Canada's developers are building less housing despite crunch, a new study says. That could keep prices up


CBC
Sun, October 8, 2023 

A worker at the site of a residential building under construction in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Canada's population is swelling, more than a million newcomers arrived last year, bringing attention once again to a shortage of housing stock and prompting some buyers to make aggressive bids. (Graham Hughes/Bloomberg - image credit)More

Despite a desperate need for new housing, Canada's developers are building fewer homes than they were at the height of pandemic lockdowns, a new study says – and experts say that could mean a generation of Canadians won't be able to afford homes for most of their adult lives.

Inflation and the Bank of Canada's response to it, has been the main reason for the slowdown, according to David Macdonald, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

The new decline in housing development started last year, when the Bank of Canada started to raise interest rates to cool the economy and combat inflation, Macdonald found in a new report for CCPA.

Compared to April 2020, when lockdowns shut down part of the development industry, investment in new single-family homes is down 21 per cent, the report says. New apartment construction is down two per cent from that time and row house development is down eight per cent.

"The impact of Bank of Canada rate hikes have been breathtaking," Macdonald wrote in his report.

They're also unsurprising, he says.

"If you have to take out a loan to engage in a type of economic activity, higher interest rates matter," Macdonald wrote.

"This means that higher interest rates increase carrying costs for businesses looking to build things like residential housing or consumers looking to buy those houses."

A 2021 Montreal bylaw requires developers to make a plan to include social and family housing for new developments. But, that hasn't quite worked out as politicians had planned. Compared to April 2020, when lockdowns shut down part of the development industry, investment in new single-family homes is down 21 per cent, the report says. New apartment construction is down two per cent from that time and row house development is down eight per cent. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate 10 times since March 2022, when it sat at 0.25 per cent. In that time, housing development has slowed substantially, Macdonald wrote.

The rate is now five per cent, and bank officials say they're prepared to raise it further if necessary.

Even if rates drop, developers and the housing market might not have seen the worst of existing hikes yet, Macdonald says. As fixed-rate mortgages are renewed under higher rates, he says development could slow even more.

'You could see a generation locked out'

The cool-down comes at a time when Canada desperately needs more housing.

Canada could need upwards of 3.5 million new homes built by the end of the decade, according to Aled ab Iorwerth, deputy chief economist with the CMHC.

Sherry Larjani is president of Spotlight Development. She says it's getting harder to turn a profit on housing developments as inflation stays high. (Ethan Lang/CBC)

He says Canada is nowhere near on track to meet that goal, and that means most Canadians, particularly those in major cities, will continue to struggle to afford housing.

"You could see a generation locked out of home ownership in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal," said Iorwerth.

Some developers wary to invest

In the CCPA report, Macdonald says interest rates will only continue deterring private development.

The problem: from planning to approval to construction, housing developments can take five to 10 years before they're ready for residents to move-in.

With interest rates uncertain and costs changing quickly, projects are becoming riskier, some developers say.

"Many people in industry are…more cautious," Sherry Larjani, president of Spotlight Development in Toronto, told CBC Toronto.

A task force urged the Ford government to impose increased density on single-family neighbourhoods in cities around Ontario as a means of boosting the housing supply to make homes more affordable. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

Larjani says high interest rates have also made it harder to find buyers, as extra costs are passed on and mortgage rates become less affordable and harder to predict. She says she's seeing some developers cancel projects as a result.

Lengthy approvals processes are also making things difficult, Larjani says.

"It's not only that the construction cost goes up, it's not only that the rates are up, it's not only that people can't afford their daily food and shelter – it is the fact that the government has not figured out how to streamline the process (to approve developments)."

A study published last September found approval timelines for GTA municipalities range from 10 to 34 months, with the average between 20 and 24 months.

Labour shortages are also delaying things, Larjani says, and that's costing her.

"We're paying on every day that we are negotiating or working on those projects," Larjani said.

Solutions unclear

There has been some government action to encourage development.

The federal government recently waived the GST/HST on the construction of rental housing in Canada, prompting some developers to say they would add thousands of units in the coming years. There's also the federal Housing Acceleration Fund that's providing money to municipalities with the goal of speeding up planning and development approvals in Canadian municipalities.

Framers work on a new house under construction in Airdrie, Alta., Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

In his CCPA report, Macdonald says governments need to start building public housing as private development stalls.

But Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation, a consulting and research firm that focuses on condo and rental markets in Ontario, disagrees.

"I think relying on the government entirely to build social housing is unrealistic," he said in an interview.

He says the government doesn't have the tools that private developers have to build quickly.

Governments should partner with private developers to offer affordable housing, said Hildebrand, but the long-term solution is incentivizing and accelerating private housing developments – and lots of it. He says that will take big changes.

"Given the current trajectory for demand and supply, I would say it's unrealistic to expect that we'll see any real improvement in affordability over the next 10 years."

Toronto musicians discouraged by decline of local music scene

A NORTH AMERICAN TREND

CBC
Mon, October 9, 2023 

The band Evil Villain paying a show at Beer Bash Toronto, an independent concert series. (Submitted by Chris Lee - image credit)

More than a year after the pandemic and amidst the sale of legendary venues like the Opera House, Toronto bands and artists fear for the survival of the local music scene as access to concert halls narrows and fan engagement wanes.

