ETA Canada Travel Pass News

Canada’s unemployment rate saw a slight decline in January, signalling positive movement in the Labor market. According to Statistics Canada, the country created 76,000 new jobs last month, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 0.1 percentage points to 6.6%. This marks the second consecutive month of decline, following a rise to 6.8% in November of the previous year.

Andrew Grantham, CIBC’s chief economist, expressed optimism about the report, calling it “very positive overall.” However, he noted that despite the decrease in unemployment over the past two months, many workers remain vacant in the labour market.

The manufacturing sector showed the most significant growth in employment, adding 33,000 jobs in January. Over 10,000 of these new jobs were created in Ontario. However, compared to the previous year, the increase in manufacturing jobs was more modest, with a total of 28,000 new positions. Statistics Canada underscored the importance of the manufacturing sector, highlighting that around 40% of Canada’s 1.9 million manufacturing jobs are tied to U.S. demand. The auto sector is heavily reliant on U.S. exports, with approximately 70% of jobs depending on this market.

These figures come amid heightened economic tensions between the U.S. and Canada. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. However, after Canada took steps such as designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations and appointing a “fentanyl czar” to oversee drug-related issues, Trump suspended the tariffs for a month.

Metro CEO Eric La Fleche has expressed a cautious outlook for the company, particularly due to the impact of potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the weakening of the Canadian dollar. La Fleche highlighted that the exchange rate is one of the biggest concerns for the company, stating that a weaker Canadian dollar directly affects grocery costs. “We are already feeling the pressure,” he said at a press conference following the annual shareholders’ meeting. La Fleche noted that while Metro tries to source Canadian products, there are many items, especially in winter, that are not produced in Canada, further compounding the issue. The weakening Canadian dollar has been exacerbated by the widening interest rate gap with the U.S., alongside Trump’s looming threat of a 25% tariff, adding more strain on food prices.

Despite these challenges, La Fleche is optimistic about Metro’s future growth. He pointed to the recent investment in the company’s supply chain, which was completed in 2024, and expects the full benefits of this investment to be realized in the current year. Metro is prepared for continued growth and plans to expand its distribution network in the coming years. As part of its growth strategy, Metro plans to open 12 new stores in 2025. The company is also seeing gradual stabilization, with the impact of its customer loyalty program, Moi, expected to boost results further. This program was expanded to Ontario last year and is anticipated to drive customer engagement and sales.

Metro’s performance has been strong, as evidenced by its 2025 First Quarter Financial Report, released on January 28. The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to 37 cents per share, up from 33.5 cents in the same period last year. Net income for the first quarter of 2024 (ended December 21) reached $259.5 million, up from $228.5 million in the previous year. Quarterly sales totalled $5.12 billion, a rise from $4.97 billion year-over-year. Same-store grocery sales increased by 1%, and 2.4% when factoring in the change in Christmas shopping days. Additionally, pharmacy sales rose by 5.1%, with prescription drug sales seeing a 7.3% increase. Adjusted earnings per share climbed to $1.10, up from $1.02 in the previous year’s first quarter.

Despite the pressures on food costs, Metro’s solid performance and growth outlook indicate a promising future for the company as it adapts to current economic challenges.

Ontario’s largest winter pride festival, Blue Mountain Pride, is set to take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Now in its 8th year, this vibrant event celebrates diversity, inclusion, and friendship. The festival promises a rich lineup of activities, including spectacular performances, winter sports, and family-friendly events. It’s an exciting time to embrace the winter season while enjoying some of the best entertainment Ontario has to offer.

Event Highlights

The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony and flag-raising, followed by a variety of events. These include DJ performances, groove dancing, live music from DC James, Vibeology’s Fan-ography, and the Snow Queen Extravaganza. One of the main highlights is the ‘Y2GAY’ concert by singer-songwriter Holly Clausius. The fun continues into the night with events like the Silent Disco, Bingo (Bing-OH No She Betta’ Don’t), winter DJ sets, and live music. Saturday night will feature the much-anticipated ‘Après Ski Kiki’, with RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Colby performing alongside Canadian Drag Race stars such as Aurora Matrix, The Virgo Queen, Helena Poison, and Jada Shada Hudson.

