ETA Canada Travel Pass News

The Toronto Island ferry, a summertime sight in Toronto, is scheduled to be completely replaced with an electric vessel in 2026. However, this large-scale infrastructure project is also experiencing budget overruns and schedule delays.

Every summer, the old and aging existing ferry has been shut down for repairs on weekends or has created waiting lines for hours, causing great inconvenience to citizens. To solve this problem, the city has been pushing for the introduction of an electric ferry for several years, and the first vessel is expected to operate by the end of 2026. The new vessel is expected to be not only environmentally friendly but also more efficient. The problem is the cost.

According to the city, the price of the vessel alone has increased by $67 million compared to the original budget, and the cost of installing onshore charging facilities was not included in the original budget, so an additional several million dollars has been invested. Recently, as the detailed design was completed, the budget cap for improving the charging and docking infrastructure has also been increased by approximately $7.6 million.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which was newly designed through a public offering 10 years ago, has not even begun construction yet. The design chosen at the time was highly anticipated, but progress has been slow due to constantly changing plans and budgetary issues.

However, according to an update to the Electric Ferry Land Infrastructure Plan released this spring, the city plans to begin initial construction, including terminal site improvements, in the second quarter of this year. Two separate capital projects are also underway to improve the aging dock.

In March, the city also transferred ferry operations from the Parks and Recreation Department to Fleet Services, a vehicle operations specialist, after an external review determined that the city lacked the expertise needed for future modernization.

CreateTO said on its website that terminal construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, and final estimates for the Toronto Hydro power upgrade are expected within that quarter. The city’s position is that the introduction of an electric ferry system will provide more environmentally friendly and efficient access to the island.

Toronto’s real estate market is undergoing a notable shift: renting has become a more financially practical choice than buying a home. Driven by high interest rates, a drop in rental prices, and changing post-pandemic housing dynamics, experts are now calling this the beginning of Toronto’s “rental era.”

According to a new report by real estate market research firm Urbanation, the average condo rent in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) fell to $2,612 per month last quarter—a 10% drop from the peak of $2,925 in Q3 of 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of declining rents, a trend not seen in recent years.

“If you ask me what the cheapest way is to live in Toronto right now, the answer is definitely renting,” said real estate agent Josh Lloyd. Fellow agent Michael Devanathan agreed, pointing out that “if the cost of ownership is more than 20% higher than renting, renting is more economical.”

The recent decline in rent prices is largely attributed to a rise in the supply of newly completed condos. In a bid to reduce vacancies—especially in high-density downtown areas—many landlords are now offering perks such as one to two months of free rent. As Devanathan noted, “Some landlords are trying to avoid vacancies by taking a loss every month. The reality is that rental income is lower than before.”

In this climate, renters have gained greater leverage, particularly in neighbourhoods like CityPlace, Liberty Village, and Fort York, where supply has outpaced demand. Buildings constructed before November 2018—covered by Ontario’s rent control rules—remain particularly attractive, as they offer more predictable rent increases.

While rents are trending downward, home prices in the GTA remain stubbornly high. In March, the average home price stood at $1,093,254, down only 2.5% from the previous year. Compounding the affordability issue are high interest rates and tightened mortgage stress test requirements, both of which have kept many first-time buyers sidelined.

In response, some developers are shifting away from the traditional “build-to-sell” model and toward “purpose-built rentals” designed for long-term leasing. Although only 731 units of such projects were started in Q1 of this year—a 60% drop from the previous year—developers are increasingly exploring rentals as a more stable revenue stream in a cooling sales market.

Despite rent control not applying to many newly built units, Lloyd encourages flexibility: “Even if a good house is not subject to rent control, if it’s the right fit for you, it’s a good idea to make a bold decision.” In today’s market, one-bedroom units in new condos can sometimes be found for as low as $1,800 to $1,900.

Still, many renters remain on the sidelines, waiting for home prices or interest rates to drop further. But experts caution that timing the market is risky. “The bottom is often only recognized after it’s passed,” said Lloyd. “Rather than deciding whether to buy or rent, it’s important to understand your own financial situation.”

As the balance tips in favour of renters, Toronto’s housing market reflects broader shifts in urban living—highlighting a growing preference for flexibility, affordability, and financial prudence.

The threat of a strike by Air Canada flight attendants is becoming increasingly real, with contract negotiations between the airline and the union representing roughly 10,000 cabin crew members stalled and tensions rising ahead of the busy summer travel season.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the flight attendants, confirmed that the collective agreement expired on March 31 and that no meaningful progress has been made in talks with the airline. On May 14, the union officially requested that Canada’s federal Minister of Labour initiate mediation to help resolve the impasse.

In response, Air Canada issued a statement attempting to reassure travellers: “We are doing our best to reach a fair and amicable agreement in accordance with Canada’s labour laws. Customers can book flights with confidence and travel will be safe.”

