Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will present the next budget in the House of Commons on April 16, with the government facing considerable political pressure over the economy. Ms. Freeland says the economic plan will be about “building more homes, faster, making life more affordable and creating more good jobs.” (The Globe and Mail)
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Instagram is aiming to make it harder for potential scammers and criminals to coerce teens into sending nude photos and extort them for money. The company announced on Thursday it is testing new features to curb an alarming trend called financial sextortion, which often targets kids and teenagers. (CNN)
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Who provides unpaid care in Canada's care economy? In 2022, 13.4 million Canadians aged 15 years and older (42%)—over two in five people in this age group—provided unpaid care in the previous 12 months to children younger than 15 years old or to youth aged 15 years and older and adults with a long-term condition or disability. Of these unpaid caregivers, 13% provided care to both of these care-dependent groups, meaning that 1.8 million Canadians older than 15 years were "sandwiched" between multiple care responsibilities.
Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early on Tuesday after a container ship smashed into a pylon, sending eight people into frigid water below. Authorities stopped people from using the bridge after getting a mayday call, which Maryland's governor said saved lives. (CTV News)
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With the federal government under pressure to freeze its planned increase to the carbon tax, policy experts are calling for a clear-eyed debate over the legislation and its role in the country's climate goals. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, along with seven premiers, have called for the scheduled April 1 hike to be scrapped, saying it will only make inflation worse. (CBC News)
The World Happiness Report reflects a worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and well-being as criteria for government policy. It reviews the state of happiness in the world today and shows how the science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness. The report’s release aligns with the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2024. (World Happiness Report)
New data show that, in 2023, five years after non-medical cannabis use was legalized, over one-third of younger adults aged 18 to 44 years and one in seven adults aged 45 years and older had used cannabis in the previous 12 months. The National Cannabis Survey is used to understand cannabis use and purchasing patterns in Canada, its impact on the economy, and to inform evidence-based national and provincial strategies, policies, and programs.
As measles continues its slow spread across communities in the country, health officials are urging Canadians to stay vigilant and keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Health Minister Mark Holland said he is “deeply concerned” with the global measles outbreak and its potential impact on Canada. (Global News)
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February 24 will mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the war, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been killed. One-fourth of the country remains displaced. Numerous cities and villages have been destroyed, and experts predict it will take over one trillion dollars to rebuild the country. (The Hill)
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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has noted more than 4,600 invasive group A streptococcus samples from 2023 – the highest Canada has seen. Group A streptococcus, a bacteria that can cause illnesses like strep throat, can develop into acute infections that can lead to pneumonia, a flesh-eating disease, or toxic shock syndrome. Some Canadians across the country that contracted the bacteria have developed infections requiring hospital treatment.
A new year often brings new federal regulations and rules. In 2024, there will be a slew of new laws that come into effect with significant implications, including changes to Canada’s bail system, new timelines for the dental insurance program, a new tax on foreign tech companies, and changes to the federal carbon tax.
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Amidst the onset of respiratory illnesses this flu season, Canada has fortified its defences against the persistent threat of COVID-19 with the approval of another vaccine. Health Canada on December 5 approved the updated Novavax vaccine, marking the third updated booster available to Canadians alongside those from Pfizer and Moderna. (Global News)
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The Canadian government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act that will see the tech giant pay $100 million annually to publishers, and continue to allow access to Canadian news content on its platform. Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge announced the "historic development" regarding the implementation of Bill C-18 on Wednesday, after the tech giant had threatened to block news on its platform when the contentious new rules come into effect next month.
Since its proclamation in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 47/3, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been celebrated annually on 3 December around the world. The observance of the IDPD aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. (United Nations)
