ETA Canada News

The performance of Canada ‘s housing market this year can only be described as “dismal,” and even that would be an understatement.

The Greater Vancouver area is expected to see its lowest sales volume in 25 years this year, while the situation in Toronto is even worse, with house prices falling for 10 consecutive months and plummeting 22% from their 2022 peak.

According to the latest data released by the Greater Vancouver Realtors on December 2, a total of 1,846 residential properties were sold in November, a 15.4% decrease year-over-year and 20.6% lower than the 10-year seasonal average. It is projected that by the end of 2025, only 22,263 homes will be sold in the Greater Vancouver area, breaking the record for the lowest annual sales volume this century.

The previous record low was set in 2018, with 24,619 transactions that year, but this year is clearly even worse.

Even more serious is the housing inventory in the Greater Vancouver area, which is so large that it is difficult to sell. There were 3,674 new listings in November, which is slightly less than 1.4% of last year, but still 3.1% higher than the 10-year average.

Overall inventory increased by 14.4% year-on-year, reaching 15,149 units, which is 36.3% higher than the ten-year seasonal average. Even if there are plenty of houses to choose from on the market, they still can’t be sold, and sellers face enormous pressure to lower prices.

In terms of prices, the composite benchmark price in the Greater Vancouver area in November was CAD 1,123,700, down 3.9% year-over-year and down 0.3% from October. The benchmark price for detached houses was CAD 1,900,600, down 4.3% year-over-year. The benchmark price for apartments was CAD 714,300, down 5.2% year-over-year. The benchmark price for townhouses was CAD 1,065,600, down 4.4% year-over-year.

Compared to the peak in March 2022, the decline in some areas is even more alarming. The average home price in the Fraser Valley in November was $1.45 million CAD, a full 19% decrease from the peak in 2022. The average condominium price was $507,600 CAD, also down 15% year-over-year.

The slump in the Greater Vancouver housing market is not an isolated case; the situation is even more severe in Toronto, Canada’s largest real estate market. A report released today by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board shows that home sales plummeted 15.8% year-over-year, while prices fell 6.4% to $1.03 million. This marks the 10th consecutive month of decline in Toronto area home prices, with the average price across all home types now down by 22% compared to the record high in February 2022.

The situation is even worse in Toronto’s condominium market, which has seen what some experts call a “crash,” with sales falling by 21.8% and prices dropping by 15% since their peak in February 2022.Investors are withdrawing from the condo market, and first-time homebuyers are also hesitant to buy due to units being too small. Sales are falling, prices are falling, and expectations are falling even further, making condos the weakest link in Toronto’s housing market.

Why has the Canadian housing market performed so poorly this year? The reasons are not complicated. Bryan Yu, chief economist at Central 1 Credit Union, analysed that this largely reflects the current state of housing affordability and the lack of economic certainty. While mortgage rates are slightly better than in the previous two years, they remain high.

Jason Mercer, chief information officer of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, also said that economic uncertainty continues to affect the confidence of both buyers and sellers. While Canada’s economy showed some bright spots in the third quarter, the impact of tariffs continued, and Algoma Steel recently issued a layoff notice to 1,000 employees, making the market hesitant to make any rash moves.

The Bank of Canada lowered its key interest rate to 2.25% in October. Economists generally believe that interest rates are unlikely to fall further in the short term, and that a market recovery will depend on confidence, not interest rates. But right now, what the market lacks most is confidence. Potential homebuyers in Greater Vancouver and Toronto are still taking a wait-and-see approach, waiting for more positive economic news.

Buyers lack confidence in the economy and employment, and the road to recovery for the Canadian housing market seems long.

Health Canada has issued an urgent recall order; people currently taking ibuprofen should take note.

On Monday, Health Canada announced a recall of multiple batches of extra-strength ibuprofen liquid capsules manufactured by Apotex. This recall affects common painkillers that can be purchased at most pharmacies, and many families may have them in their medicine cabinets.

The reason for the recall sounds a bit alarming—the affected batches of capsules became cloudy. Specifically, ibuprofen crystals seeped into the gelatine shell, causing the capsules, which should have been transparent, to become blurry.