Winter Activities for All Ages

Blue Mountain Pride isn’t just for the party-goers—there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you can enjoy the snowy winter landscape with the ‘Winter Play All Day’ pass, which offers access to activities like hiking, tubing, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Mountain Top Skating, Plunge Aqua Centre, snowshoeing, and the Canopy Net Climb.

Directions and Accommodation Information

For those planning to stay during the festival, accommodations at Blue Mountain Village come with discounts on skiing and snowboarding, so you can make the most of your visit. Transportation is made easy with Flixbus, which runs a direct route from Union Station to Blue Mountain Village, offering convenient access to the festival.

Blue Mountain Village: A Year-Round Destination

Located in the stunning Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay area, Blue Mountain Village is a premier four-season destination in southern Ontario. It boasts over 50 unique shops and restaurants, the award-winning Iwa Spa, and more than 1,000 luxury accommodations. With 53,000 square feet of conference space and a variety of year-round events, Blue Mountain Resort provides a perfect getaway for both leisure and business travellers.

For more detailed schedules and ticket information, be sure to visit the official Blue Mountain Pride website.

The trade conflict between the US and Canada has escalated as US President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting Canada’s Digital Services Tax (DST). The order directs the US Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate whether foreign governments, including Canada, are imposing taxes that are unfavourable to US companies. This investigation could extend to other countries that have introduced similar digital services taxes.

Canada’s DST, set to take effect in 2023, imposes a 3% tax on the Canadian profits of global digital companies that generate over $1.1 billion in annual sales and have profits exceeding $20 million in Canada. The tax aims to address the issue of large IT companies, like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta (Facebook), earning significant profits in Canada without contributing adequately to the Canadian tax system.

US companies and industry groups have strongly opposed the DST, arguing that it unfairly targets US businesses. The Biden administration has been in talks with Canada to resolve the dispute within the framework of the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), but no clear agreement has been reached. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Digital Industries Association have been vocal in demanding the repeal of the DST, claiming it imposes an unfair burden on US companies.

The Trump administration has warned that if the DST is not withdrawn, it could retaliate with measures such as high tariffs, potentially affecting Canadian exports. If Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 is invoked, tariffs of up to 50% could be imposed on exports from certain countries, which would have a significant impact on Canada’s economy. Experts suggest that Canadian industries like steel, auto parts, and agriculture could be heavily affected.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and other major business groups have called for the withdrawal of the DST, arguing that it could damage US-Canada trade relations and place additional financial pressure on Canadian businesses. However, civic groups and organizations like the Canadian Centre for Progressive Policy Alternatives (CCPA) support the DST, asserting that large IT companies should pay their fair share of taxes, especially given the limitations of the existing tax system in addressing the digital economy’s growth.

In response to the escalating tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed openness to continued cooperation with the US while reaffirming Canada’s commitment to protecting its interests and sovereignty. He stated that the DST is not just a tax, but a step toward creating a fair tax system suited to the global digital economy. Trudeau’s government also emphasized that it would pursue international solutions through cooperation with organizations like the OECD and G20.

The Canadian Ministry of Finance projects that the DST will generate $5.9 billion (approximately 7.8 trillion won) in tax revenue over the next five years. If the DST is withdrawn, it could have a significant impact on Canadian government finances. Experts predict that Canada may seek to adjust the DST’s application method or implement it gradually through negotiations with the US.

On Tuesday, the union representing 30,000 workers at Toronto City Hall voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike. CUPE Local 79, which represents workers in various positions such as public health, planning, city operations, employment and social services, childcare, leisure programs, water and food inspections, shelters, and long-term care, announced the decision.

