ETA Canada News

As the trade war with the United States continues to affect Canadian industries, a growing number of Canadians are expressing concerns about job losses. According to a recent survey conducted by polling firm Leger, 40% of Canadians are worried about losing their jobs due to the ongoing trade conflict. The survey, which was conducted from March 7 to 10, included 1,500 Canadian adults and revealed significant regional variations in job insecurity.

Ontario had the highest rate of job insecurity, with 50% of residents expressing fear about potential job loss. Other provinces also reported notable levels of concern, with 39% of people in British Columbia and Manitoba/Saskatchewan feeling uneasy, 35% in Alberta, and 26% in Quebec. The survey also found that men were more likely to feel anxious about job losses than women, and individuals aged 18-54 were more worried (42%) than those aged 55 and older (34%).

A separate survey by the Bank of Canada also revealed that 40% of companies are scaling back their hiring and investment plans due to trade uncertainty. This reduction in business activity is expected to contribute to higher unemployment rates. Industries that rely heavily on U.S. exports are particularly vulnerable, with the mining, oil, and gas sectors being especially hard-hit. The survey found that 75% of workers in these industries are worried about losing their jobs. Additionally, 60% of manufacturing workers and 50% of employees in sectors like finance, insurance, real estate, agriculture, and forestry also expressed concerns about job security.

Layoffs are already occurring in some sectors, and the uncertainty surrounding trade policies is causing many workers to reassess their financial situation. Some workers are reportedly considering selling their homes due to the threat of job loss. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has warned that the full implementation of the Trump administration’s 25% steel and aluminium tariffs could lead to further job cuts. With many Canadian manufacturers struggling to secure orders from U.S. customers, the CLC predicts that more layoffs are likely in the future.

Economists are concerned that as unemployment anxiety grows, consumer sentiment will weaken, leading to decreased spending and a slowdown in economic activity. This could create a negative feedback loop, further harming the Canadian economy and exacerbating the effects of the trade war. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies continues to be a major source of stress for Canadian workers and businesses, as they navigate the challenges posed by a volatile economic environment.

The Ontario government has announced the suspension of a 25% electricity surcharge, initially set to come into effect on Monday, in response to escalating trade tensions with the United States. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminium. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the surcharge suspension was a temporary measure and was designed to de-escalate tensions, with the province opting for “calm discussions” rather than engaging in a back-and-forth dispute with the U.S.

Ford clarified that the suspension was not a permanent withdrawal of the surcharge, but a temporary measure considering the ongoing trade situation. He noted that the surcharge could be reintroduced in the future, depending on how the situation unfolds. Additionally, Ford stressed that power outages would still be a possibility, and the province’s electricity infrastructure remains vulnerable.

Ontario has power connections with neighbouring U.S. states, including New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, and is a significant exporter of electricity. Ford previously stated that at least 1.5 million homes and businesses could be impacted if the surcharge were imposed, including a significant number of U.S. households.

If the surcharge had gone into effect, it would have resulted in an additional cost of approximately $100 per month for American households, particularly in areas that rely on Ontario’s electricity. This would have been a significant financial burden, especially in the current economic environment. Experts warn that the impact could have been considerable for U.S. consumers.

Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the use of Ontario’s electricity as a bargaining tool in trade discussions, arguing that it directly impacts U.S. consumers. He has raised concerns over Canada’s reliance on its electricity grid and has criticized the idea of Ontario’s energy being used as a trade leverage. Experts suggest, however, that finding alternative power sources for the U.S. in the short term would be challenging, given the country’s heavy reliance on Canadian electricity.

While the U.S. could eventually invest in alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, gas, and coal, experts believe this transition would be long-term. Replacing Canada’s energy imports would require substantial investment in infrastructure and the construction of new power plants, which could take years. If the power grid connection between Ontario and the United States were severed, both countries could face major disruptions in their energy supply.

In the short term, the suspension of the surcharge has temporarily alleviated the pressure on both Ontario and U.S. consumers, but ongoing tensions in the trade relationship between the two countries continue to pose potential risks for the region’s energy security.

On March 10, the Liberal Party of Canada announced the results of its leadership election, electing Mark Carney as the new leader. Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, will succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the new Prime Minister of Canada.

Born in the Northwest Territories and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Carney, 59, has an impressive background. After studying at Harvard and Oxford, he worked for Goldman Sachs and was stationed in Tokyo. Carney became Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2008 and was later appointed as the first non-British Governor of the Bank of England.

Despite having no political experience and not being a current Member of Parliament (MP), Carney was widely regarded as the frontrunner in the leadership race. He secured a decisive victory, receiving 85.9% of the vote. His competitors included former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland (8%), former CEO of the House of Commons Karina Gould (3.2%), and former MP Frank Bayliss (3%).

In his victory speech, Carney vowed to push back against President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which he called an attack on Canadian workers, families, and businesses. He promised to continue retaliatory tariffs until the U.S. shows “respect” for Canada and adopts a more credible approach to free trade.

Carney will be formally appointed as Prime Minister by Governor-General Mary Simon, although the date of the inauguration has not been set. While a general election is required by October of this year, reports indicate that there may be efforts to dissolve Parliament and call for an early election, potentially as soon as the end of this month.

