Labour Market News

The Ville de Roberval will receive more than $1.8M from the Government of Quebec to rebuild the Georges-Henri library, which was damaged after a fire. The project, estimated at $7.8M, should begin shortly and be completed in the fall of 2025.

The Ville de Gatineau is investing nearly $3M in changing the existing field at Ernest-Gaboury park into a synthetic surface. The Government of Quebec is contributing to the project.

The Ville de Schefferville will invest $65M in repairing its road network and its water treatment infrastructure. Construction should begin in the spring of 2025.

Bilodeau Canada, a manufacturer of fur outerwear and accessories in Normandin, was awarded a contract estimated at half a million dollars by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The company will make more than 6,000 hats over a three-year period.

Starbucks, a coffee shop chain, began work on its new location in the Cité 3000 project in Contrecoeur. The business will open in the winter of 2025 and create around 10 jobs.

Solution V2G, a snowplow accessories manufacturer, will build a LEED Platinum certified plant in Victoriaville. The building is valued at $9M. The company has 7 employees and would like to reach 25 employees for its scheduled opening in the spring of 2025.

Embouteillage Canada, a manufacturer of condiments, closed its plant in Saguenay's Chicoutimi borough. The company laid off nearly 20 employees as a result.

The Municipalité de Saint-Ubalde began construction on a new fire station. The project, which is estimated at nearly $5.4M, will be completed in June 2025. Construction Côté & Fils from Saint-Raymond and DG3A Architecture from Québec are collaborating on the project.

The Centre de services scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe will invest at least $19M in rebuilding École des Passereaux in 2026. The City is collaborating on the project by transferring the land free of charge after a $2.1M decontamination project.

Pat BBQ, a sauce and spice company, is temporarily closing its production plant in L'Isle-Verte indefinitely. The company laid off 12 employees as a result.

Studio Squido, a video game developer from Montréal that received $3.7M in funding, plans on recruiting about 20 people to join their workforce of around 20 employees

The Ville de Val-d’Or completed the traffic circle connecting 7e Road and Barrette Boulevard. The project of over $2.6M was funded in part by two mining companies: Agnico Eagle and Eldorado Gold Québec.

VERTIGO, a bistro-style restaurant and bar, opened in Laval and can accommodate 124 guests

The Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke will invest $26M in building an elementary school in Ascot that can accommodate 480 students. Construction should begin in March 2025 and be completed by September 2026 or by 2027 at the latest.

The Municipalité de l'Ange-Gardien inaugurated its year-round rink following a $3M investment. The Government of Quebec contributed to the project cost.

Duo Display, a manufacturer of modular exhibition booths, will set up a plant in Bromont. It will be operational in June 2025. The company currently has a foothold in Montréal, and some of their workforce of approximately 30 employees could move into the new spaces.

Grocery chain Super C is building a new store near Ascot following a multi-million dollar investment. The opening, which is expected to be between the fall of 2025 and the spring of 2026, will create 100 jobs.

The Ville de Sherbrooke will invest approximately $2.7M in rebuilding the Magog River Gorge Walkway in the heart of downtown. The project should begin in the spring and be completed at the end of the summer in 2025.

École Saint-Gabriel in Windsor is investing around $7.5M in building a double gymnasium. The project, which is being funded by the ministère de l’Éducation and a government program, should be completed in 2026.

The ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable expects that the bridge project over the Rapides River in Sept-Îles will be completed in November. The project began in 2023 and cost $8.9M.

Devolutions, a software developer, invested more than $12M in expanding their offices in Lavaltrie. The company currently has over 200 employees and is seeking staff.

Grocery chain Super C is building a new store near Rock Forest following a multi-million dollar investment. The opening, which is expected to be between the fall of 2025 and the spring of 2026, will create 100 jobs.

The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal began a $15M renovation on the Centre de réadaptation Mont-Saint-Antoine. Contractor IBE Group is managing the work over a two-year period.

Long & McQuade, a musical instrument retailer, is opening its new location in Sorel-Tracy on November 11. The multi-million dollar investment will create new jobs in addition to four existing jobs.

Fromagerie Nouvelle France in Racine is investing over $3M in expanding its facilities, which will also improve productivity and the employees' workspace

The Ville de Montréal is investing nearly $16M in redeveloping Frédéric-Back park in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough. The project will run until the summer of 2027.

Canadoil Forge, a steel pipe manufacturer in Bécancour, announced that it will temporarily lay off around 90 workers due to a major fire

Desgagnés, a maritime transport company in Québec, invested over $100M in one year to expand its fleet. It recently acquired two sister-ships and plans on acquiring others over the next two years.

Minerai de fer Québec invested an extra $65M in the Bloom Lake mine, which is owned by Champion Iron. The overall project of $470M, which aims to produce high-purity iron, should be finished in 2025.

The Ville de Brossard invested over $28M in repairing the Grande Allée. Construction should begin in May 2025 and be finished in November 2026.

Maison Marc-Antoine opened in Sherbrooke and is housing 14 people with functional limitations with supervision. The City and the provincial government contributed $3.6M to the project.

The Unité de travail pour l'implantation de logement étudiant (UTILE) will build 168 rental units in Montréal for September 2026. The project, which is called Méridien, is valued at more than $53M. The City, federal government and various partners are funding the project.

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux du Bas-Saint-Laurent is seeking several pharmacists for all of its facilities

Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission approved Uvagut TV, Canada’s first Inuktitut television station, for mandatory distribution on October 23. The new station will be accessible at any time to cable subscribers. Uvagut TV is operated by Inuit non-profit Nunavut Independent Television.

The Yukon government has temporarily closed Takhini Haven, the only women’s halfway house program, due to low admission rates and to evaluate the program. In 2023, the Yukon government provided $1.2M for non-profit Connective to operate the program, housing up to eight women transitioning out of the criminal justice system. The evaluation is expected to be completed in May 2025

The Northwest Territories government is creating a new team of nine staff with $2M per year to curb the territory’s healthcare spending and identify core services. The new team will operate until 2028. Last year, the NWT had a $265M health and social services deficit.

The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT), the federal government, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat have finalized the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement and Fiscal Agreement. Under this agreement, Maligaksat will provide community and social support services for the Inuvialuit, shifting this responsibility from the GNWT. However, the GNWT will continue to handle protection and prevention services

ColdAcre Food Systems closed on October 2 because of financial challenges brought on by the landslide at Victoria Gold’s Eagle mine in June. Since 2019, ColdAcre developed and manufactured food system technology to grow food in cold climates. ColdAcre had work in Whitehorse, Dawson, Mayo in the Yukon and Inuvik, NWT.

Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society seeks to reduce stigma and states that inclusive hiring practices could see more Nunavumiut with disabilities employed. The organization provides resume-writing, interview preparation, skills training and job coaching services as well as employer support. The organization has 20 staff and 100 clients; around 5,570 Nunavummiut live with disabilities.

The Yukon government is helping the construction of a new 45-unit residence in downtown Whitehorse to address housing needs. Ketza Construction Corporation has been awarded a $27.3M contract to build the residence, which was granted in July 2024. The building will be energy efficient and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

The Yukon government is allocating $343,000 in an agreement with the Council of Yukon First Nations to co-develop a framework for monitoring ecological and species effects in the territory until 2026. This agreement is part of the Yukon government’s Conservation Capacity Fund, which supports seven Indigenous-led projects with a total of $2.1M.

Agnico Eagle reported that the mining industry has evolved over the last 60 years, with safety implements and strong environmental regulations in Nunavut. According to the Mining Association of Canada, mining contributed 38% of Nunavut’s GDP in 2021 and provided substantial Indigenous employment. Gold prices rose 45% over the last year, supporting mines like Agnico’s Meliadine gold mine in Rankin Inlet.

The federal government is providing $100,000 to Northern Garments Inc. in Dawson City. The money will go towards addressing recruitment challenges, purchasing equipment and website improvement. Northern Garments makes custom winter clothing known as SKOOKUMbrand.

The Northwest Territories government will not be allocating money to the Fort Smith Correctional Complex in the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal budget. While layoff notices have not yet been issued, workers are advised to prepare for the anticipated closure.

The Town of Hay River is putting 20% of its $100,000 ParticipAction award towards expanding community sport and recreation programs while 80% will go towards the Inukshuk Park Revitalization project.

The Northwest Territories government has extended its Apprenticeship, Trades, and Occupation Certification Strategy for an additional two years to support training, work placements, partnerships with businesses, and job market information in the trades. This year, 33 journeypersons and 20 Top Mark apprentices from across the NWT completed training in 15 different trades.

The City of Whitehorse hired 12 workers to its snow and ice control team, reaching a total of over 50 staff. Day and night shifts will be covered. The city also added 12 new pieces of equipment and established new contractor agreements to respond to major events.

The City of Yellowknife’s street outreach program pays its workers half the amount that shelter workers are paid, according to a review by consulting firm Triage Metrix. The Yellowknife Women’s Society operates the outreach program with funding from the city, transporting vulnerable individuals to shelters 12 hours per day.

The City of Yellowknife issued a development permit for a 50-unit affordable housing building to be built downtown on the empty lots on 50th Street. Foundation work is slated to take place in spring 2025, with the site completed in 2026. Aspen Apartments are also expected to be completed in 2025.

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates over 100,000 farm jobs in Canada could be unfilled by 2030, driving the adoption of new technologies to maximize productivity with existing labor. Saskatchewan's agricultural producers are turning to automation to address ongoing labor shortages.

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $10M to support economic development and coal transition efforts in the Estevan and Coronach regions. The funding will be split equally between the two regions, aimed at fostering new business opportunities and retaining the local workforce.

The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, in partnership with the Moose Jaw Co-op, has opened The Harvest Pantry, a new client-choice shopping program aimed at offering a more dignified and personalized food assistance experience. Starting October 28, the program allows clients to select food that meets their dietary and cultural needs, replacing traditional food hampers.

Athlete World, a new gym and athlete training centre, has opened in Estevan. The facility features a synthetic ice surface and offers youth athlete development programs and hockey-specific training.

Moose Jaw City Hall is adding a new, permanent capital project supervisor position to support the management and delivery of capital projects in the parks and recreation branch. This position will help oversee the department's annual capital projects, which include infrastructure renewals and upgrades to aging facilities.

The City of Yorkton launched a housing incentive program offering new builders a 50% rebate on residential lot prices and a five-year tax exemption to address housing shortages. With around 70 city-owned lots available, the initiative aims to attract new residents as local industries expand.

Yorkton's curbside recycling program is partnering with local organizations like RecyclAbility Enterprises and the Prairie Harvest Employment Program to hire local workers and support individuals facing challenges obtaining employment. The program provides residents with a lower levy than other cities and offers weekly recycling collection.

Flair Airlines will cancel its Saskatoon-Toronto route on November 25, effectively ending its presence in Saskatchewan. The company cited plans to cut underperforming routes and focus on higher-frequency services.

The University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business has opened applications for its new Master of Science (MSc) in Management program, set to begin in September 2025. This two-year, thesis-based program combines elements of the existing MSc programs in Finance and Marketing, offering students research opportunities in various business disciplines.

Saskatoon-based Shercom Industries will lay off 79 employees on December 2 after the province awarded tire recycling rights to California's Crumb Rubber Manufacturing. In 2022, Shercom employed approximately 140 staff. After this round of layoffs, 20 employees will remain.

The provincial government has opened its second extended hours primary care clinic, at Winnipeg’s Concordia Hospital. The clinic is staffed by nurses and family doctors and is open evenings, weekends, and holidays. Manitoba’s first clinic of this type opened at the Grace Hospital in September, 2024.

Changes to the ratio of apprentices-to-journeypersons will soon come into effect in Manitoba. Beginning October 30, companies must maintain one journeyperson on site for every apprentice working, up from the previous 2:1 ratio. This change is for safety reasons in addition to quality of hands-on training.

The City of Winnipeg is scouting sites for a new outdoor aquatic park in the St. Boniface neighbourhood, due to the closure of two aging facilities in the area. The Happyland pool closed this year, while the Windsor Park pool is scheduled to close after the 2025 season.

