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Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney Launch New Action Plan to Protect Workers from Tariffs and Strengthen Ontario Industries
Source: Ontario - Premier's Office
Date: 2026-10-21 19:30:00.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Economy, Trade, Labour, Industry, Infrastructure, Mining, Energy]The Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada announced a combined $8.7 billion action plan to protect workers and industries from U.S. tariffs. The package includes the Joint Steel Action Fund with $3.55 billion from the federal government and $1.67 billion from Ontario, an additional $2.5 billion over two years for large-scale automotive capital projects (up to $1.5 billion federal and $1 billion provincial), and a federal commitment of up to $1 billion over three years for essential road infrastructure in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region. Additionally, light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas regulations will be maintained at 2026 levels (172 grams per mile) through 2029 to provide trade-related relief to the automotive sector.
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Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney Launch New Action Plan to Protect Workers from Tariffs and Strengthen Ontario Industries
Source: Ontario - Premier's Office
Date: 2026-10-21 19:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Economy, Trade, Labour, Industry, Mining, Infrastructure]Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an $8.7 billion joint action plan to protect workers and industries from U.S. tariffs and global uncertainty. The initiative establishes a $5.22 billion Joint Steel Action Fund ($3.55 billion federal, $1.67 billion provincial), a $2.5 billion automotive manufacturing capital upgrade fund ($1.5 billion federal, $1.0 billion provincial), and a $1 billion federal matching investment for road infrastructure in Northern Ontario's Ring of Fire region. Furthermore, the plan creates bilateral task forces for steel, automotive, and critical minerals, implements tighter trade remedies through the Canada Border Services Agency, and leverages Buy Canadian and Buy Ontario procurement policies.
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40 homes a year, 40 full-time staff, Arviat housing factory opens to fanfare
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-16 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Housing, Indigenous, Infrastructure, Labour, Economy]Sakku Innovative Building Solutions—the development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA)—has officially opened Nunavut's first Inuit-owned modular housing factory in Arviat, following a 40 per cent cost increase to a total project price tag of $70 million. Operating year-round, the facility is designed to produce 40 homes annually specifically for northern climates, beginning with an initial project of nine three-bedroom homes for Arviat by spring. The factory currently employs 15 full-time staff, 14 of whom are Inuit, and will scale up to 40 full-time employees while providing local training in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work to address severe territorial housing shortages and overcrowding.
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Ottawa to announce over $350M for skilled trades worker training, recruitment
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-14 18:52:04.0
Tags: [National, Labour, Economy, Infrastructure, Education]Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli is set to announce over $350 million in federal funding targeting skilled trades worker training, recruitment, and infrastructure through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) and the 2026 spring economic update. This funding forms part of a broader $6 billion federal initiative under the Team Canada Strong plan to recruit, train, and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new workers with Red Seal certifications by 2030-31 to close a training gap of over 20,000 workers annually. The financial support is split across three streams: increasing the federal temporary share of training equipment costs up to 70 percent for unions and colleges, financing shovel-ready union-run training centre infrastructure projects by next spring, and backing innovation initiatives like artificial intelligence integration and apprentice retention.
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New Liberal major projects bill clears first vote, heads to special committee
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-08 21:51:34.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Infrastructure, Energy, Environment, Labour]Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, has cleared its first vote in the House of Commons and been sent to an 11-member special committee. The 243-page omnibus bill aims to fast-track major infrastructure and energy projects across Canada by mandating a single review process completed within one year. The legislation faces significant pushback from opposition parties, environmental groups, the Canadian Labour Congress, and First Nations communities—including the Cold Lake First Nations and Teme Augama Anishinabek nation—over concerns regarding weakened environmental protections, Indigenous consultation, treaty rights, and restrictions on the right to strike under the Canada Labour Code.
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Carney’s major projects bill up for debate as MPs return to Parliament
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-05 12:25:48.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Labour, Infrastructure, Energy, Defence]Parliament has resumed debate on the federal government's 243-page economic and labour legislation, Bill C-39, which proposes a one-year timeline for federal project decisions, the creation of pre-approved 'national interest' zones, and changes to ministerial intervention powers in labour disputes. The legislation faces strong opposition from organizations including the Assembly of First Nations, the Canadian Labour Congress, and CUPE over concerns regarding Indigenous consultation rights, international labour obligations, and the right to strike. Additionally, Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound has placed a notice on paper for a bill regarding national defence and security procurement as part of efforts to meet NATO's five percent GDP spending target. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has put forward a notice of motion calling for emergency permits and tax relief to achieve domestic production of one million barrels of diesel per day and the creation of a strategic energy reserve.
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Carney government to study new major projects bill with tool last used in Harper era
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-25 20:34:29.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Economy, Labour, Governance, Indigenous]The federal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Bill C-39, a 244-page omnibus bill titled the Building Canada Strong Act designed to fast-track major economic development projects and address labour disruptions across 24 different acts and regulations. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon announced that the bill will be referred to a specialized "legislative committee"—a parliamentary mechanism last used by the federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012 for Bill C-11. The legislation has drawn criticism from organized labour, environmental groups, and the Assembly of First Nations over proposed alterations to consultation practices, impact assessments, and the Canada Labour Code. While opposition parties intend to scrutinize the bill and propose amendments in committee, the governing Liberals hold a majority to pass the legislation in the House of Commons.
