Labour Market News

Woodland Pulp, one of Maine's largest mills, has once again started accepting Canadian wood from N.B., after it previously stopped purchasing timber due to U.S. tariffs. The mill has historically purchased 25-30% of its wood fibre from N.B.

N.L.’s Department of Transportation has reported challenges recruiting snowplow operators, particularly in the eastern region. Factors include lack of qualified applicants and competition from municipal government and the private sector. Overall, the province has received 180 applications to fill 50 new positions, with 44 moving through the screening process.

Software company Ubisoft has closed its Halifax studio, resulting in 71 layoffs. Ubisoft said the closure is to make the company more efficient and to cut costs. Staff formed the company's first North American union in late December 2025. There are no longer employment options for game developers in the province, as Microsoft also closed its Alpha Dog studio (Halifax) in 2024.

Groupe Somavrac, a logistics, manufacturing, and distribution company based in Trois-Rivières, was acquired by a Toronto-based company. The acquisition was made possible thanks to over $113M in funding from the provincial government, which preserved more than 500 jobs in Quebec.

Statistics Canada, a federal agency, is looking to fill 32,000 temporary positions across the country from March to July to carry out the 2026 Census

Équipe Laurence, a professional services firm, opened an office in Sherbrooke. As a result, jobs were created.

The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists awarded a record number of scholarships in 2025, with 25 awards of $2,000 handed out. The program has had more applicants in recent years, potentially signalling increased interest in resource development industries.

The City of Selkirk saw growth to its downtown in 2025, including a façade improvement incentive, a $7.2M street reconstruction, and a new mixed-use building operated by the Manitoba Métis Federation. The City also purchased the Garry Theatre and is currently renovating it in preparation for reopening.

The Government of Manitoba is scaling down its contracts with private nursing agencies in an effort to reduce its reliance on for-profit firms and encourage more nurses to work in the public system. The Province is now working with just four agencies rather than the nearly 80 it previously contracted with.

The Youth Hub in Portage la Prairie will join the Huddle Manitoba network in 2026, allowing it to offer clinical services in addition to recreational and skill development programming. The new Huddle services will include access to a doctor, nurse practitioner, and therapist.

The District of Taylor is currently accepting applications for its Business Façade Improvement Program until April 30. The program aims to help businesses enhance the appearance of their commercial properties by providing a one-time 50% reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per building or project. Additionally, the program will also support recruitment efforts, new businesses, and residents.

The City of Port Coquitlam has granted a five-year extension and a 3% funding increase to the city’s Business Improvement Association. The extension, amounting to about $1M over five years, will help fund initiatives in supporting local businesses, beautifying streets, and conserving heritage property.

Metro Vancouver is currently working on a 1.6 km water main project along Dewdney Trunk Road. Although work on that section of the water main is expected to finish by April, the entire project is expected to take until 2032. Additionally, Metro Vancouver aims to double water extractions from Coquitlam Lake by the late 2030s.

Local Pizza, a Vancouver Island-based pizza chain, is opening a new location on Robson Stret in Vancouver.

Zebraclub, an apparel and lifestyle items store, has closed its Granville Street location in Vancouver.

The Government of BC has awarded a $242M contract for the Highway 11 interchange project in Fraser Valley to a joint venture between three construction companies. Work will begin this month and will replace the interchange on Highway 1, widening the highway to accommodate increased traffic volumes.

The City of Quesnel has approved a temporary use permit for a 16-bed shelter located on Elliott Street in West Quesnel. The shelter is slated to run from January 1 to April 30.

The Regional District of Nanaimo and City of Nanaimo are hosting open houses for a four-year construction project starting this spring. The upgrades will enhance wastewater services by replacing aging infrastructure to accommodate the growing population. Pre-construction work is expected to begin later this month. The total costs are expected to be around $183M.

Once Upon A Child, a children’s consignment store, is opening in Vernon on January 8. The store will accept and resell clothing, toys, and accessories for kids.

Peace Arch Hospital’s maternity ward in White Rock is temporarily closing from January 8 to January 12, marking its fourth closure in two months. Fraser Health has launched a website for expecting parents to monitor updates as they work with the Lower Mainland physicians to address staffing shortages.

The expansion project for Kelowna International Airport’s departure lounge is set to be completed ahead of schedule, opening at the end of January instead of late 2026. This first phase includes adding a new south gate access point for passengers and an expanded lounge and security area. After the opening, the old lounge will be renovated and planning for the second phase will begin.

Calgary-based ACT Energy Technologies Ltd. has expanded its presence in the southern US energy sector with the acquisition of Texas-based Stryker Energy Directional Services, LLC for USD$24.2M. Stryker provide directional drilling services that includes a fleet of advanced rotary steerable systems.

Gogi Korean BBQ has opened its first Edmonton location.

The Egg Club sandwich shop is set to open its first Edmonton location this spring.

Statistics Canada is hiring for approximately 32,000 census jobs across Canada. The jobs include supervisory and non-supervisory opportunities. The opportunities are available from March 2026 to July 2026 subject to position and location.

Clean Grid Atlantic and Pattern Energy are proposing a $16B subsea and overland transmission network, powered by windmills, to connect the Atlantic provinces and Quebec, with a final investment decision expected in 12-18 months. Meanwhile, World Energy GH2 has halted plans for a green hydrogen and ammonia plant in Stephenville.

Ottawa will continue to reduce Canada’s immigration numbers into 2026, when it is expected to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 230,000 temporary workers, while issuing 155,000 student visas. Experts contend that immigrants bring necessary skills and resources.

In preparation for the May 2026 census, Statistics Canada plans to hire 32,000 workers. Enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour to collect data, while crew leaders will be compensated $31.32 per hour to supervise workers.

Ottawa will continue to reduce Canada’s immigration numbers into 2026, when it is expected to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 230,000 temporary workers, while issuing 155,000 student visas. Experts contend that immigrants bring necessary skills and resources.

In preparation for the May 2026 census, Statistics Canada plans to hire 32,000 workers. Enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour to collect data, while crew leaders will be compensated $31.32 per hour to supervise workers.

Glenwood Kitchen, a Shediac kitchen cabinet manufacturer, is looking to grow its business by looking outside the U.S. Despite the current 25% tariff and drop in sales, the company hasn’t had to restructure or layoff any of their 115 employees.

Ottawa will continue to reduce Canada’s immigration numbers into 2026, when it is expected to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 230,000 temporary workers, while issuing 155,000 student visas. Experts contend that immigrants bring necessary skills and resources.

In preparation for the May 2026 census, Statistics Canada plans to hire 32,000 workers. Enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour to collect data, while crew leaders will be compensated $31.32 per hour to supervise workers.

CMHC data shows that P.E.I.’s rental vacancy rate in October 2025 rose to 2.1%, up 0.8% up from a year ago. Despite efforts to increase rental housing supply, apartment prices surged by as much as 9.4%.

Ottawa will continue to reduce Canada’s immigration numbers into 2026, when it is expected to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 230,000 temporary workers, while issuing 155,000 student visas. Experts contend that immigrants bring necessary skills and resources.

In preparation for the May 2026 census, Statistics Canada plans to hire 32,000 workers. Enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour to collect data, while crew leaders will be compensated $31.32 per hour to supervise workers.

The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market has closed after its building was damaged in a fire, which has displaced vendors who rely on the market for their livelihood. Over 60 vendors operate out of the market year-round and for many it’s their main income source.

The Centre de services scolaire du Chemin-du-Roy inaugurated La Source school in Saint-Maurice. The school was modernized thanks to $22M in funding from the provincial government.

Mines Seleine, a salt mine on Grosse-Île, will reduce its workforce by 50 employees. The affected employees will be temporarily laid off. The company has a total of 140 workers.

Pharmaprix, a chain of pharmacies, will open a new location in Mont-Laurier on February 5

Maxi, a supermarket chain, will open a new location in Mont-Laurier on February 5

Boralex, Énergir Development, and Hydro-Québec are starting the Des Neiges—Secteur Charlevoix project, a wind farm in Baie-Saint-Paul. The project, which will start in January and is valued at over $1B, will employ nearly 500 people over two years. Ultimately, 15 operational positions will be created.

The Ville de Granby is investing over $7.4M in modernizing the processes at its wastewater treatment plant

Cabico, a cabinet manufacturer in Coaticook, had to lay off 85 people over the past year due to tariffs

Starbucks, a coffee shop chain, opened a location in Val-D’Or

The Yukon government is expanding eligibility at the Whitehorse Walk-In Clinic to include all Yukon residents, including those with a family doctor. The change will allow more people to receive same-day treatment when needed and is intended to reduce strain on Whitehorse’s emergency department, which is facing a doctor shortage.

The Government of Yukon is making changes to commercial vehicle inspections, reducing the frequency to once per year from once every six months. The change is intended to save time and money for trucking companies and reduce the demand on inspectors.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is planning to build a monument in Yellowknife to honour those who attended residential schools, aiming to have the project complete by summer 2027. The territory is spending $200,000 to contract an artist to design the monument.

The City of Yellowknife is offering grants of up to $10,000 for local non-profit groups working in areas like reconciliation, housing, social supports, recreation, and heritage. The City provided $500,000 to community groups through its various grant programs in 2025.

The governments of Canada and Nunavut have signed a bilateral agreement on minority-language and second-language education. As part of the deal, the federal government is providing $8.5M toward French language education in the territory, from the preschool to post-secondary levels.

The Government of Canada is calling for proposals to support workplace improvement projects with up to $16.5M in funding. The initiative aims to create safer, more inclusive and equitable federally regulated workplaces, through the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program and the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund. Applicants will receive up to $500K per year.

Whitecap Dakota First Nation has opened Phase 1 of its expansion project at the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority operated Dakota Dunes Casino. The project adds 11.5K sq. ft. of gaming space and 350 additional machines to enhance customer offerings. The expansion has created 30 new jobs, bringing total casino employment to 373.

Denison Mines Corp. has announced that its Phoenix In-Situ Recovery uranium project at Wheeler River is now ready to begin construction. Final regulatory approval is expected in early 2026, and construction will begin soon afterwards. The project is expected to complete construction and begin production in mid-2028.

The City of Brandon is reopening its Civic Services Complex after a more than two-year closure. The facility houses several city departments, including transit, building maintenance, and underground utilities. Staff have been working in a temporary space since an explosion damaged the complex in September 2023.

The University of Winnipeg has launched its new Anishinaabemowin Language Program. It is the first of its kind in the province, offering a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Indigenous language immersion that includes both classroom and land-based learning.

The community of Elm Creek has completed a $700,000 upgrade to its skating rink, which includes a new concrete floor and artificial ice plant.

Langside Grocery, a bar and restaurant in Winnipeg’s West Broadway neighbourhood, is reopening under new ownership and with a new staff after a months-long closure. It is one of a few businesses in the area that have been revamped recently. The former Sherbrook Inn also has a new owner and is being rebranded as the East Gate Inn.

Innovate BC has allocated over $4M in funding to numerous projects across the province through its farm-focused Technology Adoption Program — which has supported 80 farms in modernization initiatives. The funding aims to help producers implement new technologies that enhance efficiency, combat labour shortages, and adapt to the evolving agricultural landscape.

The Government of BC has granted an extension for the Mount Milligan copper and gold mine near Fort St. James until 2035. The extension will allow the mine to expand its area, increasing ore production by 6,500 tonnes daily and raising the tailings storage dam by over 100 metres. The mine employs about 600 people, but the expansion could generate more jobs and contribute over $450M to the local economy.

Restaurant Yugo, a Japanese-French fusion restaurant, has closed its Main Street location in Vancouver on December 22. The outpost located at The Amazing Brentwood mall in Burnaby will remain open.

TransLink has expanded the N10 NightBus service to provide 24-hour transit access to the Vancouver International Airport, filling the overnight gap when the Canada Line is unavailable. These changes are part of TransLink’s winter season adjustments which began on January 5. Additionally, two other bus lines will be increasing the frequency of their early morning and weekend routes.

Safeway is closing its West 4th Avenue location in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood on January 31.

Manzano Europa Bakery has closed its Metropolis at Metrotown location in Burnaby on December 28.

A new two-storey commercial building is set to be built on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. The second level will house a grocery store, while a pharmacy will occupy the ground floor. Additionally, the building will feature a 26-vehicle parkade within one-and-a-half underground levels.

Renovations at Kelowna General Hospital’s medical imaging department are now complete, following a two-phased redevelopment project. The upgrades included adding a new MRI machine, expanding the recovery area, and enhancing the waiting and staff rooms. The project cost a around $37.8M in total.

Construction work has begun on a section of Finch Drive in Squamish for the Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project. Preliminary work began in Squamish in August 2023, with further construction in Coquitlam starting January 2024. The work starting January 5 will include installing two kilometres of pipeline, which is expected to be completed later this year.

BC Transit will be providing 62 electric buses to the Victoria Regional Transit System in the coming years, expanding its existing fleet of 350 buses. The additional buses are part of larger 125-bus deal where other regions in the province will receive the remaining 63 buses. Charging infrastructure is also set to be installed.

