Top news
- Google has followed Facebook in announcing it also will start blocking links to Canadian news publications when Bill C-18’s regulatory regime is implemented. The announcement came after talks with Google and the federal government failed to address the concerns Google had raised about the potential rules. Minister Rodriguez responded by accusing Google and Facebook of bullying Canadians.
- Starting July 1st, the federal carbon price will apply in the four Atlantic provinces as the current provincial systems are replaced by the federal carbon tax and rebate program. On the same date the Clean Fuel Standards regulations will come into force though refineries will have a year to implement new requirements.
- The Assembly of First Nations chiefs endorsed a motion to remove RoseAnne Archibald as National Chief with 71% of chiefs voting in favour ending her tenure a year before her term was scheduled to expire.
Government announcements
- Minister Fraser announced the Tech Talent Strategy which include new measures to attract technology workers to Canada. These include a new Innovation Stream of the International MobilityProgram, changes to allow “digital nomads” to accept jobs with Canadian employers, and a streamlined work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US. The government is also opening up the Express-Entry invitations for workers with STEM experience beginning next week.
- Minister Fraser announced the government is temporarily removing the limit on the length of study programs that temporary foreign residents are allowed to enroll in without seeking a study permit.
- The government released the first National Adaption Strategy which presents a framework on how the federal and provincial government’s can take action to adapt to the impacts of climate change and prevent harms such as heat deaths.
- Prime Minister Trudeau announced the creation of the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund which will provide $625M to provinces and territories to fund the costs of building physical infrastructure of child care facilities.
- Minister Duclos announced the government has implemented a ban on testing cosmetic products on animals or selling cosmetics in Canada that rely on use of testing data from testing animals.
- Minister Alghabra announced the CTSA will expand its Verified Traveller screening program to the Ottawa and Halifax international airports by August 23. He also announced this week that the government will build a preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport which will allow US bound travellers to preclear US customs at the airport.
- Minister Wilkinson put out a call for proposals for initiatives that will boost awareness of clean fuels and zero-emission vehicles.
Economic numbers of the week
- 3.4%: The Consumer Price Index rose by 3.4% in May. This is the slowest increase since June 2021 driving primarily by a drop in gasoline prices last month bringing down the overall rate which stood a 4.4% if gasoline is excluded.
Coming Up
Prime Minister Trudeau will attend the 2023 NATO summit which will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11-12th.
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