A temporary overnight drop-in centre recently opened in Brandon, offering a warm space for people experiencing homelessness. The Brandon Friendship Centre has received $350,000 in provincial funding to operate the shelter until March 31, 2025.

The Government of Manitoba is extending its Retail Theft and Violent Crime Initiative, funding overtime for the Winnipeg Police Service to prioritize high-crime areas. Additionally, the Province has provided funds for the hiring of 12 new Winnipeg police officers, who will begin work in November, 2024.

Westman Immigrant Services recently opened an entrepreneurship hub in downtown Brandon, offering mentorship and training to newcomers hoping to start their own businesses.

Prairie Crossroads School, a faith-based school in Morden, is growing rapidly and planning for a new building. The school, which currently operates out of a church, has acquired land on Highway 3 and plans to begin construction next spring. When complete in fall 2026, it will accommodate 240-250 students.

The Government of Canada is providing nearly $21M to seven Indigenous housing projects across the province. Recipients include Ndinawemaaganag Endawaad Inc., the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and the Manitoba Inuit Association.

Bus manufacturer NFI Group is hiring 250 new staff, part of a $70-80M expansion that will allow the company to fully build electric buses in its Winnipeg facility. Previously, buses were partially built in Winnipeg and then completed in Alabama.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says a sharp increase to its volume of emergency calls is contributing to staff burnout. The service received 109,558 medical related calls and 20,630 fire and rescue calls in 2023, up from 81,214 and 18,966 in 2018.

Manitoba Public Insurance is spending $1.3M to expand adult driving programs in rural and remote communities. The Crown Corporation is partnering with post-secondary organizations and non-profits to increase training and road-testing in communities like Thompson and Churchill.

The provincial government is extending its pause on new licenses for controlled-access cannabis stores until December 2025. Controlled-access stores are businesses, such as gas bars, that are open to customers of all ages but restrict access to cannabis products. This is in contrast to stores that exclusively carry cannabis products and only admit customers of legal age.

The Government of Canada is providing $3.49M to Parkview Seniors Housing Co-op, a 28-unit affordable 55+ complex in Brandon. The funding is earmarked for energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, windows and doors, and heating and cooling systems.

The historic rail bridge at The Forks will cost more than $10M to repair. The bridge at the Winnipeg gathering place has been closed for more than a year for structural assessments, with no timeline yet for its reopening.

Activate, a Winnipeg-based active gaming company, is expanding its operations into Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, with the first Scandinavian location to open early next year. Activate currently has 40 locations across Canada and the U.S. and hopes to open more than 200 around the world in the coming years.

The Hulitan Early Years Centre, a new early childcare centre focusing on trauma and Indigenous culture, has opened in Colwood. The centre will provide 48 free childcare spaces for Indigenous families in the region.

The Government of Canada has announced the launch of two programs to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt and adapt to artificial intelligence (AI). The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative will provide $200M to support scaling and adoption of new AI technologies. The AI Assist Program will provide $100M to help Canadian businesses build and utilize AI in their core services.

The Peachland Post, a new community newspaper based out of Peachland, is launching in November. The newspaper will be run by the local newspaper society and will not have the goal of turning a profit. The newspaper will be staffed by part-time employees and volunteers.

The Government of Canada is providing over $725K through PacifiCan to communities in the Thompson-Okanagan to create outdoor experience and support sustainable tourism in the region. This funding will increase visitors to smaller communities while creating jobs and providing economic opportunities.

The Government of Canada is providing $9.4M to three Surrey-based businesses through PacifiCan. These funds will support innovation and economic growth in Surrey by helping the recipients grow locally and compete globally. The funds are expected to create more than 190 jobs.

The District of Hudson’s Hope has announced a new project to replace the existing Community Hall and Public Library. The buildings will be replaced with a new Multi-Use Gathering Centre that will serve as a hub for community, arts, culture, and family events.

Open Ocean Robotics, a Victoria-based technology company, has finished a $2.8M investment round. The company plans to use the funds to support technological advancements, expand into Southeast Asia, and scale up manufacturing. The company uses drone-like boats to provide real-time oceanographic information to researchers and other users.

The Surrey Police Service still needs to hire 340 new officers. The police service has hired 445 officers so far and hiring will continue as the service transitions to full operation on November 29.

Fresh Bite, a new sandwich shop, has opened in Port Coquitlam.

According to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, an estimated 970K cruise passengers visited the city in 2024. The authority estimates that the cruise industry contributes $130M each year and creates 800 jobs.

The Mobile Youth Services Team in southern Vancouver Island is scaling back after funding from the Government of British Columbia ran out. The team’s councillor will be working two days a week until further funding can be acquired.

Kelowna city council has voted to approve a plan to redevelop the land of the former Tolko Mill. The plan includes a transit hub and parklands. The development is expected to take place over 20 to 30 years, but parts of the site should be active as early as summer 2025. Final approval for the plan will be provided after another round of public feedback and council consideration.

The City of Penticton has approved $8.1M of upgrades to its water main station. The water main station helps provide 70% of the city’s drinking water. The city is currently considering responses to its request for proposals.

The Regional District of Nanaimo has purchased 78 acres of land for $850K to add to the conservation area of 707 Community Park on Gabriola Island. The addition makes the park the second largest in the regional district and expands access to outdoor recreation areas in the region.

Pacific Coastal Airlines has launched a new route between Kelowna and Prince George. The service will operate six times a week and will support the company’s growth strategy. The company says that this new route will compliment existing routes to Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox.

Thompson Rivers University has announced it is implementing a hiring freeze and scaling back capital projects by $5M. The university made the decision based on a decline in revenues from international students. The university reported a decrease of 400 students in fall 2024 from fall 2023. The hiring freeze will impact about 75 positions.

The Site C hydroelectric project has begun electrical generation after completing testing and commissioning. One of six generating units has been activated, with the rest expected to begin producing electricity by fall 2025.

De Havilland is hiring at its North Saanich manufacturing plant to build firefighting planes for the European Union. The company is looking to expand to a 500-person workforce by the end of the year. The over $1B deal will create 650 jobs at De Havilland Canada and support 2.6K additional jobs in the supply chain.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has reported a record 1.3M cruise ship visitors arrived in Vancouver this year. The port authority estimates that the cruise ship industry brings in $1.1B to Vancouver each year.

The City of Victoria and the District of Saanich have partnered with the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre to launch the Strata Energy Advisor program. The new program will provide support for strata councils interested in bringing climate and energy upgrades to their buildings. The program aims to decarbonize 260 buildings across BC over the next three years.

The District of Saanich has adopted the Road Safety Action Plan, which provides $21M of spending over the next decade to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The plan is focused on improving road safety by targeting speeds, road users, vehicles, road design, post-crash care, and land use planning.

PacifiCan is providing over $32M to help businesses bring new technologies to market and adopt artificial intelligence. These funds will be available to businesses and not-for-profit organizations that apply for funding through the new Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative starting November 18. These funds will help organizations commercialize and adopt AI technologies.

Quesada, a Canadian-operated Mexican restaurant, is opening 8 new stores across British Columbia. Three of the eight new locations will be in Metro Vancouver, with the remaining five located in Penticton, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Quesnel, and Comox.

Tuktu Resources Ltd. is planning to start up a well which allows for unrestricted production, on or about December 1, 2024, following approval from the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) has selected Diversys Software Inc. to provide systems to streamline the management of container recycling in the province.

Loblaws Companies Ltd. is planning to open a No Frills grocery store as an anchor tenant in Edmonton’s Millwoods Town Centre. The developer expects the store to open in late spring 2025.

Toronto-based Wealthsimple, a fintech company, plans to triple its number of full-time employees in Alberta by the end of 2025, bringing the provincial staff count to 105, about 10 percent of the company’s total workforce. Roles being actively recruited include positions in engineering and product development, client experience, sales, and operations.

The Government of Alberta is providing $2.8M for design work towards an expansion and upgrade of the Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant. The comprehensive design phase of the project is expected to be complete in 2025.

Helium Evolution Incorporated is partnering with North American Helium Inc. to drill a joint well in the Mankota, SK area. Drilling is expected to start before the end of October 2024.

Epsilon Energy Ltd., a Houston, Texas based energy company with a focus on the continental US, has established operations in Alberta through two joint ventures with private companies. Epsilon has also created a Canadian subsidiary to advance drilling and exploration work.

Neoen Renewables Canada has applied to build a large solar farm and battery storage system. Located near the town of Fort Macleod, the facility would be capable of producing 198 megawatts while the new battery system would provide 150 megawatt hours of power.

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has approved an extended construction timeline for an expanded solar project near Medicine Hat. Dunmore Solar was first approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission in 2021 and, at the time, was to be built by March 2025.

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has opened its first PIRHO Fresh Greek Grill restaurant at Glenmore Landing in Calgary. In total Happy Belly has 30 planned PIRHO locations in Alberta under a master franchise agreement.

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a development agreement for the opening of 20 new franchised QSR brand iQ Food Co. restaurants in Alberta.

Calgary-based Whitecap Resources is planning a 2025 capital budget of CAD$1.1B to CAD$1.2B that includes the drilling and development of more than 200 new wells across its asset base in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The program will also support the multi-year development of some infrastructure projects.

US-based Elliott Investment Management has increased its ownership in Calgary-based Suncor Energy from US$1.6B to US$3.0B representing approximately 3.4 percent of the company on anticipation of increasing intrinsic stock prices and total market value of the company.

Weil Group Resources has started up a new modular helium purification facility near Medicine Hat.

The owner of Camrose Casino, Mayfield Investments Ltd., has been ordered into receivership by the Alberta Court of King’s Bench over debt repayment issues. The casino was planning to relocate to Edmonton.

Edmonton-based MACH32, a medical technology company, has been awarded a US$750,000 Research and Development Contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, an office of the US Department of Health and Human Services, to develop products to treat life-threatening bleeding after traumatic injury.

Brox Energy is planning to install two 1.25-megawatt natural gas-fired power generators at a site near Oyen in the Special Areas to power portable data centres that will process cryptocurrency transactions.

FlixBus is providing new bus services between The University of Alberta's Augustana Campus in Camrose and Edmonton in a six-week pilot project.

Calgary-based CEMATRIX Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced cellular concrete products, has secured $6.2M in new contracts, most of which will be completed in 2024.

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is planning to open its 8th location in Alberta under the Heal Wellness restaurant brand at Aspen Landing Shopping Center in Calgary in the first quarter of 2025.

Sienna Senior Living is spending a total of $181.6M to acquire four continuing care homes in Alberta, consisting of 540 suites in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan and Medicine Hat.

Modine, a US based manufacturer of thermal management technologies, is opening a new facility in Calgary to manufacture its Airedale by Modine™ precision cooling equipment destined for data centre operations. The first Airedale by Modine units from the new Calgary facility are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.

Montreal-based eStruxture Data Centers, the largest data centre provider in the country, is building a $750M facility in Rocky View County, just outside Calgary. At peak construction, the project will employ around 250 people, and create around 45 to 50 permanent technology-driven operating jobs when it opens by the end of 2026.

The federal government is providing more than $13M through PrairiesCan to eight Calgary area companies involved in digital, healthcare and clean technologies. The funding is expected to create 180 jobs and improve market access.

Over $33.5M in housing projects will be awarded through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. to 5 Atlantic organizations: Wenjikwom Housing Commission Society (Truro), Tawaak Housing Assoc.(Halifax), Native Council of PEI, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources (Oromocto).

The federal government will provide $305K to West Prince Ventures (CBDC Western PEI) to deliver the Consultant Advisory Services (CAS) program. This program is expected to help P.E.I. companies grow by providing access to professional services.

Health P.E.I. says its focus is to hire hundreds of health-care staff and reduce wait times. P.E.I. plans to open 30 more patient medical homes, requiring 56 doctors and nurse practitioners, registered and licensed practical nurses, social workers, and others.

