In this edition:
- Canada and Ontario reach agreement to unlock National Housing Strategy funds
- Lawrie Insurance Group named one of Canada’s top small & medium employers for 2024
- Raw material prices increase 5.5% month-to-month, 3.1% higher than 2023
- Niagara Parks invests in improvements along South Niagara Parkway
- Niagara company’s technology could protect grape vines worldwide
- FirstOntario PAC to host Building a Better St. Catharines with Gil Penalosa
- Focus on Finance & Economy
Canada and Ontario reach agreement to unlock National Housing Strategy funds
The Governments of Canada and Ontario today announced that an agreement has been reached on a revised action plan from Ontario that will unlock $357 million of federal funding under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).
Ontario has submitted a revised Action Plan under the bilateral agreement, which provides more robust data and insights as to which housing projects benefitted from provincial investment.
Lawrie Insurance Group named one of Canada’s top small & medium employers for 2024
Lawrie Insurance Group is proud to announce its recognition as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2024. This award acknowledges their commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace that values employee well-being, professional development, and community involvement.
Raw material prices increase 5.5% month-to-month, 3.1% higher than 2023
Prices of raw materials purchased by manufacturers operating in Canada, as measured by Statistics Canada’s Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI), increased 5.5% on a monthly basis in April 2024 and were 3.1% higher compared with April 2023.
Crude energy products increased 5.8% in April. Conventional crude oil (+6.2%) was the main contributor to the increase. There was a sudden spike in crude oil prices at the beginning of April driven by heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.
Ontario government announces more than $680K for laid-off mfg. workers
The Ontario government is investing more than $684,000 in a new action centre that will help 3,179 laid-off workers impacted by the retooling of the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited plant in Halton. The funding will allow Unifor to offer job search assistance, job training access, one-on-one career counselling and help with resume and interview preparation.
As part of its capital program, Niagara Parks is investing in its infrastructure along the south Niagara Parkway, including road resurfacing work and repairs to the break wall and Niagara River Recreation Trail.
As a self-funded agency of the Government of Ontario, Niagara Parks invests its earned revenue to fulfill its mandate of promoting and preserving the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River corridor, which includes investments to improving and repairing infrastructure across its properties.
Niagara company’s technology could protect grape vines worldwide
Clean Works — founded as a joint venture of Moyer’s Apple Products Inc. in Jordan Station and Court Holdings Ltd. of Beamsville — was initially focused on post-harvest, cleaning food without water and extending product shelf life.
About three years ago, the company teamed up with Vineland Estates to see if it could use its Clean Verification technology to address pre-harvest concerns — while products were still in the ground.
FirstOntario PAC to host Building a Better St. Catharines with Gil Penalosa
Urbanization has fallen short in numerous ways, adversely impacting climate change, mental and physical well-being, sustainable transportation, and overall happiness. It’s imperative that we embrace radical changes to address these issues. Despite rhetoric, there’s a tendency within our cities to stick to conventional approaches.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 350 cities worldwide, Gil offers invaluable insights and practical recommendations for crafting cities that cater to everyone’s needs.
The 90min presentation in The Recital Hall will be followed by at Q&A, moderated by Robin McPherson, St. Catharines City Councillor, St. Patrick’s Ward 4.
Did you know?
Focus on Finance & Economy
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
A new report suggests an increasing number of Canadians are seeing their credit card balances balloon as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets.
A TransUnion report published Tuesday said the number of Canadians paying only the minimum monthly amount on their credit card rose eight basis points to 1.3 per cent in the first quarter compared with last year.
Matthew Fabian, director of financial services research at TransUnion Canada, said many household incomes are not keeping up with inflation and higher interest rates, leaving them to rely on credit.
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.