The problem occurred with capsules containing 400 mg of ibuprofen, which is an extra-strength formula.

The affected batch numbers include 1570621 and 1570623. We recommend that everyone quickly check their medicine bottles against the batch numbers to see if theirs are affected.

Some may ask, how serious is the cloudiness of the capsules? Health Canada has classified this recall as a Category II recall. This category means that using these medications may cause temporary health problems, but the probability of serious adverse reactions is relatively low. However, even if the risk isn’t too high, it’s still important to take it seriously. If you’ve already taken any of these affected medications and are experiencing any discomfort, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Health Canada’s recommended procedure is as follows: First, check if the ibuprofen you purchased is on the recall list. If it is indeed from an affected batch, consult a healthcare professional to understand whether you need to stop using it or if you have any health concerns.

If you have any questions about the recall, you can contact Apotex directly for more information. In addition, Health Canada encourages all Canadians to report any side effects or other problems they experience after using health products.

Ibuprofen is a staple in Canadian family medicine cabinets, used to relieve symptoms such as headaches, fever, and muscle aches. It’s readily available at most pharmacies, and many people even buy it themselves without a prescription. Because it is so common, this recall is especially important – no one knows how many families are using the affected batches of products.

Experts recommend keeping the packaging and instructions for any medication you purchase. This way, you can quickly confirm whether your product is included in a recall. It’s also important to regularly check your medications at home, paying attention not only to expiration dates but also to any unusual changes in their appearance.

If you find any affected batches of ibuprofen at home, do not continue taking it. Take the product to the pharmacy where you purchased it to inquire about returns and exchanges. Most pharmacies will cooperate in handling recalled products, providing consumers with refunds or exchanges for other batches of medication.

On November 20, 11 people, including a child, were attacked by a grizzly bear in Bella Coola, a town about 420 km north of Vancouver on the Midwest coast of British Columbia (BC).

The incident occurred around 1:45 pm on the same day on a trail near Highway 20. Multiple media outlets reported that the attackers were students and teachers from Akswarkuta School, run by the indigenous Naxaluk people, who were on a field trip.

According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), students and teachers were eating lunch when the bear emerged from the woods. Several teachers used bear spray and bear bangers (sound devices used to repel bears) to scare the bear away. Grizzly bear attacks on groups of people are extremely rare.

Of the 11 injured people, two in serious condition and two in critical condition, including three children, were airlifted to hospital, according to BC Emergency Medical Services.

BCCOS teams are still searching for the grizzly bear responsible for the attack, working with the Naxaluk Nation and urging residents to avoid forests and riverside areas within the 4-mile area.

Following the incident, British Columbia Premier David Eby praised the bravery of the teachers who faced the bear, saying, “My heart goes out to the injured student and his family, and I wish them a speedy recovery.”

Emergency sirens will sound across Canada on all types of devices shortly after noon today. According to a notice from Canada’s national public alert system, Alert Ready, a test alert will be issued in Ontario at 12:55 p.m.

Similar testing alerts will be issued at different times in other provinces and territories of Canada. The Alert Ready website states that test alerts will be clearly labeled “Test”. This information is intended to check if the system is functioning properly and to increase public awareness of the alert system. However, the website reminds users that they may need to manually confirm that they have received the emergency alert before the device can resume normal operation.

If confirmation is not possible, the alarm sound and vibration will continue for 8 seconds. Depending on the device, some phones may also receive additional notifications.

Alert Ready states that people cannot choose not to receive test alerts, but they may not receive them if the device is turned off; whether a sound will be emitted if the phone is in silent mode depends on the device model.

If you do not receive an alert, the website suggests checking your phone’s notification bar first, as you may sometimes miss it even if your device has received the alert successfully.

If you still haven’t received the alert, please check if your device is compatible with your carrier and ensure your software is updated.

Alert Ready points out that your location when the alert was issued, and whether you were connected to an LTE or 5G network at the time, can also affect whether you receive the alert.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on November 7 that it had culled ostriches on a farm in British Columbia (BC) as part of its disease response policy.

