In this edition:
- Canada Post strike: Minister seeks order to get workers back on the job
- Ontario reveals new bill on local governance
- Mayor Frank Campion supports forthcoming provincial legislation to deal with encampments
- October manufacturing sales rose 2.1 per cent to $70.8 billion
- How tomorrow’s GST break will impact consumers
- One of Canada’s new federal mortgage rules is coming into effect Sunday
- Welland launches interactive map for showcasing public art
- Focus on Municipalities
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Picture credit: Erman Gunes – stock.adobe.com
Canada Post strike: Minister seeks order to get workers back on the job
Amid the ongoing Canada Post strike, federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced Friday that he is asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order workers back on the job if it agrees with his determination there is an “impasse” in negotiations.
If the CIRB agrees, MacKinnon says the labour relations board would order Canada Post and all employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to resume operations and extend the terms of the existing collective agreements until May 2025.
In the past, federal governments have used back-to-work legislation during Canada Post strikes, including in 2018 and 2011, to resolve disputes and restore essential services.
Picture credit: SeanPavonePhoto – stock.adobe.com
Ontario reveals new bill on local governance
The Ontario government introduced legislation that could, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.
- Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 that, if passed, would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province, and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.
- The government also introduced the Peel Transition Implementation Act, 2024 which would, if passed, transfer the delivery of key public works services from the Region of Peel to Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.
- Specifically for Niagara, the bill transfers land-use planning responsibilities from Niagara Region, to local municipalities as of March 31, 2025.
Picture credit: Erman Gunes – stock.adobe.com
Mayor Frank Campion supports forthcoming provincial legislation to deal with encampments
Mayor Frank Campion and other mayors from across the province, including those from St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, were in Toronto on Thursday, December 12, for Premier Doug Ford’s announcement of forthcoming legislation to assist municipalities dealing with encampments.
Mayor Campion supports the Ontario government’s proposed legislation and funding initiatives to enhance community safety and provide solutions to homelessness and drug use in public spaces. These measures, introduced Thursday, include new enforcement tools for municipalities and police, along with $75.5 million in additional investments for homelessness prevention and alternative accommodations.
Picture credit: Spotmatik – stock.adobe.com
October manufacturing sales rose 2.1 per cent to $70.8 billion
Following two consecutive monthly declines, total manufacturing sales rose 2.1 per cent to $70.8 billion in October, mainly on higher sales of petroleum and coal products (+15.9%), followed by transportation equipment (+3.7%). Meanwhile, sales of paper posted the largest decline. Despite the month-over-month increase in October, sales were down 0.2 per cent on a year-over-year basis.
Picture credit: maryviolet – stock.adobe.com
How tomorrow’s GST break will impact consumers
Here is a detailed breakdown of the products eligible for the GST waiver, the items that remain taxable, how consumers can take advantage of the savings, and how the changes apply to deliveries, imports, and other scenarios.
Picture credit: BillionPhotos.com – stock.adobe.com
One of Canada’s new federal mortgage rules is coming into effect Sunday
First-time homebuyers stand to benefit from new rule changes taking effect this Sunday, which extend the maximum amortization period from 25 years to 30 years for both new construction and resale homes. This change allows buyers to spread payments over a longer term, reducing their monthly costs.
Another significant update involves refinancing for secondary suites. Starting January 15, homeowners will be able to refinance their properties for up to $2 million, providing access to the funds needed to construct an additional dwelling unit on the same property.
Illustration credit: City of Welland – welland.ca/DiscoverWelland/attractions-art.asp
Welland launches interactive map for showcasing public art
The City of Welland is launching a digital and interactive map that showcases the vibrant and diverse public art collection found throughout the city.
Developed with the dedicated efforts of the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, the Welland Art Scene map is available on the City of Welland’s official website. This innovative tool provides residents and visitors with an immersive experience, offering detailed information about each public artwork, including photographs, descriptions, and exact locations.
From sculptures to murals, Welland’s public art reflects the city’s unique cultural identity and creative spirit. Designed to encourage exploration, the art map allows users to virtually tour the city’s public art installations while inspiring in-person visits to these cultural landmarks.
Did you know?
Tokyo is set to implement a 4-day work week by 2025 to tackle declining fertility rate.
Focus on Municipalities
Canada’s most livable cities
Chen Wang and Mahima Singh; The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail launched Canada’s Most Livable Cities to help readers find communities where they could thrive. Beyond real estate costs, the rankings consider factors like weather, amenities, and the local economy. The key question: Even if you can afford a city, would you want to live there?
Addressing feedback, this year’s rankings included climate change projections from Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with new variables like museums and galleries. They evaluated 448 communities across 50 variables in 10 categories, with North Vancouver ranking first.
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.