However, the union warns that the clock is ticking. Once a federal mediator is assigned, a 60-day mediation period begins, followed by a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period. If no agreement is reached during that time, the union is legally allowed to call a strike with just 72 hours’ notice.

CUPE Air Canada chair Wesley Lesowsky outlined the union’s top concern: fair compensation. “Air Canada only pays cabin crew when the aircraft is moving, leaving all pre- and post-flight tasks such as boarding, disembarking, safety checks, and assisting passengers unpaid,” he said in a statement. Lesowsky also revealed that entry-level cabin crew earn just $1,951.30 per month — an amount he described as “barely enough to make a living.”

He added that the issue is not unique to Air Canada but reflects a wider crisis in the aviation industry. “Low wages and unpaid work practices are threatening the sustainability of the cabin crew profession,” he said, calling for legislative reform to close a loophole in the Canada Labour Code that allows airlines to require roughly 35 hours of unpaid work per month.

“It’s hard to call this a job anymore,” Lesowsky said, warning that unless substantial changes are made, the airline industry could face a staffing crisis. With the summer travel season fast approaching, CUPE is urging both the federal government and Air Canada to act swiftly to prevent widespread disruption.

If a strike occurs, it will mark a major blow to Air Canada and could lead to significant delays or cancellations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

On April 26th, a devastating tragedy unfolded in Vancouver, British Columbia, when an SUV drove into a crowd gathered at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, a Filipino community event. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in south Vancouver. The crash resulted in the deaths of 11 people, aged between 5 and 65, with another 32 individuals, including the deceased, being transported to the hospital with various injuries.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kaiji Adam Lo, was apprehended by bystanders and later arrested by police officers who arrived on the scene. Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, although authorities have stated that the likelihood of terrorism being involved is low.

The Filipino community in Vancouver has expressed their grief and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. RJ Aquino, the president of Filipino BC, the group that organized the festival, shared that they have received support from around the world. A prayer vigil was held at St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church, near the site of the attack, in remembrance of the victims.

At a press conference on April 29th, Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Lai called the incident “the darkest day in the history of the city of Vancouver,” emphasizing the senselessness and incomprehensibility of the act. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also addressed the situation, revealing that Lo had been in contact with emergency services and police on several occasions related to mental health issues. He highlighted the importance of addressing mental illness as a root cause of such tragedies, underscoring the need for better mental health support and services.

The incident has left the community in shock, and authorities continue to investigate the motives behind this heartbreaking event. The Filipino BC organization and the local community have shown resilience in the face of such a terrible loss.

The 45th Canadian federal election, held on April 28th, saw the ruling Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, retain power, securing its fourth consecutive term. However, the party fell short of achieving a majority in the House of Commons, resulting in a minority government. Out of 343 available seats, the Liberals won 169, while the Conservative Party secured 144 seats. The Bloc Quebecois gained 22 seats, the New Democratic Party (NDP) won 7, and the Green Party took 1 seat.

Although the Liberal Party received 43% of the vote, they were just three seats short of the 172 required for a majority. Mark Carney, who had initially been expected to lose, attributed his party’s comeback to several key issues, including the ongoing tariff dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump. In his victory speech, Carney emphasized a collaborative approach, stating, “We will do politics for all Canadians, regardless of where they live, what language they speak, or what political party they support.”

While the Liberal Party maintained power, the Conservative Party made notable gains, increasing its seat count by 16 and receiving 41% of the vote. However, despite these gains, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre suffered a personal defeat. He lost his Ottawa constituency of Carleton, which he had held since 2004, to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre, however, vowed to remain as party leader despite the loss.

The election was a close contest between the two major parties, with the NDP bearing the brunt of the losses. The NDP lost significant ground, including the 12 seats needed to maintain their status as an official party in Parliament. Party leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat in the Burnaby Central constituency to Liberal candidate Wade Chan. Singh subsequently announced his resignation as party leader.

The Bloc Quebecois also saw a reduction in seats, though not as severely as the NDP, and leader Yves-François Blanchet has expressed willingness to cooperate with the Liberal Party in the future.

Following the election, Prime Minister Carney confirmed he spoke with President Trump on April 29th, likely to discuss ongoing issues related to trade and international relations. With the Liberal Party holding a minority government, the coming years will see significant negotiations between parties to pass legislation and address Canada’s economic challenges.

Ontario is expected to face a “moderate recession” this year due to the ongoing impact of U.S. tariffs, with tens of thousands of jobs projected to be lost. According to a report released by the Financial Watchdog of Ontario (FAO) on April 30, 68,100 jobs in Ontario are expected to be lost in 2025 if U.S. tariffs remain in place, compared to a scenario without tariffs. The job losses are projected to increase significantly in the coming years, with 119,200 jobs at risk by 2026 and 137,900 by 2029.