CUPE Local 79 President Nas Yadolahi told reporters that over 90 percent of the workers who voted supported the strike. He emphasized that the workers are demanding a living wage for the critical work they do in the city. “Forty-three percent of part-time leisure program workers are earning minimum wage, and 94 percent are earning less than $26 an hour,” Yadolahi said. “This is the reality for many workers employed at Toronto City Hall.”

The union also highlighted concerns about staffing shortages, with vacancy rates at Toronto City Hall increasing by 65 percent since 2019. Long-term care jobs have seen a staggering 700 percent increase in vacancies since the pandemic began. “Burnout and low pay are driving workers to other emergency services,” the union stated.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow responded to the strike vote by saying that negotiations with the union were ongoing, and no date had been set for the strike.

Joan Hama, 68, from Canada, nearly lost her life due to a delayed colonoscopy. Originally advised to undergo the procedure within 60 days, Hama had to wait eight months. This delay caused a cancerous tumour to obstruct her intestines, leading to rupture and requiring emergency surgery. She recalled, “I almost died on the operating table” after receiving CPR multiple times during the surgery.

Melanie Leeson experienced a similar struggle. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she faced a wait of 111 days for treatment in Canada, far exceeding the recommended four-week timeframe. Despite attempts to gain admission to a cancer centre, she was denied until her biopsy results were completed. As her condition worsened, Leeson sought treatment in the United States, where she was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. After returning to Canada, the British Columbia Cancer Centre could only offer treatment in nine weeks, which was too late given her prognosis. Thankfully, her treatment schedule was accelerated to three weeks, and the chemotherapy proved effective.

Leeson’s journey did not end there. She later sought advanced surgery in the U.S. for a cost of $240,000, using most of her retirement savings and raising funds through crowdfunding. After surgery, which included the removal of several organs, she received high-intensity chemotherapy (HIPEC). This treatment was deemed to potentially extend her life by up to 10 years, and now, Leeson is cancer-free.

However, Hama and Leeson are fortunate exceptions. According to data from SecondStreet.org, a non-profit research group, approximately 75,000 Canadians have died while waiting for medical treatment since April 2018. This includes individuals awaiting cancer treatment, MRI scans, and heart surgeries. In the 2023–2024 period alone, it is estimated that 15,474 Canadians will die waiting for procedures, though the actual number could be higher as some provinces, such as Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, and Manitoba, do not release full data.

In Ontario alone, 378 people died waiting for heart surgery, with some waiting over 14 years. The report suggests that many provinces do not track or report deaths due to medical delays, meaning the actual number may be much higher. Dr. Brett Belchetz, co-founder of the medical platform ‘Maple,’ emphasizes that these extended waiting times are putting lives at risk. Experts continue to highlight waiting times as a critical issue in Canada’s medical system, underscoring the need for reform to prevent further unnecessary deaths.

A recent study has raised concerns that one in ten Canadians could face Labor market disruptions as the country transitions to a green economy. The Institute for Research in Public Policy (IRPP) published a report highlighting the need for 68 communities to collaborate to meet the Canadian government’s carbon reduction goals. The report emphasized that current policies are insufficient to drive social change and called for targeted investment in areas that need the most help, with a focus on reflecting local perspectives.

Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are already reshaping its economic landscape. While the report suggests that the labour market changes may not necessarily lead to an increase in unemployment, it does foresee job creation in sectors like renewable energy. However, existing workers may need to acquire new skills or transition into different roles. In some regions, such as those where electric vehicle battery plants are being developed in Ontario, there have been challenges like housing shortages due to an influx of workers.

Vulnerable regions, according to the report, are those reliant on high-carbon industries or with a significant proportion of workers facing large-scale market changes. These areas are typically small or remote communities with low economic diversity. Alberta and Saskatchewan were identified as the most vulnerable, with eight of the top 13 regions located in those two provinces.

