U.S. Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by half a percentage point

U.S. Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by half a percentage point

The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half of a percentage point on Wednesday, kicking off what is expected to be a steady easing of monetary policy with a larger-than-usual reduction in borrowing costs that followed growing unease about the health of the job market. “The committee has gained greater confidence that inflation is … Read more

Rail decision could give bargaining companies advantage in other industries, union leader says

Rail decision could give bargaining companies advantage in other industries, union leader says

A decision obliging more than 9,000 Canadian rail workers to stay on the job is a win for the railways and could impact bargaining in other federally regulated sectors like aviation, the head of a Canadian rail workers’ union told Reuters. Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, also said the union would … Read more

Is urban flooding becoming a more pressing threat as Canada’s infrastructure ages?

Is urban flooding becoming a more pressing threat as Canada’s infrastructure ages?

After multiple water main breaks and floods across the country this summer, municipalities and experts are warning that urban flooding could become more common as Canada’s infrastructure ages. “We have good infrastructure in Canada. The challenge is it’s aging and we’re not keeping up,” John Gamble, president of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of … Read more

NEET UG Controversy: SC expands mandate of committee set up by centre to rectify structural flaws in exam system | Education

NEET UG Controversy: SC expands mandate of committee set up by centre to rectify structural flaws in exam system | Education

Ahead of releasing its detailed judgment in the NEET UG matter, the Supreme Court on Friday expanded the mandate of the committee initially formed by the Centre to address issues surrounding the exam. The the Supreme Court expands the mandate of the committee initially formed by the Centre to address issues surrounding the exam. (File) … Read more

Railway workers at CN, CPKC vote to reauthorize strike but open to federal mediation, union says

Railway workers at CN, CPKC vote to reauthorize strike but open to federal mediation, union says

Union members at CN and CPKC railways have voted to reauthorize strikes at both companies if negotiated settlements can’t be reached. Teamsters Canada said in a statement Saturday that union members at both railways voted almost 99 per cent in favour of reauthorized strike action. The union said members previously voted in favour of strike … Read more

WestJet Encore pilots file 72-hour strike notice

WestJet Encore pilots file 72-hour strike notice

Pilots at WestJet’s regional carrier could be going on strike at the beginning of June. The Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday afternoon that WestJet Encore pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice to management and the government. The union said some progress has been made after two weeks of bargaining following the pilots’ rejection … Read more

Extreme weather causing billions of dollars in damage, driving up insurance premiums: StatsCan

Extreme weather causing billions of dollars in damage, driving up insurance premiums: StatsCan

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the country has caused the sums paid out annually for catastrophic insurance claims to explode — and annual payouts for the last four years now rank among the ten largest on record, says a new Statistics Canada study. “Homeowners have been particularly affected by extreme weather claims, with recent hurricanes, floods … Read more

Federal union filing complaints about increase to office time

Federal union filing complaints about increase to office time

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is putting together formal complaints that by mandating federal public servants return to offices at least three days a week in September, the federal government is undermining collective agreements. The government directed all public servants, with few exceptions, to be in the office three days a week starting Sept. 9.  That’s an increase … Read more

With Bill 20, Danielle Smith sows fear and loathing (and confusion) in Alberta councils, big and small

With Bill 20, Danielle Smith sows fear and loathing (and confusion) in Alberta councils, big and small

It’s hard to get 260 Alberta municipal governments to agree on much, which is why their blanket organization seldom has anything provocative to say. What advocacy points can members as disparate as Calgary, Lethbridge, the town of Two Hills and the villages of Czar, Barons and Bawlf agree on? Safer fare, typically — suggestions that … Read more

CEO leaves Native Women’s Association of Canada engulfed in turmoil

CEO leaves Native Women’s Association of Canada engulfed in turmoil

The most prominent Indigenous women’s organization in Canada announced on Friday the departure of its chief executive officer amid internal turmoil. In an email viewed by CBC News, Carol McBride, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), informed staff that Lynne Groulx is no longer employed as the organization’s CEO. “NWAC continues to … Read more