Large companies like Live Nation Entertainment are buying up more and more concert venues in Toronto and Ontario, such as the Opera House and The Kee to Bala. Others, such as The Reverb, closed their doors after the pandemic.

According to Jonny Darko, a musician who's been playing in bands for several years, this has a direct impact on the community aspect of the local music scene, as bands compete with each other to get gigs in town.

"Everything's definitely thinned out. It was more of a community based situation. But as COVID hit, everything's dwindled down. There's less bands, there's less venues that are available," said Darko.

"You would get some smaller bands bringing the local attention for the larger bands and the larger bands that have the fanbases give attention to the local bands. Everybody involved would gain and that's how it all kept going."

Tail of the Junction venue owner Christopher Blanchard says he's dedicated to the Toronto music scene. (Sarah Tomlinson/Radio-Canada)

Now, larger venues that used to give small groups the opportunity to perform are no longer catering to them, says Darko. He believes it's because owners no longer see them as lucrative.

"People aren't coming out to metal shows as much as they used to be. The community is starting to die down, especially this year. It's surprising," Darko said.

Nowadays, he says bands have to take on more of the task of promoting their shows on their own than they used to, which doesn't always generate satisfactory results for venue owners.

"You get these little shows that nobody hears about it. Maybe three or four people show up and it's unfortunate for everybody involved because it does tend to be a good show either way," said Darko.

Finding alternative ways

Nevertheless, some musicians are finding alternative ways to make money playing music.

Chris Lee, a Toronto musician, now books shows in independent movie theatres like CineCycle near Spadina and Richmond Street, or in rehearsal rooms, to keep more of the profit.

"They ended up being really successful. We really love just booking our own shows. DIY [do it yourself] is the way to go," said Lee.

Given the growing competition between bigger and smaller bands booking shows in the city, he says he finds these DIY shows essential to his survival as an independent artist.

Chris Lee playing a live show in the city. (Submitted by Ryan Caliano)

Darko says he also started looking to play elsewhere in the region, citing the Casbah in Hamilton or Dundas and Sons in London as great venues that will book emerging bands.

"They don't even oblige a fee for you to book the place. They are relying on the drink rental revenues on the bar side of it and you're bringing attention to the bar. So once again, this community supports itself," said Darko.

Owners need to make ends meet

Sarah Nguyen is the owner of See-Scape, a venue that showcases punk, metal and alternative rock acts. These days, she only books two shows a month to maximize her profit.

"If it's a metal band we've never worked with or a promoter that we've never worked with, we'll usually give them a chance and see how the show does. And then after that we decide if we want to work with them again," she said.

The shows that are successful attract around 60 fans, while others that she deems less successful only attract around 10. She has had to turn away some groups, she said.

"I still have to pay my rent," said Nguyen.

Christopher Blanchard is the owner of Tail of the Junction. In 2022, ticket sales for his shows were down 60 per cent compared to 2019. Despite a slight increase of engagement, he says sales are still down 40 per cent.

One of the causes, according to Blanchard, is bands not putting enough effort to promote their shows.

"They have to listen to other bands' music and bring in musicians from different regions to attract audiences," he said.

The most important thing, however, is not to be discouraged if some shows are less successful than others, says Blanchard.

"It's easy to give up when no one buys tickets for a show, but you have to convince yourself that future concerts will be more successful. Never give up on the local music scene," said Blanchard.

A sector under pressure

Johnny Dovercourt is the artistic and executive director of Wavelength Music and co-author of the study Reimagining Music Venues conducted by the University of Toronto.

According to the study, the ecosystem surrounding the local music scene is at a "critical juncture," with musicians and venue owners facing increasing difficulties generating substantial revenue.

"It's always been challenging, it's always been a competition for limited spaces. With costs increasing so much and venues being shut down for so long, operators are asking for these costs to be covered by the artists," said Dovercourt.

The Band Dawn Valley playing a show at the Tail of the Junction. (Submitted by Johnny Darko)

According to the study, even before the pandemic, the industry witnessed more venue closures than openings, accompanied by rising ticket prices and fewer shows.

COVID-19 exacerbated these issues, pushing 13 per cent of Toronto's smaller venues to close.

His study suggests that concert stages be funded by the government the same way it funds community centres as a means to circumvent the financial challenges facing venue owners.

He expects government support for the sector to decline over the next few years, which could make the situation even worse.

"The future looks rather negative, but we have to be creative," Dovercourt said.

And he's not alone.

Erin Benjamin, the CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), which represents Canadian concert halls, says the organization has been consulting with all three levels of government to highlight the importance of small and medium-sized performance venues and to create programs that support them.

In a statement to CBC/Radio-Canada, the City of Toronto says it understands the issues facing Toronto's music industry, which is why they created a four-year music strategy in 2022.

To support artists, the city has also launched programs such as YYZ Live, Music on the Fly, the Amplified Music on Patios Program, City Hall Live, and Music 311, among others. By 2023, more than 250 Toronto bands had participated.

"Without support, artists will lose the venues they need for their artistic development, and from a cultural point of view, they will no longer be able to tell us the stories that reflect the Canadian experience," Benjamin said.