The Government of Canada has announced $22.5M for EverWind Fuels under the Green Shipping Corridor Program to support initiatives such as a pipeline build to transport green ammonia from the production facility to the transport terminal. Transportation is the second largest sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

Stanfield's historic factory and warehouse in downtown Truro will be redeveloped into a new neighbourhood that will see about 600 residential housing units, a new road, a ground-floor business space, and a public plaza. The development will be done in phases over the next 10 years with initial construction expected in summer 2025.

The N.S. Government has announced $5M in funding to build a new multi-purpose recreation facility for the residents of Victoria County in Baddeck. The municipality will also contribute $1M and the community $500k. The new accessible facility will include an ice pad, indoor walking track, community kitchen and community meeting space.

Over $33.5M in housing projects will be awarded through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. to 5 Atlantic organizations: Wenjikwom Housing Commission Society (Truro), Tawaak Housing Assoc. (Halifax), Native Council of PEI, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources (Oromocto).

The Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos will receive $98,475 to invest in solar panels and renewable energy sources as part of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the Government of Nova Scotia.

The waitlist for the only licensed Francophone daycare in Newfoundland and Labrador is exploding. In fact, according to management, around 250 names are on the list, which is almost 10 times the total number of spots at the centre. The daycare in St. John’s is managed by the Centre de la petite enfance et famille Les p’tits cerfs-volants.

Over $33.5M in housing projects will be awarded through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. to 5 Atlantic organizations: Wenjikwom Housing Commission Society (Truro), Tawaak Housing Assoc. (Halifax), Native Council of PEI, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources (Oromocto).

Labrador communities continue to be underserved in veterinary care with more veterinarians needed for the region. The veterinarian shortage is also causing a rise in veterinary care costs as fewer clinic workers generate more overtime and higher pay. Base salaries have also been increasing to attract more people to the profession.

JL Investments has been awarded a $1.18M contract for the demolition of the old CNR Bridge on Terminal Service Road in Port aux Basques. Design work is expected to happen over the winter with construction set to begin in 2025.

A new report from the Canadian Centre for Health Information shows that in 2021-2022, N.L. had a net gain in registered nurses and nurse practitioners but a net loss of physicians. There were 71 family physicians that entered the workforce and 117 that left it, for a net loss of 46.

The new early childhood educator benefit package came into effect on October 1, 2024 in which the N.L. Government pays 60% for workers in regulated centres, with workers/employers covering the extra 40%. The program is expected to have a positive impact on recruitment and retention and expand space availability.

WorkSafeNB announced that the 2025 average contribution rate for employers will be $1.10. This is the sixth consecutive decline since 2019. The organization reports that this is the second-lowest rate in the country. This surplus enables WorkSafe to issue performance refund cheques, which amount to $180.6M for 2024, to eligible employers for the first time ever.

ACOA will invest nearly $783K to support six tourism projects in southern N.B. Funding will go to the Town of Salisbury, Fundy – St. Martins, the Maritime Motorsport Hall of Fame, Firefly Forest Ltd., Poley Mountain Resorts Ltd., and Stoke Resort.

N.B. is seeing strong tax base growth, with overall assessments up 8.8% over last year, due to a strong real estate market and new construction provincewide. Moncton had the highest city assessment growth, followed by Fredericton and then Saint John.

The Saint John Theatre Company will get $12M from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program to transform a 200-year old courthouse into a performance space. Besides a space for performances, there will also be a professional development wing.

Over $33.5M in housing projects will be awarded through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. to 5 Atlantic organizations: Wenjikwom Housing Commission Society (Truro), Tawaak Housing Assoc.(Halifax), Native Council of PEI, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources (Oromocto).

NB Power has postponed putting the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station back into service once again. The generating station has been out of service since April and is expected to resume producing electricity in December.

The Ville de Montréal is investing around $29M in renovating the Saint-Louis Arena in the borough of Plateau-Mont-Royal. Unigesco, a local construction contractor, will complete the project in two years.

The Garde-Manger des Pays-d’En-Haut, a food and clothing aid organization, is investing $2.5M in building a distribution centre in Sainte-Adèle. Les Constructions Raymond et Fils from Mirabel is carrying out the project, which will be complete in the summer of 2025.

KandJu, a distributor and retailer of candy and confectionery, invested $8.5M in building a factory in Granby to help support its growth

Polycor, an operator of quarries and natural stone manufacturing plants, will invest nearly $12M in its facilities in Saint-Sébastien. Around 30 people will be hired.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, inaugurated the Coopérative d’habitation de la Pointe Amicale in Montréal this past July. The project, valued at over $37M, includes 93 units for both individuals and families.

KP Tissue and Kruger Products, tissue product manufacturers, opened another plant in Sherbrooke with 141 employees. The $377.5M investment included funding from the provincial government.

The Centre de services scolaire du Lac-Abitibi inaugurated the Phénix-du-Savoir Pavilion, which is attached to École de l’Envol in La Sarre. The building cost $25.7M.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, is overseeing the construction of 27 permanent housing units for men and women over 50 who are at risk of homelessness in Montréal. The project is affiliated with the Old Brewery Mission and is valued at over $12.4M.

Bistro McTavish, a pub in Terrebonne, will close on November 2 after 26 years in business

The Ville de Montréal has committed to building the Sun Youth sports and community centre on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The centre is scheduled to open in 2025.

The Ministère des Transports du Québec has opened the new overpass leading from Autoroute Jean-Noël-Lavoie (440), westbound, to the Laurentian Autoroute (15), northbound

On the Run/Ultramar, a convenience store and gas station, resumed operations in Lac-Saguay after it was rebuilt following a fire. The business is currently seeking new employees.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, is building the Espace la Traversée-Sœurs-de-Sainte-Anne. It is a 270-unit project for seniors with a slight loss of autonomy in Montréal. The project, valued at around $163M, should be complete in 2027.

The Battat Art Center, a multidisciplinary creation and dissemination space, will be expanded and renovated in Montréal. SAJO, a construction contractor, will carry out the project of over $10M. It is being funded by the Government of Canada. The centre is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.

The Ville de Terrebonne is investing over $2.1M in renovating around 20 parks. The project is scheduled to take place from the fall of 2024 to the spring of 2025.

Dév Méta, a real estate developer, began construction on the Square Bellevue village-like neighbourhood, which will have 169 condominium units in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Les Entreprises QMD, a construction contractor, will be carrying out the project until 2026.

Polycor, an operator of quarries and natural stone manufacturing plants, will cease operations in Ogden in Estrie and Rivière-à-Pierre in the National Capital Region in mid-December. The number of employees affected was not specified.

The Centre de services scolaire des Samares began construction on a new elementary school in Saint-Lin–Laurentides. The project, valued at over $38M, should be complete by the fall of 2026.

Fonderie Laperle in Saint-Ours closed permanently, leaving 90 employees without jobs

The Centre de services scolaire de l’Or-et-des-Bois announced that it cut nine adult francization classes in Val-D’Or, Malartic, and Senneterre

The Ville de Québec began construction on a flood protection wall on the Lorette River. The $106M project is being funded with $42.6M from the Government of Quebec, and the City is covering the remaining amount. The project will be complete in 2026.

The Montreal Port Authority, which manages the Port of Montreal, is investing $25M in optimizing its grain containerization facilities

Campus Habitations, a real estate developer, began construction on 102 housing units in Mont-Tremblant. The project, valued at over $35M, will be completed in the summer of 2025. Duquette Construction from Laval and Sauvé Poirier Architectes from Rosemère are collaborating on the project.

The Maison des aînés de Lac-Mégantic, a facility offering adapted care and services, is under construction. When the residence opens in the spring of 2025, 99 residents will be able to move in.

Alstom, a transportation company, is looking to hire around 10 workers at its rail plant in La Pocatière

Cogeco is a telecommunications company headquartered in Montréal. The company dismissed a number of employees, mainly executives, in Quebec, Ontario, and the United States at the end of last summer.

Pharmacie Jean Coutu announced the completion of renovations at the location in Plessisville. The investment is valued at $1.5M.

Air Transat, a tour operator and airline headquartered in Montréal, will lay off around 400 flight attendants in Québec and the Toronto area starting on November 1

The Ville de Terrebonne is investing over $7M in expanding and redeveloping its fire station. Entreprises Christian Arbour, a contractor from Joliette, is carrying out the environmentally friendly project. It should be complete in the spring of 2026.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, is overseeing the LoReLi project. It includes 112 rental units for low-income women in Montréal. The complex, valued at nearly $53M, includes Habitations Libr’Elles, Logifem, and Maison des RebElles.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, will soon inaugurate the Coopérative d’habitation le Trapèze in Montréal. The project, valued at nearly $14.8M, includes 40 units.

Veolia, a waste management company, inaugurated the first composting plant in the borough of Saint-Laurent in Montréal following a $169M investment. Around 20 people were hired at the plant.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, will soon inaugurate Habitations Héritage de Pointe Saint-Charles. The eight-storey building will house 122 families in Montréal. The project is valued at nearly $44.5M.

The Ville de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu will invest just under $12M in its housing stock for renovation, maintenance, and demolition projects

Mission Unitaînés, a non-profit organization, announced the construction of 100 affordable housing units for seniors in Drummondville. The project, valued at $23.5M, should be completed by 2026.

UAP, a distributor of parts and accessories for all types of automobiles and heavy vehicles, inaugurated its new facilities in Montréal. Les Entreprises QMD, a local construction company, carried out the project.

Edifia Groupe Immobilier, a property management firm, began construction on a 134-unit residential rental building in Domaine Luxuor, an ecodistrict in Saguenay. The $45M project will be complete in early 2026.

The Service de sécurité incendie for the Regional County Municipality of Autray is investing over $1.1M in purchasing new equipment

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, inaugurated the Coopérative d’habitation Laurentienne in Montréal in April. It includes 169 units. The project, valued at over $63M, is aiming for energy efficiency certification.

The Government of Quebec is granting over $4M to 26 municipalities in the Bellechasse area to carry out road rehabilitation and maintenance projects in the region.

The Ville de Saguenay is investing over $7.7M in rehabilitating the Richard-Desmeules stadium in the borough of Jonquière. Les Entrepreneurs Lapointe & Gagnon will begin the project shortly, which will be complete in August 2025.

Hydro-Magog will receive $18M from the Ville de Magog, over a period extending to 2034, to develop electricity production and redistribution

The Municipalité de Saint-Robert-Bellarmin received over $3.9M from the provincial government to build its municipal garage

Polycor, an operator of quarries and natural stone manufacturing plants, will cease operations in Ogden in Estrie and Rivière-à-Pierre in the National Capital Region in mid-December. The number of employees affected was not specified.

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue based in Rouyn-Noranda will cut administrative positions due to budgetary constraints

The Maison des aînés de Coaticook, a facility offering adapted care and services, has opened and welcomed 48 residents

The Ville de Mont-Tremblant and philanthropists have begun the Campus Santé Mont-Tremblant project. The project is valued at over $50M, which includes $3.6M from the City. It will have health and social services, including the local community services centre.

Greenfield Global Québec, an ethanol producer, is investing $255M in expanding its plant in Varennes. The expansion will help the company reduce its greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2026. The Government of Quebec is funding the $50M project.

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, will soon open the Loge-Accès OSHA phase 7 project. The 40-unit building is for both individuals and families in Montréal. The project is valued at over $15.7M.

The Université de Sherbrooke inaugurated two buildings on site, namely, the Pavillon de santé de précision et de recherche translationnelle and the Bibliothèque du Campus de la santé following an investment of around $86M

The Ville de Montréal, in collaboration with the other two levels of government, will make a multi-million dollar investment in providing Montréal with over 600 social and affordable housing units for various clienteles, including vulnerable women

QSL, a stevedoring company, will invest $39M in building a floating wharf and rehabilitating its port facilities in Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel. The federal government is investing $13.6M in the project, which will start in the spring of 2025.

PUR Immobilia, a real estate developer, will begin construction on the OAKVILLE building project in Saint-Lambert. Ultimately, the site will include 136 houses and 26 triplexes. The first phase is scheduled to start in the winter of 2025 and will be complete in the summer of 2026.

