In this edition:
- Niagara Region approves $831,000 incentive for 100-job Welland factory
- Niagara unemployment rate rises to 6.5% in July
- Canada intensifies U.S. trade talks ahead of August 19 tariff deadline
- Niagara-on-the-Lake pursues provincial disaster assistance after flooding
- GNCC calls for government flood relief and connects Niagara businesses with support
- Lincoln Pelham Public Library begins $4-million Fonthill renovation
- Scientists push back against proposed federal major-project reforms
- Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
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Picture credit: Canadian Metal Buildings
Niagara Region approves $831,000 incentive for 100-job Welland factory
Regional council approved $831,000 in development-charge relief for Canadian Metal Buildings after confusion over available funding threatened its $11-million Welland project. The plant is expected to create more than 100 jobs initially and could eventually employ 200.
Photo credit: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock
Niagara unemployment rate rises to 6.5% in July
Employment in St. Catharines-Niagara increased to 245,600 in July from 243,700 in June, while the unemployment rate rose from 6.3% to 6.5%. National employment increased by 75,000, and Canada’s unemployment rate fell to a two-year low of 6.4%.
Picture credit: freshidea / Adobe Stock
Canada intensifies U.S. trade talks ahead of August 19 tariff deadline
Canada’s trade minister and chief U.S. negotiator briefed provincial and territorial ministers as negotiations intensify ahead of August 19. Ottawa is seeking relief from existing sectoral tariffs and planned Section 338 tariffs while pursuing progress toward a modernized CUSMA.
Picture credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake pursues provincial disaster assistance after flooding
Niagara-on-the-Lake is working with Ontario to pursue disaster assistance following recent flooding. Provincial programs could help cover municipal recovery costs and essential property losses for eligible residents, small businesses, farms and non-profits, although assistance is not immediate or guaranteed.
Picture credit: Bob / Adobe Stock
GNCC calls for government flood relief and connects Niagara businesses with support
The GNCC says it will continue pressing provincial and federal governments for disaster-relief funding after flooding shuttered businesses and damaged homes across Niagara. The Chamber is also connecting members that need assistance with businesses able to offer support.
Click here to access flooding-related resources.
Picture credit: Town of Lincoln
Lincoln Pelham Public Library begins $4-million Fonthill renovation
The Fonthill library branch will close August 29 ahead of a two-phase, $4-million renovation beginning in September. Phase One is fully funded at $1.5 million, while fundraising continues for the $2.5-million second phase. The branch is expected to reopen in spring 2027.
Picture credit: firewings / Adobe Stock
Scientists push back against proposed federal major-project reforms
Canadian scientists are urging Ottawa not to weaken environmental assessments as it considers reforms intended to accelerate major infrastructure approvals. The federal proposals could allow some projects to bypass impact assessments, while the government argues lengthy and duplicative reviews can discourage investment.
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) study shows Canada’s gender wealth gap persists
Canadian Manufacturing
“In Canada, the gender wealth gap is still largely flying under the radar, especially outside Quebec, because we simply don’t measure it. As long as wealth is only measured at the household level, inequality within couples remains invisible. Our findings show that the gap is real and that better data are essential to inform policy,” says Maude Pugliese, whose research focuses on family dynamics, personal finances, and socioeconomic inequality.
Their findings published in Canadian Studies in Population show that women consistently hold less wealth than men. While the gap varies across provinces, it has generally narrowed over time, particularly with respect to pension-related assets.
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.