Politicians come and go, but the clock is now ticking on long-promised pharmacare

Story by Steven G. Morgan, Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

 

Nav Persaud, Canada Research Chair in Health Justice at the University of Toronto and staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Unity Health Toronto, University of Toronto •

THE CONVERSATION


Canada's long-promised yet undelivered pharmacare program may be entering the most crucial phase in its history.© (Shutterstock)

The sword of Damocles hangs over the Trudeau government as it prepares a pharmacare bill that must be passed this year to uphold its supply and confidence agreement with the NDP. This month might be the most crucial time in the history of pharmacare, the long-promised yet undelivered program that would add necessary medicines to Canada’s national health insurance system.

Pharmacare is more than just a financial system. It is — or should be — a system of policies aimed at integrating medicines into Canadian Medicare to ensure access to a safe and secure supply of treatments at affordable prices.

Given the current challenges, pharmacare is once again in peril of failing to launch. A national procurement program for essential medicines, like the program used to acquire COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, could provide a feasible, evidence-based solution for Canadians.
Rocky discussions

Public statements from NDP health critic Don Davies signal that discussions on the bill have been rocky.

The NDP are trying to hold the government to the recommendations of Trudeau’s own Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, chaired by former Ontario health minister, Eric Hoskins. That recommendation was a universal, public program for covering medicines on a national formulary (a list of drugs to be included), beginning with about 100 of the most commonly prescribed, “essential medicines.” That first stage is critical, whether financed by Ottawa alone or in conjunction with provinces.

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Duration 1:40   on Watch

In contrast, the private insurance and pharmaceutical industries have lobbied for an American-style, “fill-the-gaps” system that would rely on — possibly even legally mandate — work-related private insurance for prescription drugs. Québec implemented such a system in 1997 to the delight of industry stakeholders but at great cost to patients, businesses and even taxpayers.

The NDP has signalled that “fill-the-gaps” pharmacare does not fulfil the government’s obligations under the supply and confidence agreement. Unfortunately, however, Trudeau’s government appears weak in the face of industry lobbying.
Delays and challenges

In 2019, the federal government planned to reduce drug prices as a “foundation” for national pharmacare, but later delayed and then watered down and walked back patented drug pricing reforms.

Those reforms would have prevented firms from price gouging on medicines to treat serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Prominent officials involved in the reform process resigned in protest of what appeared to be meddling from the office of health minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

After a cabinet shuffle in July, the pharmacare file now lies heavily on the desk of Health Minister Mark Holland. In the coming days, perhaps weeks, the minister needs to find a path that stays true to the government’s own recommendations, its prior commitments to Canadians and its deal with the NDP. The plan must also be one that provincial governments will support.

At this point, it does not seem viable for the federal government to launch the complete vision of national pharmacare laid out in the Hoskins report. That would be a $38.5 billion, comprehensive, program that would be administered by provinces but require $15 billion in new federal funding, plus $23 billion contributed by provinces. The latter is not new money but is a source of provincial anxiety and political tension to say the least.
National procurement

There is another way for the government to act in a principled and evidence-based manner that could not only get them out of this bind but also leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

The federal government could procure essential medicines nationally for distribution by provincial governments, just as it has done for COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments for the past three years.

More than 100 countries have developed essential medicines lists for national procurement and distribution. We have evidence that providing Canadians with coverage of approximately 125 essential medicines to treat a wide range of conditions will improve health care for patients, reduce financial burdens on families and lower costs elsewhere in the health-care system.

National procurement will reduce the cost of these medicines through bulk purchasing. It can also reduce shortages of medicines on the list by including security of supply provisions into the national supply contracts. Countries that used these best practices in supply contracts reduce the risks of drug shortages while still achieving prices that are as much as 90 per cent lower than Canadians pay.

Federal funding of essential medicines will, of course, cost the federal government, since it would foot the bill for all of those essential medicines instead of the provinces paying much of the costs. But the $7.6 billion price tag is a bargain.

All told, a program of this kind could save provinces, employers and families $12 billion in reduced prescription drug costs. The $4 billion in direct savings for provinces alone is enough to entice even the most recalcitrant of provincial governments.

Read more: With a pharmacare bill on the horizon, Big Pharma’s attack on single-payer drug coverage for Canadians needs a fact check

On the other hand, Trudeau’s government could do what industry lobbyists want them to do. Such a program will not save provinces, employers and families any money; it will cost them $5 billion more than they are already paying for medicines.

Another Trudeau faced a similar challenge in 1983 when provincial premiers, ministers of health, and ministers of finance joined health care lobbyists in opposition to a contentious bill.

Former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Health Minister Monique Bégin stood strong and, in the dying months of their government, got the cornerstone Canada Health Act passed.

The sword now dangles over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Holland who will either buckle under the pressure from industry lobbying or rise to a long-promised signature policy that could shape this government’s legacy.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts.

Read more:
With a pharmacare bill on the horizon, Big Pharma’s attack on single-payer drug coverage for Canadians needs a fact check

The federal government is out of excuses: It’s time to get serious about pharmacare

Nav Persaud receives funding from the CIHR and other government sources.

Steven G. Morgan has received funding from Health Canada for research in support of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (2018-2019).

BRINKS SUES AIR CANADA FOR GOLD HEIST

'CRIME OF THE CENTURY'

This file picture taken on April 6, 2009 shows gold bars stacked at the plant of gold refiner and producer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, in the southern Swiss canton of Ticino.

© Provided by Toronto Sun

Brink’s Inc. has accused Air Canada of negligently turning over a $20-million shipment of gold bars to an “unidentified individual” after accepting a fake waybill from the thief at Pearson International Airport, according to a lawsuit.

