ETA Canada Travel Pass News

The retail landscape in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation, as Hudson’s Bay, the nation’s flagship department store, announced it would liquidate most of its locations. This has left many wondering what the future holds for Canadian department stores, with competitors like La Maison Simons and Holt Renfrew expected to capitalize on the opportunity. However, both brands are taking a cautious approach rather than rushing into the vacated spaces.

The closure of Hudson’s Bay locations will result in millions of square feet of retail space becoming available. While the market initially anticipated that major department stores would step in to fill the gap, Simons and Holt Renfrew have signalled a more measured strategy.

Adam Gratznick, a spokesperson for Holt Renfrew, confirmed the company is not planning to lease any of the vacated Bay stores. “We are not considering the lease of the Bay stores,” Gratznick stated, adding that the company would gladly support its industry colleagues if opportunities arose. Bernard Leblanc, CEO of Simons, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “We have nothing to announce at this time, but we are always looking at possibilities with a challenging spirit.” He emphasized, “We will enter when the time is right, the place is right, and the conditions are right.” According to Leblanc, Simons’ primary goal is to be remembered as the best brand for its customers rather than simply becoming the largest retailer.

Experts in Canadian retail view this “cautious strategy” as a wise move. Lisa Hutchison of the JC Williams Group, a Canadian retail consulting firm, explained, “Consumers still want to visit offline stores, but owning too much real estate is burdensome for companies.” Hutchison further added that, had she been advising Simons or Holt Renfrew, she would not have recommended acquiring the 74 Hudson’s Bay stores or the 15 Saks stores currently in operation. “The location itself may be great, but the cost of acquiring a store, renovating the interior, and filling it with inventory and staff can run into the millions of dollars,” she said. “In Canada, where the population is limited, it can be a big burden.”

On Thursday, both the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Conservative Party in Canada presented platforms aimed at making the country more resilient in the face of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh proposed introducing tax-exempt “Canada Victory Bonds,” which would provide 3.5% compound interest annually, growing investments by 18.77% over five years and 41.06% over ten years.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, meanwhile, announced a plan to eliminate the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Canadian-made vehicles. This proposal is part of the broader effort by Canadian political leaders to address the economic challenges posed by the U.S. tariffs.

In response to these developments, Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney held a video conference with provincial premiers to discuss the effects of U.S. tariffs, particularly on the Canadian auto industry. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada would impose a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S.-made vehicles. Carney emphasized that the tax revenue collected from these retaliatory tariffs would be directly transferred to Canadian auto workers and affected companies.

This initiative is in addition to the $2 billion fund Prime Minister Carney announced in March, designed to strengthen the Canadian auto industry’s competitiveness, protect jobs, retrain workers, and enhance supply chains. With less than a month until the upcoming election, President Trump’s tariffs have become a central issue, prompting political leaders to offer a range of policies to mitigate their impact on Canada.

On Sunday, March 6th, large-scale protests erupted across Canada in response to former US President Donald Trump’s remark that “Canada will become the 51st state of the United States.” The protests, which took place in various Canadian cities, were a direct reaction to this statement, as well as to a previous post by Trump on March 5th, where he referred to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau.”

In Montreal, hundreds of people gathered at Mount Royal Park, holding picket signs that read slogans like “Hands off!” and “Canada is already great.” Protesters chanted for the protection of Canada’s sovereignty, with artists, politicians, and NGO members attending to emphasize the importance of freedom of expression and democratic values. Jonathan Trivisono, a protester, expressed his displeasure with Trump’s “Governor Trudeau” remark, stating, “The United States is an ally, but it is a different country.” A symbolic picket featuring a Canadian goose pushing away an American eagle also appeared at the event.

The protests spread to other parts of the country, including Halifax and Manitoba. In Halifax, despite pouring rain, protesters gathered and chanted Canadian music, showing solidarity. In Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinnew led a “Rally for Canada,” calling for national unity in the face of these tensions.

While the protests were primarily in response to Trump’s remarks, they also reflected broader concerns about the rise of far-right tendencies in the United States, including the dismantling of government ministries and the firing of public officials. There were fears that policies from the US Department of Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, could undermine democracy. Katia Lelievre, a union representative from Quebec, warned that restricting science and education and threatening the role of the courts were signs of a drift toward totalitarianism. Christine St-Pierre, a former Quebec culture minister, firmly stated, “We will never be swallowed up.”

