Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

Canada has introduced counter-tariffs and protective measures to support its steel and aluminum industries in response to U.S. tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced these actions and mentioned a mutual agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a trade deal aimed at resolving the tariffs issue within 30 days. This move highlights ongoing trade tensions and efforts towards a resolution.

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has announced new measures to combat U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products. These measures include rules to prioritize Canadian steel and aluminum, as well as tariff-free products from other trade partners. This strategy aims to protect Canada's steel and aluminum industries and ensure the smooth operation of trade under current global conditions.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reports that Canada must double its home construction efforts, building 430,000 to 480,000 homes annually until 2035, to restore housing affordability. Major cities like Montreal and Toronto face significant housing gaps, with Toronto needing a 70% increase in homebuilding over the next decade. The national strategy requires a modernized workforce, more private investment, fewer regulations, and advancements in construction technology to achieve these goals.

A ceremonial groundbreaking event is taking place to commence the rebuilding of the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the oldest Black churches in the United States. The church, founded in 1776, originally served a congregation that met in secret outdoors before constructing a wooden meetinghouse. This revitalization project coincides with Juneteenth celebrations, marking a significant historical and cultural restoration effort.

Montreal must significantly increase its housing construction efforts to restore pre-pandemic housing affordability levels, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The report suggests that to achieve affordable housing, the city will need to triple its current rate of construction. The housing market is currently constrained, affecting overall accessibility for residents. The city's current strategies may fall short if these targets aren't met.

Montreal is facing a severe housing crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic more than any other major Canadian city. To address the situation, it is necessary to build approximately 50,000 new homes annually. This implies that Montreal will need to double its current housing production rate to meet demand and alleviate the crisis.

A KPMG report shows that Canada's construction industry is increasingly investing in technology to improve productivity and address labor shortages. The sector is adopting digital tools such as AI, robotics, and BIM to boost efficiency and meet growing demands. However, economic challenges and procurement practices that emphasize cost over innovation remain obstacles. Sector leaders urge for policy reforms to facilitate this technological transition and address supply chain issues.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have finalized a major acquisition deal, with the Japanese company taking over the American steelmaker for nearly $15 billion. This comes after addressing national security concerns and navigating the political landscape. The acquisition marks a significant shift in the steel industry, reflecting increased global collaboration and investment.

The Quebec Government has announced the commencement of repair work on the Turcotte Bridge in Sorel-Tracy. Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Geneviève Guilbault, the project seeks to enhance the safety and durability of this key infrastructure with a $19.9 million investment. The repairs will include structural and security feature enhancements, electrical works, and resurfacing, aimed at removing current vehicular restrictions. These efforts are expected to ensure a reliable and multi-modal transport network over the next two years.

The CNESST released the investigation report on a fatal accident involving a worker from Terrassement Excavation Vallée that occurred on September 30, 2024, near Senneterre, Quebec. The accident happened during maintenance of a forest grinder when a worker's foot got stuck, leading to their tragic death. The investigation identified a lack of specific energy control procedures as a cause and emphasizes the need for energy control methods to prevent such accidents. CNESST plans to share the report with forestry sector stakeholders and educational institutions.

The Quebec government and the City of Val-d'Or are hosting a press conference about the construction of affordable housing in Val-d'Or. The event, scheduled for June 20, will feature France-Élaine Duranceau, the Minister responsible for Housing, and Céline Brindamour, the Mayor of Val-d'Or. Media personnel planning to attend need to confirm their presence by June 19 at 2 PM.

The Quebec government has launched an interactive map detailing over 700 public infrastructure projects in the province. These projects, each valued at more than $20 million, are part of the Quebec Infrastructure Plan and include schools, hospitals, and roads. The map provides transparency and allows citizens and construction entrepreneurs to access project details such as location, progress, and costs. This tool complements the existing Public Infrastructure Projects Dashboard.