Demolition work has started on a revitalization project for downtown Campbell River. This initiative will replace existing buildings with new commercial spaces on the ground floor and nearly 200 rental homes above.

Calgary-based PowerWood Canada Corp. is building two black pellet plants in northern Alberta. The plants will convert forest fire deadwood into a solid biofuel that can be used to replace coal in Japanese power plants.  The first plant, the Peace River facility, is planned near La Crete in Mackenzie County. Construction on the 350,000-ton-per-year facility is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be complete in early 2027. The second facility is planned for development near High Level.

Spartan Delta Corp. is planning a 2026 capital program of $410 to $470M that includes drilling and completion of 38 wells across its asset base.

Logan Energy Corp. has approved their 2026 capital budget of $140 to $150M that includes drilling 14 wells, the construction of a South Simonette oil battery and compressor station, and expansion of the Pouce Coupe 4-19 gas plant.

Kelt Exploration Ltd. is planning a capital expenditure program of $355M in 2026, that includes drilling 33 wells and completing 37 wells over the year.

The Moth Café in Edmonton is set to close permanently in November 2026.

Rahat Bakery, a Pakistani bakery chain, has opened its first Calgary location.

The Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is hiring and will accept applications until January 31.

As more provinces require government staff to return to their office full-time, the N.B. government sees remote work as a key tool. Remote work is seen as a way to better recruit and retain talent, as well as to maintain a presence in rural communities.

Cape Breton University (CBU) has begun preliminary construction of a new 145-unit housing project at a former horse racing track in Sydney with heavy equipment on site for sewer, water and storm-water installation. CBU received $10.4M in combined federal/provincial funding.

The Saint-Esprit, Saint-Lin, Saint-Jacques, and Saint-Alexis educational daycares have closed. Nearly 150 children are left without daycare services.

The Centre de services scolaire Marie-Victorin completed the expansion of the Paul-Chagnon school in Longueuil. The project, which started in the summer of 2023, is valued at $29.6M.

The Manoir Rouville-Campbell is a heritage site used as a reception hall, among other things, in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. The site was acquired by a new owner who will invest $4M in it during the first year. This investment will help the site create around 80 jobs.

Borealis, a software developer for businesses, plans to hire employees in Estrie in the coming months. This recruitment comes after the developer was acquired by Irth, an American company.

The Government of Saskatchewan has provided $2.3M for over 40 projects through the School Playground Grant launched this fall. The program supports parent‑led efforts to build or upgrade playgrounds with $50K per project in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. The current application period ends in February. The province will invest $3.75M annually for four years.

The City of Steinbach had another strong year in construction activity, with permit values for the first 11 months of 2025 surpassing a record set the previous year. Much of this is due to residential construction; Steinbach approved 356 new units as of November 2025, compared to 344 in 2024.

The French Table, a French restaurant, is closing its Main Street location in Vancouver on January 18.

The Fireweed Institute is launching its Fireweed Venture Accelerator Program, a 12-month initiative aimed at helping Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses while maintaining ties to their culture and community. Participants will be provided weekly mentorship by coaches, advisors, Knowledge Keepers, and experts, along with one-on-one coaching opportunities.

A housing proposal in south Nanaimo has received a development permit after the original permit expired over the summer. The plan includes building 22 three-storey townhouse buildings with 168 units, comprising of three- and four-bedroom options. A building permit is still needed before construction can start, and the designer plans to submit a phased strata application soon.

The North Kamloops Library will undergo renovations starting this month, following a $365K contract approval with A&T Project Developments. Work will include expanding the children’s area, relocating the youth sections, and undergoing cosmetic upgrades, in addition to enhancing the program and public meeting rooms.

Ship repair company, Newdock (St. John’s), is exploring a $300M expansion to modernize its facilities to take on bigger vessels. A final investment decision is anticipated this spring. If approved, the two-year expansion project could double its workforce, adding 220 trades workers and staff and management positions.

Agnico Eagle, a mining company, is currently establishing its Odyssey gold mine in Malartic. The project, valued at over $2B, will require several hundred employees to be hired for its various stages. The mine is scheduled to become operational in the spring of 2027.

Southeast College has announced a new third-class power engineering program launching in fall 2026 aimed at addressing regional energy‑sector demand. The college has also confirmed fourth‑class offerings through 2027, and an upcoming expansion of digital skills training to Weyburn. Additional updates to its Adult Basic Education are also planned.

A developer has requested a zoning variance in order to construct a four-storey mixed-use project on Winnipeg’s Corydon Avenue. The building would include a bakery on the main floor and 20 residential units on the upper three.

The Prairie Mountain Health Region has now recruited a total of seven internationally trained physicians to practice in rural communities in southwestern Manitoba. The doctors have signed agreements committing them to four years in their chosen communities, which include Killarney, Minnedosa, Russell, Rossburn, Shoal Lake, and Ste. Rose.

Smart N Save has recently launched a soft opening of its new location in Richmond’s Garden City Plaza. The store will sell various Asian goods including snacks, cleaning supplies, beauty masks, and model kits. The original location, situated nearby at Landsdowne Centre, is slated to close once the area undergoes redevelopment.

Nampo, a restaurant focused on Korean- and Chinese-style stone pot rice bowls, recently opened on Kingsway in Burnaby.

HandyDART, an accessible door-to-door transit service in Metro Vancouver for people with mobility challenges, is extending its service hours until 2 a.m. starting January 11. Additionally, TransLink is allowing customers to test its new mobile booking system starting January 4, with the official launch date set for 2027.

Several diverse companies are hiring in Calgary, with some opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Mountain View County's 2026 capital bridge program will invest over $5M to replace several bridges and culverts in need of refurbishment and rehabilitation.

The N.B government plans to introduce legislation in 2026 to regulate private addiction rehab facilities. The idea is to ensure a high standard of care, that the best staff are being hired, and that approved treatment plans are being implemented.

The Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia hopes to rebound in 2026 after 2025’s devastating drought, which reduced blueberry output by over 50% compared to previous years. Cumberland County and Parrsboro were the regions hit hardest.

SSI Canada, a NWT-based telecommunications company, has partnered with the Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation to build a mobile wifi hotspot and safety shelter. The unit, partially powered by a solar array, will bring cellular service to a hunting area near Fort Province once it can be transported there this summer.

IHOP is establishing a dual‑branded restaurant with Applebee’s in Regina. The opening will introduce IHOP’s first location in Saskatchewan while bringing Applebee’s back to the city. An opening date has yet to be announced. IHOP has also indicated plans for further expansion within the province.

Construction continues on a new community centre in Lorette, which is scheduled to be completed by February 2027. The facility will include an arena and skating rink, a library, seniors centre, multipurpose area, and canteen.

Flicks Cinema, a movie theatre in Stonewall, has reopened after being closed since 2024. New owners purchased the theatre in August 2025 and the building underwent renovations before reopening the following month.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Pacific Pilotage Authority are launching a pilot project to integrate their vessel scheduling systems starting January 7. A 60-day trial will focus on piloted vessels at Westridge Marine Terminal, allowing agents to submit requests through a single access point. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, standardize data, and enhance system interoperability.

Big Way Hot Pot is opening a new location in West Vancouver’s Park Royal Shopping Centre. Additionally, the restaurant has future locations planned for Surrey and Tsawwassen Mills.

Vietnamese restaurant Ong Ba is opening a new location in Coquitlam’s Henderson Place mall.

The Prince George Aquatic Centre has temporarily closed for renovations as of January 1. Work is expected to last for two or more years and will cost about $37M. Some upgrades will include improving the centre’s energy efficiency, insulation, and accessibility, in addition to completing structural repairs, adding a new dive tank sparger system, and fixing health and safety-related issues.

Two Indigenous-led businesses are partnering with UNBC researchers to develop a prefabricated mass timber panel system using locally sourced wood. The initiative involves milling trees around Fort St. James and employing local workers to create timber panels, which could then be used for construction in a matter of days.

Backroads Reclamation Ltd., a reclaimed lumber company in Edmonton, is working with local architects and other companies to create a supply chain from construction and demolition for new builds. The business is expected to fully launch in 2026.

Several diverse companies in Edmonton are hiring, with some employers offering positions in retail and healthcare.

The City of Edmonton is hiring for a variety of jobs, including full-time, part-time and contract work.

Bloc Africain, a new restaurant, opened in Rimouski

Le 200 Brock, a bar and restaurant that was in business for 14 years in downtown Drummondville, has closed

Fireweed Metals is currently conducting feasibility studies with the goal of developing the Mactung project, located on a major tungsten deposit near the Yukon-NWT border. A joint Canada-U.S. investment of $35M one year ago is being used to fund studies on the construction of a road and power line between Ross River and MacMillan Pass, YT.

Sharecuterie is opening a kiosk at The Forks Market in Winnipeg, which will employ five people. The charcuterie café business opened its first location on Stafford St. in 2023. Its second location will begin operation in February 2026.

The Cozy Wok, a Chinese restaurant focused on wok-cooked dishes, is opening in downtown Vancouver. Additionally, Italian restaurant Alberello is expected to open beside it.

ThaiGo, a Thai restaurant located at The Amazing Brentwood mall in Burnaby, has recently closed.

Hong Kong Pai Pai has recently opened in Richmond’s Aberdeen Square mall. The Hong Kong-style food stall will serve All Day Breakfast Meals, Sandwich Sets, and afternoon street food.

The Centre de services scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe is investing $15.6M in rehabilitating its head office in the city of the same name. The project is scheduled to be completed in late spring 2026.

Mobilier Angèle, a furniture store in Gatineau, closed on December 31 due to a lack of family succession

The Centre de services scolaire du Val-des-Cerfs inaugurated the Lucioles elementary school. Built at a cost of $27M, the school has a 343-student capacity.

School officials in N.B. say that post-secondary schools need more government funding to help offset the recent cut to international student admissions. Enrolment has dropped, along with revenues and the number of courses offered.

A new learning program in Yellowknife is offering an alternative for children who need more support than is usually offered in typical school settings. Chickadee N.E.S.T. provides indoor and outdoor programming for kids ages 6-12 and specializes in supporting neurodivergent students such as those with autism, dyslexia, or attention disorders.

Ricky’s Family Restaurant and Famoso Pizzeria in Sechelt has recently closed on January 4.

Breka Bakery and Cafe is opening its ninth store in BC. This will be the bakery’s first Richmond location and is scheduled to open by the end of summer 2026.

The Point Ellice Bridge in Victoria is set to begin construction in early 2026, although a start date has not been determined. The bridge, originally slated to begin work in October, has been delayed due to supply chain issues. Once construction begins, eastbound traffic will be closed for up to four months while westbound traffic and access for pedestrians and wheelchair users will remain open.

The Nelson community health centre has temporarily closed on December 30 due to water damage. Restoration crews are currently on site, and the centre is working to re-establish health services.

PZA Parlour, an Italian restaurant in Calgary, is set to close permanently in January after 10 years.

Fredericton-based Kognitiv Spark is preparing to release its latest holographic headset, which will allow remote users to connect with experts in real-time. The company has industrial and military contracts that focus on vehicle maintenance and other applications.

The union representing Winnipeg firefighters says staffing shortages are to blame for a recent house fire that resulted in an individual’s death. The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg says the response time was twice the city’s target, and that more staff are needed. The union has called for at least 40 new firefighters in 2026, while City Council has agreed to add 20.

A Winnipeg sauna and cold plunge business is planning a second Winnipeg location for April 2026. Saunic’s first location, a semi-outdoor space, opened on Daly St. N in 2025. Its planned second location will be an indoor facility on Stafford St., and will employ four people.

Dinesty Dumpling House has permanently closed its Burnaby location after 10 years of service. The restaurant still has two other locations available in downtown Vancouver and Richmond.

The minimum piece rates for hand harvesting 15 specified farm crops have increased by 2.6% on December 31, 2025. This adjustment aligns with BC’s average inflation rate for 2024 and corresponds with a similar 2.6% rise in the general minimum hourly wage that came into effect June 1, 2025.

The City of Calgary has issued a boil water advisory for portions of the city on December 31, 2025, as it deals with a large water main break. The break has affected water service to 2,000 homes and 100 businesses according to statements the mayor.

NU E Power Corp., a Calgary-based energy infrastructure developer has, completed the first phase of a financing round that will be used for final-stage interconnection processes in Alberta, and environmental and feasibility studies in Mongolia and Malaysia.

The Saint John Police Force has recruited three new police constables through its sponsorship program. The new officers were guaranteed a position once they completed their training at the Atlantic Police Academy and began their duties immediately.

Last summer’s drought resulted in many Maritime farmers experiencing lower yields and now have new challenges ahead. Farmers are reporting fewer crops in storage than normal, less water for irrigation, and potentially worse growing conditions this season.

New Found Gold, which recently acquired Maritime Resources Corp., is reviving the Hammerdown Mine project near King’s Point. With construction underway, the project is expected to create 159 jobs over its five-year lifetime. New Found Gold’s Queensway Gold Project (near Gander) is expected to create 153 jobs over 15 years.

