In this edition:
Premier Ford promises “aggressive” housing plan
Prime Minister announces additional sanctions in support of Ukraine
GO-VAXX Bus coming to Jordan Station
Niagara Region hosts Iain De Jong to discuss homelessness post pandemic
Premier Ford promises “aggressive” housing plan
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will have a very “aggressive” housing plan moving forward.
Ford says that supply is one of the main reasons for the crisis in housing and he wants to focus on finding vacant or surplus government property.
The premier has adopted a target of building 1.5 million homes in 10 years.
His new cabinet comes with a particular focus on housing, keeping Steve Clark in place as municipal affairs and housing minister, as well as creating an associate minister of housing position.
He also gave Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma an additional mandate for government real estate, charged with finding land on which to build housing.
Housing legislation that the government enacted shortly before the election contained measures to streamline approval processes, but lacked key measures such as zoning changes that advocates and experts have long urged, which Clark blamed on a lack of co-operation from municipalities.
Prime Minister announces additional sanctions in support of Ukraine
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will be imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations, and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations. These new actions, which build on the Government of Canada’s already extensive sanctions regime, include:
- Imposing restrictions on six individuals and 46 entities linked to the Russian defence sectors,
- Sanctioning 15 Ukrainian individuals supporting the Russian occupation of Ukraine, and
- Sanctioning 13 government and defence individuals and two entities in Belarus.
The Prime Minister also announced Canada’s intention to introduce sanctions against state-sponsored disinformation and propaganda agents and entities controlled by senior Russian government officials, to counter the Kremlin’s disinformation, which it has used to attempt to excuse its unjustifiable and unprovoked war in Ukraine
GO-VAXX Bus coming to Jordan Station
A vaccine clinic is returning to Lincoln at Charles Daley Park in Jordan Station to administer the Pfizer for 12+ (First, second, booster, and fourth) and Pediatric Pfizer 5-11 (first and second). The fourth dose will be available to all clients that meet the criteria.
Date: Saturday, July 2, 2022
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Charles Daley Park, 1969 N Service Road, Jordan Station, ON (Parking Lot)
Appointments are required and can be booked at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (bookings begin four days before the scheduled clinic) Walk-ins may be accommodated based on vaccine supply.
Niagara Region hosts Iain De Jong to discuss homelessness post pandemic
Today, Niagara Region hosted author and renowned speaker Iain De Jong for a discussion on homelessness in post pandemic Niagara.
The event, held at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, brought together Regional, area municipal representatives, and a broad cross section of community partners to share insights on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on an already vulnerable population.
Homelessness is a complex issue that requires integrated and best practice approaches and many partners to address this in a meaningful way. The pandemic has impacted individuals experiencing homelessness significantly adding to the challenges to support individuals in the journey to exit homelessness.
Iain is an acclaimed professor, researcher, consultant, coach, and positive disruptor known for his work toward ending homelessness in Canadian and U.S. communities, and has engaged with local partners in strategy, planning, and educating to move towards positive social change in Niagara.
Reading Recommendations
Western ban on Russian gold imports is largely symbolic
Reuters
A move by Britain, the United States, Japan and Canada to ban new imports of Russian gold is being seen as largely symbolic within the global gold market as Russian exports to the West have already dried up.
Britain said on Sunday the ban was intended to limit Russia’s ability to fund its military operation in Ukraine.
It was not clear whether there was a consensus within the Group of Seven wealthy democracies on the plan, with European Council President Charles Michel and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying it needed to be discussed further.
Gold prices were up 0.5% at around $1,835 an ounce on Monday.
Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of gold, along with China and Australia.
Last year, it mined 314 tonnes of gold, according to the Russian finance ministry, accounting for nearly 10% of the metal dug up globally. That gold is worth around $19 billion at current prices.
Inflation drives Canadian consumer confidence to crisis-era lows
BNN Bloomberg
Canadian consumer confidence levels have fallen to near crisis-era lows in an ominous sign for the nation’s economic outlook.
The Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index, a measure of sentiment based on weekly polling, declined for a ninth straight week to the lowest reading ever outside of the last two economic crises.
The numbers suggest Canada’s households are beginning to buckle amid the weight of rising prices, higher interest rates and a housing correction — casting doubt on whether they can continue driving the nation’s expansion forward.
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
