In this edition:
- Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
- Carney rules out new trade pressure as U.S. import bans hit Canadian goods
- Ottawa threatens legal action after Stelco owner announces up to 500 Hamilton layoffs
- St. Catharines clears way for mixed-use development on Fourth Avenue
- Canadian GDP flat in July as manufacturing and retail contract
- Final Upper Welland River flood mapping open for feedback until October 27
- Canadian Chamber identifies industry opportunities in $1-trillion defence buildout
- Canadian crude output hits record as exports mainly to Asia and Europe jump 45%
- Housing affordability improves, but buyer confidence remains weak
- World Vision report links $63.3B in Canadian imports to child and forced labour risk
- U.S. trade court weighs challenge to Trump’s forced-labour tariffs
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Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, honouring residential school Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange, learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, and take part in commemorative activities across the country.
Picture credit: Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
Carney rules out new trade pressure as U.S. import bans hit Canadian goods
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada does not plan to escalate its trade dispute with the United States as new U.S. bans take effect on dozens of Canadian alcohol products, dairy byproducts and some motorcycles. Detailed trade talks are not underway, although officials remain in contact.
Picture credit: Erman Gunes / Adobe Stock
Ottawa threatens legal action after Stelco owner announces up to 500 Hamilton layoffs
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa will use all available powers against Stelco’s U.S. owner after the steelmaker announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs in Hamilton. Stelco linked the layoffs to U.S. tariffs, while Cleveland-Cliffs says some workers may be absorbed at its Nanticoke operations.
Photo credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines clears way for mixed-use development on Fourth Avenue
City Council has approved planning and zoning amendments for 1262–1290 Fourth Avenue, allowing two eight-storey mixed-use buildings and a third block for future mixed-use development. The Official Plan amendment requires at least 48 jobs per hectare across the lands, and the deadline to appeal is October 19.
Photo credit: manassanant / Adobe Stock
Canadian GDP flat in July as manufacturing and retail contract
Real GDP was essentially unchanged in July as construction and utilities growth offset declines in manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade. Manufacturing fell 0.9%, while construction rose 1.3%. Statistics Canada’s advance estimate points to 0.2% GDP growth in August.
Picture credit: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Final Upper Welland River flood mapping open for feedback until October 27
The NPCA is seeking final feedback on floodplain mapping covering 19 tributaries to the Upper Welland River in West Lincoln, Wainfleet, Haldimand and Hamilton. The mapping will support planning, emergency preparedness and flood-risk management and could go to the NPCA board for approval November 27.
Picture credit: fotograupner / Adobe Stock
Canadian Chamber identifies industry opportunities in $1-trillion defence buildout
Canada is expected to spend more than $1 trillion on defence and security over the next decade, according to a Business Data Lab report. The Canadian Chamber says manufacturers, construction firms and technology suppliers could benefit, but procurement complexity, security clearances and limited visibility into future demand remain barriers.
Photo credit: Pawinee / Adobe Stock
Canadian crude output hits record as exports mainly to Asia and Europe jump 45%
Canadian crude oil production reached a record 27.8 million cubic metres in July, while exports to markets mainly in Asia and Europe rose 45% from a year earlier. Natural-gas exports outside the U.S. also more than tripled as LNG shipments expanded.
Picture credit: Andrii Yalanskyi / Adobe Stock
Housing affordability improves, but buyer confidence remains weak
Lower borrowing costs and softer prices have improved affordability, but industry experts say economic uncertainty is keeping many prospective buyers on the sidelines. The same uncertainty is also weighing on developers, with elevated financing costs and weaker project economics slowing new housing construction.
Picture credit: adekub / Adobe Stock
World Vision report links $63.3B in Canadian imports to child and forced labour risk
A World Vision Canada report estimates that $63.3 billion in 2025 imports came from goods-and-country combinations associated with documented child or forced labour risks. Electronics, clothing and textiles, and gold accounted for the largest shares. The report does not conclude that specific shipments were produced using forced labour.
Picture credit: Valerii Evlakhov / Adobe Stock
U.S. trade court weighs challenge to Trump’s forced-labour tariffs
The U.S. Court of International Trade is hearing a challenge to tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. Opponents argue the administration exceeded its authority after the Supreme Court struck down earlier broad tariffs; the Trump administration says it conducted country-specific investigations.
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.