Equinox's Valentine Gold Mine in central N.L. achieved full commercial production in late November 2025 as world gold prices soared. At the end of 2025, Equinox employed about 550 people at the site (expected to grow to 665 in 2026), plus around 600 contractors.

Last summer’s drought resulted in many Maritime farmers experiencing lower yields and now have new challenges ahead. Farmers are reporting fewer crops in storage than normal, less water for irrigation, and potentially worse growing conditions this season.

New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Hojo’s Japanese (Dartmouth), Naan n Curry (Halifax), Smooth’s BBQ & Smokehouse (Dartmouth), Encore (Halifax) and East Cup Café and Roastery (Central and Keshen Goodman libraries-Halifax); Closures: Rasa (Halifax), Smokehouse Brewery (Halifax) and Genji (Dartmouth).

Last summer’s drought resulted in many Maritime farmers experiencing lower yields and now have new challenges ahead. Farmers are reporting fewer crops in storage than normal, less water for irrigation, and potentially worse growing conditions this season.

The Yukon government has approved 12 community projects for funding through the Community Development Fund. The funding is expected to promote social, cultural, and economic benefits in the territory by supporting organizations in expanding programs, upgrading facilities, providing training, and hiring contractors and consultants.

The City of Surrey is extending its housing pilot program until June 2026. The initiative aims to streamline the pre-application process for development applications, resulting in a five-week review timeline. Since launching in June 2024, the city has implemented over 30 process improvements and issued permits for over 9,500 net new housing units.

Construction is underway on Assiniboine College’s $5M sustainable greenhouse expansion project in Brandon. The new facility will host the sustainable foods and horticulture programs, and is expected to be complete in 2026.

Foundry Tri-Cities is expected to open in February 2026 at the Port Coquitlam Place Tower on Lougheed Highway. Foundry provides free medical drop-in services to youth and young adults. Foundry Tri-Cities is currently hiring medical office assistants, clinical councillors, youth peer workers, family peer workers and a clinical lead.

According to School District 73, remediation work at Westmount elementary is expected to begin in 2026. Students have been displaced from the school since a fire on October 26, 2025. A timeline has yet to be announced for the work to finish.

The Kivalliq Health Centre in Rankin Inlet has received a new portable head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The MRI machine is expected to reduce the need for medical travel by providing easier access to head injury diagnostics in the region. Trained, local diagnostic imaging technicians will operate the equipment, while radiologists in Ottawa will provide reports on the imaging results.

Assiniboine College in Brandon is launching two new programs for health care professionals in 2027: Medical Laboratory Technology and Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist. Both are 2.5-year diploma programs accepting 20 students every second year.

Universo—Cibo Italiano, a market specializing in Italian food products and services, will open in December in Saguenay. The business is looking to fill butcher, cook, and customer service positions.

The Quincaillerie L. Guilbault in Ayer’s Cliff was completely destroyed by a fire

Nutrien Ltd. plans to strengthen potash exports and improve global competitiveness, aiming to increase shipments as much as six metric tonnes in 2026 to 74 to 77 metric tonnes. Potash remains a key driver of Saskatchewan’s economy, but supply chain issues are a challenge for Canadian competitiveness.

Poulet Rouge, a fast-food restaurant chain, will soon open a second location in Saint-Hyacinthe

Construction is underway on an enclosed snow structure in Wasagaming, the townsite of Riding Mountain National Park. When complete, the Klar So Snow Pavilion will host winter event and programming, including the Fire + Frost arts festival in March.

Calgary-based Condor Energies Inc. has completed a $13.65M funding round that will be used to contract a second drilling rig for a 12 well development program in Uzbekistan. Condor plans to run two rigs throughout 2026 along with a separate workover rig for in-field compression.

The N.B. government has announced that Moncton and Bathurst will receive funding from a $7.4M emergency fund for new transitional housing units. A public consultation is ongoing for the project, which aims to provide temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ new Urgent Care Centre in Mount Pearl is scheduled to open on January 12, 2026. The facility will bridge the gap between emergency rooms and primary care.

One of Summerside’s largest housing projects, at 415 Granville St., is nearly complete, with 47 of the 89 units being subsidized public housing. The first residents will move into Earle and Marilyn Banks Place at the end of February.

American fast food chain Wendy’s is opening a location in Portage la Prairie. The restaurant is currently hiring managers and supervisors.

The City of Selkirk is encouraging property upgrades in its downtown by offering a grant incentive for businesses in the area. Improvements of $10,000 or more are eligible for up to 25% of costs reimbursed in an effort to rejuvenate the downtown.

The Prairie Mountain Health region has recruited four internationally trained physicians for two rural communities in the province’s southwest. Two of the new doctors will begin practising in Killarney in August 2026, while two will join the Minnedosa health centre in February and September 2026.

Airex Industries, a company that manufacturers industrial ventilation equipment, is investing $3M in purchasing new equipment. Around 30 jobs will be created, including about 10 welder positions.

Walmart, a chain of big-box stores, made a multi-million dollar investment in renovating its store in Sept-Îles. The project, which started in June 2025, should be completed shortly.

The Centre de services scolaire des Laurentides inaugurated a new school in Saint-Sauveur. The building, which was constructed at a cost of nearly $51.8M, has a capacity for around 660 students.

The Centre des technologies de l’eau (Cteau), a research centre affiliated with the Cégep de Saint-Laurent, was relocated to Laval following an $8M investment from the Government of Quebec. The centre employs 55 people.

P.E.I. oyster harvestors, which have been hit hard by the MSX parasite and dermo, are expected to receive federal aid in the new year. The federal government's plan may include a buyback program and financial assistance to clean up beds where oysters have died off.

The federal and P.E.I. governments will spend over $8.6M on the infrastructure needed for a 525-unit housing development in Charlottetown. Funding will support essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needed for the project.

Ucluelet First Nation has started developing a new retail centre at Lost Shoe Creek.

The Taltson hydro plant in the NWT will remain offline into the new year as repair work takes longer than anticipated. In the meantime, South Slave communities will continue to use diesel power. An update on the project’s new completion schedule will be provided in early January.

Nursing services in Faro will not be available from January 5 and February 2 due to staff shortages. During this time, administrative services will still be available to assist with medical travel, Non-Insured Health Benefits claims, and pre-booked physician clinics.

The NWT government is extending targeted property tax relief for diamond mines into the 2026-2027 fiscal year by reducing property tax revenues by about $8.8M. The extension is time-limited and builds on the 2025 temporary measures. Mine operators are expected to focus relief benefits on sustaining employment, maintaining operations, and meeting contractor and Indigenous business partner obligations.

The Government of Manitoba is providing $3M toward the repair and revitalization of the historic rail bridge at The Forks, a cultural, retail, and green space near downtown Winnipeg. The bridge closed due to structural concerns in 2023, and will cost about $9.3M to reopen.

The Manitoba government has lowered the age for self-referred breast cancer screening from 50 to 45, which will increase demand for staff amid an ongoing shortage. The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals points to a 40% vacancy rate among mammographers. Cancer Care Manitoba says it has hired seven new staff to address increased demand, but the Province has estimated at least 13 are needed.

The Government of Manitoba is providing $644,000 from its Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the Winnipeg Police Service. The funding will be used for staff training and new equipment.

Adult & Teen Challenge, a faith-based addictions and recovery organization, has moved its Steinbach operations into a new building. The new facility is three times larger than its previous one, allowing for an expanded thrift store and space to sell used vehicles onsite. If it can secure the necessary funding, the organization plans to open an auto shop.

FLINT Corp. has secured new contract awards and renewals that are estimated to generate approximately $451M of work across FLINT’s service offerings. Approximately 30% of the work is expected to be executed in 2026 with the balance scheduled for 2027-2031.

LithiumBank Resources Corp. is partnering with a Leading Energy Services and Technology Supplier to provide technical services required to bring the Boardwalk lithium brine project, located in northwest Alberta, into production by 2027.

Total Directional Services, a measurement-while-drilling and directional drilling service provider operating in every major basin in the United States, is entering the Canadian market and opening an office in Calgary with the formation of a new Calgary-based company, TDS Energy Services Inc.

Baytex Energy Corp. is planning a 2026 exploration and development program of $550 to $625M following the dispostion of its US assets. About 55% will be spent on light oil assets and 45% on heavy oil assets.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reached a tentative 5-year agreement with Canada Post and its urban and rural workers. Highlights include enhanced benefits and wage increases of 6.5% in year 1, 3% in year 2, and years 3-5 indexed to inflation.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reached a tentative 5-year agreement with Canada Post and its urban and rural workers. Highlights include enhanced benefits and wage increases of 6.5% in year 1, 3% in year 2, and years 3-5 indexed to inflation.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reached a tentative 5-year agreement with Canada Post and its urban and rural workers. Highlights include enhanced benefits and wage increases of 6.5% in year 1, 3% in year 2, and years 3-5 indexed to inflation.

The federal government will invest over $2.1M in seven P.E.I.-based IT companies, to support their growth and development. Recipients include Discovery Garden, Stemble Learning, Tracktile, Thinking Big, Iron Fox Games, Causable, and 3 Pie Squared.

Hydro-Québec will start a project to replace an existing power distribution substation in La Malbaie in 2026. The $65M substation should be operational in the fall of 2026.

Papa Sandwich, a restaurant chain, will open two new locations in the Capitale-Nationale region. The first restaurant will start operations in early January in Québec, while the second one will open in mid-February in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures.

BlackPearls, a company producing grinding balls for the mining industry, started production in Port-Cartier. The plant currently employs 25 people, and the company plans to hire around 15 additional employees shortly.

Restaurant Auguste, a fine-dining establishment in Sherbrooke, permanently closed on December 20

Selkirk College has launched the new entrepreneurship, and tourism and destination management programs as part of its new strategic plan. Both programs will begin in fall 2026.

The District of North Saanich has received a grant of $750K for the construction of a Harvest Hub, intended to assist food producers with primary processing and storage needs.

The Royal BC Museum is opening a $270M Collections and Research Building that will house the BC Archives, provincial collections and multiple research departments. Construction is expected to complete in 2026.

The Village of Alert Bay is opening a revitalized town square to provide a more accessible community hub in collaboration with the ʼNa̱mg̱is First Nation. New features include solar-powered lighting, irrigation and accessibility features. The project will boost the local economy through the expansion of 10 businesses and one social enterprise, as well as the creation of three temporary jobs.

Technologies New Energy and Data District plan to open a new data centre in the Town of Olds. The project is expected to create about 200 indirect jobs and 70 permanent jobs by the end of 2026. The data centre campus is anticipated to be operational in the second half of 2026.

Burgundy, the owner of the NWT’s Ekati diamond mine, has set out its opening plans following a $115M federal loan. The plans include closing its Antwerp office and restarting Ekati as a smaller operation. Burgandy has begun preparations to resume mining at the Sable open pit and process ore from the Fox pit, while the Point Lake pit operations will remain on hold until diamond prices improve.

Steinbach City Council has approved a subdivision that would add 41 residential lots to a development called Parkhill, located in the city’s southwest. Council has also voted to rezone the area, which will allow for a mixture of housing types.

Renovations at Winnipeg’s Kildonan Place shopping centre have forced the relocation of several tenants, including two shops that are closing permanently. Some tenants, such as Dollarama and Spencer’s, have moved elsewhere in the mall, but Barks N’ Purrs Pet Store and Primo Toys have not been offered alternate storefronts. The pet store has found a new and larger location near Kilcona Park, while the toy store won’t be reopening elsewhere.

The City of Thompson is hiring for a variety of positions, with openings in public works, recreation programs, and skilled trades. The city is currently recruiting for a Fire Captain as well as firefighter/paramedics.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reached a tentative 5-year agreement with Canada Post and its urban and rural workers. Highlights include enhanced benefits and wage increases of 6.5% in year 1, 3% in year 2, and years 3-5 indexed to inflation.

Rideshare service Lyft officially launched in Halifax on December 16, 2025. The company was founded in 2012 in the U.S. and has since expanded into Canada. Uber officially launched its Halifax market at the end of 2020 and has operated with little competition until now.

The federal government aims to double non-U.S. exports by investing in thriving sectors and those impacted by tariffs. While some ports may be near max-capacity, the Port of Saint John has expanded and still has room to grow.

According to Statistics Canada, N.B. experienced its largest quarterly decline in population (-1,052) since the 1970s. The main issue is that non-permanent residents are leaving as their work or study permits end. There are concerns about keeping key industries staffed.

Groupe HD, a real estate development firm, will invest $200M in building a 525-unit residential complex in Longueuil. The project is scheduled to start in the fall of 2026 and be completed in the summer of 2028.

Arbec Forest Products is temporarily closing its sawmill in Amos. As a result, around 100 employees are being laid off.

The City of Steinbach has nearly completed construction on its $11.2M renewal of Loewen Boulevard and Provincial Trunk Highway 12. The intersection has reopened to traffic and the final site work is expected to be complete by spring or summer 2026.

