In this edition:
- Government of Canada announces $1.5B in new business supports
- Carney becomes first non-European leader to attend European Political Community Summit in bid to attract investment
- Two-thirds of small businesses expect positive boost from FIFA World Cup™, but many aren’t ready
- Up to 33,000 foreign workers to be granted permanent residence to address labour shortages
- Retirees delay downsizing plans as housing market slumps
- Focus on Health and Safety
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Picture credit: amazing studio / Adobe Stock
Government of Canada announces $1.5B in new business supports
The Government of Canada today announced $1.5 billion in new spending to support several of Canada’s tariffed industries. This includes the creation of a new $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program that will strengthen Canada’s economic resilience. The program will be available to industries that manufacture and export products containing steel, aluminum or copper.
In addition, the government is providing an additional $500 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support tariff-impacted businesses in all sectors of our economy.
Picture credit: Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street
Carney becomes first non-European leader to attend European Political Community Summit in bid to attract investment
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his first official visit to Armenia. He attended the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, marking the first time a non-European leader joined the Summit. During his meetings, the Prime Minister positioned Canada as a premier destination for global capital and investment – including in critical minerals, energy, defence, and advanced technologies. These efforts are intended to attract new investment into Canadian companies and projects, unlocking new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.
Picture credit: j_chincoya / Adobe Stock
Two-thirds of small businesses expect positive boost from FIFA World Cup™, but many aren’t ready
With the FIFA World Cup™ set to take place in Toronto and Vancouver in just over 50 days, new research from VistaPrint, the print and design partner to small businesses, shows small businesses are anticipating a significant opportunity. The survey of 334 small businesses in the Canadian host cities reveals that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) expect a positive impact, but not all feel ready to capitalize on it. As businesses prepare for the uptick in foot traffic around the tournament, those that invest in their marketing and customer engagement will be best positioned to capture that demand.
Photo credit: Evgenia Parajanian / Adobe Stock
Up to 33,000 foreign workers to be granted permanent residence to address labour shortages
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is initially accelerating eligible applications from existing inventories of work permit holders who have applied for permanent residence for up to 33,000 workers in Canada. These workers are already working in smaller and rural communities, have applied through various existing programs, and have been living in smaller communities for at least two years.
Picture credit: Elena Berd / Adobe Stock
Retirees delay downsizing plans as housing market slumps
Only 10 per cent of Canadians say they’re aiming to move to a smaller home over the next 10 years, according to a Re/Max Canada survey of more than 1,500 adults conducted online from March 30 to April 1.
Among those 65 and older, just 16 per cent intended to downsize in the next decade, while 57 per cent planned to remain in their current home.
Focus on Health and Safety
Safety week kicks off today: Recognizing, responding and respecting STCKY situations
Lindsey Cole, Daily Commercial News
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.