Brink’s said it was hired by a bank and precious metal company to coordinate the shipment using Air Canada’s “AC Secure” service for high-value cargo, according to court documents obtained by Glen McGregor on Substack .

The shipment included 400 kilograms of gold from precious metal refiner Valcambia SA, and 53 kilograms of banknotes worth about $2.6 million from Swiss bank Raiffeisen Schweiz, said the lawsuit. The consignee of the shipment was listed as Toronto Dominion bank.

The theft, one of the largest in Canadian history, remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made.

In a statement of claim filed in federal court, Brink’s said the high-value shipment was delivered to Air Canada in Zurich, then loaded onto Flight AC881, a daily passenger and cargo flight to Toronto, on April 17.

It arrived in Toronto at 3:56 pm that same day and was transferred to the airline’s bonded warehouse.

At around 6:30 p.m., an unidentified individual gained access to the warehouse, the lawsuit claims.

“No security protocols or features were in place to monitor, restrict or otherwise regulate the unidentified individual’s access to the facilities,” Brink’s alleges in the suit.

“Once inside, the unidentified individual presented to AC personnel the copy of an airway bill respecting an unrelated shipment (the ‘Fraudulent Waybill’),” and Air Canada released the shipment to the individual, who “absconded with the cargo,” according to the allegations.

None of the allegations have been tested in court. An Air Canada spokesperson said that since the “matter is now before the courts,” the airline would not comment on the lawsuit.

Brink’s is accusing Air Canada of breaching their contract to transport the shipment and claims the airline is liable for the full value of the gold and cash under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty on air transport.

LILLEY: Does no arrests mean the gold heist perps got away with it?

LILLEY: The gold heist, the restaurant and the cops strange language

HUNTER: Multi-ethnic Gen Z mobsters eyed in $20M gold heist?

“Brink’s demanded full reimbursement for all losses and damages sustained by it as a result of the theft,” the lawsuit says, but, “there has no (sic) response from AC.”

The security company also seeks special damages of an unspecified amount and reimbursement of its legal costs.

Brink’s claimed that the crime could have been prevented if the airline properly followed the protocols of the AC Secure service.

 

Alberta Health Services Tightens Masking Protocols amidst Rising COVID-19 Outbreaks

By Nitish Verma•



In an effort to curb the escalating COVID-19 outbreaks in hospitals across the province, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has announced the implementation of stricter masking rules. The new policy necessitates enhanced masking for all staff, volunteers, and visitors in acute care facilities. Patients, helpers, and visitors in emergency departments are also now required to wear masks.

Expanded Masking Requirements

The decision to expand masking requirements to other areas of hospitals has been delegated to the zone and site leadership. This discretionary power allows for a more flexible approach, accommodating the unique needs and circumstances of different regions and hospitals. However, it also introduces a potential conflict, as it remains unclear who would have the final say should disagreements arise between regions and hospitals.

A Province Grappling with Outbreaks

Alberta Health Services is facing a formidable challenge, as multiple COVID-19 outbreaks have erupted in hospitals across the province. The decision to enforce stricter masking rules is part of a broader strategy to safeguard the health of both patients and medical professionals. It underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for effective preventive measures.

Political Response and Criticism

The province’s Premier, Danielle Smith, has voiced her discontent with Alberta Health Services, criticizing its centralized decision-making process. The Premier’s dissatisfaction underscores the ongoing tension between provincial leadership and health authorities, as they attempt to navigate the daunting landscape of a global pandemic.
Implications and Potential Outcomes

The policy could potentially result in a significant reduction in hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections, protecting both patients and healthcare workers. However, it may also introduce new challenges related to enforcement, compliance, and the availability of masks. As Alberta grapples with an escalating health crisis, the effectiveness of these new rules will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny in the coming weeks.

Labour minister condemns Ontario union and president for comments about Israel

PRO PALESTINE IS NOT ANTISEMITISM

Story by Darren Major •

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan has joined a chorus of condemnation directed at an Ontario union and its president for statements made in the wake of attacks in Israel by Hamas over the weekend.

The Palestinian militant group staged an attack on Israel early Saturday, firing rockets, killing civilians and taking hostages.

The following day, Fred Hahn, president of the Ontario branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, praising "the power of resistance around the globe."

O'Regan said Hahn's statement amounted to a "glorification of violence."

"The loss of civilian life is not a cause for celebration. Not in Canada. Not anywhere," the minister said in a statement to CBC News. O'Regan's comments were first reported by the Globe and Mail.

Michael Mostyn, CEO of B'nai Brith Canada, said Hahn's comments were "beyond the pale" and called on him to step down.

"How hard is it for this union to unequivocally condemn Hamas for the murderous onslaught for which they are solely to blame? This is an absolute outrage to all Canadians," Mostyn said in a statement.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned Hahn's comments, calling them "disturbing."

"They do not reflect the views or values of Ontario, and I do not believe they represent the opinions of the workers he claims to speak for," Ford said in a statement.

Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario, praised 'the power of resistance around the globe' in a social media post the day after Hamas's attacks in Israel. (Michelle Siu/The Canadian Press)© Provided by cbc.ca

On Wednesday, Hahn posted another statement on X, saying that his original post was not an endorsement of violence.