FAO Director Jeffrey Novak stated that the actual impact of the tariffs on Ontario’s economy will depend on the scope and level of the tariffs, as well as the responses of businesses, households, and other economic entities. He added that if the U.S. imposes higher tariffs on a broader range of products, Ontario could experience an even deeper recession.

The FAO report outlines two potential scenarios. In the “low-impact scenario,” where tariffs are limited to 10% and trade volumes somewhat recover, Ontario’s real GDP is projected to grow by 1.3% in 2025 and 1.6% by 2026, avoiding a recession. In the “high-impact scenario,” where the U.S. introduces new tariffs on key industries such as copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, and increases tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles, Ontario’s GDP could shrink by 0.5% in 2025 and grow by just 0.6% in 2026, deepening the recession. Unemployment is expected to rise, with the average unemployment rate forecast to increase by 1.1 percentage points to 7.7% by 2029.

The manufacturing sector in Ontario is expected to bear the brunt of these tariffs, with about 57,000 jobs expected to be lost in 2025 alone. Windsor is predicted to be the hardest hit, with employment projected to drop by 1.6% by 2026. Other regions, including Guelph, Brantford, Waterloo Region, and London, will also experience significant job losses.

In response to the report, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the province would “wait and see” how the situation develops and expressed optimism about Canada’s relationship with the United States.

The Ontario government is considering a proposal to reduce the current two-year teacher training program back to one year in response to the ongoing teacher shortage. Documents from the Ontario Ministry of Education, obtained by the Canadian Press (CP) through a freedom of information request, revealed that this consideration is based on the belief that the length of the program may not significantly impact teacher skill development. The focus, according to the document, is on the importance of long-term field training in improving teacher preparedness and ensuring career sustainability.

Currently, Ontario’s Teacher Training Program is structured as a four-semester (two-year) system, which was introduced in 2015 during the Liberal government’s tenure to manage teacher supply amidst an oversupply of applicants. However, the number of students enrolling in the program has declined from 7,600 in 2011 to 4,500 in 2021. Despite an increase in the employment rate of new teachers, the province is still grappling with a worsening teacher shortage.

The Ontario Principals Association and the Elementary Teachers Federation (ETFO) are advocating for a shortened, one-year program. ETFO President Karen Brown criticized the two-year program, arguing that the extra year does not significantly enhance the content of the curriculum and serves as a barrier due to the extended duration and cost.

Meanwhile, the Ontario Teachers Federation (OTF) argued that the performance of graduates and the quality of practical training are more important than the length of the program. The OTF suggested that a 12-month, intensive program, which includes over 100 days of practical training spread across three semesters, would be more appropriate.

The Ministry of Education cited the increase in student enrolment (around 180,000), the expected retirement of approximately 7,800 teachers by 2030, and the lack of structural changes in the education system as key factors contributing to the teacher shortage. It specifically noted that shortages are most severe in French language, technology, indigenous studies, and in northern regions.

To address the shortage, the Ontario government has allowed college students to serve as substitute teachers, though this move has been met with opposition from teachers’ unions, which argue that placing untrained students in classrooms is merely a temporary fix and not a long-term solution.

Universities, however, are pushing back against the proposal to reduce the program’s length. Steve Orsini, president of the Ontario Council of Colleges and Universities, warned that further cuts to teacher education could undermine the professionalism of teachers.

This issue is expected to spark extensive debate among the government, the education sector, and teachers’ unions, all of which have differing views on how to address the teacher supply and demand imbalance.

Toronto is taking significant steps toward improving its public restroom facilities with the introduction of a cutting-edge “smart toilet” system. A Quebec-based company, Urben Blu, has received approval to propose the installation of its self-cleaning public restrooms at Toronto City Hall. This proposal comes as part of a broader initiative to address long-standing problems with public restrooms, such as poor maintenance, property damage, and hygiene concerns.

Urben Blu, which has already installed its smart restrooms in several North American cities—including Waterloo, Kenora, Centre Wellington, and Ajax—believes its innovative solution can revolutionize the way public restrooms are maintained and used. The core feature of these smart restrooms is their self-cleaning function. After each use, the toilet is automatically disinfected, and a high-pressure water jet system cleans the floor. This process ensures that the facilities remain hygienic without the need for constant manual intervention.

The system also features real-time monitoring, sending notifications to restroom managers about the status of the facility, including whether it is being used, if it needs restocking with soap or toilet paper, or if it requires cleaning. Additionally, the restrooms are equipped with an app that allows for manual cleaning and monitoring via smartphones, tablets, and computers. To further streamline operations, the restrooms can be programmed to close automatically at night, reducing the need for constant oversight.

Urben Blu emphasizes that its smart toilets are made from highly durable, breakage-resistant materials, which helps to reduce maintenance costs over time. Since the restrooms are prefabricated at the factory, installation is quick and cost-effective, which could make them a practical solution for Toronto’s public spaces.