In British Columbia (BC), health officials have raised alarms after a person infected with measles visited various public places before seeking medical attention. Meanwhile, in Quebec, the provincial health agency confirmed that an infected individual attended an NHL (National Hockey League) game in Montreal, contributing to the outbreak. The infected person was unvaccinated and attended the game at the Bell Centre on March 3. The Quebec Health Agency is advising anyone who was at the venue between 5:30 p.m. and midnight on that day to monitor for symptoms, as they may have been exposed.

At least 31 measles cases have been confirmed in Quebec between December and March, and the increase in infections is being attributed to low vaccination rates. The situation has become more concerning as measles infections rise across Canada. Public Health Agency of Canada Director Theresa Tam reported on March 6 that 227 cases of measles had been confirmed between January 1 and March 6, already surpassing the expected total for 2024.

If you suspect you may have contracted measles, it’s important to monitor for symptoms during the incubation period, which can last up to three weeks. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and eventually a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Anyone planning to visit a healthcare facility should contact them ahead of time to prevent further exposure.

Public Health Director Tam also warned that the risk of measles spreading is heightened, especially with the approaching spring break. The decline in vaccination rates among Canadian students and the increase in global measles cases are contributing factors. Tam urged the public to check their vaccination status before traveling.

In a special tribute to Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain and Team Canada star, McDonald’s has rebranded two of its Canadian locations as “McDavid’s” to celebrate McDavid’s iconic extra-time goal that helped Team Canada win the Four Nations Ice Hockey Championship.

Details of the Rebranding:

• • Locations: The McDonald’s outlets in Newmarket (McDavid’s hometown) and Edmonton have officially reopened as “McDavid’s”.
  • Promotion: To Honor McDavid’s jersey number, 97, a $0.97 fries’ promotion was introduced, available from Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 2. The promotion is now over, but it drew significant attention during its short run.

The rebranding stems from a promise McDonald’s made to McDavid last summer: if he led his team to victory in the Stanley Cup, McDonald’s would rename its Edmonton location to “McDavid’s”. While the Edmonton Oilers didn’t win the Cup that year, McDavid’s performance in the Four Nations Ice Hockey Championship led Team Canada to victory, and McDonald’s honoured its pledge.

In addition to the rebranding, McDonald’s launched an NHL-themed promotion in January. The Big McDavid Burger and Auston Matthews’ Smoky Quarter Poppy were introduced as limited-time menu items. While the promotion has ended, the Big McDavid Burger remains on the menu for a while longer.

This creative rebranding effort reflects McDavid’s status as a national sports hero and the continued influence of hockey in Canadian culture.

In response to escalating trade tensions with the United States, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a series of retaliatory actions aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Ford’s measures reflect a strong stance from Canada, signalling that the province is ready to take drastic steps to protect its interests.

Key Actions Announced by Premier Ford:

1. 1. Electricity Surcharge or Cutoff: Ford warned that Ontario could impose a 25% surcharge on electricity supplied to the U.S. or even cut off the supply completely. Ontario plays a significant role in supplying electricity to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, impacting about 6 million U.S. households.
   2. Cancellation of Starlink Contract: Ontario had signed a contract with SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite internet to remote rural areas. Ford announced that he would cancel the 100 million CAD contract, citing the escalating trade tensions.
   3. Blocking U.S. Companies from Procurement Contracts: Ford revealed plans to block U.S. companies from bidding on Ontario’s procurement contracts and major infrastructure projects such as highways, tunnels, and hospitals.
   4. Export Restrictions: Ontario is considering imposing additional fees on major mineral exports to the U.S. or potentially banning exports altogether.
   5. LCBO Response: The Ontario Liquor Control Board (LCBO), a provincial public corporation, announced it would halt the purchase and sale of American liquor. The LCBO is responsible for importing and distributing a significant amount of American liquor from 35 U.S. states.
   6. Call for Nationwide Action: Ford urged other Canadian provinces to join Ontario in taking retaliatory steps against U.S. policies, highlighting that Ontario’s actions could cause significant losses to American companies.

In parallel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took strong action, announcing a 25% retaliatory tariff on 30 billion CAD worth of American products. Trudeau warned that further tariffs, totalling up to 125 billion CAD, could be imposed if U.S. tariffs continue.

The conflict between Canada and the U.S. has sparked a wave of national pride and resistance. In Canada, merchandise such as “Canada is not for sale” hats and T-shirts has become increasingly popular. Even local businesses are joining the protest; for example, a café renamed its Americano to Canadiano in solidarity. Sales of national flags have also surged, reflecting the growing public sentiment against U.S. actions.

Premier Ford has expressed that this trade war could last for the long term, and that Ontario is prepared to escalate its response, saying, “We must prepare for a long-term war. We are prepared to escalate our response with every tool at our disposal.”

This growing tension highlights a significant clash between the two neighbouring countries, with Canada asserting its sovereignty and pushing back against U.S. tariffs that threaten its economy.