"For anyone to imagine that I would ever endorse violence is horrific to me," his statement read.

Following the backlash, CUPE Ontario released a statement condemning the violence but ultimately defending Hahn, saying he and the union were being "targeted by a highly organized pro-Israel lobby that seeks to control the anti-Palestinian narrative."

O'Regan accused CUPE of "spreading of antisemitic conspiracy theories" with its subsequent statement.

"This is not a reflection of Canada's labour movement, and we cannot let it take away from the outpouring of support union leaders have expressed for Israel," O'Regan said.

CBC News has reached out to CUPE Ontario for reaction to O'Regan's comments.

When CBC News reached CUPE's national branch for reaction to the statements by Hahn and O'Regan, a spokesperson pointed to the organization's statement regarding Israel's ongoing war with Hamas.

"We are horrified by the Hamas attack on Israel and the retribution by the State of Israel on the people of Palestine, and condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians," the statement reads. It also urges the government to call for a ceasefire

Canada concerned about what might happen in Gaza, cites dire conditions

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly arrives at Oslo City Hall during NATO's informal meeting of foreign ministers in Oslo, Norway June 1, 2023.

 Hanna Johre/NTB/via REUTERS

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada is worried about what will happen in Gaza, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Wednesday, citing dire humanitarian conditions ahead of a potential Israeli ground assault against Hamas.

Joly's comments were among the clearest expressions of concern made so far by a major western nation about the impact of an assault. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, pressed about Israel's response, on Tuesday said "I'm not here to draw red lines".

Joly also said three Canadians had died and Ottawa has reports that three more are missing.

Canada unequivocally condemned a Hamas assault on Saturday, in which at least 1,200 people died, said Joly. Israel has since pounded the blockaded Gaza enclave, killing 1,055 people and wounding 5,184, Palestinian officials say.

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza was dire before this weekend, and this will only deteriorate the situation further ... this will get worse before it gets better," Joly told reporters.

"My heart breaks for the deaths we have seen. And I share the anxiety about what will happen next," she continued, calling for a humanitarian corridor into the enclave, which Israel has sealed off.

Canada is urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and grant access and will continue to support the humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians, Joly said.

"This is the longstanding position of Canada when it comes to any form of conflict, so we just continue to abide by this approach," she said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Israel's blockade and bombing of Gaza was a disproportionate response amounting to a "massacre". U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that "sieges" were illegal under international law.

Canada is sending a team of experts to help Israel's chief hostage negotiator. Joly and senior officials declined to say whether they thought any Canadians were being held captive.

More than 4,700 Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank had registered with Ottawa. Around 700 people want to be evacuated, a senior Canadian official later told reporters.

Canada will soon start using two military planes to fly out citizens and permanent residents from Tel Aviv to Athens, the official said.

Canada's biggest recent evacuation of citizens occurred in 2006 when it arranged for some 14,000 people to be transported out of Lebanon.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Diane Craft)

Canada’s Healthcare System In Spotlight: Health Ministers Discuss Overcrowded ERs and Access to Care

BNN Breaking




Charlottetown’s serene beauty and relaxed atmosphere took on a more serious tone this week as provincial and territorial health ministers convened there. The purpose of their meeting? To address the rising concerns about the healthcare system in Canada, voiced by those at its heart – doctors and nurses. From overcrowded emergency rooms to difficulties in accessing care, these issues have sparked an urgent call to action.

Doctors and Nurses Raise the Alarm

Four groups representing doctors and nurses have sounded the alarm, pointing to systemic issues that threaten patient care and the sustainability of the healthcare system. But these aren’t just institutions calling for change; these are the very individuals who interact with patients daily, witnessing first-hand the challenges and bottlenecks that patients face.

A Push for Medical Homes

The Canadian Medical Association is advocating for the establishment of medical homes, or collaborative care clinics. Here, healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, work as part of an integrated team. This model promotes continuity of care and ensures that all Canadians have access to these primary-care networks.

Related video: Keeping connections post-pandemic remains critical for mental health (Global News)   Duration 5:42   View on Watch

The Privatization Dilemma

While the discussions about medical homes continue, nurses have raised another issue – the creeping privatization in healthcare. Their concern lies in the use of expensive private-agency nurses to fill vacant positions. They argue that public funds should be invested in the publicly delivered healthcare system, rather than used to line the pockets of private agencies.

Addressing the Shortage of Healthcare Workers

Another key issue on the table at the Charlottetown meeting is the shortage of healthcare workers. Suggestions to address this range from training more workers domestically to importing them from abroad. The challenge lies in striking the right balance, ensuring that quality of care isn’t compromised in the quest to fill vacancies.

As the discussions continue, the federal health minister is set to participate in the meetings on Thursday. The outcomes of these deliberations could shape the future of healthcare in Canada, impacting not just healthcare professionals but every Canadian who relies on these services.

Canada’s Immigration Tribunal Grants Entry to Sikh Man Involved with Khalistani Militants

Provided by BNN Breaking

A Landmark Ruling

In an unprecedented decision, Canada’s immigration tribunal has ruled in favor of a Sikh man from India who was accused of aiding Khalistani militants. The tribunal stated that the man, whose identity remains confidential due to legal reasons, provided shelter and food to the militants out of necessity and fear of retribution.