The cull took place at Universal Ostrich Farm in the Edgewood area of southeastern British Columbia, where the CFIA ordered the culling of all remaining ostriches after an avian influenza outbreak in December killed around 70 birds.

However, the farm filed a lawsuit seeking to have the culling overturned, and the impact on the local community was widespread, with protesters gathering near the farm in opposition to the culling.

The farm argued that culling was unnecessary because the ostriches were healthy, had herd immunity, and were valuable for research, and called for testing. However, the CFIA argued that even if they appear healthy, they could be a potential source of virus infection, and that there is a higher risk of the virus mutating into a dangerous form, especially if they encounter wild animals. The farm explained that culling is stipulated in guidelines set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

The nearly year-long dispute finally came to an end on November 6th when the Supreme Court rejected the farm’s final appeal. The CFIA culled all the ostriches on the 7th. After consulting with experts, the culling was carried out by professional shooters under the supervision of a veterinarian, which was deemed the most appropriate and humane method. There were reportedly around 300 ostriches on the farm.

Ontario health experts are warning that this year ‘s flu season could be “exceptionally severe” for Ontario and across Canada, with the highest infection rates expected among children.

According to local English-language media CP24, the latest monitoring data from the Ontario Public Health Agency (PHO) shows that as of the end of October, influenza cases in the province had increased by 1.8% compared to the previous week, with a total of 3 outbreaks, 14 hospitalizations, and 129 confirmed cases reported.

Provincial health authorities predict that influenza activity will intensify further in early November, with the highest infection rate expected among children. The situation is similar across the country. Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) shows that about 2% of flu tests were positive nationwide last week. Although this is still below the 5% threshold for seasonal flu outbreaks, the upward trend is evident.

Data shows that about 1.5% of Australians have contracted the flu, up nearly 11% from the same period last year, while the vaccination rate for children has fallen to just one-quarter, the lowest level since 2021.However, PHAC emphasizes that the situation in the Southern Hemisphere does not necessarily predict the trend in Canada, as the spread of influenza also depends on a variety of factors such as virus subtype, climate, and immune levels.

Currently, the main circulating influenza strains in Canada are H1N1 and H3N2, each accounting for about half. Experts point out that H3N2 often triggers a more severe flu season, posing the greatest threat to infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, because this strain has mutated outside of vaccine coverage, and the body lacks immune memory, thus making it more contagious.

Ontario infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch stated that H3N2 often leads to more severe flu seasons, and while some H3N2 strains have shown resistance to existing vaccines, vaccination remains an “extremely important” protective measure. “While vaccines are not perfect, they can still significantly reduce the risk of infection and complications,” he said.

Flu season has started early in England and Ireland, with both countries reporting significant increases in cases. Experts predict that Canada’s flu peak may occur between the end of December and January.

The two experts concluded by saying that despite the fierce flu outbreak, the basic preventative measures remain unchanged: stay home from work or school when you’re sick, wash your hands frequently, and get a flu shot—these are the essential defenses that must be maintained every year.

On October 30th, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) in Surrey, Metro Vancouver, announced the arrest of two men in connection with a shooting at a residential home.

The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on the same day, when someone opened fire at a home near 56th Avenue and King George Boulevard. When police arrived at the scene, they found gunfire damage to the exterior wall of the home. Several people were inside at the time of the incident, but no one was injured.　Police found the suspect vehicle near the scene and arrested two men, who were taken to the SPS detention facility for further investigation.

Police said that based on initial information, the incident may be related to the extortion racket that is rampant in Surrey. While Indian Bishnoi gangs have been blamed for many of the attacks, SPS Sergeant Taig Pollock told GlobalNews.com that it’s difficult to determine whether gangs are involved until the investigation progresses. He added that the arrest of a suspect at the scene, as in this case, is a major help to the investigation.

Meanwhile, in response to this situation, the city of Surrey has requested the federal and provincial governments to temporarily deploy a total of 150 police officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Combined Special Forces Unit (CFSEU).