The Centre de services scolaire des Sommets, which serves the regional county municipalities of Memphrémagog, Val-Saint-François, and des Sources, cut 12 adult francization positions due to reduced provincial government funding

Bâtir ensemble, a community organization, began construction on the Maison Glaneuse. The 20-unit transitional housing project is for highly vulnerable families in Montréal. The project, valued at over $15M, should be complete in January 2026.

Think Surgical is a manufacturer of miniature wireless robots to assist knee replacement surgeons. The company has concentrated its software development laboratory for this technology in Montréal. A dozen engineers work there.

The Municipalité de Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is receiving nearly $4M in funding from the Government of Quebec to build a municipal garage, which will be used by residents and municipal employees

The Town and Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet are working together to expand the community’s water and sewer lines into the surrounding area. Construction is expected to begin within a year and both councils expect it to spur future development, including housing, hotels, restaurants and retail.

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc., an Indigenous health organization, has partnered with the provincial government to bring mobile outreach services to Thompson’s unhoused community. Staff travel by van to deliver medical and harm reduction services. The team includes a program director, social worker, nurse practitioner, outreach nurse, and outreach worker.

American fast food chain Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will open its first Canadian location in Winnipeg next spring. The Kildonan-area eatery will be the first of at least three franchise locations in the city and 20 across Canada. It will employ 50-60 staff.

The Government of Manitoba is spending $200,000 on a feasibility study on the relocation of Winnipeg’s railway yards. Research will take place over two years and will focus primarily on the 465-hectares Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail yard that divides the north and south areas of the city.

The Government of Manitoba is distributing $12M in grant funding to more than 200 community development projects through its From the Ground Up program. Projects focus on recreation, community safety, economic development, and housing supports.

Assiniboine Community College plans to establish a permanent Licensed Practical Nurse program in Steinbach. The program will offer 22-25 spots, beginning in the fall of 2025.

Health care support workers in Manitoba have signed a new collective agreement, which includes wage increases of 27% over four years. The agreement covers 19,000 health care aides, laundry and housekeeping aides, home care workers, ward clerks, and recreation coordinators.

Construction has resumed on DSM, a mixed-use apartment tower in downtown Winnipeg. Carrington Real Estate has taken over from a previous developer that shut down operations in 2023. The 24-storey building will consist of 160 suites and two floors of commercial space, including the Keg Steakhouse and Bar. It is scheduled to be complete by July 2026.

The provincial government is allocating a total $710,000 to 12 local companies through its Innovation Growth Program, which offers cost-shared grants for business expansion and product development. The benefiting businesses expect to add a combined 426 new full-time jobs over the next five years.

The City of Winnipeg has awarded a $475,000 contract to Crosier Kilgour for consulting and design work on the rehabilitation of the Millennium Library Parkade in downtown Winnipeg. Approximately $30M in repairs will be scheduled over the next seven years.

The federal government has confirmed that the headquarters of the new Canada Water Agency will be located in downtown Winnipeg. Last year, the government committed $85.1M over five years to establish the agency, which will guide water policy and fund water protection programs. The Winnipeg office will employ about 100 people.

The Government of Manitoba is spending $4.3M to hire 22 mental health workers, part of an expansion of addictions and mental health services meant to keep vulnerable people out of hospital or jail. The new staff include psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, addictions and housing workers, and peer support workers.

The Picklr, an American pickleball chain, has partnered with Winnipeg-based TPC Development Corp. to open 65 new pickleball clubs across Canada over five years. The majority of these will be indoor facilities, with at least two scheduled for Winnipeg. The company is currently scouting the city for buildings to convert.

Manitoba has become the second province to sign on to the federal government’s $1B school food program. The deal will add $17M in federal funding to $30M the Province has already committed to a school nutrition program. Schools can use the funding to purchase food and equipment as well as to hire additional staff.

The Manitoba Métis Federation has created a new power company devoted to building wind power capacity in the province. The Red River Métis Power Corporation plans to produce up to 300Megwatts of wind energy, through a partnership with the provincial government.

The Taloyoak, Nunavut, health centre is reducing services from October 19 to 26 due to staffing shortages. Service reductions will change as staff availability changes. All routine appointments will be rescheduled.

Rankin Inlet’s new $59.4M long-term care facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Sakku Investments Corp. and Embassy West Senior Living will operate the care center under a contract with the Nunavut government worth $15M per year for 10 years, creating 43 jobs.

National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated is providing $26M for seven projects in the Northwest Territories that address critical housing needs. Funding will be allocated to the Kasho Gotine Housing Society (for two projects), Nahanni Butte Dene Band, T???ch? ?eàg??? Ts?????l?? K?, The Métis Association Local 52, Ts’Euh Nda Society, and Northwest Métis Council Inc.

National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated is providing $13M for three projects in Nunavut that address critical housing needs. Funding will be allocated to YWCA Agvik Nunavut, Uquutaq Society’s Butler Affordable Housing, and Pairijiit Tigummiaqtikkut Society’s Elder Housing Capacity Building.

The Taltson hydro plant upgrades have been delayed and are now estimated to cost the Northwest Territories (NWT) government an additional $31 million, bringing the total cost to $100 million. The hydro plant has been offline since May 2023 due to a wildfire and technical issues, and no date has been set for its resumption of operations. The plant supplies power to South Slave communities, which are relying on diesel

In 2024, the Northwest Territories recorded the highest level of international migration in the territory’s history. From January to March 2024, there was a net gain of 211 people due to international migration, and all 300 spaces in the NWT Nominee Program were filled. The NWT government is now seeking to increase the Nominee Program cap from 300 to 500 for 2025.

Birthing services in Inuvik, NWT, will continue to have periodic availability due to ongoing shortages of qualified nursing staff. Labour and delivery services will be suspended until November 3, then available until December 5, and subsequently suspended again until January 11, 2025. The NWT Health and Social Services Authority is working to hire new staff and train current personnel.

The Klondike Outreach employment services office in Dawson, Yukon, closed on October 1 due to a reduction in federal transfers for labor market development in the territory. The funding agreement between the non-profit organization and the Yukon government was set to expire in mid-October, with no successor agreement in place

Baffinland Iron Mines is laying off between 170 and 200 workers, representing about 10% of its workforce in Nunavut, due to low iron ore prices and a decrease in ore being trucked out of Milne Inlet. The majority of the job cuts will affect blasting and trucking positions, including both employees and contractors. Due to the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, Inuit workers will not be impacted.

The Yukon government completed its five-year review of the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act and found that wholesale-to-retail cannabis sales grew from $2.03M in 2018-2019 to $9.2M in 2023-2024. The Yukon has a higher legal cannabis use (41%) than the national average (35%). Most Yukon residents purchase cannabis from licensed retailers. Some regulatory concerns persist.

Fireweed Metals completed its 2024 exploration program, including critical metals germanium and gallium by-products in its resource estimates for the Macpass project in the Yukon. These critical minerals, alongside zinc and tungsten, increase the economic opportunity at Macpass, positioning the project as a prominent critical mineral district in the world.

The Southeast Techhub recently hosted a rural innovation conference in Estevan, to help the area navigate through the global energy transition. The Techhub aims to leverage the local expertise in energy, particularly in coal and oil, to explore diversification projects. The Techhub also supports education and workforce development, helping create new local opportunities amid broader economic disruptions.

Square One Community Inc. and Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation are partnering to use the William Milne building for Square One to operate a new supportive housing project in December. Square One will offer an intensive program providing mental health, addiction, tenant, and other supports.

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) is actively recruiting to fill 12 open positions, resulting from increased provincial funding and recent retirements. To address vacancies, MJPS plans to hire four new officers by January 2024 and an additional eight by 2025. MJPS is facing a declining applicant pool, a trend seen across Canadian police services. To combat this, MJPS is expanding recruitment efforts through college visits, career fairs, and increased advertising.

Saskatchewan Industrial & Mining Suppliers Association Inc. (SIMSA) released its 2024 member survey results, showing that its membership steadily increased since 2014 and made $17B in annual sales this year. SIMSA works to connect Saskatchewan-based suppliers to procurement professionals in industrial, mining and energy industries. SIMSA represents 355 companies and 34,200 employees.

EMP Metals Corp. began the early stages of drilling at a third lithium well target at its Mansur project in Saskatchewan. EMP aims to establish Mansur as an independently viable project. Previous testing at Mansur showed high concentration of lithium at relatively shallow depth, indicating the potential for reduced operating costs and capital compared to similar projects in North America.

The Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDID) announced the location for an interim shopping and events space to hold festivals, events, and entrepreneurs. RDID aims to open the space in 2025. The space will be partly constructed using repurposed shipping containers.

According to Destination British Columbia data, B.C.’s tourism sector saw increases in annual visits in August thanks largely to recovering visitor numbers from Asia. Overall visitor counts still remain lower than they were pre-pandemic, with nearly 28% less visits in August 2024 than in August 2019.

Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (SXFN) and West Fraser have signed a memorandum of understanding for a forest management framework. The framework will provide clarity to West Fraser while meeting the economic and cultural concerns of SXFN. Under the agreement, forest stands will be managed to help with wildfire protection while providing economically viable fibre to the region’s mills.

Krafty Kitchen & Bar is closing its restaurant in Kelowna in December. The restaurant first opened in 2014.

Cineplex is opening The Rec Room entertainment centre in downtown Vancouver. The entertainment centre is recruiting for 270 positions, including cooks, servers, game technicians, and other operational roles.

British Columbia is experiencing a notable loss in manufacturing jobs. There is also declining investment in the sector. Wood product manufacturing, food processing, machinery, and fabricated metal products are the largest manufacturing industries in B.C. Industry stakeholders explained that barriers to investment include taxation, red tape and industrial land costs.

The Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia has finished undergoing $29M of upgrades. The upgrades and repairs were intended to improve the safety, accessibility, and inclusivity of the site. They included upgrades to the restaurant, gift shop and change rooms as well as the addition of a new rooftop sundeck. The building also had modernization work done to its mechanical and electrical systems.

Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba, a Japanese chain restaurant, has opened in Surrey.

Swiss Bakery has opened a new bakery at the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver.

Ballard Power System, headquartered in Burnaby, is going through a global corporate restructuring due to a slowdown in hydrogen infrastructure development and delayed fuel cell adoption. The restructuring will result in a reduced workforce, operational consolidation, reduction in capital expenditures and capital improvement initiatives.

Plaisir Sucre, a traditional French bakery, is opening a second bakery in Vancouver.

Fortescue Ltd., an Australian iron ore company, has withdrawn from the provincial environmental assessment process for its proposed green hydrogen and ammonia production facility.  The $2B project in Prince George was cancelled due to power pricing and availability. This project would have employed up to 100 employees.

The San Group is temporarily curtailing operations on October 17 for its sawmill and on October 21 for its manufacturing plant in Port Alberni. The temporary curtailment is due to a shortage of logs and affects 75 workers for a minimum of two weeks. San Group is hoping to resume operations in early November.

Construction continues on Artemis Gold Inc.’s new Blackwater gold mine, located 160 kilometers southwest of Prince George, B.C. Despite delays due to wildfires, the mine is nearing completion, and the company anticipates being operational by the end of this year.

Tourmaline Oil Corp. has completed the first stage of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling network it plans to build out in Alberta and B.C. The company has finished stations in Edmonton, Calgary and Grand Prairie and is now building stations in Kamloops, Fort McMurray, and Fort St. John. The network will allow long-haul fleet operators to convert from diesel fuel to cleaner natural gas.

Selene Aegean Bistro has opened a Greek restaurant in Vancouver.

The Town of High River is planning to add new amenities, such as new change rooms, new mechanical room, and kids play area to the new Aquatic Centre at the Bob Snodgrass Recreational Complex, which is currently under construction. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project broke ground on October 22. The project is a collaboration between the City of Okotoks and Foothills County. The $30 million project is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Alberta government is providing $112 million to build 250 modular homes in Jasper for residents displaced by wildfires, addressing the town’s housing shortage. Construction has begun, with first occupancy expected by January 2025. An additional 25 homes will be built in Hinton for seniors from a destroyed care facility.

The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre officially opened in Calgary on Oct. 28, providing advanced cancer care and research services. The project involved 1,650 construction workers and received LEED Gold certification for sustainability.