The IRPP recommends that the federal government adjust tax incentives and grants to better target investment in these vulnerable regions. The report also revealed that only 10 percent of projects funded by the government’s $18.5 billion Strategic Innovation Fund were in these areas. Additionally, Indigenous communities were found to be disproportionately affected, with 131 Indigenous communities classified as vulnerable.

The report also highlighted the lack of input from local communities in policymaking and suggested expanding the role and resources of Community Futures Organizations (CFOs), which support local economic development. These organizations, however, have faced budget shortfalls due to frozen federal funding since 2009. The report noted that the Sustainable Jobs Act and the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act could help foster greater community engagement, but the key challenge lies in effectively implementing these policies.

To further support local communities during the energy transition, the report proposed the creation of a Canadian Centre for Community Transformation, which would provide market analysis and localized data to assist communities in making informed decisions.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, often sees both praise and criticism from its residents. While many criticize certain aspects of living in the city, they each have different reasons for choosing to stay. How, then, does the rest of the world perceive Toronto? Here’s a summary of the city’s evaluations from various global rankings released in 2024:

1. Low Ranking in Liveability In a comprehensive evaluation by The Globe and Mail, considering factors such as economy, housing, safety, medical care, and transportation, Toronto ranked 82nd out of 100 cities. This disappointing position highlights challenges in several areas for residents of Canada’s largest city. Moreover, Toronto was ranked by Urban Reform as the “most expensive city” in the world in terms of living expenses, adding to its challenges.
2. High Quality of Life, with Limitations Despite its struggles, Toronto earned a relatively strong ranking in Mercer’s report, placing 12th out of 241 cities. The city is particularly noted for its high quality of life, especially for people relocating for work. However, the city’s shortcomings in other areas prevent it from achieving an even higher spot.
3. Appealing to Millennials and Culture Enthusiasts Toronto ranks 10th among the best cities for millennials to live in. Additionally, the city places 14th globally and 3rd in North America on Adobe Express’ list of cities most attractive to cultural travellers. This speaks to the city’s vibrant culture and appeal to younger, globally minded individuals.
4. Traffic Woes Toronto is infamous for its traffic, ranking as the worst in Canada and 17th globally. Drivers in the city spend an estimated 63 hours annually stuck in traffic, which significantly impacts daily life and overall convenience.
5. Aerial Beauty In a unique survey based on aerial photography, Toronto was ranked 12th for being one of the most attractive cities from the sky. Its striking skyline and picturesque views contribute to its appeal from above.
6. Top Food Destination in North America Toronto is also celebrated for its food scene, ranking 5th among North American cities for culinary offerings. Popular TikTok personality Keith Lee praised Toronto’s food scene during a 2024 visit, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a food lover’s haven.
7. World-Class Education Home to the University of Toronto, the city is recognized for its top-tier educational institutions. The university excels in areas such as sustainability, research output, and graduate employability, enhancing Toronto’s global reputation.
8. Pest Problems Unfortunately, Toronto also struggles with pests. It was ranked first in Canada for pest problems, particularly bed bugs and rats, continuing to face significant challenges in this area.
9. A City of Contrasts Toronto presents a mix of both positive and negative evaluations. It ranks 13th in the world for wealth and is recognized as a city where Michelin-starred restaurants are more affordable compared to many others. However, it did not make the top 10 in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index, reflecting its mixed status on the global stage.

In conclusion, Toronto is a city with both beloved and disappointing elements. Its global reputation is a mix of high-quality attributes, such as a rich cultural scene and world-class food, along with challenges like expensive living and traffic congestion. Nonetheless, Toronto remains a place where diverse cultures thrive, and residents and visitors alike experience a unique blend of opportunities and difficulties.

The Canadian economy and tourism sector are experiencing mixed impacts due to the sharp decline of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar. As of January 4, 2025, the Canadian dollar was trading at just $0.69 per US dollar, which has brought both challenges and opportunities. American tourists are benefiting from the exchange rate fluctuations, with many finding that their money goes much further in Canada. Edward Huang, an American tourist who visited Alberta for a ski trip, remarked, “We felt like we got at least a 30% discount,” and added, “We plan to visit again in a few months because of the exchange rate.”