Concerns about foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections have intensified in recent years, with reports indicating that foreign powers, particularly China and Russia, are attempting to influence the political landscape. Akash Maharaj, a research fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, highlighted these growing concerns, noting that diaspora communities are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by foreign actors. These communities are targeted by foreign media and other covert forces, which attempt to sway their political views or threaten them if they oppose certain ideologies.

Maharaj specifically pointed to China’s efforts to intimidate Canadians who support Uyghur rights, underscoring the risks faced by vulnerable diaspora groups. He called for stronger government efforts to protect individuals who may be caught in these crosshairs. While a recent inquiry into foreign interference, led by Justice Hogg, concluded that foreign media and interference did not significantly affect the results of the last two federal elections, Maharaj argued that the risks remain. He emphasized that disinformation and misinformation campaigns are a serious threat to Canadian democracy, not necessarily by endorsing a particular candidate but by eroding trust in the democratic process itself.

In addition to concerns about foreign interference, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been at the centre of controversy after refusing to undergo a security clearance. Justice Hogg recommended that all federal party leaders undergo this formal authorization process, which grants access to classified information on national security issues, including foreign interference. Poilievre’s refusal to accept the clearance has raised concerns, as Maharaj warned that without it, Poilievre could struggle to demonstrate transparency and reassure Canadians that he has nothing to hide regarding national security matters.

Ontario’s tourism industry is experiencing higher-than-expected demand, even in the face of ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Despite economic uncertainty and challenges in international relations, local tourism businesses are benefiting from a surge in domestic travellers. Accommodation businesses in Prince Edward County, for example, are predicting a 30 to 40 percent increase in summer season bookings this year compared to last year. Scott Clement, co-owner of a resort and short-term rentals near Sandbanks Provincial Park, reported an impressive 87 percent increase in bookings for 2023. “We were worried that bookings would decrease as trade tensions with the United States intensified, but we are seeing a positive impact as Canadians are choosing to travel domestically,” Clement explained.

The Niagara region is also seeing growth in visitors. Janice Thompson, CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism, mentioned that a weakening Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar has driven more American tourists to the area, while domestic travel is also on the rise. Niagara Falls remains a major destination, attracting about 12 million tourists annually, with approximately 40% of them coming from the U.S.

While the rise in domestic tourism is a positive trend, experts in the tourism industry are cautious about the broader impact across Ontario. The economic uncertainty and strained relations with the U.S. could still create challenges. Andrew Zigwart, president of the Ontario Tourism Industry Association (TOAO), warned that ongoing tensions with the U.S. could affect key industries, such as automotive manufacturing, which may, in turn, impact household income and travel spending.

Furthermore, the “staycation” trend, where Canadians opt for domestic travel over international vacations, continues to gain momentum post-COVID. Tourism experts suggest that Ontario’s key tourist destinations should focus on attracting domestic visitors while also developing long-term strategies to draw American tourists back to the region. Despite the uncertainties, the province’s tourism industry remains optimistic, thanks in part to the patriotic spirit of Canadian travellers choosing to explore their own country.

Toronto voters appear to favour a Liberal government led by Mark Carney in the next general election.

According to a recent poll by polling agency Leger, the Liberal Party has 50% support in Toronto, far ahead of the Conservative Party (31%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP, 14%).This is bad news for Conservative Leader Pierre Poirierve, and experts analyse that the votes in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (905 District) will be key variables in determining the general election results.

According to the results of the poll, half of Toronto residents support the Liberal Party, and 47% of respondents said that Carney is a suitable prime minister, nearly double that of Poirierve (24%). In particular, he is receiving overwhelming support from female voters (52%), those aged 33-54 (over 50%), and those aged 55 and over (over 50%). On the other hand, the Conservative Party was relatively strong among men, but even among them, the gap in support with the Liberals was 11 percentage points.

In particular, the Conservative Party lost some support in Toronto to not only the Liberals but also the People’s Party (PPC) led by Maxime Bernier. Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of the Toronto vote, saying, “If the 905 regions including Toronto lean toward the Liberals, the Liberals will win the general election, and if the Conservatives take control, a Conservative government will be established.”