Mayor Brenda Locke of Surrey said in a statement that residents and businesses are being severely affected, and that “the city of Surrey can no longer tolerate or tolerate this situation.”

Carney announced the key points of the budget in Ottawa on Wednesday morning. He stated that, as outlined in the budget, the estimated impact of U.S. tariffs and the resulting uncertainty will cost Canada approximately 1.8 percent of its GDP, or about $50 billion, or $1,300 per Canadian.

He added that this budget’s cross-generational investments will maintain Canada’s strong fiscal advantage and demonstrate pragmatic and responsible choices.

Carney will then attend the national caucus meeting and will also appear for parliamentary questioning in the afternoon. He also called on all Members of Parliament today to say it’s time to unite the nation and invest in Canada’s future. This budget vote is also a vote of confidence.

The Liberal government still needs the support or abstention of the opposition. If it fails to pass, it will trigger an early election.

Following the budget’s introduction, Nova Scotia MP Dentemont, a Conservative, announced yesterday that he would switch to the Liberal Party. This means the Liberals have 170 seats in the House of Commons, just two votes short of passing the budget.

The House of Commons begins debate on the budget today, with a vote expected as early as the 17th of this month.

Air Canada announced it will increase capacity on routes within Canada, as well as in Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, in response to declining travel to the United States due to trade tensions between the two countries.

Air Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Galardo, stated in a conference call on Wednesday that the company rapidly adjusted its flight structure in the third quarter to meet growing domestic travel demand. He noted, “Winter sunshine destinations and the Latin American market performed strongly, with bookings significantly higher than last year.”

In contrast, demand for flights between Canada and the United States remains sluggish. Statistics Canada data shows that the number of Canadians returning to Canada by air from the United States in September this year fell by 27% compared to the same period last year, while travellers to other overseas regions increased by about 4%, but this was not enough to offset the decline in travel to the United States.

Air Canada stated that despite weak demand for cross-border flights, overall capacity will still see a slight increase this year.

In August of this year, more than 10,000 Air Canada cabin crew members staged a three-day strike, resulting in the cancellation of more than 3,000 flights and causing the company to suffer losses of approximately C$375 million. Following the strike, Air Canada lowered its adjusted full-year profit forecast and cut approximately 400 management positions to control costs.

The latest financial report shows that in the third quarter ending September 30, the company’s revenue fell more than 5% year-over-year to C$5.77 billion, including approximately C$90 million in compensation payments to passengers. Net profit fell to C$264 million, significantly lower than C$2.04 billion in the same period last year.

Adjusted earnings per share were C$0.75, significantly lower than C$2.57 in the same period last year and analysts’ expectations of C$0.95.

A dispute is brewing over a 7.5 square kilometer plot of land on Lulu Island in Richmond, British Columbia (BC).

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie stated, “Establishing Aboriginal title in an area where private land exists is unacceptable,” and added, “Many people still do not understand the situation, and some are very anxious.” The City of Richmond notified approximately 150 households expected to be affected that it would hold information sessions for landowners in the area in mid-October.

The invitation for the session reportedly stated, “A court has declared that Aboriginal title exists over your land. This may affect the status and validity of your ownership.”

The land in question, once used as a summer settlement by the Indigenous Cowichan people, is currently owned by the federal government, the British Columbia provincial government, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the City of Richmond, homeowners, and private businesses.

In August of this year, after an 11-year legal battle, the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that the Cowichan people have Aboriginal title to the land.

In her ruling, Justice Barbara Young explained that “the granting of Aboriginal title does not evict (current) landowners.”

David Rosenberg, the lead lawyer for the Cowichan people, also said at a September meeting of the Federation of BC Municipalities, “This lawsuit is not about private land ownership, but about the return of public land that the government has wrongfully taken,” and added, “This decision recognizes that Aboriginal title and private ownership can coexist.”

The decision has been challenged by the City of Richmond, the British Columbia government, and other First Nations. The province and the Muskriam First Nations have indicated they intend to appeal. Premier David Eby has responded to the ruling by saying he will protect business stability and homeowners’ private property rights.