GE Vernova is developing a 465-megawatt gas-fired power plant near Whitecourt, Alberta, with integrated carbon capture technology. The Moraine Power Generation Project, expected to start construction in 2025, will supply baseload power and advance the company’s research on decarbonizing gas turbines.

The Alberta government is moving forward with a cardiac catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, expediting the project by up to a year. The lab will expand cardiac care access in southern Alberta, reducing the need for travel. Alberta Health has allocated $2 million for project planning.

The Government of Alberta launched the Local Growth and Sustainability Grant (LGSG) to address infrastructure pressures from population growth. The $60 million, three-year grant will help municipalities fund critical projects like roads and water systems. Applications close on November 29.

E2E Energy Solutions, a Calgary energy company, is aiding the town of Rainbow Lake, formerly an oil and gas hub, to become Canada’s first community powered entirely by geothermal energy. This initiative highlights the potential for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Red Deer Public Schools has commenced the first session of its Aspiring Leaders program for the third consecutive year. The initiative aims to encourage critical thinking and collaboration, with additional sessions scheduled throughout the year. The program is designed for public employees interested in exploring formal leadership roles or enhancing their leadership skills.

Ermineskin Cree Nation and TIU Canada recently began construction on their $33 million Gleichen Solar Project. The new solar farm is expected to generate 13 megawatts of energy through approximately 32,000 solar panels. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2025.

The Alberta government is dedicating $2.5 million to help Jasper's tourism sector recover following the 2024 wildfires. The funding will aid local businesses and tourism operators in preparing for fall and winter visitors. This support includes promoting the Jasper is Recovering campaign.

Novus Earth Energy Operations Inc. is advancing geothermal technology in Canada by developing Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS). The company aims to heat a 20-acre greenhouse in Hinton, Alberta, with drilling scheduled to start in early 2025

Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. recently opened two compressed natural gas fuelling stations in Alberta, one in Calgary and one in Grande Prairie. The $70 million project is part of an initiative to create a 20-station network to reduce emissions from trucks. The companies plan to have a total of seven stations open by the end of 2025, including a new station in Fort McMurray.

The Government of Alberta is streamlining the AgriStability program for farmers starting in 2025. Changes include aligning AgriStability reporting with tax filing, reducing paperwork and accounting fees, and faster payments through accelerated form submission.

Summerside city council has adopted a new official plan, which will allow it to access $5.8M in federal money through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The city will now allow four-unit buildings to be built across the city, to address the lack of housing.

In P.E.I., standard electricity meters will be replaced by smart meters. The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission authorized Maritime Electric to make this change for its 86,000 clients. The $67M project (including $20M from the federal government) will increase the price of electricity by 2.7%.

The P.E.I. Real Estate Association says the Island’s housing market is in a balanced state, so lower interest rates won’t play a big role. P.E.I.’s market has about the same number of people selling homes as there are buying homes.

The Town of Stratford received $500K to support the new Stratford Waterfront Gathering and Event Space. The new space is part of a waterfront development plan to help with health and wellness, increase tourism, and develop new business opportunities.

The Government of Canada has announced $1.5M in funding to Cape Breton University to revitalize the Canada Games Complex and establish a multi-functional event and conference space that includes EV chargers, sound equipment, lighting and more. The $36M renovation is part of their $205M investment to modernize and green the campus.

The N.S. Government has announced an additional $45M over the next 4 years to continue next phase of rehabilitation work on Seal Island Bridge officially called the Great Bras d’Or Crossing in Cape Breton. More tenders will be issued early in 2025 and the work is expected to be completed in 2028.

The N.S. Government has announced an accelerated 18-month training pilot program that will offer free tuition to 30 future licensed practical nurses who agree to work in continuing care in the province for 2 years after graduating. The program will be offered at Nova Scotia Community College’s Ivany campus in Dartmouth.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proposing to take quotas from elver fishing companies in N.S. and N.B. and redistribute them to fish harvesters working for those companies, as well as to adult eel harvesters. Elver harvesters have been invited by the DFO to participate in this pilot project, and they have until November 4 to express their interest. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this pilot project would enable around 150 people to start this type of fishing.

Combined federal/provincial funding of $5.1M will go towards 13 new, energy efficient homes for Shelburne and Barton. The conversions will include heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators, and envelope improvements. Compass N.S. is a not-for-profit housing co-op with 111 homes in 8 N.S. communities.

The Government of Canada and the Atlantic Coastal Action Program are investing $1.2M to launch a major Cape Breton reforestation project to plant over 208k trees over 4 years through the 2 Billion Trees Program. The program will include workforce training, mentorship opportunities and student partnerships.

The Government of Canada has announced $6.5M in funding to assist 7 Dartmouth-based small and medium-sized businesses scale up and modernize their operations including Farnell Packaging ($3M), Ring Rescue ($950k), Sunrise Foods ($800k), Sunsel Systems Manufacturing ($750k), Ace Machining ($612k), HFX Steel Framing Solutions ($270k), and Aurea Technologies ($99k).

The N.S. Government has announced $976k to place 47 specialized staff in schools as part of a pilot program aimed at addressing and preventing violence in the classroom. The new staff includes student supervisors, security personnel, child and youth care practitioners, educational assistants, teaching assistants and teachers who focus on behaviour and classroom management.

US-based educational tech company Carnegie Learning has opened its Canadian headquarters in St. John's. The company makes educational games for grades K-12 using AI-driven software. The St. John's office will focus on a new K-6 math game initially started by local tech startup Clockwork Fox Studios, which was bought out by Carnegie in 2021.

The construction phase of the new mental health and addictions facility in St. John’s is now complete. The operational phase has begun as staff transition from the Waterford Hospital to the new facility. April is the target for moving patients. The new facility will have 350 staff that includes 29 new positions.

Scotiabank has permanently closed its branch in Grand Bank and Flower's Cove last week as the banking giant continues to consolidate some of its rural branches across Newfoundland and Labrador announced in 2023. Other affected communities included Twillingate, Lewisporte, Bonavista, Burgeo, Deer Lake, and Whitbourne.

The accessible bus service in Saint John has added a new bus and changed its name to Saint John Accessible Transit. This will bring the fleet to six buses, with plans to add a seventh bus in 2025. The service made over 24,000 trips in 2023.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proposing to take quotas from elver fishing companies in N.S. and N.B. and redistribute them to fish harvesters working for those companies, as well as to adult eel harvesters. Elver harvesters have been invited by the DFO to participate in this pilot project, and they have until November 4 to express their interest. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this pilot project would enable around 150 people to start this type of fishing.

The Pascan Aviation company has decided to discontinue operations at the Bathurst Airport after only a few weeks of flight service. Pascan’s arrival at the beginning of September was seen as a lifeline for the struggling airport, which is facing a shortfall of nearly $600,000 from 2023.

Pascan Aviation has seen a good response and growth on the Saint John-Halifax route, which began on September 9. The Saint John Airport states that business travellers are seeing value in the service and are also using it to connect to Air Canada flights.

Solar panels will soon be installed on the roof of the Jean-Daigle Centre and the Sports Pavilion in Edmundston. The project, valued at $8M, will be able to generate 1 megawatt of energy and will be the largest rooftop solar panel project in Atlantic Canada. It will be done in collaboration with Energy Edmundston and the Ameresco company.

BHC Chicken, a Korean restaurant, opened its first North American store at The Well in Toronto

Rideau Lakes Early Learning Centre will open 23 new child-care spaces by fall 2025 in Rideau Lakes Township

Chick-Fil-A will open a 5,000-sq.-ft. location in Newmarket by the end of 2024

Muskoka North Good Food Co-op, a non-profit grocery store and food centre in Huntsville, is receiving $550K from the federal government to purchase new equipment and expand its operations

Construction is underway on a new 40-bed John Noble Home, a long-term care home in Brantford, and is expected to open in late 2025

2nd Chance Employment Counselling (Wellington) Inc. is receiving $1.74M from the federal government to assist 220 youth facing barriers to employment

The federal and provincial governments jointly invested $64M in Ontario's wildland fire program to create more than 100 permanent positions and purchase new equipment

The provincial government will allocate $400M to support 423 small, rural, and northern communities' infrastructure in 2025

Melloul-Blamey Construction has started work on an estimated $93M recreation complex in Cambridge, with an expected completion date in 2026

The provincial government is investing $6.3M in Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket to support surgical care and critical infrastructure upgrades

Stack Restaurant, a barbecue joint, closed its Toronto location

The federal government provided $7.2M for three projects in Kingston to help create 30 housing units

Amir Quality Meats Inc., a halal meat processing and distribution company, broke ground on an 80,000-sq.-ft. facility in Wellington North

Construction on the Arrowdale Community Park in Brantfod is scheduled to start this month, with completion expected by August 2025

Yunshang Rice Noodle, a Chinese restaurant, opened a location in Oakville

Starbucks closed its Vergil location in Niagara-on-the-lake, affecting 13 employees

The provincial government is providing $1.2M to Collingwood for community infrastructure projects. The funding is part of a larger $15.9M allocation for the Simcoe-Grey electoral riding.

Construction is completed on the 120,000-sq.-ft. Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre in Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which is expected to open in January 2025

The federal government invested $41M to help build and repair 3,304 homes in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario

The federal and provincial governments, along with the associated municipalities, invested over $83M to support 18 public transit infrastructure projects in Cornwall, Kingston, Peterborough, and Trent Hills

AECOM Canada Ltd., an infrastructure consulting firm, is contracted by the Regional Municipality of Durham to provide services for upgrades to the Port Darlington Water Pollution Control Plant in Bowmanville

The federal government invested around $13.7M to support 24 research projects that address under-researched and high-priority areas of women's health

The federal government invested $1.3M in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation near Sudbury, to enhance early childhood education with Anishinaabemowin language and cultural programs

The Corporation of the Township of South Stormont and the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute received $750K from the provincial government for fire safety training and trades training for workers and apprentices

Canada Post opened a location in Plevna, North Frontenac

OmniaBio Inc., a subsidiary of the Toronto-based Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, opened its new 120,000-sq.-ft. biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, creating 250 skilled jobs

The federal government is investing $4.6B to strengthen Canadian research and innovation and support over 6,900 researchers, projects, and infrastructure across the nation

Power Yoga Canada opened a 2,300-sq.-ft. studio in Barrie

The Guelph Black Heritage Society, City of Guelph, and Hillside Festival are receiving $470K from the federal government to expand tourism in Guelph

Miznon, a Mediterranean street food restaurant, will open at Toronto’s Union Station this winter

A new Goodwill Donation Centre has opened in Kincardine and expects to create four to seven jobs. Another location is planned for Port Elgin, set to open in spring 2025 and anticipated to create up to 45 jobs.

The federal and provincial governments jointly invested $5.6M in the construction of an 88-space child-care centre within a French-language Catholic elementary school in Val Thérèse, which is expected to open by September 2025

Toronto’s Kepler Communications Inc. received $22M in from the federal government for its $280.3M Aether constellation and in-orbit high-speed connectivity network project, supporting creation of 95 full-time jobs and 346 future co-op positions

General Motors of Canada closed its Kapuskasing Proving Ground location, affecting around 20 workers

MiCasa by the Bedroom Boutique, a furniture store, opened in downtown London

Superior North Emergency Medical Service of Thunder Bay is receiving a 13 percent increase in funding from the provincial government for ambulance services, including hiring more nurses and other health professionals

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation received $155K from the provincial government and local partners to recruit local doctors

Neo Coffee Bar opened in downtown Toronto

The provincial and federal government are investing over $11M into the construction of 27 transitional housing units and 18 affordable homes in Durham Region

The provincial government has initiated construction on the York Battery Energy Storage System project in York Region’s Township of King, scheduled for completion in August 2025

Humber Polytechnic is investing $9.5M into a 16,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology in Toronto. The expansion will create 500 new training opportunities.

