values. Meanwhile, the Liberals continue to promote ideas that were popular in calmer times and now do not reflect the concerns of real citizens. The government's ambitious plans to take in refugees have faced the harsh realities of a financial crisis and a severe housing shortage. But the government is continuing with the plan.
🔹Looking at the individual leaders, voters' views on both Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre are very polarized. 58% of respondents view Trudeau in a negative way (very unfavourable + somewhat unfavourable), while 45% view Poilievre in the same way. More people feel strongly negative (very unfavourable) toward Trudeau (41%), than toward Poilievre (31%).
🔹Only 37% of respondents see Trudeau in a positive way (very favourable + somewhat favourable), while 44% feel that way about Poilievre. Poilievre has a higher level of strong support (24%) than Trudeau (13%) amond respondents.
These data suggest that while support for conservative ideas is higher, voters still do not see either leader of the major parties as capable of solving their problems. The lingering crisis is lowering citizens' overall trust in their government.
It will be interesting to watch which party will use current problems to attract more voters to their side in the upcoming election.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #election
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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📉 Doug Ford's approval rating lowest among Canadian Premiers, polling shows
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s approval rating has seen its largest dip since he took office as he currently ranks last among Canadian premiers, new polling shows.
🔹The Angus Reid Institute has Ford’s approval rating at 28 per cent, down five per cent from his previous standing. Ford is tied with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, whose approval rating improved from 25 per cent to 28 per cent, respectively.
Ford’s current approval rating is the lowest of his five-year term as Ontario’s Premier. Ford held his highest approval rating in March 2020 at 69 per cent, but it’s dipped significantly since.
🔹Elsewhere, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston are tied with the country’s highest current approval rating despite a significant drop, while Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey (49 per cent), British Columbia Premier David Eby (48 per cent) and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (47 per cent) all made gains in approval rating, the research shows.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s approval rating has seen its largest dip since he took office as he currently ranks last among Canadian premiers, new polling shows.
🔹The Angus Reid Institute has Ford’s approval rating at 28 per cent, down five per cent from his previous standing. Ford is tied with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, whose approval rating improved from 25 per cent to 28 per cent, respectively.
Ford’s current approval rating is the lowest of his five-year term as Ontario’s Premier. Ford held his highest approval rating in March 2020 at 69 per cent, but it’s dipped significantly since.
🔹Elsewhere, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston are tied with the country’s highest current approval rating despite a significant drop, while Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey (49 per cent), British Columbia Premier David Eby (48 per cent) and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (47 per cent) all made gains in approval rating, the research shows.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🏠💰Trudeau announces $74M to help London, Ont., build 2,000 new homes
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that London, Ont., is the first city in Canada to reach a deal with his government under the Housing Accelerator Fund.
He says the deal will create 2,000 new homes in the city over three years.
"This landmark agreement with London will be the first of many, and we look forward to working with all orders of government to help everyone find a place to call their own," Trudeau said in a statement.
London Mayor Josh Morgan said he wants the city's agreement to set an example for the rest of the country when it comes to building housing units.
Morgan added that on top of the 2,000 homes the fund will help build over the coming three years, it will also help facilitate the construction of thousands of additional housing units "in the years to come."
Nevertheless, the government will have to launch plenty of such projects, because as we've noted before, Ontario needs to build 1.48 million new housing units by 2030 to restore affordability.
#Trudeau #Ontario #housing
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that London, Ont., is the first city in Canada to reach a deal with his government under the Housing Accelerator Fund.
He says the deal will create 2,000 new homes in the city over three years.
"This landmark agreement with London will be the first of many, and we look forward to working with all orders of government to help everyone find a place to call their own," Trudeau said in a statement.
London Mayor Josh Morgan said he wants the city's agreement to set an example for the rest of the country when it comes to building housing units.
Morgan added that on top of the 2,000 homes the fund will help build over the coming three years, it will also help facilitate the construction of thousands of additional housing units "in the years to come."
Nevertheless, the government will have to launch plenty of such projects, because as we've noted before, Ontario needs to build 1.48 million new housing units by 2030 to restore affordability.
#Trudeau #Ontario #housing
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇬🇧👑 Growing number of Canadians want to reconsider monarchy ties: poll
Just over one year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a new poll suggests a growing number of Canadians believe it’s time to reconsider the country’s ties to the monarchy.
