Articles from Global News

Demolition has begun on the White House East Wing to make room for a new ballroom. Construction equipment has started tearing into the façade and windows, leaving debris on the ground. This is part of a larger plan to expand entertainment facilities at the White House.

Gregor Robertson acknowledged that Canada is currently facing a significant housing crisis. He emphasized that the federal Liberal government is actively working towards lowering housing costs and increasing the housing supply to address this issue. By implementing targeted policies, the government hopes to stabilize the housing market and make homeownership more accessible.

The Trump administration, through U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, has approved the construction of Ambler Road in Alaska. This road aims to unlock access to critical minerals seen as essential for the U.S. to compete in the AI sector against China. The project is linked to a Canadian firm, which holds a stake in the mining initiative. The decision underscores the strategic importance of securing mineral supply chains for technological advancements.

A new 10% tariff on Canadian lumber has been announced, scheduled to take effect on October 14. Additionally, tariffs on kitchen cabinets and vanities, currently at 25%, will increase to 50% on January 1 unless a resolution is reached. This move has been described by industry sources as 'misguided', reflecting concerns over trade relations and costs.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported a 16% decrease in the annual pace of housing starts in August compared to July. This decline indicates a slowdown in home building activity. The data highlights broader trends in the residential construction sector.

The newly established Build Canada Homes agency plans to construct 4,000 housing units on six sites owned by the federal government. This initiative was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday. The agency's goal is to address housing needs by utilizing federal land for residential development.

New government documents reveal worsening housing affordability in Canada, affecting middle and lower-income households. These records highlight the ongoing challenges in the housing market across the country. Analysts suggest that affordability issues are a significant concern for many Canadians. The government is being urged to implement policies to address this crisis.

The federal government is developing plans for a public registry to track its artificial intelligence technology projects across various departments. This initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability in the government's use of AI technology. The registry will catalog AI projects deployed in different governmental sectors as part of an effort to oversee technological advancements in governance.

The city of Juneau, Alaska, has successfully avoided severe flooding this year, which had been a recurring issue due to the Mendenhall Glacier ice dam. Unlike past years, there have been no reports of damage or homes being washed away. The installation of new barriers has effectively mitigated the risk of flooding. This proactive measure illustrates the impact of infrastructure improvements on community safety.

The Bank of Canada has maintained its interest rates for the third consecutive time, maintaining stability in the housing market. According to economists and real estate experts, this decision suggests that the market may not require another rate cut to improve. The current conditions in the housing sector are being viewed as a 'new normal,' which resembles the 'old normal,' due to steady economic parameters. This stabilization points toward a period of gradual recovery for the housing market without further intervention.

The operator of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline is planning to initiate a formal process later this year to assess the interest in expanding the pipeline's capacity. This indicates potential growth opportunities in the transport of oil across regions served by the pipeline. The decision points towards strategic developments in infrastructure to accommodate increasing energy demands.

The Prime Minister's Office has indicated that Mark Carney is engaged in intense discussions with the U.S. ahead of an August 1 deadline. Although details are scarce, Carney is expected to announce new measures aimed at reducing costs for Canadians. This development is part of broader economic planning with implications possibly affecting various sectors.