In this edition:
- Federal government launches new $1.5 billion program to build a new generation of co‑op housing
- Statistics Canada reports country posted $1B merchandise trade deficit for April
- Ontario expects to land another EV battery plant
- Region recognized for consolidating Niagara Region Transit
- Town of Lincoln wins national municipal environment award for water loss reduction program
- City of Port Colborne seeking input on revised noise by-law
- Ontario supporting new industry-focused training programs
- Focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Federal government launches new $1.5 billion program to build a new generation of co‑op housing
Today, the federal government launched a new Co‑operative Housing Development Program to support a new generation of co-op housing in Canada and help make housing more affordable.
For decades, co-ops have provided Canadians with secure, affordable, and community-oriented homes. The new $1.5 billion program – co‑designed with the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada and other leaders in the co-op sector – will provide loans and contributions to build and grow co-ops across Canada. This is the largest investment to build new co‑op housing in the last 30 years.
The program will build thousands of new co-op homes by 2028. Projects that focus on providing homes for those most in need will be prioritized.
Statistics Canada reports country posted $1B merchandise trade deficit for April
Canada posted a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, as exports of natural gas and crude oil climbed higher, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
The agency said the result comes after a revised deficit of $2.0 billion for March compared with an initial reading that showed a deficit of $2.3 billion for the month.
Total exports in April increased 2.6 per cent to $64.4 billion in April, helped by a 2.7 per cent increase in exports of energy products.
Exports of natural gas rose 60.1 per cent in April as Statistics Canada said they returned to more typical levels following a low in March, related in part to milder-than-usual temperatures in the northeastern United States.
Ontario expects to land another EV battery plant
Ontario expects to land another major electric vehicle battery plant, its economy minister said, as Canada’s most populous province tries to capitalize on what it views as a short-lived opportunity to secure the future of its auto sector.
It has already lured commitments for major plants from Stellantis NV, Volkswagen AG and Honda Motor Co., with the help of promises of billions of dollars from government. Ontario has its eyes on three more prospects and is confident it will land at least one, said Vic Fedeli, its minister of economic development and trade.
“The window in EV is going to close very, very shortly,” Fedeli said in an interview with Bloomberg in Toronto, explaining that he believes new facilities need to be opened by 2027 or 2028. “It’s starting to close now, meaning that everybody needs a dance partner.”
Region recognized for consolidating Niagara Region Transit
Today, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) recognized Niagara Region’s success in creating a consolidated transit system with its 2024 Award for Collaboration within Municipalities.
“CAMA is pleased to recognize the Niagara Region for the municipal excellence and collaboration demonstrated through their regional transit service,” said Tony Kulbisky, CAMA President. “This project is a great example of cooperation that benefits rural and urban residents living in a fast-growing and changing area of Canada.”
Town of Lincoln wins national municipal environment award for water loss reduction program
The Town of Lincoln has received national recognition for its Water Loss Reduction Program from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA). The Town was presented with the 2024 CAMA Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Award, in the 20,001 to 100,000 population category, during an Awards of Excellence Ceremony held on June 5, 2024.
The Town’s comprehensive Water Loss Reduction Program addresses challenges related to increasing water loss, aging pipes, and the need to replace existing water meter infrastructure.
City of Port Colborne seeking input on revised noise by-law
The City of Port Colborne is proposing an amendment to their current noise by-law and are looking for public to input. Currently, noisemaking and construction noise is permitted Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., with no noise allowed on Sunday or any statutory holidays.
The proposed amendment would see an extension in noisemaking hours from Monday-Saturday and the addition of noisemaking hours on Sunday and Statutory holidays.
The survey will help the City determine if there is support for the adjustments and also has an area for feedback where residents can share their opinions relating to noisemaking.
Ontario supporting new industry-focused training programs
The Ontario government is supporting the development of new micro-credentials to help students train for in-demand jobs in priority sectors like health care and advanced manufacturing. Through a second round of the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund, the province has invested $5 million for eligible postsecondary institutions to work with industry to co-create or expand rapid training programs that respond to Ontario’s evolving labour market.
“The Micro-credentials Challenge Fund brings industry and institutions together to create programs that strengthen Ontario’s workforce and economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Micro-credentials reflect current and local labour market needs and immediately prepare students for industry-relevant opportunities in their region.”
Did you know?
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Getting EDI right: Promoting women to senior leadership
HRReporter, Stacy Thomas
With equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) increasingly important as employees are more willing to leave if their values don’t align, HR leaders are tasked with finding ways to promote underrepresented groups into higher levels of management and leadership.
But cracking the gender equity code has been daunting for many; implementing surface-level EDI strategies is not leading to real results; 2023 data from McKinsey & Company has shown that at current levels of EDI investment by organizations, it will take another 151 years to close global economic gender gaps.
One organization that is getting it right is Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), which reported a 26% increase of women in senior leadership roles in 2023, bringing the total to 63% compared to the 30.9% national average according to Statistics Canada 2022 data.
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.