Unveiling the Case

The case centers around a Sikh man accused of supporting Khalistani militants, who have been fighting for a separate Sikh state in India. This man, fearing retribution from both the militants and the Indian government, sought asylum in Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), however, argued that he should be ineligible for refuge due to his involvement in what they termed ‘subversion by force’.
Historical Context

The Khalistani movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in the Indian region of Punjab, has been a source of tension between India and Canada. Numerous Sikh immigrants and their descendants in Canada support the Khalistani cause, leading to strained diplomatic relations between the two nations. This case is particularly significant as it reveals the complex issues surrounding political asylum and reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics between India and Canada.

Related video: Justin Trudeau on discussion spree with world leaders amid India-Canada diplomatic row without evidence (ANI Video)   Duration 3:58

View on Watch

Implications and Future Ramifications

This landmark ruling could potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future. It may also impact Canada’s diplomatic relations with India, which has previously accused Canada of harboring Khalistani extremists. The decision could further strain the rapport between these two countries, potentially affecting trade and diplomatic negotiations. The ruling also underscores the human rights concerns that surround the issue of political asylum, placing Canada’s immigration policies under the spotlight.

Birchcliff Energy reports death of contract worker in Alberta

Story by Reuters •6h

 (Reuters) - A contract worker has died in a water storage pit at a Birchcliff Energy facility in northwest Alberta, the Canadian oil and gas producer said on Wednesday.

The Calgary-based company said circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, but that it appeared the contractor may have drowned. Emergency services attended the scene on Tuesday evening.

Birchcliff did not release the contractor's name.

"We have commenced an investigation into the cause of this tragic accident," said Birchcliff CEO Jeff Tonken.

Birchcliff produces around 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from operations focused on the Montney and Doig resource plays in Alberta.

Birchcliff shares were down 0.1% at C$7.87 in Toronto.

(Reporting by Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru and Nia Williams in British Columbia; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Rod Nickel)

MISSING MEN IN THE LABOUR MARKET 

It’s a question that’s puzzled economists for decades: why have men been increasingly missing from the United States labour market since the 1960s?

The answer — at least partly — is that more millennial men are going to college than baby boomers. And new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco shows that as these younger men graduate, they’ll increasingly enter the workforce and the decline in participation should slow.

The share of younger millennial men not working is about twice that of boomers at the same age, according to the report published Tuesday, but the gap closes substantially as they approach middle age. A greater share of young men today have a post-secondary degree, signalling that as they age, they’ll enter the workforce.

While men generally participate in the workforce more than women, trends for the two groups have diverged: Women are surging into jobs while for men aged 25 to 54 years old, participation’s fallen more than eight percentage points in the past six decades.

“As these younger generations age and make up more of the prime-age population, this may” increase participation rates and help economic growth, researchers including Leila Bengali, Evgeniya Duzhak and Cindy Zhao wrote in the report.

Laura Curtis, Bloomberg

Posthaste: More Canadian bosses starting to admit work from home is here to stay

Story by Victoria Wells •  Financial Post

Only 55 per cent of Canadian business leaders think staffers will return to the office full time within the next three years.

\Many chief executives in Canada would like to see employees back in the office five days a week, but appear to be realizing that those days might be over for good.

Only 55 per cent of Canadian business leaders think staffers will return to the office full time within the next three years, according to the latest CEO Outlook report from KPMG LLP. That’s a big drop from last year, when 75 per cent of CEOs expected employees to be back at their desks. Executives globally are more optimistic about a full return, with 64 per cent still expecting one.

Yet, Canadian CEOs remain eager to get people back, and to do so, 77 per cent say they’ll hand out pay raises, promotions and plum assignments to employees who make an effort to show up at their desks more often. But even that percentage is muted when compared to CEOs around the world, of which 88 per cent say they would offer such incentives to ensure more in-office days.

The research lines up with other studies that have shown Canadians spend more of their workweeks at home than employees in other countries. On average, Canadian staffers work from home 1.7 days a week, while workers in the United Kingdom do so 1.5 days and those in the United States stay home 1.4 days a week, according to recent research by a German think tank.

A slower return-to-office isn’t the only workplace issue Canadian executives are grappling with these days. Labour shortages , especially among skilled workers, continue to weigh heavily on leaders. Recession fears had many CEOs signing off on layoffs last year, but now 88 per cent say they’re expecting to hire more people over the next three years. But finding those staffers is proving to be a challenge, and more than three-quarters of executives say a lack of qualified labour poses a threat to business.

Increased immigration hasn’t been the solution many have hoped for, either. More than eight in 10 leaders of small and mid-size businesses say they still can’t find the skilled workers they need, the KPMG survey said. Meanwhile, 72 per cent are focusing their recruiting efforts outside the country in an effort to fill open positions.

Economic factors appear to be working against their efforts, however. Almost three-quarters of CEOs say the high cost of living in Canada, exacerbated by a housing crunch, is making it harder for them to woo and keep talent, including foreign workers.

Leaders are eyeing the impacts of high interest rates and living costs in their growth outlooks, and 75 per cent believe financial pressures will eat into their company’s prosperity in the coming years. They’re also watching geopolitical developments with concern, KPMG said. But it’s technology that is proving most worrisome to CEOs, and even causing them to lose sleep, KPMG said. They fear technological advancements will transform their industry and market before they can adapt.