🔹Data released Wednesday by Leger indicates that 63 per cent of respondents said it was time to rethink ties – a seven point increase from March. About 81 per cent of respondents said they didn’t feel attached to the monarchy, compared to 14 per cent who said they did, results similar to six months ago.
🔹Just over half of respondents, at 51 per cent, agreed with the statement that the monarchy in Canada is outdated, does not have a place in the 21st century, and “we have to get rid of it.” In comparison, 33 per cent said the monarchy is an important part of the country’s history.
🔹Nineteen per cent of respondents said they had lost interest in the monarchy since the queen’s death, while most respondents said their interest level had not changed or that they’d had no interest to begin with.
#KingCharles
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Just over one year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a new poll suggests a growing number of Canadians believe it’s time to reconsider the country’s ties to the monarchy.
🔹Data released Wednesday by Leger indicates that 63 per cent of respondents said it was time to rethink ties – a seven point increase from March. About 81 per cent of respondents said they didn’t feel attached to the monarchy, compared to 14 per cent who said they did, results similar to six months ago.
🔹Just over half of respondents, at 51 per cent, agreed with the statement that the monarchy in Canada is outdated, does not have a place in the 21st century, and “we have to get rid of it.” In comparison, 33 per cent said the monarchy is an important part of the country’s history.
🔹Nineteen per cent of respondents said they had lost interest in the monarchy since the queen’s death, while most respondents said their interest level had not changed or that they’d had no interest to begin with.
#KingCharles
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Canada's economy appears to be slowing down
A long-anticipated economic slowdown in Canada could be underway, according to a new report.
RBC Economics released a report Wednesday indicating that Canada’s economy faces various headwinds in the form of elevated interest rates and a slowing global economy. The report noted that gross domestic product (GDP) moved 0.2 per cent lower in the second quarter of the year and early indications highlight the potential for another decline in the third quarter.
The report found indications that a “long expected ‘mild’ economic downturn may have already begun.”
Notably, the economists highlighted that the 0.5-per-cent increase in Canada’s unemployment rate over the past four months marks the largest increase, excluding the pandemic, since the 2008-2009 recession.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A long-anticipated economic slowdown in Canada could be underway, according to a new report.
RBC Economics released a report Wednesday indicating that Canada’s economy faces various headwinds in the form of elevated interest rates and a slowing global economy. The report noted that gross domestic product (GDP) moved 0.2 per cent lower in the second quarter of the year and early indications highlight the potential for another decline in the third quarter.
The report found indications that a “long expected ‘mild’ economic downturn may have already begun.”
Notably, the economists highlighted that the 0.5-per-cent increase in Canada’s unemployment rate over the past four months marks the largest increase, excluding the pandemic, since the 2008-2009 recession.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Trudeau rebuffs idea of stepping down in face of slumping support
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rebuffed the idea of stepping down amid slumping poll numbers and the rise of the country’s opposition Conservatives.
During a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, when asked whether he would resign as his party’s leader, Trudeau told reporters he had more work to do.
“The next elections are two years away. I’m continuing to do my job. There’s a lot of important work to do, to deliver for Canadians in these difficult moments. I remain enthusiastic and relentless with regards to this work,” he said, speaking in French.
Trudeau led the Liberal Party to victory in 2015’s federal elections, ending nearly a decade of Conservative-led governments. But he has since seen his support slip amid growing frustrations over high inflation, soaring housing costs and other issues.
#Trudeau
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rebuffed the idea of stepping down amid slumping poll numbers and the rise of the country’s opposition Conservatives.
During a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, when asked whether he would resign as his party’s leader, Trudeau told reporters he had more work to do.
“The next elections are two years away. I’m continuing to do my job. There’s a lot of important work to do, to deliver for Canadians in these difficult moments. I remain enthusiastic and relentless with regards to this work,” he said, speaking in French.
Trudeau led the Liberal Party to victory in 2015’s federal elections, ending nearly a decade of Conservative-led governments. But he has since seen his support slip amid growing frustrations over high inflation, soaring housing costs and other issues.
#Trudeau
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📚Peel school board faces backlash for removing books published before 2008 from its libraries
Ontario’s Education Minister scolded the Peel District School Board for removing books from its libraries, including literary classics, after concerns were raised about how school officials were assessing and throwing away older books.
