In this edition:
- Toronto hovercraft service clears major hurdle — but could still face choppy waters
- More GO trains between Hamilton and Niagara starting May 17
- Niagara firm These Architects wins 2025 Ceramics of Italy Award
- Pelham residents invited to share feedback about Meridian Community Centre Concession Pilot Project
- Bank of Canada respondents rate trade and tariffs as top risk to organizations, with cyber incidents second
- Shrinking household debt and lower business insolvency filings indicate stability in Canadian financial system
- Amy Widdows named new CEO of Ontario Disability Employment Network
- Head of Linamar says U.S. tariffs have had ‘minimal impact’ on auto parts maker
- WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy after weight-loss drugs capsized industry
- Focus on Canada-U.S. Business
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Photo credit: Hoverlink Ontario
Toronto hovercraft service clears major hurdle — but could still face choppy waters
An Ontario company that plans to use marine hovercraft to run a high-speed ferry service to Niagara has reached a deal with Toronto’s port authority to operate out of Billy Bishop Airport, the Star has learned.
Representatives of Hoverlink Ontario Inc. said its service is still in the planning stages and it could be three years until its maiden voyage.
Photo credit: TOimages / Adobe Stock
More GO trains between Hamilton and Niagara starting May 17
Hop aboard — direct GO train service between Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls is almost ready.
The new connecting track will ensure that all Niagara GO trains stop at Hamilton’s West Harbour station, seven days a week. Riders will have four additional train trips to choose from on weekdays and six new trips on weekends, Metrolinx announced on Wednesday.
Picture credit: Scott Norsworthy / These Architects
Niagara firm These Architects wins 2025 Ceramics of Italy Award
Niagara-based boutique architectural and interior design firm These Architects have been announced the winners of a 2025 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition Award. House in the Hill won in the North America residential category with its extensive use of Italian tiles, carefully curated to enhance the overall themes running throughout the project.
Picture credit: Tyler Olson / Adobe Stock
Pelham residents invited to share feedback about Meridian Community Centre Concession Pilot Project
he Town of Pelham is launching a new pilot project to operate the concession at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC). This initiative represents a new approach to enhancing services for residents and visitors.
As part of the pilot, the Town is also inviting residents to take part in a short survey to share feedback on their preferences for the concession.
Picture credit: manassanant / Adobe Stock
Bank of Canada respondents rate trade and tariffs as top risk to organizations, with cyber incidents second
The Bank of Canada conducts the Financial System Survey (FSS) annually to solicit the opinions of senior experts in risk management. Respondents ranked changes to trade and tariff policies as the top risk to organizations. Cyber incidents ranked second, declining in relative significance from the top risk in the 2024 survey.
In terms of scenarios that could trigger a severe repricing in financial markets in the next six months, most respondents cited concerns about changes to trade and tariff policy.
Picture credit: amazing studio / Adobe Stock
Shrinking household debt and lower business insolvency filings indicate stability in Canadian financial system
In the Financial Stability Report, the Bank of Canada assesses the resilience of the Canadian financial system and focuses on key risks that could undermine its stability. Over the past 12 months, Canadian households have been carrying, on average, less debt relative to their income, and insolvency filings by businesses have dropped significantly.
Because Canadian households and businesses have remained resilient overall, financial institutions have not come under stress. Canadian banks have generally maintained elevated capital buffers and have increased provisions for credit losses.
Picture credit: Ontario Disability Employment Network
Amy Widdows named new CEO of Ontario Disability Employment Network
After an extensive executive search process, the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s (ODEN) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Amy Widdows has been selected as the new permanent CEO of ODEN, effectively immediately.
Picture credit: Linamar
Head of Linamar says U.S. tariffs have had ‘minimal impact’ on auto parts maker
The head of one of Canada’s largest auto parts suppliers says that despite months of handwringing over U.S. President Donald’s Trump’s tariffs and how they would impact the automotive industry, her company has been mostly unscathed by them so far.
Picture credit: Sundry Photography / Adobe Stock
WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy after weight-loss drugs capsized industry
WW International, formerly known as WeightWatchers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday in a bid to cut its debt after hugely popular obesity drugs upended its business model.
Focus on Canada-U.S. Business
What Trump’s agreement with the U.K. suggests about trade talks with Canada
Experts say U.S. President Donald Trump’s preliminary trade agreement with the United Kingdom could offer hints about how his administration might negotiate with Canada.
The agreement announced today is not finalized and many details remain unclear, but it sent a signal to nations around the world rattled by Trump’s attempt to deploy tariffs to upend global trade.
Under the deal, baseline 10 per cent tariffs on most U.K. imports to the United States would stay in place, while duties on steel and aluminum would be lifted.
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.