Improving Toronto Inc., a digital services company, is opening a new Canadian headquarter in Toronto’s Liberty Village, which will be home to 100 employees

The provincial government is investing $26.7M over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women

Craig’s Cookies opened a location in Hamilton

The Coopérative de solidarité en habitation des Marées, dedicated to seniors with a slight loss of autonomy, is building 17 housing units in Deschambault-Grondines. The $7.4M project is mainly funded by the provincial and municipal governments. The project will be complete in July 2025.

Résidence Gentilly, a retirement home in Bécancour, announced its closure. As a result, around 15 employees will lose their jobs.

Delta Star is a designer and producer of transformers. The company will invest $12M in expanding its plant in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, in the borough of Iberville. The project will be complete in 2027 and it will increase the number of employees from 150 to 200.

The Régie intermunicipale de la sécurité incendie de la Vallée-du-Richelieu, which serves multiple municipalities in Montérégie, inaugurated its new fire station in Belœil. The Government of Quebec invested $6.6M in the project.

The Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers de la Montérégie will transfer its operations from Vaudreuil-Dorion to Saint-Lazare, thanks to an investment of over $6M. The investment will allow for a new fire station to built, which will be operational in July 2025.

The Centre de la petite enfance Bout d’Chou is investing $1.8M in expanding its building in Macamic, which will increase from 42 to 80 spots. Construction Filiatrault from Val-D’Or is managing the project, which began in September and will be complete in March 2025.

The Centre de services scolaire du Val-des-Cerfs, in Granby, will cut 21 French-language adult teaching positions due to a decrease in provincial government funding

Hypertec, a hardware manufacturer, will relocate its Montréal head office to the LaSalle borough, in addition to building a plant and its research and development laboratories. Hundreds of people will be hired.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is part of the federal government and is responsible for implementing tax law in the country, laid off 330 employees

The Ville de Montréal is investing nearly $9.6M in refurbishing the Little Burgundy Sports Centre. The provincial government is contributing financially to the project.

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) states that there are 300 to 400 police officer positions to fill. This number will vary based on hiring and retirement.

The Ville de Mirabel began a 41-unit social and affordable housing project, named Les Habitations de la Gare, in the region. The project represents an investment of over $17M, which is funded by the three levels of government.

Desjardins Group is a financial cooperative that will eliminate over 100 positions, mainly in Québec, by 2026 due to reorganizing a sector of its operations. The personnel adjustment will begin in the fall of 2025 and will continue over a year.

Hydro-Québec has commissioned Des Irlandais substation in Montréal’s Le Sud-Ouest borough following a $215M investment

Interfor, a forest products company, is ceasing activities in Québec by closing its Montréal office and divesting from its two facilities in Val-d’Or and Matagami

Fruit d’Or, a processor of cranberries and blueberries in Villeroy, announced a $10M investment in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of the processes should be complete in 2026.

The Cégep de Jonquière is investing $23M in building a laboratory for the Centre des Technologies des énergies renouvelables et du rendement énergétique. Of this amount, Unibec from Dolbeau-Mistassini received $13M for the project that will begin in the spring of 2025.

The Ville de Montréal will invest over $8.5M in its BIXI self-service bike sharing system in procuring 1,250 bicycles and 98 electrically assisted bicycles, in addition to adding 34 stations to the metropolis

The Centre de la petite enfance Magimo will be established in the municipalities of Racine and Saint-François-Xavier-de-Brompton starting next year. The two daycare centres will be able to accommodate 126 children.

The Ville de Thetford Mines began construction on a wastewater treatment facility. The $16.8M project, including over $14M from the Government of Quebec, will be complete in the summer of 2025.

Phare Médica, a medical products and equipment manufacturer, is investing over $3M in building a logistics centre in Saguenay. Luc Lavoie Construction, a contractor, is carrying out the project, which will be complete in the summer of 2025.

Syscomax and Magellan Construction, two general contractors, began a 32-unit residential project named In Via in Mirabel. The delivery is scheduled for June 2025. Coursol Miron Architectes and LT Intérieurs were involved in designing the project.

Vivaco groupe coopératif announced a $1.5M investment in modernizing the BMR Renovation Centre in Plessisville. The project is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2025.

The Ville de Québec is investing $9.2M in rehabilitating the Paul-Aimé-Paiment Library. The project began in October, which will be complete in the spring of 2025.

Prével and TGTA, a real estate developer and property manager respectively, began work on the Lacey Green Village in Kirkland. The mixed-use project to build 1,061 housing units and 47 lots for single-family homes will be complete in late 2025.

The Government of Canada is providing $4.9M to Resolve Marine to remove oil from historic shipwreck SAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski, that sunk in 1946 in Grenville Channel (Northern B.C.). The Canadian Coast Guard is working closely with Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations on this project. Work will begin in October and is expected to take several weeks to complete.

Mount Seymour Ski Resort held a job fair on October 20 to recruit for various full-time and part-time positions. Positions include guest experience, terrain park rangers, snow plow operations, and food services. Mount Seymour expects to open mid-December to spring 2025.

Toyokan Bowl, a bowling-themed Japanese restaurant, has opened in Vancouver.

% Arabica, a Japanese coffee chain, is opening a store in Richmond.

Sweet7, a fruit tea shop, is opening in Richmond this winter.

Janevca Kitchen and Lounge opened in Victoria on October 23.

The Government of Canada is providing $4.7M to two Richmond-based companies to support growth and jobs. Indeon Technologies Inc. will receive $2.7M to upgrade their subsurface intelligence system that can be used to minimize the environmental impact of mining exploration. Lucid Vision Labs Inc. will $2M to increase sales and manufacturing capacity for their machine vision cameras, which are used to inform automated systems.

Kelowna-based QHR Technologies, one of Canada's largest providers of electronic medical record systems, has laid off some employees due to restructuring. QHR Technologies did not specify the positions or the number of employees, but confirmed the layoff affects under 10% of employees.

JJ Bean, a coffee chain, is closing one of its Vancouver cafés in November. This café opened as a pop-up café during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The reason cited for the closure is decreased sales since the pandemic.

The City of Edmonton is providing nearly $1 million over the next two years to the Chinatown neighborhood through the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund. The funding will boost tourism and enhance the neighborhood's appeal.

According to Parks Canada, Banff National Park is set to welcome near-record visitors this year, with 2.374 million visitors from April to August. This trend reflects a steady increase in tourism, recovering to pre-pandemic levels. Notably, visitor numbers during the peak season were similar to last year, aided by fewer wildfire smoke issues.

The Government of Canada awarded over $73 million in contracts for the supply of Renewable Energy Certificates as part of its strategy to use 100% clean electricity in federal buildings. This initiative supports the net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and promotes Indigenous business in clean energy.

According to the Government of Alberta, the number of physicians in the province increased by 518, or 4.5%, compared to last year, to a total of 12,126 registered physicians. The largest growth occurred in the Calgary area. This is the highest third-quarter growth rate since 2015.

The City of Calgary recently completed the Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station extension, enhancing access to the city’s culture and entertainment district. The project aims to foster local investment, accommodate future residents, and connect neighborhoods.

Energy Circle Ltd. (GrowTEC), a Lethbridge bioenergy company, has secured up to $2 million from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for Phase 2 of its anaerobic digester expansion project. This funding will enhance the facility's production capacity to 120,000 gigajoules annually by addressing existing bottlenecks and expanding feedstock processing capabilities

According to Rentals.ca, Calgary's rental market has cooled after a year of sharp increases, with average rents declining by 2% in September. This comes after a peak where rents rose 14% year-over-year. Despite this decline, rents remain higher than two years ago, prompting some renters to consider moving to cheaper markets like Edmonton, which saw a 12% increase in August.

Advantage Energy Ltd. announced it could reduce up to 130 million cubic feet per day of natural gas production in Alberta’s Montney and Doig formations until prices recover. The Calgary-based company also cut output in September due to low prices.

According to Royal LePage, Edmonton's housing market has seen strong activity, leading to a near two-decade low in inventory. Prices for homes have risen, with aggregate prices up 5% year-over-year. Single-family homes saw median prices increase to $498,000, while condos rose to $201,000. High migration and relative affordability are driving demand.

The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission has approved the relocation of the Camrose Resort Casino to South Edmonton, reversing a 2022 decision. The move, aimed at creating jobs and boosting revenue, is expected to generate $19 million in gaming revenue for Alberta. Construction is expected to take 19 - 24 months.

The Alberta government is tightening restrictions on foreign investment in energy infrastructure, affecting purchases of oil, gas, and electricity facilities. A recent reinterpretation of existing regulations now requires foreign buyers to undergo lengthy approval processes, adding uncertainty and delays to transactions.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Centre for Boreal Research received $1.5 million from ConocoPhillips Canada for a 10-year forest reclamation research project. The research focuses on innovative reclamation techniques, such as cluster planting, and improved soil management methods.

The Government of Alberta recently launched Primary Care Alberta, a new health agency, to modernize and ensure access to primary health care in the province. The agency will support integrated teams of family doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists while reducing strain on the broader health system.

The Government of Canada will waive up to $15.2 million in rental fees for the municipality of Jasper, its residents, and businesses until 2027 to aid recovery from a wildfire that destroyed one-third of the town. The damage included 800 housing units.

The City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta have reached an agreement to advance the Green Line LRT project from Fourth Street S.E. to Shepard. The province recommitted $1.53 billion in funding, saving over 700 jobs that would have been lost without the funding. AECOM, a consulting firm, is working on a new downtown alignment plan, with significant construction expected by early 2025.

The Government of Nunavut provided the final $125,000 of a $250,000 grant for Canadian North Resources Inc.’s 2023 exploration programs. The funding is expected to help boost exploration at Canadian North Resources’ Ferguson Lake project in Nunavut.

Agnico Eagle’s Meliadine gold mine near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, has produced two million ounces of gold since starting operations in 2019. The mine employs approximately 1,500 workers on two-week rotations, with about 700 workers onsite at all times.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association approved $14M for the Kakivak Association to build a child-care facility in Arctic Bay, Nunavut. The new child-care centre is expected to open in 2026, have spaces for 40 to 50 children, and require six staff. Arctic Bay currently has no child-care centre.

Fireweed Metals Corp. reported zinc and silver mineralization at a new target on the Macpass Project in the Yukon. The mineralization was identified near the surface and provides a positive prospect for further exploration.

Canada Energy Regulator provided an operating extension to Imperial Oil for its oil field in Norman Wells, NWT, while an environmental assessment is completed on the operation. With the extension, a shut down this winter may be avoided.

The Yukon government has published a report and operational plan addressing barriers to Indigenous recruitment in the territorial government. These barriers include biases and stereotypes, a lack of flexibility for family or community responsibilities, and challenges with the online recruitment system. The Yukon government is implementing a plan over 2023-2026 to address these barriers.

The National Sciences Engineering and Research Council provided $1.5M over five years to Aurora College for applied research programs. The funding will go towards improving and developing research projects, hiring research staff, experiential learning opportunities and other costs.

The Yukon government increased the honorarium for volunteer firefighters from $22 per hour to $30.74 per hour on October 1. The honorarium will be provided for training and fire calls and may address the retention issues some fire departments are facing. This increase will apply to nine fire departments and six communities without fire departments in the territory.

The federal government is contributing $970,000 towards Uquutaq Society’s construction project for a commercial kitchen and training space. The project is expected to create full- and part-time job opportunities, as well as enable Uquutaq to expand its food training programming and services.

West Kitikmeot Resources Corp.’s Grays Bay road and deep sea project could begin operations by 2035. The road would extend from the Tibbit-Contwoyto winter road to a deep sea port at Grays Bay. Estimated to cost $1B, the project aims to improve access to resources in Nunavut. It has secured funding to prepare for construction around 2030.

The Northwest Territories government is providing support for Sahtu and Beaufort Delta communities impacted by low water levels, which led to barge resupply cancellations and increased shipping costs. Businesses and Indigenous and community governments can receive up to $30,000 to offset costs.

American West Metals Ltd. found high quality copper mineralization at its Strom Copper project on Somerset Island in Nunavut. Drilling results are indicating high potential to expand the Cyclone deposit at Storm Copper. An exploration project will take place in 2025.

