In this edition:
- EI claimants tick upwards nationally while number in Ontario decreases
- Office vacancy rate could peak in 2024 as hybrid work models gain popularity: report
- Niagara Falls city staff, council looking for details in strong-mayor legislation
- Canopy Growth enters into agreement for sale of Hershey Drive facility in Smiths Falls
- Niagara Health Foundation celebrates $1 million donation to new South Niagara hospital
- Niagara Falls council wants research done on basic income program
- Reading Recommendations: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
EI claimants tick upwards nationally while number in Ontario decreases
In June, 410,000 Canadians received regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, up 7,300 (+1.8%) from a month earlier. Quebec (+8,800), Alberta (+1,200) and Saskatchewan (+300) accounted for all of the national net monthly increase. Despite successive increases in May and June, the number of regular EI beneficiaries in June remained far below levels seen in June 2022 (-17.8%; -89,000).
In contrast, Newfoundland and Labrador posted the largest proportional decrease (-4.7%; -1,400) in the month, followed by Nova Scotia (-1.4%; -300) and Ontario (-1.3%; -1,500).
Office vacancy rate could peak in 2024 as hybrid work models gain popularity: report
A new report by Colliers Canada predicts the national office vacancy rate could peak at approximately 15 per cent by the end of 2024 as the rise of hybrid work models prompt companies to reduce their office space.
It says office vacancy in Canada has risen from around eight to 14 per cent since 2020, but that figure is expected to fall in early 2025 barring a major economic downturn over the next 18 months.
Economic growth is tempering vacancy growth, even as hybrid work becomes more popular, thanks to businesses expanding and new companies entering the market.
Niagara Falls city staff, council looking for details in strong-mayor legislation
Niagara Falls is still trying to figure out specific details about so-called strong mayor powers the province gave the municipality nearly seven weeks ago.
“There’s been a number of professional level calls between treasurers’ associations and that kind of stuff where everyone’s trying to figure this out,” said Jason Burgess, the city’s chief administrative officer, during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Everyone is feeling their way through this.”
During the meeting, Coun. Lori Lococo asked several questions related to a report on the agenda prepared by city solicitor Nidhi Punyarthi. The report provided a summary of the new legislation as it affects Niagara Falls and the mayor’s powers and other city staff and council members’ roles.
Canopy Growth enters into agreement for sale of Hershey Drive facility in Smiths Falls
Canopy Growth Corporation has entered into an agreement to sell its Hershey Drive facility in Smiths Falls, Ontario, as part of the company’s transformation to a simplified, asset-light operating model.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the facility will be sold to Hershey Canada, Inc. for cash consideration of approximately CAD$53 million. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Niagara Health Foundation celebrates $1 million donation to new South Niagara hospital
The Niagara Health Foundation is celebrating another donation to the new South Niagara hospital.
A $1 million donation has been made to the “It’s Our Future” campaign from Tony and Connie Zappitelli.
In recognition of the gift the staff terrace at the new hospital will be named the “Tony and Connie Zappitelli & Family Staff Terrace.”
Niagara Falls council wants research done on basic income program
Niagara Falls city council wants the federal and provincial government to look into the concept of a basic income. Council agreed to a motion from Councillor Lori Lococo this week that will have them send a letter to both levels of government asking them to research the program.
Councillor Mona Patel voiced opposition to the idea, “The concept might sound good on the paper but it is not realistic and Canada cannot afford this concept so I am completely against that.”
In response, Councillor Wayne Campbell says it wouldn’t be a new expense, “the money is already being spent, what we need to do is have the federal and provincial governments look at a different way of spending it to help those in need.”
A basic income project in Ontario was cut short in 2019 while Quebec launched a pilot earlier this year.
Did you know?
The average shopper spends 53 hours a year in a grocery store.
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Why soft skills can mitigate gender-based violence in the workplace
Over the past several years the realm of workplace safety has been expanding to encompass not only physical risks but also emotional well-being, and in male dominated industries, it’s often women who encounter hazards because of their gender. Camille Oakes, president and CEO of Better Safety, is an advocate for promoting the use of soft skills to prevent gender-based violence in male-dominated workplaces.
“These soft skills are often overlooked in male-populated industries, deemed less important,” Oakes notes. “However, it’s imperative to realize that they are vital tools for building a culture of safety and respect.”
Oakes focuses on safety leadership development, emphasizing the power of soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and flexibility. These skills are a pivotal tool in tackling gender-based violence.
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.