The Centre de la petite enfance L’Antre-Temps inaugurated its childcare centre in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides. Thanks to a government contribution of over $3.15M, 60 new spaces were created.

Stonehaven Lobster Co.'s lobster facility in northeast New Brunswick was destroyed by fire on Dec. 18. The building can hold up to 120,000 lobsters, which the company sources from across the Maritimes. It is unknown how many employees will be affected.

NB Power is looking for a 15-year partnership to develop battery energy storage systems to handle solar and wind resources. The utility wants to deliver cleaner energy and invest in new infrastructure, while minimizing risk and maintaining lower prices.

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association states that there were over 610 cruise ship vessels with 845,000 passenger visits to the region in 2025. The cruise association states that the numbers are strong and similar to those seen prior to the pandemic.

The N.L. Government has awarded a $17M contract to Olympic Construction to build a new 40-unit apartment building geared towards seniors and persons with disabilities in Pleasantville, St. John’s. The project has an anticipated completion date of summer 2027.

The Government of Canada announced almost $300k in funding to boost PictureNL’s international business development following NL’s film and television industry’s recent $1B production milestone. The funding will support strategic projects to enter new markets.

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association states that there were over 610 cruise ship vessels with 845,000 passenger visits to the region in 2025. The cruise association states that the numbers are strong and similar to those seen prior to the pandemic.

Nova Sustainable Fuels has received environmental approval to build a $4-6B renewable energy park in Goldboro cost to use solar, wind, and biomass to produce sustainable aviation fuel. The project is expected to create about 1,000 jobs during the construction phase (3 years) and up to 80 jobs during its operation (expected to end in 2081).

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association states that there were over 610 cruise ship vessels with 845,000 passenger visits to the region in 2025. The cruise association states that the numbers are strong and similar to those seen prior to the pandemic.

The P.E.I. government is introducing policing standards to make police services more consistent, transparent and better supported. The framework includes protocols on intimate partner violence, use of force, officer wellness, as well as training and equipment.

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association states that there were over 610 cruise ship vessels with 845,000 passenger visits to the region in 2025. The cruise association states that the numbers are strong and similar to those seen prior to the pandemic.

The Villa de l’Amitié is carrying out work to expand its current building, which will eventually have 62 social housing units for independent seniors. The project, valued at over $21.4M, is funded by the three levels of government.

La Banquise, a restaurant that is open 24 hours a day, added a second kitchen in Montréal. As a result, around 20 people will be hired.

The Government of Canada has provided the City of Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation with $200K to support projects that monitor algae blooms in the area. The funding is part of $4.5M provided to 39 projects by the Canada Water Agency.

The Government of Canada is providing over $14.9M to the Village of Lytton to support the construction of the new Chief Spintlum Elders Lodge. These funds are part of the government’s spending to help rebuild Lytton following the 2021 fire.

The Taber Arena is closed following an explosion in the Zamboni room that caused significant damage. An investigation into the cause is ongoing. The facility will remain closed until further notice.

Deep Sky, a Montreal-based carbon removal firm, has selected the rural municipalities of Pipestone and Two Borders as potential sites for its planned carbon-capture facility. The company plans to begin construction in 2026, generating 700-1,000 temporary jobs. When operational, the facility would create between 50 and 100 permanent jobs. The first phase of the project is expected to cost about $200M.

Winnipeg-based Agi3 Software has received $4.3M toward a project that seeks to increase the use of artificial intelligence in the agricultural insurance industry. The funding comes from SCALE AI, the federal government’s global innovation cluster for artificial intelligence.

Volunteers and organizers are building a seasonal event space in Flin Flon: a snow lodge constructed from blocks of ice. When complete in January, the lodge will host events and concerts. The project is a partnership between the City of Flin Flon, the community’s arts council, and a Winnipeg-based architect.

Balance, a Canadian digital asset custodian, is expanding into the U.S. market through the acquisition of DVTR, a Wyoming-based, multi-state licensed digital asset custodian and money transmitter. The acquisition gives Balance immediate operational reach across a majority of U.S. states.

The Ville de Victoriaville inaugurated its new multi-purpose complex that includes a refrigerated rink. The Government of Quebec contributed nearly $8M to the project, which represents a total investment of $12.6M.

Sussex companies, Barbours and Mrs. Dunster’s, have adapted to U.S. tariff threats by increasing their sales nationwide and overseas. National retailers like Costco and No Frills have also been more open to buying from Atlantic businesses since the tariffs began.

P.E.I. has a new accountability framework for family medicine to ensure equitable workloads and consistent care on the Island. The framework offers four models, providing flexibility to ensure it meets physicians, the health system and patient needs.

The regional county municipality of Lac-Saint-Jean-Est will receive over $1M from the Government of Quebec, out of a $2.5M budget, for various projects, including the one related to the Hébertville merger

Métatube, a metal products manufacturer in Saguenay, is looking to fill positions for welder-fitters, mechanics, and day labourers. The new employees will join around 50 current staff.

The Ville de Baie-Comeau will proceed with renovating the Alice-Lane library in 2026. The project is valued at around $4M.

The Café-Théâtre Graffiti is receiving around $4.8M from the Ville de Port-Cartier for its rehabilitation and modernization. The overall project, valued at over $5.2M, will be managed by Inter-Projet Construction, a firm from Saguenay.

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association will open a Consignaction in January 2026 and a Consignaction+ a few weeks later. Both return sites are in Saint-Hyacinthe.

Alstom Americas is a company that manufactures railway equipment. The company has signed multiple contracts and is currently looking to hire 200 to 250 employees. The company’s headquarters are based in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

The City of Victoria has announced $25K in grants for five projects that support youth of African descent. Selected projects include business workshops, mentorship programs, arts projects and skills training.

The Government of British Columbia has announced it is providing nearly $8M through the Look West strategy to Western Forest Products (WFP) and Island TimberFrame in Chemainus and Cumberland respectively. WFP will add two new kilns to its operation while TimberFrame will expand its production through new equipment.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay has awarded the $2.4M Nelson and District Community Complex and Creston and District Community Complex ammonia refrigeration upgrade projects to Yeti Refrigeration Ltd. The work is expected to begin in late March or early April 2026, and be completed in mid-August 2026.

The District of North Saanich Council has approved the Harvest Hub project, a food hub facility that will support local agriculture and food production. The project is in the pre-construction planning and early procurement phase. This phase of construction is expected to complete by late 2026.

The City of Campbell River is spending $1.68M through the Government of Canada’s Canada Community-Building Fund to construct infrastructure upgrades. These funds will support the construction of roads and parks as well as the development of community plans.

The County of Grande Prairie council is providing over $3M in funding to over 30 local organizations in 2026. The funding will support sport, recreation and cultural organizations in the counties of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley and Grande Prairie.

The Whitecourt town council has adopted its 2026 interim budget. Key spending areas include parks and recreation, road transportation, police, municipal enforcement and emergency management, as well as administration and water supply.

Sitka Gold Corp. has signed a contract with Kluane Drilling Ltd. to complete up to 60,000 metres of diamond drilling in 2026 at its RC Gold Project located in Yukon’s Tombstone Gold Belt. This drilling program will be the largest campaign conducted at the project and will assess RC Gold’s potential in becoming a significant new mining district.

The Inuit Broadcasting Corp. (IBC) is launching a four-month media training program for Inuit youth starting June 2026. The program, held in Ottawa and Nunavut, will provide training in filming, audio recording, and post-production editing. Once participants graduate, IBC plans to hire at least two full-time employees and provide contract work opportunities to the others.

The Town of Hay River has approved its 2026 budget, which will include around $16.75M in spending. The budget is expected to generate about $19.43M in revenue and will feature a $2.4M capital fund. Some projects for 2026 include flood mitigation efforts around Airport Road, developing a new solid waste facility, replacing the fire truck fleet, and upgrading recreation facilities.

Ekati Diamond Mine is receiving a $115M loan from the federal government under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan program. The funding, which will be received in installments, will allow Burgundy, which owns Ekati, to continue operations at the mine and protect remaining jobs. However, if diamond prices do not recover within the next six to 12 months, the mine may require additional funding.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is introducing a new mobile mammography unit on January 5th, 2026, with over $2 million in funding from the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Kinsmen Foundation, plus $148,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan. The new unit is expected to provide enhanced breast cancer screening for 42 rural and northern communities, screening up to 7,500 patients annually.

The City of Brandon is planning to create a new green space that will include walking and cycling pathways as well as a stormwater pond to help prevent flooding. The City is contributing $5.28M to the project while the federal government is providing $1M.

The City of Winnipeg is investigating the possibility of creating a “managed encampment,” a dedicated space in the city where people who are living in tents outside can receive site services such as garbage pickup and social services such as mental health supports. City staff are researching the feasibility of a pilot project this spring or summer.

The Minnedosa Vet Clinic is doubling the size of its office, expanding surgical and storage space and adding a dedicated break room. The expanded office will allow the clinic to hire an additional veterinarian and one or two more support staff.

Calgary-based Tenaz Energy Corp. is planning a 2026 capital budget of $250M to $275M. In Canada, Tenaz is slated to start a three-well horizontal well program in Q1 2026 at its Leduc-Woodbend play in Alberta.

Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. is proposing a 2026 development capital budget of $180 to $190M to drill 105 wells targeting the highest return locations in the Southeast Saskatchewan Bakken formation and conventional development areas, along with the Central Alberta Cardium plays.

The N.B. RMCP is on track to launch a specialized human trafficking unit, with 14 officers being hired and trained to work out of Shediac, Tracadie, and Oromocto. Other frontline RCMP officers are also being trained to recognize signs of trafficking.

Saint John will receive $46M in federal money to help build a 152-unit residential development at 99 King St. in Uptown Saint John. Besides investing in rental housing, it will also help to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

The Chaleur Regional Services Commission will purchase three minibuses with the help of $478K from the federal government. This will help expand public transit services in the Bathurst area and Chaleur region, allowing better access to work and services.

The P.E.I. government has launched a new low-interest loan program to help young farmers getting started and expanding its Future Farmer program to include those already working on a farm. Young farmers can now access up to $1M in infrastructure support.

The N.S. Government has announced its $465M 2026-27 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan that is expected to advance over 160 highway and road improvement projects over the coming year.

The N.S. Government has updated the Aquaculture Licence and Lease Regulations to support growth in the aquaculture industry. Nova Scotia’s aquaculture industry generated a production value of $121M in 2023 and employs almost 800 people.

Éconofitness, a chain of fitness centres, established a new location that is open 24/7 in Repentigny

Carbonity, a biochar production plant, is extending its temporary closure. As a result, 15 employees were laid off.

The Government of Canada has pledged $900K to support six First Nations Guardians programs on Vancouver Island. First Nations Guardian programs support environmental protection, local economies and sustain Indigenous ways of life. This funding will be used to hire more positions, retain staff and improve capacity.

The Williams Lake City Council has awarded the contract to operate a café at the Williams Lake Regional Airport to On the Fly Coffee and Tea. An exact opening date has yet to be announced but the café is expected to open sometime in 2026. The project is funded through the Government of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification Program.

The Chilliwack Indigenous court has opened for Indigenous Peoples in S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō territory). The new court was developed in partnership with the Qwí:qwelstóm Justice Program, the Provincial Court, and local First Nations, Elders and leaders. The court will operate as a pilot until March 2027.

SCALE AI, Canada’s artificial intelligence cluster, has announced it is providing new investments to support a new $6.8M A.I. project in British Columbia. EarthDaily Analytics will use these funds to support its project to detect invasive species in real-time.

BC Transit has announced that electric bus infrastructure construction will start in January 2026 at the Kamloops Transit Centre on Ord Road. Funding for the project comes through the Zero Emissions Transit Fund through joint funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia, with contributions from local government partners.

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the Village of Lytton, have jointly provided over $7.5M to upgrade the Lytton Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant was damaged by the 2021 fire and work will improve and expand its capacity.

Artemis Gold has announced approval of an expanded development for its Blackwater Mine in central British Columbia. The expansion would add a second processing plant that would begin operating by the end of 2028. Construction work for the new expansion is expected to begin as early as January 2026. The expansion is expected to cost the company $1.44B and create 1.5K direct jobs.

Strathcona County Council has approved its 2026 budget, including a 4.88% municipal tax increase. The budget advances major capital priorities such as the indoor fieldhouse, planned to open in 2028, and supports initiatives including the three‑year houselessness pilot project. Fire Station 7 remains identified as a major project, though no confirmed change to its timeline appears in the available budget materials.

The Mayerthorpe Town Council has approved its 2026 capital and operating budgets. Key capital spending includes general street and sidewalk repairs, an intersection redesign, arena upgrades, and the purchase of two new defibrillators for municipal facilities.

Two European firms, Data District Inc. and Technologies New Energy PLC, plan to build four data centres in Alberta over the next decade, with a total investment of about $1.26B. The first centres are scheduled to begin in Olds in 2026 and Bonnyville in 2027. During the initial phase, the companies expect to develop 240 megawatts of power, with full buildout eventually reaching much higher electricity demand.