Sitka Gold Corp. discovered visible gold in the first diamond drill holes at its RC Gold project in the Yukon. The visible gold mineralization is a positive indication of significant potential, though assay and analytical results are pending.

The National Screen Institute’s TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators program is accepting applications to provide free online training to support Indigenous creators’ careers. In past years, the program has accepted 40 participants, while this year there are 300 available slots.

Employees temporarily laid off from Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine are facing delays in receiving compensation. Over 250 Yukon workers need information from the mine’s receiver, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, to apply for compensation through Service Canada’s Wage Earner Protection Program. Service Canada granted PwC an extension, allowing application extensions for employees until December 26.

Commercial production is set to begin at Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine as development and construction for underground mining at the A21 site are completed. Progressive closure preparation and remediation work will continue at Diavik.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority reported interventional radiology services will be unavailable at the Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals from October 13 to 18 and 30 to November 1. Disruptions are due to a lack of available physicians. Interventional radiology specialists are reportedly in high demand and short supply across Canada.

The City of Saskatoon and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation (MLCN) signed a new urban reserve agreement in Saskatoon. The agreement includes allocating MLCN land for an urban reserve, municipal police services, service fees, and land-use and development standards. A neighbouring MLCN urban reserve currently employs 750 employees at 50 businesses.

The University of Regina has reopened its journalism program after a shortage of instructors and low enrollment led to a one year hiatus.

CanAlaska Uranium signed an exploration agreement with English River First Nation in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The agreement includes a commitment to protecting traditional territory and ethical resource harvesting.

Regina City Council approved a new $245-million aquatic center on the former Taylor Field site. The facility will replace the aging Lawson Aquatic Centre after its completion. The federal government will provide $128 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Power Metal Resources’ received $17.8M from UCAM Ltd. for a joint uranium venture in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland. Drilling and exploration will take place as early as spring 2025 in the Athabasca region.

The Government of Manitoba has completed $32.7M in upgrades to Provincial Trunk Highway 5, in the Dauphin area. The project included road repairs, intersection improvements, and infrastructure to support the City’s new land drainage and retention pond system.

The provincial government is allocating a total of $42M to critical infrastructure initiatives in 136 municipalities. Projects include roads and bridges, arena and community centre upgrades, waste management, disaster prevention, and public safety.

Manitoba’s francophone teachers have ratified a new contract and will receive salary increases similar to other teachers in the province’s public school system. Members of the Association des éducatrices et des éducateurs franco-manitobains voted in favour of an agreement that includes wage increases of 2.5%, 2.75%, 3%, and 3% over four years, with an additional 1% retention adjustment in the final year.

The City of Winnipeg will soon require its staff to work in the office at least three days per week. Currently about 1,650 of the city’s 10,400 employees work remotely at least part of the time. Some city councillors believe the change will be good for the downtown economy, while the union representing City workers worries the new requirement will hinder recruitment and retention efforts.

Avedo Construction has begun work on a six-storey mixed-use building on Steinbach’s Main Street. The project will include 32 residential units and four commercial spaces, and is thought to be the city’s largest construction project in the past decade.

The Government of Manitoba is adding $500,000 to a fund that helps small and medium-sized businesses expand their exporting capacity. The Export Development Program provides reimbursement to companies who undertake out-of-province missions or who invite potential international buyers to visit Manitoba.

Brandon Fresh Farms is no longer pursuing its plan to build a vertical farm in the former McKenzie Seeds building in Downtown Brandon. The company is instead planning to convert the seven-storey property into studio apartments, which it expects will draw more investment.

Staffing in Manitoba’s civil service has declined after years of downsizing and now faces a coming wave of retirements, according to a recent report. Under the previous government, the civil service shrank nearly 18% between 2016 and 2021. The current administration says it is hoping to reverse the trend, with nearly a third of provincial public servants now eligible to retire within 5 years.

Brandon-based Westman Communications Group has obtained $8M from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission’s Broadband Fund. This funding will be used to build more than 300km of transport fibre infrastructure, improving Internet service in rural communities.

The community of Killarney has successfully hired two new physicians, a year after enlisting recruitment firm Waterford Global to help with its search. Both doctors are originally from England.

Bee Maid Honey Ltd. recently opened a $25M production facility in Winnipeg, nearly double the size of its former plant. The company is hiring another 7-8 people for a total local staff of about 40. Bee Maid’s two plants in Manitoba and Alberta process about 30% of Canada’s honey.

Construction is underway on two new cricket pitches in the south end of Winnipeg: one in the Waverley Heights neighbourhood and one at Bridgwater Lakes Park. The City of Winnipeg says the pitches should be open to the public next spring. Total funding of $200,000 was provided by the federal, provincial, and city governments and the South Winnipeg Community Centre.

Manitoba has posted its largest-ever increase in the number of physicians working in the health care system. According to Doctors Manitoba, there was a net increase of 133 physicians between May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. However, the province still faces a doctor shortage, and needs 346 more doctors to reach the national average.

Seven Manitoba First Nations have partnered with a forest services organization on an eight-year reforestation project in the Interlake region. Their goal is to plant 20 million trees to restore the forest at Devil’s Lake, which was decimated by pests and wildfire in 2021. The project received $27.4M in federal funding last year.

The Cambridge Hotel, located on Winnipeg’s Pembina Highway, will permanently close next month after 86 years in business. The building is set to be replaced by a six-storey apartment complex with 87 residential suites. The developer, Pre-Con Builders, has not yet released a timeline for the project.

The University of Manitoba is collaborating with Magellan Aerospace on a satellite monitoring project. With funding from the federal government, the partners are building two satellites to monitor objects in space over Canada and the South Pole. The satellites are scheduled to launch in 2027.

The federal government will fund up to $6.8M over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada to help them partner on research into the benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality.

Tourism P.E.I. says its partnership with the NHL has generated nearly $32M in combined marketing value and tourism spending. The province paid $2.5M for the first year of the deal, which lists P.E.I. has the official travel destination partner of the NHL.

Health P.E.I. is looking to recruit two full-time blood cancer doctors, as one of its hematological oncologists is set to retire in November. Being a difficult position to recruit for, Island patients may have to travel outside the province for treatment.

The Association of Atlantic Universities states that international student enrolment has dropped by about 11% or 3000 people in Atlantic Canada. According to a consultant group those students would have added around $163M to the economy.

After opening in September 2020, Cavendish Farms research facility has grown from three greenhouses to six greenhouses. Researchers at the $12.5M facility plant 100,000 plantlets a year in order to develop the best attributes in a P.E.I. grown potato.

The Atlantic Economic Council’s latest research report “Shifting Gears Toward an Electric Vehicle Future.” highlights barriers to EV growth in Atlantic Canada that include higher up-front costs and limited access to charging stations. PEI has the country’s 4th highest EV adoption rate at 7.4% (2023), while N.L. ranked second last at 2.8%.

Prince Edward Island is setting a new standard for attracting and retaining educators. With a 50% increase in educators’ pay over three years, P.E.I. has surpassed other provinces, including Quebec. For example, the pay for an entry-level educator is $30/hr. in P.E.I. compared to $20/hr. in Quebec.

The federal government will fund up to $6.8M over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada to help them partner on research into the benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality.

The Atlantic Economic Council’s latest research report “Shifting Gears Toward an Electric Vehicle Future.” highlights barriers to EV growth in Atlantic Canada that include higher up-front costs and limited access to charging stations. PEI has the country’s 4th highest EV adoption rate at 7.4% (2023), while N.L. ranked second last at 2.8%.

The Association of Atlantic Universities states that international student enrolment has dropped by about 11% or 3000 people in Atlantic Canada. According to a consultant group those students would have added around $163M to the economy.

Business Openings: Bluenotes (Sunny Side Mall - Bedford), The Zone (Park Lane - Halifax), and Cows (Halifax); Closures: Local Source Market (Agricola Street location only).

The Government of Canada has announced $4M to 10 Halifax-based startup companies in tech and life sciences to help them expand, create jobs, and reach new markets. The companies are Milk Moovement, MIMOSA Diagnostics, UpBeing, Peer Ledger, Swiftsure Innovations, Krava, Rafflebox Technologies, Startup Metrics, Talkatoo, and Shoelace Learning.

The ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor will continue for the 2025 and 2026 sailing seasons. The economic impact final report is expected in the spring of 2025. In 2023, visitors using the ferry spent over $20M in N.S. and stayed an average of 8.2 nights with Halifax, Anapolis Valley and Cape Breton receiving the highest percentage of visits.

The N.S. Government has launched a new initiative to provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of its ongoing recruitment and retention efforts ranging from $5-15k based on years of service. About 3,000 doctors are eligible for the retirement fund this year while 73 net new doctors were recruited between April and August.

Given the increasing rarity of press cartoonist positions in Canada, the dismissal of award-winning cartoonist Michael de Adder is a sign, for some, that the profession’s best days may now be behind us. Michael de Adder was dismissed by The Chronicle Herald, a Halifax-based newspaper.

DFO has informed eel fishermen that a proposed pilot project will begin in the spring of 2025, which will see up to 75% of the elver quota redistributed to new commercial elver participants. Fifty percent of the commercial quota will go to First Nations.

The Atlantic Economic Council’s latest research report “Shifting Gears Toward an Electric Vehicle Future.” highlights barriers to EV growth in Atlantic Canada that include higher up-front costs and limited access to charging stations. PEI has the country’s 4th highest EV adoption rate at 7.4% (2023), while N.L. ranked second last at 2.8%.

Scotiabank has closed its branch in Grand Bank as of October 17, 2024 after a 114-year presence in the community.

The Association of Atlantic Universities states that international student enrolment has dropped by about 11% or 3000 people in Atlantic Canada. According to a consultant group those students would have added around $163M to the economy.

A $50M 20 year-lease contract has been awarded to Marco Group Ltd. for the new Humber Valley-White Bay Community Health Centre in Deer Lake that will consolidate all existing regional health care services. Construction begins this fall with completion in spring 2026. Doctors (5), nurse practitioners (5), and registered and licensed practical nurses have been hired with more recruitment underway.

The Government of Canada has announced joint federal/provincial funding of $1.45M for 10 tourism-related projects in western Newfoundland that will improve infrastructure and accessibility including trail construction, support for local cultural and art programs, and enhanced marketing efforts.

According to the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association a medical administrative staffing shortage is preventing many family doctors from extending their hours running after hours clinics.

The Longshoremen’s Protective Union is concerned foreign seafarers are currently performing the work of unionized dockers that includes loading and offloading cruise ships in N.L., impacting local employment. The union represents 200 workers in the St. John’s area and 100 in the Corner Brook region.

St. John’s-based Avalon Holographics has secured just over $1M in provincial funding to Advance 3D holographic display technology. The company is investing another $1.7M in the project.

The federal government will fund up to $6.8M over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada to help them partner on research into the benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality.

The Town of Riverview is moving ahead with Kent Homes proposal to build a manufactured home subdivision with 196 mini homes. The first phase will result in 56 homes being established, which will be manufactured at the Kent Homes facility in Bouctouche.

New Brunswick’s minimum wage continues to fall behind what social researchers with the Human Development Council say is a living wage in the province. In its annual living wage report, the hourly rate to cover basic expenses was $24.62 on average in N.B.

Saint John is seeing continuing growth and development this year and has already added 400 residential units. Total value of construction in the city has reached $117.8M , well above the five-year average of $83.5M.

DFO has informed eel fishermen that a proposed pilot project will begin in the spring of 2025, which will see up to 75% of the elver quota redistributed to new commercial elver participants. Fifty percent of the commercial quota will go to First Nations.

The federal government will fund up to $6.8M over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada to help them partner on research into the benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality.

The Association of Atlantic Universities states that international student enrolment has dropped by about 11% or 3000 people in Atlantic Canada. According to a consultant group those students would have added around $163M to the economy.

The Nurse Practitioners of New Brunswick (NPNB) would like to see changes made to enable nurse practitioners to either head their own primary care clinics or join a collaborative primary care clinic. The aim is to increase access to primary care by 2026.