Ontario universities are facing significant financial challenges, leading to major restructuring efforts and reductions in departments. York University, one of Canada’s largest universities, is among the institutions announcing significant changes. The university has revealed that it will stop accepting new students in 18 majors starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. This includes departments such as linguistics, classics, indigenous studies, religious studies, women’s and gender studies, environmental biology, biomedical physics, sociology, and global history and justice, as well as the English department.

The main reason cited for these cuts is the decline in international students, which has placed immense financial pressure on universities. Recent changes in federal policy regarding student visas and post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are believed to have directly contributed to a drop in international student enrolment. This has been particularly detrimental to universities that have become overly reliant on international student tuition to fund their operations.

York University, with its three campuses in the Toronto area, has struggled with the financial implications of low enrolment in certain departments. In fact, an Ontario Auditor General’s report from 2023 highlighted that 23% of York’s undergraduate majors were enrolling fewer than 20 students by 2023. The report recommended a restructuring of majors to maintain financial stability, which seems to have led to the university’s current restructuring efforts.

York University is not alone in these cuts. Centennial, Mohawk, Sheridan, Algonquin, and Seneca Colleges have made similar decisions due to the same financial difficulties. Seneca College even announced the temporary closure of its Markham campus last year, citing changes in federal policy regarding international students.

In response to these financial difficulties, the Ontario government allocated $1.3 billion in additional funding to universities and colleges last year. However, experts argue that this funding has not been sufficient to fill the gap left by the decline in international student enrolment. Concerns are mounting about the long-term impacts these changes will have on the Canadian higher education system.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid population growth and the changes in immigration policy, which have led to a reduction in international students. Critics, however, point out that the restructuring of universities, particularly those that heavily relied on international tuition fees, could have far-reaching consequences for both students and academics across Ontario and beyond.

On February 24th at 9:37 PM, an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 struck southwestern British Columbia (BC). According to the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources, the epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean, about 182 km west of Port Alice, situated to the northwest of Vancouver Island. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km. Fortunately, no tsunami risk has been reported, and the earthquake was not felt in surrounding areas.

This earthquake follows a magnitude 4.7 earthquake that occurred just days earlier, on February 21, approximately 60 km northwest of Vancouver. That tremor was felt widely across Metro Vancouver, including within the city itself.

Southwestern British Columbia, known for its seismic activity, is no stranger to earthquakes. The region has experienced several major tremors in the past, including:

• • January 23, 1946: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck central Vancouver Island.
  • August 22, 1949: A powerful M8.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of Haida Gwaii.
  • June 24, 1970: A M7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Haida Gwaii.
  • October 28, 2012: A M7.7 earthquake also hit the coast of southern Haida Gwaii.

Experts indicate that the region remains at risk for future seismic events, including potentially large earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater. This suggests that a major earthquake could occur at any time in this seismically active zone. Residents are advised to stay informed about the potential risks and preparedness measures.

On February 13, the RCMP in Richmond, British Columbia, issued a warning about an uptick in thefts involving perpetrators who distract victims and take advantage of the opportunity to steal.

One example occurred on February 6th at approximately 10 p.m., when a woman was sitting in her car in a parking lot at Lansdowne Road and Number 3 Road. An unfamiliar woman knocked on her window and warned her that her tire was flat. When the woman got out of her car to check, a man approached and stole her wallet from the front seat.

The suspect, Marco Brians Neira Sanchez, was arrested on suspicion of theft after dropping his wallet during an argument with the victim and attempting to flee. Bystanders were able to apprehend him and hold him until police arrived.

The RCMP has reported several similar thefts recently. Although one suspect has been arrested, they believe others may still be at large. Police are advising people to be vigilant when someone approaches their car. It is recommended to always lock your car, assess the situation from inside, and call for help if needed.

Anyone with information or who has witnessed similar incidents is encouraged to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, quoting file number 2025-4135.

Despite initial hopes for a rebound in the Toronto real estate market in 2025, real estate companies like Royal LePage are still facing a sluggish market. Recent statistics from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) for January show that home sales across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) fell by 7.9% year-over-year.

During this period, the number of homes on the market surged by 70.2%, reaching a total of 17,157, but transactions remained inactive as buyers continued to adopt a cautious approach. New listings also saw a nearly 50% year-over-year increase, and the average number of days a property remained on the market grew by 1.9%. While this isn’t a drastic drop that would cause alarm, it signals that Toronto’s overheated real estate market is still struggling, with sluggish transaction activity continuing to dominate.

Interestingly, despite the dip in transactions, the overall average home price saw a slight increase of 1.5% year-over-year. However, the condo market showed a different trend. Condo prices dropped by an average of 1.6% in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with the decline being especially noticeable in the 416 area of Toronto. This downturn has led some developers to delay new condo projects, and in some cases, enter receivership due to defaults.

Looking ahead, the Real Estate Board forecasts a gradual recovery starting in the spring of 2025. They attribute this anticipated rebound to a combination of lower mortgage rates and increased supply in the region, which will likely enhance homebuyers’ accessibility and revitalize the market. The report projects a 12.4% increase in home sales this year compared to 2024, with average prices rising by 2.6%, reaching approximately $1.147 million.