ETA Canada Travel Pass News

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.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canada’s largest bank, is undergoing significant restructuring, which includes layoffs and a reorganization of its workforce. RBC stated that the restructuring is designed to “strengthen global competitiveness, streamline business processes, and develop talent that will lead customer-centric growth opportunities.” The bank acknowledged that “difficult decisions had to be made,” resulting in some employees leaving the company, while others were promoted or had their responsibilities expanded. However, the bank did not disclose the exact scale of the layoffs or provide specific reasons for them.

RBC spokesman Jeff Lantier emphasized that the layoffs were unrelated to RBC’s acquisition of HSBC’s Canadian business last year. The $13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC Canada had a stipulation that HSBC was prohibited from laying off 4,000 Canadian employees for at least six months after the deal, with a two-year requirement to retain branch employees.

Despite the layoffs, RBC has been reporting strong financial results. The bank reported a net income of $5.13 billion for the first quarter (November-January), an improvement over the previous year, thanks to increased trading revenue from its investment division. Financial industry analysts are questioning why RBC is reducing its workforce despite these record profits, suggesting that the layoffs could be part of the bank’s broader strategy to cut costs and optimize its operations to strengthen its global competitiveness in the future.

As RBC’s restructuring unfolds, attention is now focused on how this move will impact the Canadian financial sector and whether further workforce reductions will follow.

Parks Canada has announced that it will be hiring more than 3,000 students and temporary workers across the country for this summer. The agency is also offering a range of permanent, full-time positions. Working with Parks Canada provides an excellent opportunity to help protect the environment and preserve Canada’s heritage, all while working in some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, historic sites, and marine reserves.

There are various roles for those who enjoy both outdoor and indoor work:

• Outdoor positions: Fire team member, camping instructor, pool lifeguard, trail team member.
• Indoor positions: Finance, accounting, human resources, marketing, communications, multimedia production, web content, and social media.

Wages vary depending on the position:

• • Students: Earn between $16.84 and $24 per hour, with some entry-level positions paying up to $30 per hour.
  • Visitor service officers: Earn between $29.29 and $29.85 per hour.
  • Pool lifeguards: Earn between $32.55 and $33.28 per hour.
  • Maintenance workers: Paid between $31.03 and $31.73 per hour.
  • Heritage presenters: Earn between $57,300 and $58,597 annually.
  • Carpenters: Earn between $37.39 and $38.24 per hour.

How to Apply

To apply for one of these positions, follow these steps:

1. 1. Create an account on the official Canadian job website (GC Jobs).
   2. Upload your resume, including your language skills and education details.
   3. Submit a cover letter introducing yourself.
   4. Applicants can select up to 10 preferred locations and desired positions.

The application deadline is May 1, but it is advised to apply as soon as possible, as Parks Canada will continue reviewing applications and may contact candidates for recruitment. For more details, visit the official Parks Canada website.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience, contribute to Canada’s environmental efforts, and be part of something meaningful this summer.

The Canada Soccer Foundation has launched a new program called Canada Red, offering Canadian soccer fans the opportunity to attend the Canadian national team’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This fan participation program allows individuals to enter a draw for World Cup tickets, which are allocated by Canada Soccer.

Unlike previous ticket programs, Canada Red doesn’t require a donation to enter, but the more you contribute, the higher your chances of winning tickets. The program utilizes a weighted random draw, which means that those who donate more have a better chance of securing tickets.

Canada Red now features seven tiers with annual donation amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000. This is an expansion from the previous three-tier system, where fans could register for free or donate $50 or $150 for increased chances. According to the Canada Red website, higher donation tiers will increase your chances of winning tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, VIP seating, behind-the-scenes content, special contributor status, and more.

Canada Soccer’s allocation of tickets will be separate from FIFA’s official ticket draw, which also allows fans to win tickets. However, Canada Red will focus on tickets for matches held in Canada, and not all participants will be guaranteed tickets.

The proceeds from Canada Red donations will help support Canadian youth soccer leaders and the national team. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first time the men’s tournament is held in Canada, and Toronto will host six matches, starting with the first match on June 12.

This is an exciting opportunity for Canadian soccer fans to be part of history and support the future of soccer in Canada while gaining access to World Cup matches.