Agnico Eagle Mines and Nukik Corp. have agreed to jointly purchase agreements for electricity to power the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link. The project is estimated to cost about $3.39B and will connect Nunavut to Manitoba's hydroelectric and broadband internet networks. Once the project is completed, Nukik anticipates generating $8B in revenue over 50 years.

The Town of Hay River is developing a new economic development strategy for the community. The strategy aims to position Hay River as the hub of the North by supporting current economic drivers, improving quality of life, and diversifying the economy. Some proposed actions include attracting new businesses, promoting commercial agriculture, incentivising residents, and creating more housing.

Seabridge Gold is planning to spin off its Courageous Lake gold project, located northeast of Yellowknife, into a new company called Valor Gold. Although the project will not become an active mine anytime soon, it is one of Canada’s largest undeveloped gold deposits. The creation of Valor Gold is currently awaiting board, shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals.

The Government of Manitoba is providing $1.125M to the Manitoba Real Estate Association’s Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Housing Program, which supports First Nations women and their families in purchasing homes. The program offers training in financial literacy as well as assistance for down payments and closing costs.

The City of Winnipeg is allocating $700,000 to hire more firefighters in 2026, adding 20 new positions. Council had originally budgeted for 10 new firefighters in each of the next four years, but the the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg union maintains at least 40 are needed in 2026.

Spence Neighbourhood Association, a Winnipeg non-profit, is opening six new transitional housing units in the city’s West End. The organization has purchased modular homes from an Altona building company and plans to welcome tenants in January 2026.

Carbonity, a biochar production plant in Port-Cartier, is extending its temporary closure. As a result, 15 employees were laid off.

Scale AI is a company that designs artificial intelligence tools. The company will invest over $73M in implementing its technology in 24 projects involving companies from various industries in the province.

Maxi, a supermarket chain, opened a store in Huntingdon on December 11. The multi-million-dollar investment created a minimum of around 60 jobs.

A developer started construction on the Station du Domaine project, an $8.5M residential complex including 11 buildings with a total of 52 units in Nicolet. The first units are scheduled to be delivered in the summer of 2026.

The Government of Quebec inaugurated the Maison des aînés et alternative de Maniwaki, built at a cost of $120M. The residence has 100 rooms, including 88 for seniors and 12 for adults with special needs.

Paramount Resources Ltd. is planning the completion and short-term testing of two recently drilled Montney appraisal wells at its Sinclair asset in Alberta during the second quarter of 2026. Paramount is finalizing the design of its planned wholly owned and operated Sinclair Gas Plant, with start up slated for Q4 2027.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Canada’s largest oil producer, is planning to spend approximately $6.3B in its 2026 capital program that will increase production about 3% over 2025 levels to a high-end estimate of 1.6M barrels per day.

The federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy for procurement for large infrastructure and defence projects is now in effect. The policy will apply to government contracts valued at $25M or more but will expand to contracts valued at $5M and over in 2026.

The federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy for procurement for large infrastructure and defence projects is now in effect. The policy will apply to government contracts valued at $25M or more but will expand to contracts valued at $5M and over in 2026.

Saint John has introduced a new program designed to encourage growth of high-density residential buildings in the uptown and inner harbour areas. To qualify it must be at least a $40M development, have at least 150 units, and meet density requirements.

The federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy for procurement for large infrastructure and defence projects is now in effect. The policy will apply to government contracts valued at $25M or more but will expand to contracts valued at $5M and over in 2026.

The Government of Canada is investing $5.1M in greening operations at Sable Island National Park Reserve that will support projects that reduce electrical energy consumption by 50% in key buildings and upgrade the island’s power generation system to a sustainable micro-grid.

The federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy for procurement for large infrastructure and defence projects is now in effect. The policy will apply to government contracts valued at $25M or more but will expand to contracts valued at $5M and over in 2026.

Statistics Canada is hiring for 32K jobs across Canada for the 2026 Census of Population. Available positions include census enumerators and crew leaders. Hiring for these positions will begin on January 6, 2026.

Members of Huu-ay-aht First Nations have signed a child and family services agreement with the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development. The agreement activates on March 16, 2026, and will be supported by $30K from the provincial government. The agreement helps support keeping Huu-ay-aht children and youth connected with their culture and community.

The Canadian Food Innovation Network has designated $768K for nine food-tech projects, including multiple in British Columbia. The funds support Hinbor to pilot a restaurant logistics AI platform, BetterTable Solutions to develop a food-waste reduction app, and ThisFish to expand its computer-vision fish inspection system.

The Government of British Columbia has announced the launch of a new testbed for technologies aimed at supporting the forestry sector or protecting communities from extreme weather under the Look West economic plan. By utilizing the government’s Integrated Market, companies can generate data and insights about developing technologies and enter new markets.

The Government of Canada has provided the Village of Lytton with $23.1M through the Green and inclusive Community Buildings program to help build a new fire and emergency services centre in the community. The old fire hall was destroyed during the Lytton Creek fire in June 2021. The new space will also include an Emergency Operations Centre.

The Government of Canada and TransLink are spending over $20.2M to replace traction power equipment to support SkyTrain operations across Metro Vancouver. In the first phase of the project, replacement work will be undertaken at four substations.

Ovintiv has signed a 12-year agreement with Pembina Pipeline and the Haisla Nation for 500k tonnes of gas per year for the Cedar LNG project in Kitimat. Ovintiv’s gas will be exported from the facility to markets in Asia.

The Government of Canada has approved Teck Resources Ltd.’s proposed merger with Anglo American. Under the terms of the approval, the company will spend at least $4.5B in Canada within five years. The spending will be tied to the Highland Valley Copper mine life extension project, enhancing critical minerals processing capacity at Trail and advancing operations in northwestern British Columbia.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Elk Valley Resources, and other public and private partners have announced the conservation of 45K hectares of timberland in southeastern British Columbia known as the Kootenay Forest Lands.

The NWT government has developed new training materials to support small community fire departments across the territory. The training package consists of nine workbooks focusing on fire safety and fire prevention and covers 34 essential defensive firefighting skills most relevant to the region. Currently, 19 communities are set to implement the program, with more expected to join.

Paragon Living, a 95-unit affordable housing complex, recently opened near the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. One quarter of the suites in the $38.5M project are specifically earmarked for First Nations tenants.

The federal and provincial governments are allocating a combined $6.6M to research related to heavy equipment and vehicle manufacturing, hoping to support a sector hard-hit by U.S. tariffs. The funds will be used to upgrade research and innovation facilities at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Blue Cross is providing $3M to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), the largest donation in the air ambulance’s history. The contribution will partially fund a new staff training simulation lab in Winnipeg, which is expected to be complete by late 2026.

The Government of Manitoba is providing an additional $10.5M to the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange project led by Cereals Canada. The facility, to be located in downtown Winnipeg, aims to improve Canada’s ability to market grain globally through research and enhanced testing.

Manitoba’s wildfire service is at risk of worsening staff shortages, according to a recent report by the union representing its workers. The Manitoba Government and General Employees Union found that some fire rangers are considering leaving the province due to inadequate training, outdated equipment, and wages that are second lowest in the country when compared to other jurisdictions.

The Cégep de Sept-Îles is home to the Centre d’expertise ferroviaire RAIL, which offers training to become a train conductor. The pavilion, which employs 24 part- and full-time employees, was funded with nearly $35M from various partners.

The Ville de Bois-des-Filion will create five new firefighter positions following the signing of a new collective agreement

The Holiday Inn Laval Montréal, a 176-room hotel in Laval, was renovated following a $30M investment. Its restaurant, Chez Lionel, was also renovated.

Bonterra Energy Corp. is planning 2026 capital spending of $75M to $80M that includes $8M for abandonment and reclamation obligations.

Calgary-based Imperial, majority owned by Exxon Mobil Corp., is budgeting $2B to $2.2B in capital and exploration expenditures in 2026.

Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is planning to spend $1.6B in its 2026 capital program mostly for new pipeline construction projects in Western Canada and the expansion of facilities in Alberta. Pembina has also signed a 12-year agreement with Ovintiv for 0.5 million tonnes per annum of Pembina's liquefaction capacity at the Cedar LNG facility.

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed an area development agreement for the entire province of Alberta for the contractual opening of ten (10) franchised Via Cibo Italian restaurants. Happy Belly already has five Via Cibo locations operating in Alberta.

Pêcheries LéoMar, a seafood processing company, is investing more than $1M in optimizing lobster meat extraction at its Gros-Cap plant in Îles-de-la-Madeleine. The company will create 12 to 15 jobs as a result.

Jean Coutu, a chain of pharmacies, expanded its location in New Richmond following a $2.5M investment

Collège Ellis, a subsidized private college, opened a new 48-unit student residence following a $5.5M investment in Trois-Rivières

The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, and Cégep de Trois-Rivières are receiving $6.87M from the Government of Quebec. This funding is for a $7.63M project to strengthen research and accelerate the energy transition.

N.B. auto body shops are seeing strong demand for their services, which has only increased with winter. Shops state that there aren’t enough people getting into the trade or completing training at NBCC and CCNB and are facing challenges getting parts.

The Government of Canada has announced $431k for 3 Yarmouth County organizations: Th’YARC ($324k) for upgrades, Yarmouth International Airport Corp. ($56k) to hire expertise to develop a growth plan targeting aerospace, defense, and private industry and Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association ($50k) to hire expertise to develop a 5-year strategic plan.

The ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable invested $5.4M in repairing the Estcourt bridge in Pohénégamook. The finishing work is scheduled for 2026.

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association, a non-profit organization, inaugurated a new Consignaction centre in Trois-Rivières

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed a bilateral agreement that includes over $113M in funding for French language education in the province. This funding will boost French language education until 2028.

The Government of British Columbia has announced new investments through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund to support research infrastructure and innovation across the province. The funds support 74 projects at the University of British Columbia with around $47.4M through the Look West plan.

Domtar has issued an extension to keep the Crofton pulp mill running through the winter holidays. This follows previous announcements that December 15 would be the final day of work for its 350-worker staff. Domtar has stated that work will now continue until the week of January 4.

The Government of British Columbia has announced $33M through its Look West plan to support research equipment and facilities for Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub at the University of British Columbia. The hub will help train talent and provide local businesses with access to more opportunities.

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine has approved over $7M for several infrastructure projects across the district. Funding for these projects comes from both the Governments of Canada and British Columbia. Approved projects include a new landfill development, reservoir upgrades, fire protection equipment and water systems design work.

Tahltan Nation members have voted to support a proposed agreement with Eskay Creek Mining to revitalize the Eskay Creek mine. The Impact Benefit Agreement with Eskay Creek Mining would provide almost $2B in cash, contracts and wages to the Tahltan Nation. Skeena Gold + Silver, the owners of the site, expect to restart operations at the mine in 2027.

‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation and the Government of British Columbia have signed a joint decision-making agreement to support predictable and sustainable harvests. The agreement includes the creation of Forest Landscape Plans within Tree Farm License 37 in ‘Na̲mg̲is territory, allowing long-term forestry planning.

The Blackfalds Town Council has approved its 2026 interim capital and operating budgets. Some key areas for spending include South Street upgrades, equipment replacement and upgrades, as well as facility and land improvements.

The City of Red Deer’s 2026 budget includes an overtime allocation of $2.8M for Emergency Services, down from previous years. As a result, the city is pausing its dynamic staffing policy until 75% of the overtime budget has been used, after which dynamic staffing will be reintroduced as needed to stay within funding limits. As of November 30, dynamic staffing had been used 117 times, contributing to an 88% reduction in overtime shifts (down to 215) and generating approximately $1M in savings.

Hay River’s Western Arctic Marine Training Centre is receiving over $930K in federal funding to expand its training program. The funding will go towards purchasing new simulators and offering additional Transport Canada-certified courses. The centre aims to train northerners for careers in marine transportation, allowing participants to work on vessels upon graduation.

The NWT’s francophone school board is opening a new daycare in Yellowknife on January 5, 2026. Once open, La Tanière will be able to accommodate up to 25 children aged 19 months to four years. The school board is currently looking to establish a similar centre in Hay River.

The Town of Niverville has released a new child care strategy, aiming to add at least 300 new day care spaces by 2030. The strategy includes plans to expand training opportunities to ensure there will be enough staff for the new spaces.

The Government of Manitoba is providing a total $2.6M to five infrastructure projects in the Parkland and Southwest regions of the province. These includes road and bridge repairs, an expansion to the veterinary clinic in Minnedosa, and upgrates to recreation facilities in Grandview.

A new medical clinic will be opening in Carberry in January 2026, located in the Super Thrifty Pharmacy. The clinic's practicing doctor is a urologist who specializes in the use of new technologies in prostate cancer screening.

Consensus Core Technologies Inc., a Vancouver headquartered tech company, is planning to build a data centre in Manitoba in partnership with U.S.-based firm Jet.AI. Consensus is in the process of purchasing 350 acres in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, but the project does not yet have a construction timeline.

