In this edition:
- Government returns to Queen’s Park with new legislation to champion local businesses
- Funding available to support Black entrepreneurs across southern Ontario
- Town of Lincoln recognized as a 2025 Employer of Choice
- Jessica Ruddell appointed Acting CAO for the City of Welland
- Niagara CAOs laud shared services, procurement efforts
- Trump enacting 25 per cent tariff on medium and heavy trucks as of Nov. 1
- Raw material prices up 8.4% year-over-year as demand for precious metals skyrockets
- Bank of Canada rules out recession, but suggests ‘slow growth’ on horizon
- Focus on Technology
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Photo credit: Maurizio De Mattei / Adobe Stock
Government returns to Queen’s Park with new legislation to champion local businesses
Today, the Ontario government introduced the Building a More Competitive Economy Act and related initiatives that would, if passed, protect and strengthen the province’s economy by streamlining regulatory processes, championing local businesses, advancing labour mobility and increasing competitiveness. These measures aim to build a resilient and self-sustaining economy that can withstand disruption and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while making Ontario the best place in the G7 to invest, do business and create jobs.
Picture credit: Chanelle Malambo/peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock
Funding available to support Black entrepreneurs across southern Ontario
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced that funding for eligible southern Ontario organizations is now available through the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund.
Picture credit: Town of Lincoln
Town of Lincoln recognized as a 2025 Employer of Choice
The Town of Lincoln is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a 2025 Employer of Choice by Canadian HR Reporter, earning distinction among top employers across Canada.
For the Town of Lincoln, the standout area identified in the assessment was the strong sense of collegiality and support among staff. This positive environment helps employees feel valued, reduces burnout, and increases productivity and collaboration across departments.
Picture credit: Jessica Ruddell
Jessica Ruddell appointed Acting CAO for the City of Welland
Mayor Frank Campion is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Ruddell as Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Welland, effective end of day on October 24, 2025.
Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a demonstrated track record of municipal leadership, most recently serving as Director of Community Services for the City of Welland.
Picture credit: Regional Municipality of Niagara
Niagara CAOs laud shared services, procurement efforts
Niagara Region’s shared services initiative of Growing Better Together has received a boost from some chief administrative officers of Niagara’s lower-tier municipalities.
The CAOs, during last week’s committee-of-the-whole meeting at regional headquarters, lauded the Region for taking the lead. They provided regional councillors with a primer on the value of sharing services and procurement among municipalities.
Picture credit: hit1912 / Adobe Stock
Trump enacting 25 per cent tariff on medium and heavy trucks as of Nov. 1
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Oct. 17 to slap a 25 per cent tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks beginning Nov. 1, with a carveout for vehicles traded under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.
The effects of the latest tariffs are more likely to be felt in Mexico – although some heavy- and medium-duty vehicle companies do have operations in Canada.
Picture credit: JT Studio / Adobe Stock
Raw material prices up 8.4% year-over-year as demand for precious metals skyrockets
The RMPI‘s year-over-year increase in September was headlined by gains for gold, silver, and platinum group metal ores and concentrates (+46.2%) and cattle and calves (+26.2%). The year-over-year increase in cattle prices was largely the result of ongoing domestic supply shortages.
Photo credit: Bank of Canada
Bank of Canada rules out recession, but suggests ‘slow growth’ on horizon
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem suggested a recession is not on the offing under the current trade picture between Canada and U.S. President Donald Trump, though uncertainty persists as Ottawa gears up to table its fall budget.
However, a survey conducted by the bank suggests that its optimism is not shared by many businesses, 35% of which are preparing for a downturn – up from 28% in the previous survey.
Focus on Technology
Why were Fortnite, Snapchat, Reddit and other major apps on Amazon Web Services down today?
Metroland
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.
