In this edition:
- Canada Post is on strike. Here’s what you need to know
- NRPS introduces no-tolerance approach to open-air illicit drug use
- Algoma celebrates delivery of 100th vessel
- Parking fines, special event rates rising in St. Catharines
- Unifor urges federal government to maintain tariff on EVs from China
- St. Catharines ponders prohibiting panhandling in high-traffic areas
- Ontario announces provincial agency hiring freeze
- Canada’s economy grows for the first time in four months
- Higher-than-anticipated tax revenues lead to significant reduction in provincial deficit
- Strong domestic spending drives Q2 tourism sector growth
- Search underway for Canada’s most exceptional architectural achievements
- Focus on Finance & Economy
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Photo credit: GDMatthews / Adobe Stock
Canada Post is on strike. Here’s what you need to know
Canadians got a big surprise late Thursday afternoon, when the union representing Canada’s postal workers suddenly called for a nationwide strike.
The move came hours after the federal government announced major reforms to Canada Post, instructing the Crown corporation to end home delivery and close some rural mail outlets. Canada Post welcomed the changes. But the Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it was “outraged” and posted a notice on its website early Thursday evening saying that all of its Canada Post members were walking off the job.
Photo credit: Niagara Regional Police Service
NRPS introduces no-tolerance approach to open-air illicit drug use
In response to community concerns, the Niagara Regional Police Service is implementing a no-tolerance approach to open-air illicit drug use.
When officers observe open-air illicit drug use, or when a call for service is received, individuals will be directed to stop, illicit substances seized, and moved from the area. Officers will engage respectfully and, where individuals are willing, provide information on available community resources, including treatment options and crisis supports.
Picture credit: Algoma Central Corporation
Algoma celebrates delivery of 100th vessel
Picture credit: City of St. Catharines
Parking fines, special event rates rising in St. Catharines
St. Catharines is hiking its parking fines after discovering the city has been charging about 40 per cent less than other municipalities and is missing out on money for operations and extra revenue.
Photo credit: RafMaster / Adobe Stock
Unifor urges federal government to maintain tariff on EVs from China
Unifor is urging the federal government to maintain its 100% surtax on electric vehicles imported from China, warning that lifting the measure would negatively effect Canada’s auto industry.
Photo credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines ponders prohibiting panhandling in high-traffic areas
Picture credit: Leonid Andronov / Adobe Stock
Ontario announces provincial agency hiring freeze
Effective tomorrow (September 27), the Government of Ontario is implementing a hiring freeze across Ontario’s provincial agencies, boards and commission public bodies. Today’s announcement comes in response to significant growth in the size of provincial agencies, which have grown at a rate of more than five times that of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) since 2023.
Picture credit: Dilok / Adobe Stock
Canada’s economy grows for the first time in four months
Picture credit: Andrey Popov / Adobe Stock
Higher-than-anticipated tax revenues lead to significant reduction in provincial deficit
The government recorded a $1.1 billion deficit for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, compared to a forecasted deficit of $9.8 billion in the 2024 Budget. This is a result of stronger-than-anticipated tax revenues resulting from higher-than-forecasted economic growth as well as increased revenues from the broader public sector.
Picture credit: Maksym Yemelyanov / Adobe Stock
Strong domestic spending drives Q2 tourism sector growth
Tourism gross domestic product (GDP), in real terms, grew 1.3% in the second quarter of 2025, compared with a 0.3% increase in the first quarter. Total tourism spending increased 0.9% in the second quarter of 2025, after decreasing 0.2% in the first quarter. The increase was attributable to strong domestic tourism spending (+2.9%) in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 0.3% in the first quarter.
Picture credit: adrian_ilie825/ Adobe Stock
Search underway for Canada’s most exceptional architectural achievements
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and Canada Council for the Arts has announced the call for submissions for the 2026 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture is now open.
The medals program provides a snapshot of outstanding design in a recently built project in Canada or anywhere in the world, explains a release. The 2026 medals will reflect how architects are advancing the discipline while inspiring Canadians to recognize the profound cultural impact on communities.
Focus on Finance & Economy
Tariffs, government spending, gas prices — what’s driving inflation right now?
Craig Lord, The Canadian Press
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.