A recent poll found that 82% of Winnipeggers want their city to hire more firefighters than proposed in its 2026 budget, while 14% felt the current plan was adequate. The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, which commissioned the survey, is asking for at least 40 new positions in 2026. The budget proposes 40 new positions spread over four years.

The federal government is providing $7.5M to the expansion of the Dakota Community Centre in Winnipeg. The project will include expanded multipurpose and childcare facilities as well as the construction of a new rink and fitness area.

The Quartier du Havre, two buildings with 43 units each and accessible to people with reduced mobility, will be constructed in Gaspé. The project, valued at nearly $41M, should be completed in the spring of 2027.

The Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons will open a Consignaction+ in Sept-Îles in early 2026

Groupe Custeau, a developer, will create 60 jobs following the opening of a Maxi store in Magog planned for the winter of 2026–2027. This project is part of an investment valued at over $300M over 10 years in revitalizing the textile complex area.

The Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec started a 30-unit housing project for Indigenous families and seniors in Québec. The project, valued at over $14M, is funded by the provincial and municipal levels of government.

McDonald’s, a restaurant chain, will inaugurate a new franchise in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce in January. This opening will lead to the creation of approximately 50 jobs.

The Coopérative de solidarité L’Envolée, a community organization, invested $6.1M in constructing a 19-unit social housing building in Sherbrooke. The apartments are intended for people with autism spectrum disorder.

Habitations l’Équerre, a community organization providing affordable and social housing, invested $20.7M in constructing a 48-unit residential building in Sherbrooke. The city and the Government of Quebec contributed to the project.

McDonald’s, a fast-food restaurant chain, opened a new location in District 55 in Trois-Rivières

The Government of Canada and the Province of N.S. announced a collaborative housing partnership with 300M in funding to build an additional 1,430 new affordable homes in the Shannon Park area of Dartmouth. The project will prioritize modern construction methods including factory-built housing, prefab, modular and mass timber construction.

Okanagan College has partnered with the Canadian Welding Bureau Group to launch the National Welder Competency Assessment and Skills Training Program to help welders gain certification. The program starts in January 2026 and will accept 33 students.

Rona J. St Cyr & Frères, a hardware store, closed in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel

A N.B. high school student has launched his own online job platform for students, after being unable to find a summer job. Statistics Canada research from May shows that youth (15-24) hit a nine year high for unemployment at 20%, as many companies pause hiring.

New/Coming Soon Business Openings: FreshSlice Pizza (West Bedford), Ugly Dough (West Bedford), PayMore Electronics (Dartmouth), Realms and Roses (Bedford), A&W (Herring Cove), and Tim Hortons (Bedford Highway); Closures: Elle’s Bistro (Halifax).

N.L.’s film and television sector has achieved a major milestone as the Crown corporation PictureNL announced that over $1B in production activity has taken place since the agency back in 1997.

For the first time since the U.S. trade war began, Canada exported more than it imported. Total exports rose by 6.3% in September, while imports fell 4.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $153M. The largest exports were in metal and non-metallic mineral products.

For the first time since the U.S. trade war began, Canada exported more than it imported. Total exports rose by 6.3% in September, while imports fell 4.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $153M. The largest exports were in metal and non-metallic mineral products.

N.B. has a new teacher recruitment and retention strategy to try and address the current shortage of teachers and projected retirements. The plan includes a mentorship program and expanding education options for people who want to become teachers.

A national housing report says it’s easier to find an apartment in P.E.I., but affordability is still an issue. P.E.I.’s vacancy rate in 2024 was 0.8% and is now at 2.1%, while the average rent on P.E.I. in 2025 was $1,247 compared to $1,134 in 2024.

For the first time since the U.S. trade war began, Canada exported more than it imported. Total exports rose by 6.3% in September, while imports fell 4.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $153M. The largest exports were in metal and non-metallic mineral products.

After facing some uncertainty at the beginning of the year, P.E.I.’s employment is now relatively stable. Health care has grown by 18% over the last year, while declines were seen in agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, as well as transportation and warehousing.

Mining claims spiked in 2025 following the N.S. Government’s new push for natural resource development. As of Dec. 10, N.S. has issued 814 exploratory licences, with several dozen more pending - almost double 2024 figures. Two large claims are currently being explored for hydrogen (Cumberland) and copper (Hants).

Over 2 years after ceasing operations, Atlantic Mining NS, a subsidiary of Australia-based St Barbara, is hoping to restart processing at its Touquoy gold mine (Moose River) prompted by N.S.’s improved permitting environment for mining projects. Operations would start within 8 months of permit approval and continue for 13 months.

For the first time since the U.S. trade war began, Canada exported more than it imported. Total exports rose by 6.3% in September, while imports fell 4.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $153M. The largest exports were in metal and non-metallic mineral products.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has selected several Canadian companies to participate in its Global Defence Innovation Accelerator’s 2026 Challenge Programme to support networking and innovation. Squamish-based FireSwarm, Victoria-based Niricson, Surrey-based Hydrogen in Motion, and Vancouver-based Lux Bio and Avivo Biomedical were all selected from British Columbia.

The Lekwungen Nations have partnered with the Capital Regional District, the City of Victoria, the Township of Esquimalt, the Town of View Royal, the City of Langford and the City of Colwood on the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative. A key part of the agreement is ensuring that a refurbished Island Rail Corridor would not cut off parts of the Esquimalt Nation’s reserve lands.

The City of Fort St. John has approved an $8M construction contract for a new water reservoir on 106th Street. Construction is expected to begin sometime in early 2026.

The St. Albert city council has approved adding 10 more RCMP officers, increasing the authorized complement to 85 officers, as well as transitioning a crime analyst position to an RCMP‑employed role due to ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. Council also increased the staffing reserve to the equivalent cost of nine officers (up from eight) for 2026–27.

Southern Alberta is facing a shortage of veterinarians and specialized veterinary staff, leading to long hours and limited clinic capacity. One proposed solution is the creation of a veterinary‑related training program at Lethbridge Polytechnic to help fill regional labour gaps. Lethbridge Polytechnic has confirmed it is aware of the growing demand and is open to exploring the development of such a program.

Happy Tummy is opening a permanent restaurant location in downtown Yellowknife. Despite the new location, the food truck will still be available next summer, in addition to being used for catering and local events. The restaurant currently has five staff members.

The Canadian Red Cross is providing $2,000 in financial support to businesses and non-profits affected by Saskatchewan’s 2025 wildfires, funded through a $15 million commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan. The program aims to help cover urgent expenses such as clean-up costs, insurance deductibles, and inventory storage or relocation. Applications for funding will be accepted through March 27, 2026.

According to Statistics Canada, wholesale trade in the province was up 12% to $4 billion in October 2025 compared to October 2024, the highest increase among all Canadian provinces. Saskatchewan had the second highest GDP growth among the provinces over the same period, up 3.1% to $83.6 billion.

The City of Winnipeg has approved permits for 10 major projects funded through the first round of the federal housing accelerator fund. Construction will begin shortly on the projects, which are expected to create more than 1,000 new units, including 590 affordable and 274 rent-geared to income units.

The Centre de la petite enfance Miel et Melon is investing around $1.36M in adding 13 additional spaces at its building in Sainte-Julie. The Government of Quebec is contributing nearly $500,000.

Radio Essipit, based in Les Escoumins, will close in January 2026

Mantel Capture Inc., a Boston-based carbon capture technology company, is partnering with an unnamed Canadian energy producer on an engineering study for a commercial-scale project carbon capture project. The project is in the Cold Lake region of Alberta with a thermal oil sands operator.

Cenovus Energy Inc.is planning a 2026 capital program of $5.0B to $5.3B, with up to $3.6B dedicated to expansion and development in its oil sands business. Multiple turnarounds during 2026 in both the upstream and downstream sectors are budgeted at approximately $350M.

A large integrated oil and gas company operating in the Athabasca Oil Sands in Alberta has signed an eight-figure contract for proprietary nitrogen production with Purity Gas following a one-year pilot project.

Suncor Energy is planning to spend $5.7B at the midpoint of its 2026 capital budget. Major economic investments planned or continuing in 2026 include in situ well pads, Mildred Lake East, West White Rose, Fort Hills North Pit development and the ongoing execution of the Petro-Canada retail network optimization plan.

Athabasca Oil Corp. is planning a 2026 Capital Budget of approximately $310M, including $273M for their thermal oil operations, which is mostly dedicated to advancing expansion of the Leismer assets. A $25M, three-week facility turnaround will be completed at Leismer in May 2026.

The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of the South Delta After Hours Urgent and Primary Care Centre. The clinic provides after-hours urgent and episodic primary care and is staffed by primary care providers and registered nurses. The clinic is expected to serve about 6K patients each year.

Eagle Ridge Hospital is looking to hire more staff to provide services for 25 beds. Previously, these beds have been staffed on an as-needed basis.

The Government of British Columbia has announced that it is providing $17M in funding to the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation to expand access to high-speed internet in Valemount, Nakusp, New Denver, Rosebery, Salmo, Silverton, and Slocan. These improvements will benefit over 2,650 households.

Green Manganese Technologies, a Vancouver-based manganese company, has signed a deal with Scandinavian Steel AB to supply up to 50K metric tonnes per year of manganese pellets. This deal will expand Green Manganese’s customer base internationally.

The City of Vancouver has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for a new stadium and entertainment district project at Hastings Racecourse Park. Negotiations will take place through December 31, 2026. Next steps for the project include planning and design proposals.

The City of Williams Lake, B.C., in partnership with Cariboo Aboriginal Forestry Enterprise and Borland Creek Logging, is undertaking a fuel management project. The project involves pile burning near Westridge, Tower Crescent and Airport Road to reduce the risks of wildfires and improve ecosystem health. The project is expected to continue until spring 2026.

Northwestel is planning to expand fibre lines and high-speed internet access to more Northern communities. Satellite internet will still be provided as the fibre line will not be able to reach island communities. To date, the company has brought fibre-to-the-home internet services to over 40 communities across the NWT and Yukon.

Bill's Woodcutting has relocated to Haines Junction due to the lack of new, accessible woodlots in the Watson Lake area. Although Watson Lake has several wood lots, new blocks have not been added over the past 20 years, and some existing lots no longer have suitable wood to cut or sell. The business will now focus on selling wood to the Haines Junction and Whitehorse communities instead.

The Yukon government is no longer building a new École Whitehorse Elementary School in the city's Takhini neighbourhood. The government will instead find and present a different location for the school early next year. The new school building would replace the existing Whitehorse Elementary School, which is 75 years old and in need of major upgrades.

Aero Energy Ltd is raised up to $5 million through a private placement to fund uranium exploration in Saskatchewan and Nevada.

Manitoba Hydro is preparing for an anticipated energy shortage through a combination of new projects and energy saving measures. The provincial Crown corporation’s new resource plan forecasts a shortage as soon as 2029, and relies upon new wind farms, natural gas turbines, and a battery storage pilot project to address it. Hydro also plans to offer lower rates to customers who agree to use less power during high-demand periods.

The provincial government is allocating $10M to a new rebate program that will help businesses with security upgrades and repairing damage related to vandalism and property crime. Eligible business can apply for up to $2,500 per location.

The Government of Manitoba is providing $450,000 to CentrePort Canada Inc., a trimodal inland port located in northwest Winnipeg and the Rural Municipality of Rosser. The project is one of the largest of its kind in North America, spanning more than 2,300 acres. The funding represents an increase of $200,000 from 2024’s operating grant.

Refuge Pageau is an organization dedicated to rescuing, nursing, and rehabilitating wild animals. The organization is investing $1.2M in modernizing its facilities. Among others, Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue is funding the project.

The Centre de services scolaire des Découvreurs recently inaugurated the addition of 10 classrooms and new spaces at the Campanile school in Québec. The $18M project was carried out by Construction Durand, a general contractor.

The Ville de Repentigny is investing $3.34M in major modernization work on its aquatic centre

The Ville de Repentigny is investing nearly $2M in improving its wastewater treatment facilities. Various equipment will be replaced, and some other equipment will be upgraded.

The Department of National Defence plans to hire 3,000 people in the country by March 2026

The Canada Revenue Agency plans to hire 1,700 people in the country to fill positions in call centres for tax season

Hydro-Québec, a producer and distributor of electricity in the province, will hire people to increase the number of employees already assigned to its Hilo home automation and energy efficiency program

Calgary-based Gran Tierra Energy Inc. is planning a 2026 capital budget of $120M to $160M that includes drilling five wells in the South Simonette asset targeting oil weighted-Montney production.

Agropur is making a multi-million dollar investment in modernizing its Amqui plant. The cooperative will add new equipment, and it anticipates a need for additional staff.

Vancouver City Council has approved $1.18M in grants to support 44 cultural organizations through its 2025 annual arts and culture grant awards. These funds support projects to advance equity, Indigenous leadership in the arts, cultural infrastructure and public arts programming.