Meanwhile, in national opinion polls, the Liberals and Conservatives are locked in a close race, and Canada-U.S. relations and Donald Trump’s tariff threats have emerged as major issues. Forty percent of respondents expected Carney to be the best at solving this problem, and 60% of Ontario voters evaluated Ontario Premier Doug Ford as managing relations with the U.S. well.

Experts advise that local-focused promises such as solving the housing shortage, cost of living burden, and building high-speed rail will be important to attract Toronto voters.

The survey was conducted online from March 10 to 13, and the data from 201 respondents were weighted by gender, age, region, and education level. The margin of error is ±6.91 percentage points.

A partial solar eclipse will be observed in Ontario on Saturday, March 29th. This eclipse is a rare astronomical phenomenon in which the moon covers the sun, and the northern and eastern regions will see up to 93% of the sun covered, creating a dark landscape like night.

In Ontario, the highest eclipse rate is recorded in the Quebec border region at 36.74%, and the rate decreases as you go to the southern and western regions. In Toronto in particular, the area west of Bayview Avenue will be hardly affected by the eclipse, and only some areas east of it will see an eclipse of less than 5%. Therefore, it is likely that it will be difficult to feel the changes in the eclipse in Toronto.

On the other hand, 72% of the sun will be covered in Quebec City, 83% in Halifax, and the northern outskirts will see a spectacular sight of darkness even in broad daylight.

The eclipse begins at 5:30 a.m., but at this time, the sun is below the horizon and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In Toronto, the sun rises around 7:03 a.m., and the maximum eclipse occurs around 7:06 a.m. To properly view this eclipse, it is recommended to find a place with an open east view, and you can observe it more clearly from a window facing east of a high-rise building or an observatory.

The weather is also a variable. According to the current forecast, there is a possibility of clouds in the Toronto area, making it difficult to observe. Therefore, it is also a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance and move to an area with good weather to view the eclipse.

If you miss this opportunity, Ontario will see another partial eclipse on August 12, 2026. However, you will have to wait 1 year and 4 months until the next eclipse, so find a good viewing spot this weekend so that you do not miss this precious opportunity.

Ontario is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, reaching its highest levels in a decade. As of March 12, 2024, the province has reported 252 confirmed and 66 probable cases of measles, totalling 350 cases in the first three months of the year. This marks a sharp rise from previous years, with 173 new cases reported in just the last month since February 27.

The outbreak, which started with a travel-related case in New Brunswick on October 18, 2024, has spread to both Ontario and Manitoba. Public Health Ontario (PHO) attributes the surge in cases to the unvaccinated population. The report reveals that 74% of the affected individuals are children and adolescents, while 24.9% are adults. Alarmingly, seven pregnant women have contracted the disease, with five being unvaccinated and two having received two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Additionally, a newborn has been infected.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease expert, emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles and stressed the importance of maintaining a vaccination rate of 95% or higher to prevent further spread. “Measles tends to spread rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates,” Dr. Bogoch warned, urging communities to be vigilant.

The outbreak has affected 11 public health regions across Ontario, with the Southwestern region being the most heavily impacted. As of the latest data, 181 cases (51%) have been reported in the Southwestern Public Health Region, which includes Oxford, Elgin counties, and the city of St. Thomas. Despite the surge, Toronto has seen a relatively stable situation, with only two confirmed cases this year. However, experts caution that areas within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) could still be at risk, particularly in regions with lower vaccination rates. Dr. Bogoch warned that crowded public spaces such as shopping malls, public transportation, and airports could facilitate the spread of the virus.

The rise in measles cases this year is stark compared to previous years. Between 2013 and 2023, Ontario recorded only 101 confirmed measles cases, with an average of just seven to 22 cases annually. There was even a significant drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, with only one case recorded from 2020 to 2022. However, in 2023, the number of cases spiked to seven, and in 2024, that number has surged to 64, with health officials concerned that the first quarter of 2025 could see more than three times the number of measles cases recorded in the entire 10 years from 2013 to 2023.

Experts and health officials agree that the most effective way to stop the spread of measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which has been in use for over 50 years, is one of the safest and most effective vaccines available, offering nearly 100% protection after two doses. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses: the first at 12 months of age and the second between ages four and six. Even the first dose is more than 95% effective in preventing the disease.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, strongly urged Ontarians to ensure they and their children are up to date with their immunizations to curb the outbreak. Health officials are also working to increase vaccination rates, especially in communities where immunization rates are low, to prevent further spread of the disease.

