Federal

Trudeau Government delivers Speech from the Throne

On September 23, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Public Safety

The Trudeau government has spent more than two years scrambling to respond to events: SNC-Lavalin, Trump’s tariffs and CUMSA, Chinese hostage diplomacy, Trudeau’s blackface, a new minority Parliament, Iranian missiles, Indigenous blockades, and, the ultimate disruptor, COVID-19. Today’s Throne Speech, read by Governor-General Julie Payette, and an

COVID-19: Canada’s Road to Economic Recovery

On April 30, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

As the calendar turns to May, some jurisdictions across Canada are starting to slowly loosen public health restrictions to re-open their economies, while others are establishing plans to do so. When COVID-19 set in, federal and provincial governments were required to work together to slow and contain

New Federal Supports for Vulnerable Populations

On April 21, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Institute, Our Thinking

As previously announced, employers will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) on Monday, April 27. The Canada Revenue Agency will administer the program and expects to process 90 per cent of CEWS applications by May 5th, with direct deposits and cheques sent

House of Commons Establishes COVID-19 Workplan

On April 20, 2020 / Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

After an intense weekend of negotiations between the Government and Opposition parties, the House of Commons convened today to debate and vote on how it will conduct itself over the next few weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crux of the debate surrounded the number of in-person

Government Announces Relief for Oil & Gas and Cultural Sectors

On April 17, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Energy and Environment, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Our Thinking

The federal government announced its first sector-specific measures as part of its COVID-19 response, including targeted support for the oil and gas sector that is aligned with the Trudeau government’s key priorities: Up to $1.72 billion to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells in

Government Expands Relief for Small Businesses

On April 16, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

Federal Government Expands Relief to Small Businesses as Response Efforts Continue Across Canada COVID-19 and the resulting economic shutdown has greatly impacted small businesses across the country. Early announcements from the federal government (and subsequent comments about gaps in federal support raised by stakeholder groups and opposition

Expanding CERB and Addressing Long-Term Care

On April 15, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Public Safety

Since launching the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the federal government has faced specific questions about certain groups of Canadians who might not technically qualify for these benefits but still require assistance. As such, the federal government announced expanded eligibility today for the CERB, including: Allowing

Long-Term Care Still Challenging Governments

On April 14, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

Federal Update Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new supports for health care, air transportation, business supports and enhancing the Nutrition North Program for communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister indicated that further adjustments are forthcoming to the federal economic response plan,

Federal Government Passes Wage Subsidy Legislation

On April 12, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Institute, Our Thinking

Wage Subsidy Legislation Passes The federal government met for a rare emergency sitting on Saturday during the Easter long weekend to unanimously pass legislation bringing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy into law. The Bill passed the House of Commons around 6:00 pm on Saturday. The Senate concluded

Extraordinary Measures: A Saturday Sitting

On April 9, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

The House of Commons has been recalled by the Trudeau Government to sit this Saturday to pass legislation to implement the government’s 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The House sitting will begin at 12:15 pm and the Senate is scheduled to sit at 4:00 pm, indicating the