Interior Health has announced that four hospital emergency departments will be taking trialing a new virtual care program. Lillooet Hospital, Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater, Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp and Princeton General Hospital began the pilot on December 9. This program will address ongoing staffing shortages.

Skookum Manufacturing Inc. has submitted an over $7M offer for 58 hectares of land at Canfor Corp’s old Isle Pierre sawmill to build a wind-tower factory. The mill has been closed since 2020. According to the company, the deal is expected to close by March 31, 2026. If construction is approved, the project will need a 400-person workforce and once operational will create 300 jobs.

The City of Vancouver has launched new building rules aimed at improving safety and housing supply. The two changes include new space-saving stair designs and the addition of the Abandoned and Vacated Buildings By-law. The stair designs will allow more flexible apartment layouts. The new bylaw sets clear maintenance standards and also the City to intervene when risks are detected.

The Government of Canada will be providing $1M to the Kus-kus-sum estuary restoration project in the Comox Valley. The project will restore the former industrial sawmill site to a natural ecosystem.

The Government of Canada has announced a three‑year, $10‑million Growing Greenhouses program to accelerate expansion in Alberta’s greenhouses and vertical farms. The program supports commercial‑scale controlled‑environment agriculture through new construction and upgrades to existing facilities. Its goal is to boost year‑round local food production and reduce seasonal reliance on imported fruits and vegetables, which contributes to higher prices in the fall.

The Government of Alberta is introducing the Northern Alberta Teacher Award to support Bachelor of Education students and encourage them to live and teach in northern Alberta after graduation. Recipients are eligible to receive $9,000 after two years of full‑time teaching or $18,000 after three years. The award uses a return‑to‑service model to help ensure stable, high‑quality education in smaller and remote communities. Applications are open until January 19, 2026.

The Government of Alberta has designated three ski resorts as the province’s first all‑season resort areas, enabling year‑round operations after decades of regulatory restrictions. All proposed developments must meet Alberta’s existing environmental standards and undergo required Indigenous consultation, ensuring protection of wildlife, water, and Treaty rights. These all‑season designations are expected to generate significant economic benefits over the next decade, including 24,000 jobs, $3.6 billion in GDP, and $4 billion in visitor spending.

The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal completed the expansion on the Hôpital Santa Cabrini Ospedale following a $100M investment. The new building will open in 2026.

Syscomax and Magellan Construction, two general contractors, launched the second phase of the In Via project last September in Mirabel. The project is a 34-unit building that will be completed by July 1, 2026.

The Ville de Laval is investing over $51M in expanding its city hall. The project will be ongoing until March 2028.

Mont Sutton, a ski resort in Sutton, is investing $11M in improving the visitor experience, particularly by adding a chair lift and accommodations. The project will be completed by the next season.

Poulet Rouge, a restaurant chain, inaugurated a new location in the borough of Jonquière in Saguenay.

Manitoba’s trucking industry is hiring and training fewer people due to the impact of U.S. and Chinese tariffs, according to the Manitoba Trucking Association. In the first half of 2025 the province’s exports to the U.S. and China dropped by 6.2% and 32% respectively, lessening the demand for truckers after years of labour shortages in the industry.

The Chief Julian Yendo School in Wrigley has hired a new teacher after the position remained vacant for the past three months. The school board has secured housing for the new teacher, and they will begin teaching students from kindergarten to Grade 5 on December 10.

Espace B, a new medical clinic, will open in Bonaventure in the summer of 2026 thanks to a $2M investment. Constructions Scandinaves, a contractor from Carleton-sur-Mer, is responsible for the project.

Énercycle, a company specializing in waste management, invested over $2M in its new ecocentre in Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes. The project was made possible thanks to support from the municipality.

Groupe Rémabec, a forestry company, suspended production indefinitely at its Arbec de Parent sawmill in La Tuque. Over 80 employees are affected by this closure.

The Club motoneige Étoile des Monts de Murdochville, a non-profit organization, reopened the La Cache trail following a $1.6M investment. Various partners contributed to the project.

Construction has begun on the first tower of Port Moody’s Inlet District master-planned development. The tower is expected to complete construction in mid-2029 and add 299 new homes, a grocery store and a daycare. Plans are in the works, as part of the Inlet District project, for more residential buildings, office spaces, and amenities in the community.

FreshCo has begun developing an 11.5K sq. ft. grocery store on West Broadway in Vancouver. The discount grocer is expected to open to the public in summer 2026.

Farm Credit Canada has provided the Williams Lake First Nation with $25K from the AgriSpirit Fund to advance an agricultural project that would enhance the community’s sustainability and wellness. The project will build a harvest station and cooling system that will support local food distribution and create a new gathering space.

An annual study by the Fraser Institute reports that medical wait times in 2025 were higher in Atlantic Canada than the other provinces. The Canadian median wait time was about 29 weeks, while N.B. was 60.9, N.S. - 49.0, P.E.I. - 49.7, and N.L. was 43.5 weeks.

An annual study by the Fraser Institute reports that medical wait times in 2025 were higher in Atlantic Canada than the other provinces. The Canadian median wait time was about 29 weeks, while N.B. was 60.9, N.S. - 49.0, P.E.I. - 49.7, and N.L. was 43.5 weeks.

An annual study by the Fraser Institute reports that medical wait times in 2025 were higher in Atlantic Canada than the other provinces. The Canadian median wait time was about 29 weeks, while N.B. was 60.9, N.S. - 49.0, P.E.I. - 49.7, and N.L. was 43.5 weeks.

A Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab report shows that beef prices went up 9.2% from 2003 to 2004 and expects a 4-6% price increase for 2025. Local Valley Beef near Centreville states that his input costs are rising, making it tough to stay profitable.

Saint John will establish the 11th collaborative health care clinic in N.B. The province will provide $2.9M to establish new clinic space and to recruit additional health-care staff. The centre currently has a physician, nurse practitioner, a RN, and an LPN.

An annual study by the Fraser Institute reports that medical wait times in 2025 were higher in Atlantic Canada than the other provinces. The Canadian median wait time was about 29 weeks, while N.B. was 60.9, N.S. - 49.0, P.E.I. - 49.7, and N.L. was 43.5 weeks.

Clinique médicale Centre-Ville in Bathurst is the 10th collaborative care centre to open in N.B. and will receive $1.6M in government funding. Work will begin to add physiotherapy and pharmacy services to the clinic, as well as renovations.

The Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord announced that the Val-des-Monts elementary school will be reconstructed after it was destroyed by a fire last fall. The school will be ready for the 2026 school year.

The ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable is investing over $9M in correcting a curve on Route 138 in the Franquelin area. Construction J. & R. Savard from Saint-Honoré will carry out the project, which will be completed at the end of the summer in 2026.

Bell Canada, a telecommunications company, will cease operations at Expertech Network Installation, its fibre optic infrastructure supplier. Over 75 employees and an unspecified number of executives will lose their jobs within the province.

Winnipeg’s first indoor pickleball facility opened in October in a Headingley business park. The building includes eight indoor courts, with five outdoor courts planned for spring of 2026.

The group that owns the Port of Churchill has signed a deal with an Inuit-led sealift carrier in Nunavut, hoping to reestablish shipping into the territory’s Kivalliq region. Arctic Gateway Group and Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. will work to launch a sealift from Churchill, potentially as early as 2026.

The executive policy committee of Winnipeg City Council has voted to study the possibility of a new emergency service dedicated to mental health. Pensa Consulting has been selected to create a proposal for the prospective new service, which could lessen demand on police and paramedics by relying more on trained crisis workers.

The Government of Manitoba plans to introduce legislation this spring that would create a new Crown-Indigenous corporation. The office would be responsible for approving major economic development projects, with a board made up of equal numbers of government appointees and Indigenous representatives.

A new business launched in Winnipeg offers portable saunas made using insulated tents and stainless steel stoves. The founders of Saunder Sauna Tents believe their product is the first of its kind in Canada.

Home prices in Winnipeg are expected to rise slightly next year, according to a report by Royal LePage. The agency forecasts a 1.5% increase by the end of 2026 when compared with the final quarter of 2025, with the biggest increases in single detached homes. Bidding wars are likely to continue in the future, with inventory at its lowest level since 2021.

The Government of Saskatchewan is expanded the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program to Edam, Battleford, and Hudson Bay. The program offers up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service to new full-time employees in nine high-priority health roles. The program is now available is 73 communities in the province and has helped fill over 500 positions since the program began.

Three Naka Power companies in the NWT have received approval to amalgamate from the Public Utilities Board. The merger is scheduled for January 1 and is expected to provide customers with long-term savings. Naka Power Utilities will be required to submit power rates to the board next year to ensure financial impacts will not be passed on to customers.

The Mayo hydroelectric dam’s spillway has been severely damaged and requires immediate replacement, which could cost over $150M. Even though the dam can power over 7,000 Yukon homes, the damages may result in a 15 megawatts loss of clean energy. Yukon Energy is developing a plan to maintain operations during the replacement process, which is set to begin at the start of construction season.

The NWT’s health authority is launching a new bus service to support clients travelling into Inuvik for medical appointments. The initiative aims to reduce wait times during peak travel periods and ensure clients have reliable medical transportation. Although the bus service currently runs Monday to Friday, plans to expand operations may be available in the future.

Housing NWT is planning to construct a new 30-unit singles social housing complex in Hay River. The new building is set to replace an aging 28-unit complex, with design plans focused on safety and community living. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.

The Villa Rayon de Soleil, a retirement home in Saint-François-d’Assise, completed expansion work to add new residential units. Various partners contributed to the project, which is valued at over $4.3M.

The New Westminster Council has voted to approve the New Westminster Police Department’s 2026 budget, including funds to hire four new patrol officers.

The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of YWXA Cindy Beedie Place in Burnaby. The facility has 56 long-term affordable homes and 37 child care spaces for women and children leaving violence. The project was constructed in partnership with BC Housing, the City of Burnaby, YWCA Metro Vancouver and Cindy Beedie and received about $44M through provincial funds.

Simuhealth, a Vancouver startup, has raised $2.62M in pre-seed funding to support its work to modernize healthcare training through simulation programs. The company plans to use these funds to expand its engineering team.

The City of Kelowna has approved a proposal for a 99-unit apartment building on Glenmore Drive. The applicant expects to receive the building permit next which would allow construction to begin.

Scwén̓wen Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Elemental Clean Fuels and Kruger on $21.7M Kamloops Clean Energy Centre project at the former Kruger Kamloops Pulp Mill. The facility will produce up to four tonnes of green hydrogen and 32 tonnes of oxygen per day. The project is in the engineering and design phase before final investment decisions are made.

Mission Unitaînés, a non-profit organization, announced the construction of a 100-unit building in Trois-Rivières. The $32.5M project is possible thanks to funding from the three levels of government. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the winter of 2027.

The Government of Canada is hoping to attract more international doctors by offering a faster path to being a permanent resident. Eligible doctors would need one year of Canadian work experience as a general practitioner, surgeon, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialist.

P.E.I. has a new agreement with Dalhousie University which will give Island students priority admission to 50 first-year seats in 11 high-demand fields over two years. Most seats are in pharmacy, medicine, occupational therapy and physio, and dentistry.

The Government of Canada is hoping to attract more international doctors by offering a faster path to being a permanent resident. Eligible doctors would need one year of Canadian work experience as a general practitioner, surgeon, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialist.

The College of the North Atlantic currently offers three programs through the School of Sustainable Development: 9-month wind turbine technician (Bay St. George Campus), 2-year hydrogen technician (Corner Brook) and the upcoming 1-year solar PV (photovoltaic) installer (Happy Valley-Goose Bay/January 2026).

The Government of Canada is hoping to attract more international doctors by offering a faster path to being a permanent resident. Eligible doctors would need one year of Canadian work experience as a general practitioner, surgeon, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialist.

The Government of Canada is hoping to attract more international doctors by offering a faster path to being a permanent resident. Eligible doctors would need one year of Canadian work experience as a general practitioner, surgeon, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialist.

Bio Voltex is planning a $40M biogas plant in Penobsquis, which will convert manure, crop waste and fish waste into natural gas. It will employ up to 140 workers during the construction phase expected to start in June 2026 and will create 3-4 permanent jobs.

The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) will open a dispensary on December 16 in Amos. The SQDC is looking to hire five employees and two managers.

The Ville de Sorel-Tracy will build an outdoor skating rink in partnership with the Bleu Blanc Bouge program funded by the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. Construction will start in the spring of 2026 and will be completed in December 2027.

Structure BRL is a manufacturer and installer of steel structures in Drummondville. The company was awarded a major contract as part of the Galvanisation Quebec plant project, which will start in January 2026.

Loto-Québec, a Crown corporation specializing in lottery games, is investing $15M in building a gaming hall in the Delta Hotel in Saguenay. This project, which will be completed in 18 months, will generate 200 new jobs within two years.

The Centre de la petite enfance Les Coquins, a daycare centre in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, will start construction on a fourth childcare centre in the summer of 2026. The centre will be inaugurated in the fall of 2026.