Still, executives remain largely optimistic about the economy and their companies’ growth prospects, and 80 per cent say they feel good about growing their business over the next three years, while 89 per cent remain confident in the economy.

“CEOs are tackling demanding, evolving and complex challenges, yet remain resilient and confident in their outlook,” Elio Luongo, chief executive and senior partner at KPMG in Canada, said in a release. “They are reassessing their strategic priorities and redoubling their efforts on talent management and technology, while weighing the macroeconomic and geopolitical impacts on their organizations and people.”

Feds pump $12.5M into environmental literacy initiatives

Story by The Canadian Press •

The federal government is offering $12.5 million for environmental literacy projects aimed at young Canadians as part of its long-term efforts to tackle climate change.

The money will come from the federal Environmental Damages Fund, which redirects the money companies pay from court penalties and settlements to projects that repair environmental damage as well as further education and awareness, among other things.

“Nearly every aspect of a young person's future will be affected by climate — their jobs, their homes, energy use, transportation, food, water, health, personal security, and more,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault in a press release. He described environmental literacy as “key to understanding and further developing innovative solutions to climate change” and arming Canadians with the “skills and information they need to thrive in a future shaped by climate challenges.”

Eligible projects must focus on either green learning spaces, developing learning materials, improving research on environmental literacy or integrating environmental education into teacher training and professional development, according to the funding announcement.

Applicants could include environmental non-governmental organizations, youth organizations, research institutions, teachers’ associations, and other groups as long as they are a registered charity. A portion of the funding is set aside for Indigenous organizations — such as national or provincial organizations, tribal councils, and communities — which don’t need to be on the list of charities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is in conversations with “several philanthropic organizations” that have signalled “strong interest” in co-funding projects, which could help the federal government’s $12.5 million go even further, department spokesperson Samuel Lafontaine said in an emailed statement to Canada’s National Observer.

The interested philanthropic organizations have asked not to be named just yet, said Lafontaine. Once ECCC determines which projects are eligible, the philanthropic organizations can choose where to make their contributions, he explained. The names of the organizations will be made public when the projects are announced.

“Overall, the goal is to empower people living in Canada, especially youth, with relevant and accessible information to better understand environmental issues and ultimately translate this knowledge into everyday lifestyle choices,” said Lafontaine. “This information and increasing knowledge about environmental issues will indeed also help tackle misinformation and disinformation.”

The department is accepting applications until Oct. 31.

Climate education is top of mind for a group of senators who are working to connect interested senators with climate experts and briefing materials to improve their knowledge and ability to assess legislation through a climate lens.

Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada's National Observer

Alberta Opposition moves ahead with public consultations on province quitting CPP

 Provided by The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — Alberta’s Opposition NDP is moving ahead with town-hall consultations next week on the government’s proposal to have the province quit the Canada Pension Plan.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says more than 23,000 Albertans have already responded to her party's survey, with more than 90 per cent rejecting the idea of ditching the CPP.

Premier Danielle Smith announced almost three weeks ago that virtual town-hall consultations and an online survey would be held this fall by a panel headed up by former Alberta finance minister Jim Dinning.

“All this will be rolled out in the next few weeks,” Dinning told reporters Sept. 21.

The government has since started a $7.5-million advertising campaign and the online survey.

The government survey, however, does not ask respondents whether they want to leave the CPP. It instead asks them how they would like an Alberta plan to be structured.

Both plans are based on a recent third-party report commissioned by the government that estimates an Alberta pension plan could deliver higher benefits and lower costs.

The report, by pension analyst firm LifeWorks, calculates Alberta deserves 53 per cent, or $334 billion, of CPP assets should it leave around 2027.

Smith’s government is promising higher returns and lower contribution costs based on that calculation.

However, economists and the CPP Investment Board estimate Alberta would be in line for 20 per cent or lower of CPP assets, not to mention the politics of having the federal government agree to give up more than half the CPP to one province.

Notley said Smith’s government is not being honest with Albertans on the estimates or on the benefits and pension security that would flow from such an unrealistic base figure.

“They have done nothing honest on this issue,” Notley told reporters in Calgary on Tuesday.

“They have lied to Albertans about what the cost would be of pulling out of CPP. They lie to Albertans about how much money Albertans would be entitled to start up our own pension plan. 

“So, I am deeply skeptical about what would happen in the consultations that they would move forward.

“They're clearly trying to manipulate Albertans (and) they're using taxpayers’ dollars to do it.”

Savannah Johannsen, spokesperson for Finance Minister Nate Horner, responded in an email statement, saying, "The APP Engagement Panel’s virtual telephone town hall details will be posted on albertapensionplan.ca soon."

Johannsen added that the panel's aim "is to gather a full understanding of what Albertans think of the benefits and risks of an Alberta Pension Plan."

The NDP online consultation is set for Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The consultation is only one step of a long, potentially multi-year process.

Dinning’s panel is tasked with delivering a report on whether there is a provincial appetite for an Alberta pension plan.

If so, Smith said there would be a referendum and a majority of Albertans would have to give the OK and then the province would have to give three years' notice to set up the infrastructure for its own plan.

Polls and public surveys indicate a majority of Albertans want to stay with the CPP, but Smith says the potential benefits of an Alberta plan make it imperative she at least allow the discussion to go it alone.

No province has ever left the CPP, which was created in the mid-1960s. Quebec never joined the CPP at its inception.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2023.