Red Swan Pizza, a fast-food pizza chain, is opening a location in Thunder Bay later this fall

Boxcar Social closed one of its five coffee shop locations in Toronto

Urban Planet, a fast-fashion retailer, opened another location in downtown Toronto

Toronto's Scotiabank Arena Hot Stove restaurant will reopen to general public in December, following renovations

Columbia Sportswear, an outdoor apparel company, will open a retail location in Mississauga's Square One Shopping Centre this winter

Nova Vida Café Pastelaria Bakery Inc., a Portuguese bakery, opened in Chatham-Kent

The federal government invested $17.5M in Giatec Scientific Inc., a construction equipment supplier, to develop a smart concrete demonstration plant in Ottawa, which is expected to create approximately 160 jobs

The federal government invested nearly $25M to support several critical mineral projects in northern Ontario. Among other things, the funding will result in the hiring of over 16 driller and drill helper positions in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation near Sudbury.

Three beneficiaries are sharing a $2.1M provincial government investment to train over 700 workers for careers in utilities, electrical trades and motive power trades in Leeds-Grenville

The provincial government is expanding the basic constable training program at the Ontario Police College in the Town of Aylmer by 80 spaces to address police staffing shortages

Seven economic development projects in Greater Sudbury received $2M from the provincial government

The Swiss Alps Dining restaurant opened in Renfrew County

The Town of Tecumseh will receive over $1.7M from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund in 2025 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure

The federal government invested $5.1M in both the Critical Minerals Geoscience Data Initiative and Global Partnerships Initiative to support 16 critical mineral projects across Canada

Hydro One, in partnership with nine First Nations, is set to begin construction of the $1.2B Waasigan Transmission Line west of Thunder Bay in November

Pomerleau Healthcare Partners received a $1.8B contract from the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority to build a 420,000-sq.-ft. healthcare campus in the Town of Moosonee and an ambulatory care centre in nearby community Moose Factory, with completion expected by 2030

Lakeland Kartway Limited, a go-kart track in Hamilton, has closed

The Postmark Hotel opened in Newmarket

Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd. has opened a manufacturing plant in Hamilton with plans to create over 150 new jobs

Breezy Corners, a restaurant, will close its Hamilton location at the beginning of November

East Gwillimbury's new Loblaw Distribution Centre is set to open next year and will support an estimated 1,000 jobs upon completion

Lago Pizza & Pasta Bar, an Italian restaurant, opened in Mississauga’s Port Credit neighbourhood

The provincial government will provide $400M to 423 small, rural and northern communities across Ontario in 2025

Muskoka Lumber Community Centre opened in the Town of Bracebridge

Construction has begun along all parts of the Ontario Line subway system, a project that will span 15.6km through Toronto's downtown core and support 4,700 jobs annually for the next 10 years

Evonik Canada Inc., a chemical company, invested over $10M with help from the provincial government to create 5 manufacturing jobs and retain 29 others in the Township of Augusta, east of Kingston

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor, in partnership with St. Clair College, will receive $1.24M over three years from the provincial government to provide skilled trades training for low-income women

The Nurse Practitioner-Led Children's Care Clinic opened in the Town of Georgina

MaRS Discovery District, a Toronto-based technology innovation hub, laid off 11 employees and moved eight of its advisors from employee to contract positions

Abercrombie & Fitch, a clothing retailer, opened a location in the Town of Halton Hills' Toronto Premium Outlets mall

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles begins construction of 24 student housing units on the Carleton-sur-Mer campus. This $7.7M project was made possible by a $5.7M grant from the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur.

The town of Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover inaugurated the expansion of its fire station. The investment is valued at $1.2M.

Logeri, a non-profit organization, is building a 53-unit residence for independent seniors in Rimouski. The $20M project is funded by the Government of Quebec and the city. Construction Technipro BSL, a local contractor, is responsible for the work.

The Jardin Botanique de Montréal, a living museum featuring plants from most regions of the globe, will invest $450M in restoration work over a 15-year period

The town of Saint-Lin-Laurentides has received $1.1M from the Government of Quebec to restore the facilities at Parc Robert-Simard. The town plans to start work in the summer of 2025.

Appartements Libère-Toit, a 32-unit social housing complex for people living with mental health challenges, has been inaugurated in La Tuque. This $14.2M project is made possible by support from all three levels of government.

Biodextris, a biopharmaceutical manufacturer, inaugurated its Laval building following an investment of nearly $25M, financed in part by the provincial and federal governments. Around 20 people will be hired over the next 5 years to join the current 44 employees.

Bois BSL, a lumber mill located in Mont-Joli, is bankrupt. Around a hundred employees were laid off.

Groupe CVG, a developer, has announced the construction of a commercial complex called Place Mia in Plessisville, which will house a restaurant and an ice cream shop. The investment is estimated at $2M, with construction scheduled to end in seven months' time.

Groupe Statera, a real estate developer, and Fondaction, a labour-sponsored fund, are building a 358-unit zero-carbon building with a commercial section in the city of Québec. The $175M project received funding from the provincial and municipal governments.

Maxi, a supermarket chain, has opened a branch in Acton Vale, which represents an investment of $6M

Descimco-Alco, a company specializing in industrial equipment, has been awarded a major contract to install infrastructure for the Nemaska Lithium project in Bécancour

Boucherie Lamarche, located in the municipality of Racine in Estrie, has inaugurated the expansion and modernization of its facilities. The project required an investment of $1.5M and has created jobs.

The Centre de services scolaires de Rouyn-Noranda is looking for substitute staff for its various facilities

Smurfit Westrock, a manufacturer of packaging products, has announced the expansion of its Warwick plant. The $40M investment would add 35 jobs to the current 435 jobs. The work is scheduled to be completed in 16 months.

Résidence La Minerve, an organization dedicated to creating residences for semi-independent seniors, has begun construction of 24 social and affordable housing units at La Minerve. The project of over $15.7M is funded by all three levels of government.

Alco-Tmi, a company specializing in industrial equipment, is looking to fill several positions on its construction sites after winning major contracts requiring 250 employees in Bécancour and Saguenay

Cherry River, a micro-distillery, has inaugurated a new branch in Québec. The business is located in the Memorial Hall of St. Michael's Church, a parish hall that has been refurbished for the project.

AlcoTD, a company specializing in industrial equipment, will shortly be executing a multi-million dollar contract for the expansion of Rio Tinto's AP60 plant in Saguenay. Grimard Electricity and Technosoude will also be participating in the work.

The city of Laval will inject nearly $15M to develop the park on the banks of the Viau Bridge and to rebuild the roadways leading to it

The town of Île-Perrot is investing $8M to build a new fire station. Construction should be completed by the fall of 2025.

Nutrinor, a food cooperative, has acquired a former service station and convenience store in Dolbeau-Mistassini. After being renovated, the store is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, and will create around 10 jobs.

Alco-Tmi, a company specializing in industrial equipment, is looking to fill several positions on its construction sites after winning major contracts requiring 250 employees in Bécancour and Saguenay

Best Buy, an electronics chain, opened its first Best Buy Express store before the end of October at the Carrefour Saint-Georges shopping centre in Saint-Georges

Groupe Cloriacité, a developer, is investing around $160M to renovate the Faubourg Sagamie shopping centre in Saguenay. The project will include a commercial section to be completed in January 2026, and a 360-unit residential section starting in the summer of 2025.

The municipality of Hébertville is investing nearly $2M to develop a new residential sector on its territory. Work has already begun on installing the public infrastructure and is scheduled to end by the spring of 2025.

The Université du Québec à Rimouski will have a new pavilion dedicated to veterinary medicine as early as fall 2025, to accommodate doctoral students. Construction Technipro BSL, a local contractor, is responsible for this project, valued at $50M.

Super C, a supermarket chain, will open a new branch in the former Metro in Rimouski's Nazareth sector towards the end of 2024. The expansion and redevelopment work required an investment of $3.8M.

Best Buy, an electronics chain, has inaugurated a new Best Buy Express store at the Carrefour Frontenac shopping centre in Thetford Mines

Mini-Campus, an early childhood centre, has announced the construction of a daycare centre in Wickham. The investment is valued at more than $3M, with construction scheduled to end in the spring of 2025.

Expertech Network Installation, a provider of wireline and wireless network infrastructures, is laying off 120 employees in Quebec and Ontario, mainly office staff and technicians, although it has not indicated the exact breakdown

Groupe Aptas, a social economy enterprise, is investing $1.1M to acquire equipment and expand its Environek facility, which recycles maple tubing, in Saint-Malachie. Work has already begun and will be completed in November.

The federal government is providing $500K towards an estimated $705K wind energy project in Paulatuk, NWT. The money will go towards a community energy plan and establishing the wind project and battery system. The Hamlet of Paulatuk, Paulatuk Energy Working Group, and ATCO Electric are collaborating on the project.

The Northwest Territories government is developing regulations for the Mineral Resources Act and a draft is expected to be released by early 2025. The act will govern mining, exploration, detail benefit agreements, the life of claims and production licenses. The act is not expected to come into force for another couple of years.

The Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation and Qulliq Energy Corporation will begin construction to install a wind turbine in Sanikiluaq in the summer of 2025. Construction of an access road is slated to be completed next week, allowing for the turbine installation to start. The turbine will have a 25-year operational agreement once complete and is expected to halve Sanikiluaq’s reliance on diesel.

The federal government is providing $2.5M for a five-year project to improve access to French-language health services in the Yukon. Canadian Heritage, Health Canada and the Yukon government are contributing $1.5M, $746K, and $250K respectively to the project. The Yukon government will collect preferred language data of patients, assign bilingual staff, and develop new digital tools.

The federal government is providing $205K to purchase equipment used to construct new homes in Salt River First Nation Reserve in Fort Smith, NWT. The new housing is for residents at high risk of facing homelessness.

The federal and Yukon governments renewed a 10-year Canada Community-Building Fund agreement which includes federal transfers of $94.5M over five years, and $200M in total over 10 years. The funding will go towards infrastructure projects that support land and housing development in the Yukon.

The federal government and City of Whitehorse are jointly contributing $850K to upgrading the Chilkoot Way route in Whitehorse. Improvements include a two-way protected bicycle lane, pedestrian crossing, signage, crossing markings, lighting, and traffic lights.

The Union of Northern Workers and the Northwest Territories government ratified a new collective agreement effective this November for over 6,000 public sector employees. The agreement includes backdated pay raises of 6% in 2023 and 2.25% in 2024, a 2.25% raise in 2025, four paid cultural leave days for Indigenous employees, and recruitment and retention measures for healthcare staff.

The federal government is providing $800K to boost northern tourism. The money will go towards seven businesses and organizations across the three territories to improve infrastructure, develop programs, increase accommodations, expand operations, and improve marketing.

Lithium mining company, Li-FT Power, is struggling to gain capital for its NWT project due to low lithium market prices. Prices dropped from $80K to $10K per tonne between 2022 and 2024. Although more lithium projects shut down than started up over the last year, Li-FT expects a future lithium boom and has enough capital to try to develop the project.

Mining exploration projects in the NWT are focusing on gold and lithium, with companies estimating that resource prices will rise. Some projects are seeing high long-term mining potential through exploration phases, but projects are still far from opening. Barriers to developing mines reportedly include low market prices, lack of government support, and challenges raising capital.

The federal government is providing over $4.4M towards transportation infrastructure projects in seven Saskatchewan communities. The money will be used to buy vehicles for communities and install supporting infrastructure like electric vehicle charging stations. One community will install a pedestrian bridge.

The federal government is providing $111,904 for religious and community organizations in Regina to implement safety measures against hate incidents. Organizations can apply for funding for eligible safety measures including equipment, minor reservations, security assessments and plans, incidence response training, and security personnel.

Film productions in Saskatchewan have increased since 2022, when Creative Saskatchewan revised its film production grant to cover 30% of expenditures in Saskatchewan up to $5M. Production companies are returning to Saskatchewan and filling film crew vacancies. Industry figures report more work in the film industry, enough for a viable career.

According to Praxis Consulting, last year's Canadian Western Agribition generated $116.5M of economic activity in Saskatchewan and created 1081 jobs. This year the event will take place on November 25 to 30.