In this edition:
Ontario to invest in telecommunications projects, streamline municipal processes
Prime Minister promises further Russian sanctions and close cooperation with United Kingdom in foreign visit
Niagara College Teaching Winery among first to be certified sustainable
Government of Canada funds free legal hotline for victims of workplace sexual harassment
Ontario to invest in telecommunications projects, streamline municipal processes
The Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022 would invest $900 million for more than 180 broadband, cellular and satellite projects across the province. The legislation aims to remove barriers, duplication and delays, making it easier and faster to build high-speed internet infrastructure across the province. Key aspects of the Act include:
- Set required service standards to ensure municipalities provide timely responses to right-of-way permits for high-speed internet infrastructure deployment.
- Require information sharing by ensuring municipalities and stakeholders use Broadband One Window.
- Ensure organizations that own utility infrastructure near a designated high-speed internet project provide timely access to infrastructure data.
The new legislation would also improve Ontario One Call’s processes of determining the location of underground infrastructure like telecommunications lines, water mains and gas pipelines, known as locates. Instead of everyone using their own locate process, they would be able to have the work done by one person in some situations, reducing duplication. This is expected to significantly reduce waiting periods for internet service providers.
Prime Minister promises further Russian sanctions and close cooperation with United Kingdom in foreign visit
During a bilateral visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss and continue to respond to the ongoing military aggression by Russia against Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will impose new restrictions on 10 individuals complicit in Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, including former and current senior government officials, and supporters of Russian leadership. News outlets report that the list of individuals was compiled by Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny, currently serving a custodial sentence which the European Court of Human Rights has ruled should be ended immediately.
Both leaders agreed to pursue further joint support for Ukraine by providing critical humanitarian and military aid and ensuring that Russia is held accountable by referring the attacks to the International Criminal Court.
The Prime Ministers issued a joint statement to further strengthen and deepen national security collaboration in the critical areas of countering state threats, emerging technology and cyber challenges, and combating disinformation and efforts to undermine democracy.
Niagara College Teaching Winery among first to be certified sustainable
New releases from the Niagara College Teaching Winery will be among the first in Ontario to bear a special label earned by a commitment to sustainable wine growing from grape to glass.
The College is now on a select list of Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) Certified Wineries and Vineyards. The new SWO Certified program was unveiled by the Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) and Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) on March 1, along with a list of wineries and vineyards that have achieved certification.
An evolution of the former Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified program, which launched in 2007, the new SWO Certified program now encompasses both vineyards and wineries, including winemaking facilities. By including both winery and vineyard certification, the new SWO Certified program ensures a complete cycle of sustainable growth.
Government of Canada funds Pro Bono Ontario to offer free legal advice hotline for victims of workplace sexual harassment
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, along with the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul’s, announced that the Government of Canada is providing financial support to Pro Bono Ontario for a free legal advice hotline for those who have experienced workplace sexual harassment, with legal information and advice accessible to anyone throughout the province. Funding of $788,392 over four fiscal years began April 1, 2021, and was approved for Pro Bono Ontario through Justice Canada’s Legal Aid Program.
Reading Recommendations
‘Emergency’ and ‘bedlam’: Urgent calls for countries to release oil reserves amid sky-high prices
CBC News
Soaring energy prices and supply issues are leading to calls for the United States and other countries around the world to release more of their oil reserves.
Oil and natural gas prices continue to climb as Russian supplies are diminished in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
North American oil prices jumped above $120 US per barrel on Monday, a sizable increase compared to $75 at the beginning of January and about $60 one year ago.
“There’s no cushion in the system as we get more interruptions from Russia,” said John Hess, the chief executive of Hess Corp., a New York-based oil company. He made the comments during one of the opening events of CERAWeek by S&P Global, one of the largest energy conferences in the world, which began Monday.
Update on Ukraine
CNSC: Ukrainian nuclear plants remain stable, no risk to Canadians
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) continues to actively monitor the events related to nuclear safety in Ukraine. The nuclear power plants in Ukraine remain stable. There is no immediate radiological threat to the areas surrounding these facilities or to Ukraine, neighbouring countries, or Canadians.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the most trusted and credible source of information on nuclear safety in Ukraine, and it continues to monitor and provide regular updates on the status of the country’s nuclear facilities. Follow the IAEA’s accounts on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.
Key U.S. lawmakers strike deal to ban Russian oil
Financial Post
Key lawmakers announced the outline of bipartisan legislation to bar imports of Russian oil into the U.S., paving the way for a rapid crackdown on crude from the country.
The framework agreement announced today by Republicans and Democrats who lead the House and Senate committees overseeing trade comes amid mounting pressure on the White House and U.S. lawmakers to enact a ban tightening economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. The House of Representatives could vote on the proposal as soon as Wednesday.
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.
