In this edition:
- Tourists from 13 new countries now eligible for electronic travel authorization
- Issued value of building permits drops to lowest level since 2020
- Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Medavie launch initiative to address mental health “echo pandemic”
- Grimsby and LinkedIn partner on free courses for employees and residents
- Fire & Flower files for court protection from creditors
- Heat up your safety game: Tips to keep cool in the summer sun
- Museum lecture takes deep dive into Niagara’s Indigenous history
Tourists from 13 new countries now eligible for electronic travel authorization
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air.
Issued value of building permits drops to lowest level since 2020
The total monthly value of building permits in Canada dropped 18.8% to $9.6 billion in April, the lowest level since December 2020, Statistics Canada reported today.
Following a record high in March, the total monthly value of non-residential permits fell 34.6% to $3.4 billion in April. The total monthly value of residential permits declined 6.1% to $6.1 billion, sliding for the second consecutive month. Declines were posted for both the single-family and multi-dwelling components.3
Ontario (down 10.5% or -$296.4 million) greatly contributed to the monthly decrease in the residential sector.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Medavie launch initiative to address mental health “echo pandemic”
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Medavie are pleased to announce the launch of a new research project aimed at accelerating health and economic solutions to tackle the surge in mental health challenges since the onset of COVID-19, known as the mental health “echo pandemic.” This initiative reflects the OCC’s commitment to supporting businesses, the health system, and the overall resilience of the economy.
With mental health challenges and illnesses increasingly impacting individuals and communities, the OCC recognizes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Through this policy project, the OCC will delve into the socioeconomic impacts of the mental health crisis, from rising health care costs to lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism.
Grimsby and LinkedIn partner on free courses for employees and residents
The Town of Grimsby, along with the Grimsby Public Library, has announced a new collaboration with online learning platform LinkedIn Learning. This partnership provides free access to LinkedIn Learning’s vast library of high-quality courses to all employees and residents of Grimsby who possess a valid library card.
With the labour market landscape rapidly evolving, the demand for continuous learning and upskilling has become more critical than ever. Recognizing the importance of continuous education, the Town of Grimsby has taken a step forward by joining forces with LinkedIn Learning to offer unparalleled learning opportunities to its employees.
Fire & Flower files for court protection from creditors
Cannabis retailer Fire & Flower Holdings Corp. says it has received a court order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act CCAA), reported The Canadian Press (CP) on Tuesday.
According to the report, the company had been pursuing additional financing to raise capital to fund its operations.
Heat up your safety game: Tips to keep cool in the summer sun
With warmer weather arriving across Canada, we’ll soon be in the thick of summer heat. That means employers, and workers, need to prepare to avoid heat-related illnesses in the workplace.
While this is no surprise, it is worth mentioning that heat-related hazards can, and do, pop up much more unexpectedly than many of the predictable occupational hazards that are seen year-round.
MJ MacDonald, CEO of Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS), said that — compared to other hazards in construction such as speeding drivers — heat is something that we tend to be less aware of as a risk.
Creating a plan to address heat can make a big difference when it comes to safety and there is a need for employers to step in and monitor conditions closely.
Museum lecture takes deep dive into Niagara’s Indigenous history
The lands we refer to as the Niagara region have hosted thousands of years of history, beginning with the stories of the first people to call this place home.
At the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum this month, curious minds can learn more about this vast history at “Beyond the Mist,” a lecture happening on Thursday, June 8.
A group of four panellists and one host will discuss and explore Niagara’s Indigenous history: Rick Hill, a historian from Tuscarora Nation; Ron Dale, a Niagara-on-the-Lake-based historian; Karl Dockstader, a broadcaster and educator from Oneida Nation; and Jim Hill, the senior manager of Niagara Parks heritage and legacy.
Did you know?
Philadelphia cream cheese was actually invented in New York.
Focus on Finance & Economy
SEC sues Coinbase as pressure on crypto world rises
The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global (COIN) as the regulator turns up its pressure on the crypto world.
The SEC alleges Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the US, violated securities laws by acting as an exchange, a broker and a clearing agency without registering with the agency. It also offered and sold securities without registering its offers and sales, the SEC said.
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.