The Centre de la petite enfance (CPE) Les Coquins, a daycare centre in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, recruited future childcare centre managers. The new staff enabled the CPE to create 60 new spaces in a familial setting in the regional county municipality of l’Islet.

The Ville de Laval will invest $25M in acquiring various types of vehicles by 2027. The vehicles will be used for its maintenance services and snow removal operations, among other things.

The Ville de Laval is investing $36.5M in acquiring thousands of remotely controlled smart traffic signs, which is a first in Quebec

The Chaire de recherche sur la valorisation des résidus miniers amiantés invested $3M in equipment and installing a pilot plant in Val-des-Sources. The goal of the project is to transform tailings heaps from the former asbestos mine into critical minerals.

The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of the newly renovated and expanded neonatal intensive care unit at East Kootenay Regional Hospital. The new unit allows newborns to receive care closer to home and strengthens local health systems. The government provided almost $820K for the project.

Tolko’s Lakeview mill in Williams Lake, B.C., has been closed since a fire broke out on the night of November 29. The company is expecting it to take three weeks to complete repairs. The planer mill, log yard, chip plant, and shipping areas remain fully operational. Until the repairs are complete, 35 employees have been temporarily laid off.

Winnipeg Transit is seeking a contractor to design a new fare collection program that will allow passengers to pay with credit cards, debit cards, and mobile apps. The new system would replace the Peggo card program launched in 2016.

The Government of Manitoba is providing $100,000 to the Foxwarren District Recreation Centre for the reconstruction of the facility’s roof. The non-profit complex, which includes an ice rink and community centre, is hoping to fundraise an additional $200,000 to finance the project.

Construction on a new emergency department in Eriksdale is scheduled to begin early in 2026. The $8.6M project will increase treatment capacity and modernize inpatient rooms at the community’s E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital.

The Government of Saskatchewan and Thomas Circle of Care will open a new community respite program in Regina. The program aims to provide short-term emergency care for children under 12 and help families manage crises safely and effectively, featuring a respite home anticipated to open in January 2026 and ongoing outreach to connect families with community resources.

Nukik and Agnico Eagle Mines have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the Kivalliq hydro-fibre link project, which will connect Nunavut to Manitoba's hydroelectric and fiber-optic networks. The initiative aims to bring clean energy and high-speed internet to the Kivalliq region, potentially reducing the operational costs and environmental impacts of the area’s mining industry.

The Hamlet of Kugaaruk is under a local state of emergency after seawater infiltrated the local water treatment plant and contaminated the drinking water. While an emergency supply of bottled water will be flown in from Iqaluit, government offices and schools will remain closed until further notice.

Rising gold prices could lead to a new mine being built in Nunavut next year, while also prolonging the life of a gold mine near Baker Lake. The increased profit from high gold prices could revive the Hope Bay project, which went into care and maintenance in March 2020, and extend the Meadowbank mine’s operations from 2028 to 2030.

The Yellowknife Airport is requesting for proposals to upgrade the facility’s main passenger washrooms. Contractors are to submit two concepts: one with gender-assigned washrooms and one with a single set of stalls for all travellers. Although the budget and expected completion date have not been decided, the design work timeline suggests construction could begin by spring 2026.

The Regional District of Bulkley Nechako is hiring staff for its Knockholt and Clearview transfer stations. Available positions are casual and both will be open until filled.

Okanagan College has launched two new construction management programs. The Sustainable construction management certificate is a one-year program while the sustainable design and construction management diploma is a two-year program. The programs will be offered online and in the evenings to accommodate workers.

Peak Performance, a lifestyle apparel brand, has opened a flagship store in Vancouver. Its store sells gear for skiing, hiking, mountain biking and urban exploration.

Anthem Properties has begun construction on two rental housing towers in Vancouver. The projects add a total of 193 rental homes to the city. Major construction will begin in early 2026, with the development expected to complete construction in early 2028.

New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Marigold Kitchen (Halifax), The Guardian Pharmacy (Mumford/Halifax), and Bourbon Street Grill (Dartmouth); Closures: Indian Groceries (Robie St./Halifax) and 2 Doors Down (Halifax).

The new Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is now open at Dalhousie University's Steele Ocean Sciences Building in Halifax. The facility currently employs 5 people, including 3 full-time staff and 2 Dalhousie students who are completing internships.

Two developers will construct a building that will include a Jack le Coq rotisserie and Topla! pasta restaurant in Baie-Comeau in early 2026. The two franchises are looking to hire 10 to 15 delivery drivers and 15 to 25 cooks.

McDonald’s, a restaurant chain, inaugurated a new franchise in Québec. As a result, 50 jobs were created.

Western Forest Products has announced that curtailments at its Chemainus Mill, affecting 150 workers since June, will continue into the new year. The company announced more shutdowns impacting about 520 employees until January 6 at the company’s mills in Ladysmith, Saltair, Duke Point in Nanaimo and Cowichan Bay near Duncan. It cited weak market conditions and U.S. duties for the curtailments.

Mosaic, a mining company, is providing $4M in total funding to three post-secondary institutions to develop talent and expand career opportunities in the industry. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Suncrest College, and the Good Spirit School division will all receive funding to build and improve facilities. Additionally, the Potash Mining Readiness Program will re-launch in February 2026 with updated curriculum for Indigenous learners.

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association, a non-profit organization, inaugurated a Consignaction centre in Gaspé

A new commercial development by Armstrong Land is scheduled to open in fall 2026 on 15th Street and Highway 6 in Vernon. The 3.42-acre property will have a grocery store, pharmacy, two drive-through establishments, a vehicle service facility, a gas bar and convenience store, a car wash and several other units.

The City of Cranbrook has announced that the annual Rock the Kootenays festival has been cancelled due to growing pressures and financial risks. Ticket sales and event attendance has been down across major music festivals in 2025.

The Government of British Columbia has announced several new expansions to specialty care at Surrey Memorial Hospital. The hospital will soon open a new unit with two cardiac catheterization suites and two interventional radiology suites. The new unit will be fully operational on January 8, 2026. The project has a total cost of about $97M and received most of that through provincial funding.

Ottawa has granted P.E.I. an additional 575 permanent residency nominations this year, which would bring the Island’s total to 1,600. The extra spots will be focused on international student graduates and industries facing labour shortages.

Officials with the Halifax Grain Elevator are uncertain if its pier berth at the Port of Halifax will be renewed in 2026. P.E.I. ships about 30,000 tonnes of soybeans and wheat from Halifax. The Island is looking to expand its own storage and shipping capacity.

The federal government will invest $38.2M over 3 years to help small and medium defence businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow and modernize. Atlantic Canada directly employs about 10,000 people in the aerospace and defence industry, with over 200 firms.

A new report done for the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce says that a reliable N.S.-P.E.I. ferry is vital to exports and jobs in the area. An eastern P.E.I. trucking company estimates that going by ferry instead of the bridge saves about $30-40K per truck annually.

About 68,000 federal public servants have received early retirement package information, as the federal government begins the process of cutting 40,000 positions. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the federal public service peaked at about 368,000 staff.

The NS Health Authority’s large scale marketing campaign has lead to the successful recruitment of 4 American nurse practitioners with 5 more currently in the midst of the hiring process. Many factors are contributing to a crisis in primary healthcare, including a shortage of family doctors and a backlog of non-emergency care delayed by the pandemic.

The physician assessment centre of excellence (PACE) program for assessing internationally trained doctors in N.S. launched back in February, has licensed 5 doctors in 2025 to work as primary care providers. PACE will eventually turn out 45 doctors a year with expansions this winter to Dartmouth General and Colchester East Hants Health Centre (Truro) where 2 physician assessors are being trained to work at each site.

About 68,000 federal public servants have received early retirement package information, as the federal government begins the process of cutting 40,000 positions. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the federal public service peaked at about 368,000 staff.

The federal government will invest $38.2M over 3 years to help small and medium defence businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow and modernize. Atlantic Canada directly employs about 10,000 people in the aerospace and defence industry, with over 200 firms.

Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association says staffing shortages resulting in a lack of primary care is a factor in increasing emergency room wait times. Some emergency departments have had to reduce services, provide service virtually or close temporarily, which diverts patients to other emergency departments.

About 68,000 federal public servants have received early retirement package information, as the federal government begins the process of cutting 40,000 positions. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the federal public service peaked at about 368,000 staff.

The federal government will invest $38.2M over 3 years to help small and medium defence businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow and modernize. Atlantic Canada directly employs about 10,000 people in the aerospace and defence industry, with over 200 firms.

About 68,000 federal public servants have received early retirement package information, as the federal government begins the process of cutting 40,000 positions. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the federal public service peaked at about 368,000 staff.

Canada’s military was on hand at the Thales National Digital Excellence Centre in Fredericton to check out the latest defence technology. CFB Gagetown employs about 6,500 military members and 1,000 civilians and will benefit from the $81B in military spending.

The union representing school bus mechanics states that there is a shortage of school bus mechanics in N.B. There is now a 5% wage incentive to attract auto service technicians, but it’s more difficult to find fully certified truck and transport mechanics.

The federal government will invest $38.2M over 3 years to help small and medium defence businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow and modernize. Atlantic Canada directly employs about 10,000 people in the aerospace and defence industry, with over 200 firms.

Hôtel Mingan, a hotel in Sept-Îles, invested around $3M in renovating its rooms and the building in general. The hotel, which will change its name, expects to complete the project in the spring of 2026.

Hôpital de Sept-Îles renovated its main entrance to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The project, which started in the summer of 2024, is valued at $3M.

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association will soon open a Consignaction+ location in Sainte-Julie

Ski Saint-Bruno, a recreational resort in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, invested $1.5M in its facilities. The company, which employs between 800 and 1,000 people, installed an energy-efficient lighting system, among other things.

The Delta Hotel in Saguenay is investing $25M in adding 43 new rooms and modernizing its current facilities. This project is in connection with Loto-Québec’s planned gaming hall project on the hotel site.

The Municipalité de Saint-Victor received over $7.7M from the Government of Quebec to rehabilitate and develop its water infrastructure

Ultium Cam, a cathode materials production company, is reviewing the construction schedule for its plant in Bécancour. As a result, 400 workers had to leave the construction site.

The Government of Quebec is investing $79.4M in various museums across the province over the next three years. The funding will improve accessibility to the institutions.

The Couvent Mont-Saint-Patrice, a heritage institution that includes businesses and cultural organizations in Richmond, invested $1.5M in improving the building’s accessibility

École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) is a university in Montréal. The university inaugurated its design and artificial intelligence building after having received an investment of over $46M from the provincial government.

The City of Edmonton has announced the completion of the southbound overpass on 50 Street, between 90 Avenue and Sherwood Park Freeway. A shared pathway and sidewalk on the overpass are expected to be completed in 2026.

Federal government departments have started notifying public servants nationwide about whether they will be impacted by workforce adjustments. The goal is to reduce the federal workforce through job cuts, attrition, and early retirements. These reductions are part of The Canada Strong Budget 2025 to achieve $60 billion in savings by 2029.

The Government of Canada has announced that PacifiCan is spending $63.1M through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative to help British Columbia’s small- and medium-sized businesses build their capacity and innovate.

The Government of Canada will be spending $357.7M to establish the new Regional Defence Investment Initiative. These funds support research, domestic supply chains, and improve funds for Canadian small- and medium-sized defence businesses.

The number of cattle being raised in the province has been falling over the last few years, according to the Manitoba Beef Producers. As more cattle farmers exit the industry and herds decline in Manitoba and across the country, beef prices are going up.

Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing retailer, is opening its first Manitoba location in Winnipeg’s St. Vital Mall. The company has been expanding across the U.S. and Canada with a goal of opening 200 stores in North America by 2027.

According to Statistics Canada data, Saskatchewan had the second-lowest unemployement rate in Canada in November at 5.6%, below the national average of 6.5%. There was strong job growth in health care and social assistance, building, business and other services, and agriculture compared to November 2024.

The Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Employees Union have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, retroactively effective October 1, 2024. The agreement includes a 9% wage increase for the first year, followed by a 3% raise for 2025 and 2026, and a 2.5% raise for 2027. Additionally, Northern allowances and Inuktut language bonuses will also increase in the next couple of years.

Rio Tinto, the owner of NWT’s Diavik diamond mine, has signed a closure agreement with the North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) to cover jobs and financial aid as the mine prepares to close by March 2026. The agreement includes employment and training opportunities for workers, funding for NSMA’s new economic development facility, and the transfer of Diavik’s copper wire recycling initiative.

The City of Yellowknife has signed a three-year agreement with NWT Tourism to promote tourism in the region. The organization plans to improve the city’s tourism research, expand business travel opportunities, and implement a multi-year wayfinding and signage project by creating information kiosks and interpretive displays at the airport.

Home Base Yellowknife and the Foster Family Coalition are set to vote on a tentative collective agreement with the union representing their employees, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Currently, PSAC and the employers have agreed on all issues except for wages, leave entitlements, and the effective dates for a two-year collective agreement.