In response to the surge, public health campaigns are being ramped up, and efforts will focus on vaccinating vulnerable and unvaccinated populations. Individuals are encouraged to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary.

Toronto has kicked off its first 24-hour pothole repair operation of the year, with workers dedicating round-the-clock efforts to fix damaged roads across the city. Starting on Saturday morning, the repair team filled cracks and repaved sections of road on Rosemount Avenue near Dufferin Street and St. Clair Avenue. This all-out initiative, aimed at improving road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, highlights the city’s commitment to addressing pothole damage as winter weather begins to take its toll.

City Councillor Alejandra Bravo emphasized the importance of these repairs, stating, “Fixing potholes may seem like a minor task, but it is a very important task considering the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.” The repair operation saw approximately 235 workers, organized into 73 teams, working in 12-hour shifts from Friday evening to Saturday evening. This represents a significant increase from the usual 50 teams, reflecting the urgency of the situation.

Toronto’s transportation director, Barbara Gray, reported that the city has already repaired around 57,000 potholes this year, with over 22,000 of those being filled this month alone. This number is already higher than the average for the past four years. Director Gray noted that the unusually warm winter last year allowed for pothole repairs to begin as early as January, which has helped keep up with the demand for repairs this year.

Despite these efforts, residents have expressed frustration with the continued presence of potholes. Drivers and cyclists alike have voiced concerns about the dangerous road conditions. One driver shared that hitting a pothole near Dufferin and Sheppard cost them $700 in damages, while a cyclist described the difficulty and danger of avoiding potholes on roads shared with fast-moving vehicles. In response, the city is also deploying crews specifically to address potholes on bike paths.

Experts explained that potholes are primarily caused by fluctuations in temperature. When snow and ice accumulate on roads, water seeps into cracks, and when it refreezes, the pressure causes potholes to form. The city’s repair teams prioritize urgent repairs, aiming to address these within 24 hours, while less urgent repairs on regular roads are completed within four days.

To fund these efforts, Toronto has allocated approximately $5.5 million for pothole repairs in 2025. The city has also committed to ensuring that repairs are distributed, including in low-income and vulnerable areas. Residents are encouraged to report potholes by calling 311, using the 311 Toronto mobile app, or online, helping the city to stay proactive in maintaining safe roads for all.

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and territorial annexation threats, the “Buy Local” movement is gaining traction in Canada. The City of Toronto is promoting the “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” campaign to revitalize the local economy. As part of this initiative, Canadian taxi and ride-hailing companies, which use smartphone apps to connect with passengers, have officially requested that the city take a stand against American companies such as Uber and Lyft.

Canadian-based transportation services like Beck Taxi, Co-op Cabs, Toronto 1 Taxi, and HOVR argue that taxi and ride-hailing services should be included in the “Buy Local” campaign to encourage the use of Canadian companies’ products and services. They contend that U.S. technology companies supporting the Trump administration are pressuring the Canadian market to change laws and regulations in their favour, which could lead to a monopoly in the Canadian market. The ride-hailing industry, they say, is a prime example of this influence.

These Canadian companies argue that the proliferation of U.S.-based ride-hailing services has contributed to increased traffic congestion, decreased ridership on Toronto’s public transit system (TTC), and rising fares for local taxi users. They emphasize that Canadian companies could easily replace Uber and Lyft, noting that many Canadian taxi companies have already adopted app-based services and payment systems. New Canadian ride-hailing platforms such as HOVR have also emerged as alternatives.

The taxi companies are urging the city council to strengthen cooperation with local transportation services, exclude U.S.-based apps from the city’s ride-hailing services, and implement provisions requiring public agencies and government employees to use Canadian companies for their travel. They argue that even if Uber and Lyft were to leave Toronto, they could not take their drivers with them and that the city should actively support Canadian-based alternatives. Additionally, they proposed that all drivers should be issued a single city-operated license that would allow them to easily register and work on any Canadian platform.

In response, Uber Canada disputed the claims, stating that it is a company run by Canadians for Canadians. Uber highlighted that more than 180,000 Uber drivers and delivery people contribute to the local economy.

It remains to be seen whether the City of Toronto will include taxi and ride-hailing services in its “Buy Local” campaign and what decision will be made amid this ongoing conflict with U.S.-based companies.