This is not the first attempt by Toronto to tackle the issue of public restrooms. In the mid-2000s, the city proposed installing 20 paid automatic toilets at a cost of $400,000 each. However, the plan was abandoned due to frequent breakdowns and concerns over the toilets being occupied by homeless individuals. Despite this setback, Urben Blu argues that smart toilet technology has significantly advanced in recent years, making it a more viable option for Toronto today.

If the city moves forward with the adoption of Urben Blu’s smart toilets, it is expected to improve public perception of public restrooms, which many citizens consider inconvenient and unclean. By integrating advanced technology with practical design, the smart restroom initiative could transform Toronto’s public facilities, making them safer, more hygienic, and more efficient for the community.

A 66-year-old man from Halifax, Nova Scotia, lost nearly all his life savings in a sophisticated online hacking incident that remains shrouded in mystery. Rick Hall discovered on February 17 that he had been locked out of his online banking account. By the time he regained access, $28,710 had been transferred out, leaving just $249 behind.

The incident was later confirmed to be a case of “account takeover,” a form of cybercrime where hackers gain unauthorized access to personal accounts to steal money and harvest sensitive information. The stolen funds were reportedly sent to an unidentified credit card account, though neither Hall nor the bank have received clear answers about how the breach occurred.

Although Hall was fully reimbursed on April 2—after being formally recognized as a fraud victim—his account was frozen for the entire month of March. This left him without access to his pension, causing significant stress and disruption. The bank has since apologized and stated that it will review its fraud response protocols.

The case highlights the growing prevalence of identity theft in Canada. According to 2024 statistics, there were 9,487 reported incidents of identity theft nationwide, making it the most common type of fraud. Nova Scotia alone reported 106 such cases. However, the actual financial impact is hard to measure, as most of the losses are absorbed by banks or other institutions. In Hall’s case, police closed the investigation once the bank issued the refund, and he claims he has not received a satisfactory explanation of how the hack happened—raising broader concerns about institutional accountability and digital security.

Cybersecurity expert Claudio Popa emphasized that traditional antivirus software is no longer enough to protect users from modern threats. He specifically pointed to the rise of malware like keyloggers, which can stealthily record keyboard activity to steal passwords. Popa also warned against common user habits that leave individuals vulnerable, such as using simple or repeated passwords across multiple accounts.

Canada’s Fraud Prevention Centre echoed this warning, advising individuals to create strong passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. They also recommended regularly checking credit reports and monitoring accounts for unusual activity as critical steps in protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world.

As cyberattacks grow more advanced and widespread, Hall’s experience serves as a sobering reminder that no one is immune—and that both individuals and institutions must remain vigilant to safeguard their financial and personal data.

The number of homeless individuals in the Ottawa area has surged to nearly 3,000 this year, with more than 500 people now living on the streets. This sharp increase follows the Ottawa Mission shelter reaching full capacity for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Food insecurity is serious,” said Peter Tilly, executive director of the Ottawa Mission. “Before COVID, one in seven households was food insecure. Now, one in four households is food insecure.” He noted that 46% of the homeless population reported needing food assistance.

Field service officer Ashley Porter revealed that over 20% of those currently seeking shelter are refugees. “The combination of deteriorating mental health, substance use, rising housing costs, and the surge in demand from refugees is already overwhelming our shelters,” she said. Porter described how many are no longer able to sleep even on floor mats, resorting instead to lounge chairs in sanctuaries. Some refugees arriving at the airport reported being directed by federal officials to the Ottawa Mission, only to find there was no adequate space for them. “If people fleeing war and persecution are forced to sleep in chapels or lounge chairs, then the government’s response to refugees needs to be fundamentally overhauled,” she emphasized.

Despite the growing crisis, the City of Ottawa recently withdrew plans to build a temporary shelter, citing a reported decline in refugee numbers. However, the Ottawa Mission has contradicted that claim, stressing that shelter demand continues to far outpace supply. Food demand has also exploded. “Before the pandemic, we were serving about 495,000 meals a year,” said Rick Allen-Watson, director of food distribution. “This year, we’re on track to serve over 1.3 million. It’s just ridiculous.”

As the federal election approaches, the Ottawa Mission is calling on government agencies and political leaders to take urgent, proactive steps to address the homelessness and food insecurity crisis. They emphasize the need for expanded housing and enhanced social welfare support for low-income residents. The situation reflects a wider trend across Ontario, where more than 80,000 people were homeless last year. The number of individuals living on the streets or in shelters has increased by 25% over the past two years.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has warned that only a “radically new approach” will be effective, as opposed to short-term solutions. They propose a long-term investment of $11 billion over the next decade to build 75,000 low-income and supportive housing units, along with $2 billion over eight years to assist those living in homeless encampments.