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press

QUEEN OF CANADA QAnon CULT

Police seek to assure Sask. village residents that cult camped there poses no imminent danger

SEND HER BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES

Story by Dayne Patterson •

The people of Richmound are tense and anxious about members of a cult who are living at a former school in the village, according to the Saskatchewan RCMP.

But police say that despite issuing threats of public execution, the group does not pose an "imminent threat."

The group is led by Romana Didulo, who is known as a far-right QAnon conspiracy theorist but has dubbed herself the "Queen of Canada," among other titles, including the national Indigenous leader.

Didulo has amassed thousands of followers through social media, particularly on Telegram, a messaging app that has grown in popularity with the far right. She has also published hundreds of what she calls decrees, which cover topics like immigration, vaccine mandates and sexual education — with penalties that range from fines to death. 

The mobile RCMP detachment has been deployed to Richmound to manage rising tension among residents and a cult group housed in the former village school building. (Brad Miller)© Provided by cbc.ca

"The emotional climate in the community was escalated just in terms of opposition to the presence of this particular group," Chief Supt. Tyler Bates of the RCMP's south district management team told CBC Wednesday. 

He spoke from inside a mobile detachment that was brought to the village on Friday in response to the group's presence. 

Recommended video: 'Queen of Canada' cult threatens Sask. village with public executions (cbc.ca)   Duration 2:24   View on Watch

The RCMP expected that rising tension could lead to conflict, which is why they located the mobile detachment there. Bates said their predictions were correct, and police are now investigating an alleged assault "associated to this particular issue and the tension that exists." 

On Tuesday, there was a town hall at the Richmound Community Centre where RCMP tried to assure residents their safety was a priority as they investigate criminal complaints.

Richmound is located less than 20 kilometres from the Alberta border and is home to 118 people. Without the mobile detachment, the nearest RCMP response would come from Leader, Sask., about a 45-minute drive away, according to Bates. 

"We are here and we are present and we are responsive immediately," he said.

Didolu's group arrived about a month ago. Residents in Kamsack forced the cult out of their town in mid-September before the group was invited by the owner of the former Richmound School building to settle there.

Richmound villagers tried the same tactic those in Kamsack had used, protesting with signs and parading their cars near the school. They hoped to force the group to leave, but were unsuccessful.

Last week, followers of Didulo sent village administration at least four "cease and desist" emails, according to Richmound Mayor Brad Miller. 

They accused the mayor, village councillors, members of the fire department, RCMP and others of corruption, bullying and stalking — and threatened public execution for those found guilty of "crimes against humanity" or "treason."

"Whenever you have opposing perspectives and factions that escalate into threats and violence, there's always the possibility of escalation of criminality, so certainly we're taking that seriously," Bates said.

Bates said no charges have been laid but investigations are continuing.

Bates also said he couldn't comment on how long the RCMP would be in Richmound because it depends on different factors, such as ensuring the village is safe and completing ongoing investigations. 

Rise of the ‘Queen’: A Saskatchewan Village in Turmoil Over QAnon-Influenced Occupation

Provided by BNN Breaking

The tranquility of the small village of Richmound in Saskatchewan has been disrupted by a group of QAnon-aligned followers, led by a woman who refers to herself as the ‘Queen of Canada.’ This group, under the leadership of Romana Didulo, has occupied a private building and caused widespread alarm by issuing threats of public execution to residents and officials.

Unraveling the Didulo-led Crisis

The Didulo-led group, which boasts thousands of followers, has been active on social media, issuing decrees on a wide range of topics including immigration, vaccine mandates, and sexual education. The penalties for non-compliance, as stated by the group, can be as severe as death. The group’s activities escalated about a month ago when they arrived in Richmound after being expelled from another town. The occupiers have since sent threatening emails to the village administration, accusing officials of corruption and treason.

This ordeal has necessitated the intervention of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which has deployed a mobile detachment to manage the escalating tension in the community. The RCMP is also investigating an alleged assault connected to the situation.

A Community Held Hostage

The RCMP’s involvement underscores the severity of the threats and the fear it has instilled in the village. The authorities are taking the threats seriously, and investigations are ongoing. The longevity of the group’s presence in Richmound hinges on the completion of these investigations and the restoration of safety within the village.

Residents have expressed growing concern over their safety and the potential impact of this crisis on their community. The seemingly relentless threats have left many villagers feeling besieged in their own homes. The village, which was once known for its calm and peacefulness, is now grappling with an unfamiliar wave of fear and uncertainty.

The ‘Queen of Canada’ and Her QAnon Ties

Didulo’s self-proclaimed title of ‘Queen of Canada’ and her association with the QAnon movement has drawn attention from national and international media. QAnon, a conspiracy theory born on the fringes of the internet, has been linked to several violent incidents in the past, raising concerns about the potential for further unrest in Richmound.

While the QAnon movement has been largely discredited, it continues to hold sway over a significant number of people. The situation in Richmound is a stark reminder of the enduring influence of such conspiracy theories and their potential to incite fear and chaos.

Looking Ahead: The Quest for Resolution

The situation in Richmound remains volatile, with the future uncertain. What is clear, however, is the urgent need for a resolution that ensures the safety and wellbeing of the village’s residents. As the RCMP continues its investigations, the villagers of Richmound wait in anticipation, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to this crisis.