Ontario residents are heading to the polls to elect a new provincial government, and the outcome will significantly impact key issues in Toronto and across the province. With Toronto’s growth and development at the forefront, the results will shape policies affecting transportation, housing, and local governance.

Key Issues Impacting Toronto

The provincial government holds substantial influence over major city policies such as highway and subway construction, housing supply, and shelter operations. Notably, the ongoing Toronto subway expansion project is critical, along with the proposed transfer of jurisdiction over the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) to the provincial government. These projects are central to Toronto’s infrastructure and future development.

Doug Ford’s Impact on Toronto

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has invested significantly in Toronto, supporting various development projects. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. For instance, in 2018, he cut the number of seats in Toronto City Council by half and controversially pushed for the development of Ontario Place into a water park and spa complex. His decisions to remove bike lanes and require provincial approval for new bike lane installations also sparked backlash, particularly from local groups advocating for better cycling infrastructure.

Despite these controversies, political experts argue that such issues are unlikely to dominate the election. According to John Shields, a political science professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Trump tariff policy is expected to be the most significant issue in this election, overshadowing local concerns. Scott Reed, a political commentator, noted that this election campaign has been one of the quietest in decades, with little engagement from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

Policy Platforms of the Parties

Though Trump’s tariff policies have taken centre stage, each party is rolling out local policy platforms to win over voters in Toronto and the rest of Ontario:

• The NDP (New Democratic Party) is advocating for the province to cover the costs of shelters and homeless services, cancel Ontario Place development, and expand rent control to all rental properties.
• The Liberals are focusing on installing safety barriers on Toronto subway platforms and offering land transfer tax exemptions for first-home buyers.
• The Greens propose similar land transfer tax exemptions for first-home buyers, aligning with the Liberals’ stance on housing affordability.
• The Conservatives emphasize expanding the GO Train network and building an underground tunnel under Highway 401 to improve transportation.

In addition, various other policy proposals include expanding roads, renovating schools, and increasing urban density to address housing needs in growing cities like Toronto.

Voter Decision

Ontario voters will decide who will lead the province in the coming years when they cast their ballots on Thursday, February 27. The results of this election will determine the direction of major projects and policies in Toronto, shaping the city’s future growth and development.

Ontario is set to implement several new laws and regulations beginning in March, with significant changes affecting drivers, the construction industry, and consumers. Here’s a guide to the key changes to be aware of:

Ontario has extended the deadline for vehicle inspection stations to transition to the new DriveON program. Originally set for December 31, 2024, the new deadline is now March 31, 2025. This extension allows inspection stations to continue operating through the holiday season, providing more time to secure the necessary equipment, train staff, and adapt to the program. The DriveON system aims to modernize vehicle inspection and enhance road safety across the province.

The new Ontario Building Code 2024 came into effect on January 1, 2025, with a grace period for ongoing projects until March 31. These changes aim to reduce the regulatory burden on the construction industry while enhancing building safety and quality. More than 1,730 technical differences have been eliminated, making it easier to build homes and improve consistency with National Construction Codes. The amendments were developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including building officials, fire departments, architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure a balanced and efficient regulatory framework.

On February 3, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump announced a suspension of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods for up to 30 days. This decision followed Trudeau’s pledge to enhance border security and temporarily halted the 25% tariff on Canadian goods and the 10% tariff on energy exports, which were originally scheduled to begin on February 3. However, President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all global steel and aluminium imports starting March 12, which could impact Canadian industries. In response, 13 Canadian provincial premiers visited Washington, D.C., to discuss strengthening Canada-U.S. relations. Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the discussions as “constructive.”

In another development, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed Kevin Brosseau as the new head of Canada’s fentanyl response. Brosseau, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer and intelligence adviser to Trudeau, will work closely with U.S. authorities to tackle fentanyl trafficking, which continues to be a significant issue in both countries.

These changes in Ontario laws and regulations, along with international trade developments, will have significant implications for residents, businesses, and government policies. Stay informed about these important updates as they take effect in the coming months.