In a statement on Wednesday, Stephen Lecce said it was “offensive, illogical and counterintuitive” for the board to remove library books on Canadian history and antisemitism, and literary classics.
A group made up of parents, teachers and school staff said it appears the board asked its school librarians this year to remove fiction and non-fiction books published before 2008 while assessing collections through an equity lens.
Peel’s review of its library collection followed a list of directives from the Ministry of Education to the board that included “evaluating books, media, and other resources currently being used in schools for teaching and learning English, history and social sciences to ensure that they are inclusive and culturally responsive, relevant, and reflective of the student bodies and voices, and broader school communities.”
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Ontario’s Education Minister scolded the Peel District School Board for removing books from its libraries, including literary classics, after concerns were raised about how school officials were assessing and throwing away older books.
In a statement on Wednesday, Stephen Lecce said it was “offensive, illogical and counterintuitive” for the board to remove library books on Canadian history and antisemitism, and literary classics.
A group made up of parents, teachers and school staff said it appears the board asked its school librarians this year to remove fiction and non-fiction books published before 2008 while assessing collections through an equity lens.
Peel’s review of its library collection followed a list of directives from the Ministry of Education to the board that included “evaluating books, media, and other resources currently being used in schools for teaching and learning English, history and social sciences to ensure that they are inclusive and culturally responsive, relevant, and reflective of the student bodies and voices, and broader school communities.”
#Ontario
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💰Quarantine hotel co-owner misappropriated almost $16M of public funds, lawsuit alleges
The man who oversaw the Westin Calgary Airport hotel's time as a COVID-19 quarantine facility is being sued for allegedly misappropriating nearly $16 million in federal funds.
A new lawsuit claims that part-owner Sukhminder (Sukhi) Rai and his PHI Hospitality corporation kept money from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that was supposed to pay for the hotel to house travellers for their mandatory quarantine periods from June 2020 until October 2022.
Rai led a "fraudulent scheme" targeting the hotel and PHAC officials, according to the statement of claim, telling the other owners the government was taking over the entire hotel but only paying for 100 rooms — when he had actually negotiated government payment for all 247 rooms.
It's alleged he misappropriated the revenue difference of those 147 rooms: at least $15.7 million.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The man who oversaw the Westin Calgary Airport hotel's time as a COVID-19 quarantine facility is being sued for allegedly misappropriating nearly $16 million in federal funds.
A new lawsuit claims that part-owner Sukhminder (Sukhi) Rai and his PHI Hospitality corporation kept money from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that was supposed to pay for the hotel to house travellers for their mandatory quarantine periods from June 2020 until October 2022.
Rai led a "fraudulent scheme" targeting the hotel and PHAC officials, according to the statement of claim, telling the other owners the government was taking over the entire hotel but only paying for 100 rooms — when he had actually negotiated government payment for all 247 rooms.
It's alleged he misappropriated the revenue difference of those 147 rooms: at least $15.7 million.
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💉🚫B.C. banning illicit drugs near playgrounds, spray pools, skate parks
The B.C. government is banning possession of illicit drugs in the vicinity of some family-oriented public spaces beginning next week, as officials consider further changes in their approach to decriminalization.
Possession of illicit drugs will be made illegal within 15 metres of playground play structures, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks as of Sept. 18, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced Thursday.
There have been some calls to restrict decriminalization since it was implemented early this year, including from B.C. United Opposition leader Kevin Falcon, who has argued for a more wide-reaching illicit drug ban that applies to all beaches and parks.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who was also among those calling for more limitations to decriminalization, issued a statement Thursday calling the amendments "necessary measures" to protect public safety.
P.S. This should never have been allowed in the first place.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The B.C. government is banning possession of illicit drugs in the vicinity of some family-oriented public spaces beginning next week, as officials consider further changes in their approach to decriminalization.
Possession of illicit drugs will be made illegal within 15 metres of playground play structures, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks as of Sept. 18, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced Thursday.
There have been some calls to restrict decriminalization since it was implemented early this year, including from B.C. United Opposition leader Kevin Falcon, who has argued for a more wide-reaching illicit drug ban that applies to all beaches and parks.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who was also among those calling for more limitations to decriminalization, issued a statement Thursday calling the amendments "necessary measures" to protect public safety.
P.S. This should never have been allowed in the first place.
#BritishColumbia
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