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Facing criticism, Carney says he has a 'very clear mandate' to push through major economic changes
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-22 22:42:07.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Labour, Infrastructure, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has tabled Bill C-39, a 246-page omnibus bill entitled the Building Canada Strong Act, which establishes a strict one-year timeline for federal project reviews managed through the Major Projects Office. The legislation amends Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to explicitly empower the labour minister to direct an end to work stoppages in federally regulated workplaces if the action adversely affects the national interest. The provisions have drawn strong criticism from organized labour groups, including the Canadian Labour Congress led by Bea Bruske and the NDP led by Avi Lewis, who argue the wording threatens the constitutional right to strike, while industry associations such as the Business Council of Alberta praised the measures for cutting red tape and ensuring supply chain stability.
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AFN chief warns Carney against 'abusing' majority to pass new major projects bill
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-22 18:30:50.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Labour, Indigenous, Governance]Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has warned Prime Minister Mark Carney against abusing majority government powers to pass Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The legislation shifts project reviews for major infrastructure such as pipelines and power transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator while also proposing amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The AFN chief criticized the federal government for limiting debate and consultations, stating that staff in the Alberta-based major projects office lack understanding of First Nations rights and demanding that leadership be permitted to bring forward legislative amendments.
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Liberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-21 23:13:50.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, Labour, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney's government tabled Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to fast-track major project approvals, reduce federal review timelines to one year for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and six months for the Canada Energy Regulator and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and establish pre-approved economic zones of "national interest." The legislation transfers review responsibilities for pipelines and transmission lines from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator, and for nuclear projects to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Additionally, the bill amends the Canada Labour Code to mandate collective bargaining six months prior to agreement expiry under specific conditions, require federally mediated relationship repair work following work stoppages, and increase penalties for bad faith bargaining.
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A consequential fall begins with familiar concerns and a new test for the Carney government
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-21 22:49:01.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Trade, Labour, Infrastructure, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney's government convened the House of Commons for the fall 2026 legislative sitting, highlighting the newly tabled 243-page Bill C-39, titled the Building Canada Strong Act. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon described the legislation as the government's most significant economic bill to date, encompassing major adjustments to environmental regulations, impact assessments, and labour laws, including provisions altering the Canada Labour Code. The omnibus legislation drew immediate criticism from opposition parties and labour representatives, who alleged the measures threaten the right to strike and weaken accountability in collective bargaining. Concurrently, the Official Opposition, led by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, challenged the government's economic record and handling of cost-of-living pressures during Question Period, while the Carney administration continued navigating ongoing trade tensions and international economic adjustments.
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Liberals table bill to amend labour code, speed up project approvals
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-21 21:00:37.0
Tags: [National, Labour, Economy, Infrastructure]The federal Liberal government has introduced the Building Canada Strong Act, which amends the Canada Labour Code and aims to streamline project approvals and reduce labour disruptions across the country. The legislation is accompanied by plans to hire 100 new health and safety officers to boost inspection capacity, alongside an additional 26 workers at the Canada Industrial Relations Board to clear backlogs of worker complaints against employers. While the government presents these measures as a way to promote economic stability, union leaders have expressed concern that the changes could potentially impede workers' rights.
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A paid skilled trade placement program is coming for Canadian youth
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-18 14:31:29.0
Tags: [National, Labour, Economy, Infrastructure]The federal government announced an $880 million skilled trade placement program starting in early 2027 to provide young Canadians with paid, four-month on-the-job placements. Announced by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, the initiative is part of an $8 billion financial commitment from the spring economic statement. Additionally, Employment and Social Development Canada is launching the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service this fall to connect jobseekers with small and medium-sized businesses, offering businesses up to $10,000 in hiring grants. Apprentices completing certification in an eligible Red Seal trade can also apply for a $5,000 completion bonus, and a new Apprenticeship Training Grant starting in spring 2027 will provide a $400 weekly top-up for apprentices attending mandatory in-class technical training.
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New trades centre in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., promises to bring houses, jobs to community
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-02 15:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Housing, Infrastructure, Labour, Indigenous]A new trades centre has opened in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, to support year-round indoor construction of modular housing and address a territorial housing shortage requiring up to 2,700 new homes according to a March 2026 needs analysis. Operating with a crew of about a dozen workers, the facility is currently constructing a duplex destined for Tulita to be delivered early next year. The centre features a built-in classroom designed to help community members pass pre-trades entrance exams, secure Red Seal certification, and build local employment experience that students like Thomas Manuel aim to apply toward future projects such as the proposed 800-kilometre Mackenzie Valley Highway supported by the federal government's Major Projects Office.
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