There are growing concerns that a decline in Canadian visits to the United States could have significant consequences for both the travel industry and the job market. According to the US Travel Association, Canadians are expected to make up the largest share of international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, with a projected total of 20.4 million visits. These visits have generated an estimated $20.5 billion in spending, supporting 140,000 jobs across the country. Popular U.S. destinations for Canadian travellers include Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas.

However, tensions related to the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a decline in cross-border travel. The US Travel Association warned that even a modest 10% decrease in Canadian visits would result in the loss of 2 million annual visitors, a $2.1 billion decrease in spending, and the potential loss of 14,000 jobs within the U.S. tourism sector.

On February 3rd, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the U.S. would postpone the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods for at least 30 days following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Prior to this, during a press conference on February 1st, Prime Minister Trudeau encouraged Canadians to consider domestic travel, stating, “Now is the time to choose Canada.” This sentiment has resonated with Canadians, as many who had initially planned to visit the U.S. are now opting for other international destinations.

Public relations manager Amra Durakovic from Flight Centre Travel explained that Canadians are feeling “emotionally unstable” and their trust in the U.S. is wavering. As a result, countries where the Canadian dollar holds more value are becoming increasingly popular. For example, Japan, where the Canadian dollar is strong against the yen, and South Korea, boosted by global attention following the success of the TV series Squid Game, are emerging as alternative destinations. The strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the Korean won has also made Korea an attractive option.

This shift in travel preferences is affecting U.S. cities that have traditionally been popular with Canadians, such as Chicago, Boston, and New York. Instead, cities within Canada, like Montreal, are seeing an increase in visitors as Canadians opt to explore their own country rather than cross the border.

The Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) has raised concerns that small businesses across Canada are still paying taxes on their carbon tax rebates, despite a previous announcement from former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stating that the rebates would be exempt from tax. The CFIB reports that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has informed it that the rebates are considered government subsidies and, as such, are subject to income tax. The CRA also clarified that Freeland’s announcement, and the accompanying economic statement were made without any legislative changes.

CFIB President Dan Kelly noted that the issue could only be resolved through new legislation passed by Parliament, which is currently in recess. He emphasized that this uncertainty surrounding the carbon tax rebate is adding further burdens on businesses.

The small business carbon tax rebate, introduced in Budget 2024, was intended to be distributed to 600,000 businesses, amounting to $2.5 billion. However, confusion and delays regarding the taxability of the rebates led to them being paid out in December. The CFIB, Canada’s largest small business association, is now urging Parliament to pass legislation that would exempt the rebates from taxation. In addition, they are calling for the scheduled 19% carbon tax hike, set to take effect on April 1, to be frozen, and for the official small business rebate rate to be capped at 9% of gross revenue while the carbon tax remains in place.

Kelly expressed concerns that businesses may not be fully informed about the rebates and could misreport their income tax returns. “There is a high probability that businesses who receive these rebates will misreport their income tax returns,” she said. “The government has officially stated that the rebates are tax-exempt, but the CRA has classified them as government subsidies and are not tax-exempt.” Kelly also warned that the tax burden on businesses could be significant when federal and provincial corporate income taxes are factored in.

She cautioned that businesses may inadvertently misreport the rebates and claim them incorrectly, adding that the carbon tax is not “revenue neutral” if the government collects corporate income taxes.

In early February, Canada Post laid off approximately 50 managers as part of a restructuring effort aimed at addressing its financial difficulties. According to multiple media reports, the company confirmed the layoffs, explaining they were part of an ongoing effort to manage the financial crisis. About half of those laid off were based in Ottawa, while the remaining employees worked in Toronto.

To minimize the impact on employees, Canada Post froze the hiring of new managers since last year and has been reviewing vacancies created by retirements. The company reassured the public that these layoffs would not affect its services.

The layoffs come after Canada Post reported a loss of $313 million in the third quarter, with expectations of continued “unsustainable losses” over the next few years. This financial crisis was underscored by a strike that took place late last year. This is the second major restructuring for Canada Post in 2025. Earlier, the company had already reduced its senior management staff by 20% in January.

Additionally, Canada Post received $1 billion in loan support from the federal government in January. However, the company clarified that this loan is a temporary solution and will not resolve the long-term structural issues it faces. Canada Post’s financial situation has been deteriorating since 2018 due to rapid changes in the postal industry and rising labour costs.