P.E.I.'s deficit projection grows to nearly $460M in latest economic update

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Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-30 23:12:30.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Finance, Economy, Healthcare, Social Services]

In its fall fiscal and economic update, the Government of Prince Edward Island increased its projected deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year by nearly $50 million, moving from a spring budget projection of $410 million to $459.3 million. Operating expenses came in over $100 million above budget, primarily driven by spending on health care, social program funding, and rising fuel costs, according to Finance Minister Jill Burridge. Despite the increased deficit, the province's net debt is forecast to decrease by $101.8 million compared to spring estimates due to improving revenues, supported by a 3.1 per cent increase in average monthly employment, a drop in the unemployment rate to 7.4 per cent, a 7.2 per cent rise in international goods exports, and a 3.5 per cent increase in farm cash receipts.

Provincial Government Recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month and Supports Inclusive Employment

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-15 21:05:12.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Labour, Social Services, Economy]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $15.9 million through the Supported Employment Newfoundland and Labrador program to help individuals with intellectual disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Funding for this initiative is provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement. A total of 15 agencies across the province are receiving funding to deliver personalized workplace skills training and career support. The announcement coincides with the recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month in October 2026, marked by proclamations from Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development Lin Paddock and Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being Chris Tibbs.

Saskatchewan Proclaims October as Disability Employment Awareness Month

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-01 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Labour, Social Services, Economy]

The Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in partnership with the organization SARC to promote inclusive employment opportunities. To support this initiative, the provincial government is investing over $10 million in 2026-27 for workforce development programming, which includes Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities programs. The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy outlines ongoing government actions to increase workforce participation among individuals experiencing disabilities, aided by resources such as the EmployLink platform.

Health spending helped push New Brunswick deficit to record $1.3B in last fiscal year

Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-25 13:46:00.0
Tags: [New Brunswick, Finance, Healthcare, Social Services, Economy, Taxation]

The Government of New Brunswick announced a record deficit of $1.3 billion for the previous fiscal year, more than double the $549-million shortfall projected in the March 2025 budget by the Liberal government. Provincial revenues fell short by nearly $217 million due to lower harmonized sales taxes and reduced corporate and personal income taxes. Conversely, expenses exceeded expectations by almost $538 million, primarily driven by increased spending on healthcare and social development. Finance Minister René Legacy noted that the province closed the fiscal year with a net debt of $13.9 billion while facing ongoing cost pressures and potential U.S. trade tariffs.

Carney rallies Liberal MPs as 'crucial session' of Parliament set to resume

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-18 21:18:23.0
Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Economy, Technology, Governance, Social Services]

Prime Minister Mark Carney rallied the Liberal caucus ahead of the fall session of the House of Commons, announcing forthcoming legislation including the Building Canada Strong Act to streamline major project reviews to a "one project, one review, one year" standard. The federal government also plans to introduce social media and AI regulation legislation targeting online harms, cyberbullying, and child exploitation by tech companies. Additionally, an upcoming fall federal budget will outline fiscal plans to manage spending, optimize the balance sheet, and expand social programs such as child care.

CRA still owed over $5B in COVID-19 benefits sent to ineligible recipients

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-18 19:50:00.0
Tags: [National, Taxation, Finance, Economy, Social Services]

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reported that as of July 31, Canadians still owe $5.56 billion in outstanding debt for COVID-19 pandemic benefits—specifically under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)—after being deemed ineligible. The total debt has nearly halved from over $10 billion reported the previous November, with approximately $3.671 billion successfully recovered since collections began in 2022. The remaining balance includes $2.91 billion for CERB and $1.81 billion for CRB, though figures continue to fluctuate due to ongoing repayments, reassessed eligibility, and write-offs for permanent financial hardship recommended to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The CRA maintains a flexible collection approach with extended timelines and interest-free repayment arrangements, while retaining the right to pursue legal action against debtors with the verified ability to pay.

Ontario Investing Nearly $3.9 Million to Train More Women for Careers in the Skilled Trades

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Date: 2026-09-02 16:30:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Labour, Education, Social Services, Economy]

The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream across four training projects to prepare more than 310 women for careers in the skilled trades. The funded organizations include Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region receiving $2,000,048 for 42 survivors of gender-based violence, The Redwood receiving $914,110 for 100 survivors, the Canadian Association of Women in Construction receiving $459,675 for 120 women in supervisory and project management roles, and the Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre receiving $496,153 to support 50 women in career advancement. This round incorporates enhanced risk management, transparency regarding registered lobbyists, and longer-term outcome tracking at three, six, and 12 months based on recommendations from the Auditor General's 2025 program review.

Yellowknife family urges Ottawa to renew support for employment program that helped their son

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-02 15:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Labour, Social Services, Economy, Finance]

Inclusion Canada and the Autism Alliance of Canada are seeking $50 million in the upcoming federal fall budget to renew funding for the Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) inclusive employment program. The program previously received $30 million from Ottawa in 2022—funding that is set to expire in March—to help Canadians with autism or intellectual disabilities secure employment and assist employers with hiring processes. Since its inception in 2014, the RWA program has helped nearly 6,500 people find jobs nationwide, including over 450 individuals in northern Canada, while engaging approximately 27,000 employers.

Ontario Investing $4.8 Million to Protect and Train Workers in Simcoe and Surrounding Area

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Date: 2026-08-25 15:00:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Labour, Economy, Agriculture, Healthcare, Social Services]

The Ontario government is investing over $4.8 million through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream across three projects in Simcoe and surrounding areas to train 400 workers and jobseekers for careers in skilled trades, agriculture, and long-term care. Blue Door Support Service is receiving $3,637,864 to help 200 vulnerable, unemployed, and unhoused jobseekers in York, Durham, and Peel regions through its Construct program. Botree Inc. is receiving $813,700 to train 125 women and underrepresented groups for frontline healthcare roles in long-term care facilities. The Karma Project Community Food Co-Operative Inc. is receiving $417,000 to provide 75 at-risk youth with technical training and mentorship for agricultural careers.