The weak Canadian dollar has positively impacted Alberta’s tourism industry, which is already outperforming other regions in Canada. Local business owners are optimistic about the potential benefits. Olivier Raynaud, owner of Rouge Restaurant in Calgary, noted that the exchange rate has made Canadian restaurants more competitive compared to their US counterparts, which is expected to provide a boost to the local restaurant economy. Tourism Alberta is also capitalizing on the situation, planning various promotional campaigns to attract American tourists. The organization believes that Alberta’s natural attractions will appear even more appealing to visitors due to the favourable exchange rate.

On the other hand, Canadians planning trips to the United States are facing increased travel costs, which has put a strain on their travel plans. However, despite the higher expenses, Canadians’ desire to visit the US remains strong. Experts generally agree that the Canadian dollar’s weakness is unlikely to recover in the short term. Chetan Dave, an economics professor at the University of Alberta, warned that the country’s productivity problems need to be addressed before the Canadian dollar can regain its competitiveness. He explained that the productivity gap between Canada and the US is significant, and solving this issue is key to improving the value of the Canadian dollar.

In summary, while the decline of the Canadian dollar is providing a boost for American tourism to Canada, it is also creating financial challenges for Canadian residents. The economic effects of this situation on both the tourism industry and domestic consumer spending are closely being watched.

Animal Welfare Services, Ontario’s taxpayer-funded animal cruelty investigation unit, is promising greater transparency in its operations. This marks the agency’s first public statement since its launch three years ago. Earlier this month, the agency revealed that it had filed 96 animal cruelty charges against a Hamilton woman for the deaths of five dogs and the abuse of another 24. This case attracted significant public attention, prompting the agency’s director, Melanie Milchinski, to emphasize the agency’s ongoing efforts to share more information about its work. “We’re making an effort to better share what we do and how we do it,” she explained.

A key area of focus for the agency has been its ongoing investigations at Marineland in Niagara Falls, where Milchinski has conducted over 200 investigations since 2020. The issue of beluga whale deaths at Marineland has drawn considerable scrutiny. Since late 2019, 17 belugas have died at the park, five of which occurred this year. This follows a troubling pattern, including the simultaneous deaths of two belugas just nine months ago, marking the fourth such death that year. In 2021, the provincial government acknowledged that all marine mammals at Marineland were under stress due to poor water quality. However, Milchinski insisted that while water quality had improved, previous issues were not directly linked to the beluga deaths.

In response, Marineland has claimed that the animals are well cared for and that the deaths are part of the “natural life cycle” of the creatures. However, the facility has refused to answer specific questions about the deaths, instead criticizing the media for focusing on animal rights concerns. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), Marineland’s predecessor in animal welfare oversight, had been more transparent in the past, regularly releasing updates on the status of investigations. Yet in 2019, the OSPCA was forced to step down from its role after a court ruling found that, despite having police powers, the organization lacked sufficient accountability and transparency.

The Ontario government pledged to ensure greater transparency following the OSPCA’s departure, but for nearly five years, the new Animal Welfare Services unit was largely non-communicative, only responding to media inquiries. This changed earlier this year after reporters uncovered that Marineland had been charged with mishandling three black bears. Marineland was found guilty of violating Ontario’s Animal Cruelty Act and was fined $85,000, along with being ordered to pay restitution for keeping the bears in confined spaces for months without adequate water or climbing equipment.

In its first annual report, released in September, the Animal Welfare Services agency reported handling about 40,000 complaints and conducting over 22,000 investigations and inspections. In the past year, the agency rescued or seized approximately 3,000 animals, issued more than 3,500 orders, and laid 296 charges. Director Milchinski has promised to improve transparency moving forward, especially in high-profile cases, stating, “When there is a high level of public interest or public safety concerns, our goal is to provide timely information about the situation.”