Start Date: 2025-02-22
End Date: 2025-02-28

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Enhances Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

The Government of Canada has announced an additional $23 million investment in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), bringing its total funding to over $393 million for 2024-28. This initiative, led by Employment and Social Development Canada, aims to assist 1,600 youth facing employment barriers across Canada. The funding will support new projects, including those in Winnipeg, where organizations like NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre Inc. will aid local youth in overcoming employment challenges.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Initiatives to Support Black Public Servants Unveiled

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has introduced new initiatives to support Black public servants as part of an Action Plan. These include the Aspiring Directors Program and Leadership Development Program, aiming to enhance career development for 400 Black public servants. Moreover, the Action Plan encompasses health supports and linguistic training to foster a more inclusive workplace environment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Landmark Agreement Reforms First Nations Child Services in Ontario

A historic $8.5 billion agreement has been signed between the Government of Canada, the Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation to reform First Nations Child and Family Services. This Ontario-specific agreement includes secure funding for First Nations and aims to keep children within their communities. The deal will undergo approval by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal soon.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Launches 2025 Volunteer Awards Nomination Call

Employment and Social Development Canada has opened nominations for the 2025 Canada’s Volunteer Awards, encouraging recognition of volunteers, not-for-profits, and social enterprises. Categories include the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award and regional awards such as Emerging Leader and Social Innovator, with nominations open until May 8, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Express Entry Draws to Address Labour Shortages

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has outlined plans for 2025 Express Entry category-based draws. These will focus on labour market needs in health, trades, and education, with an emphasis on Francophone immigration. The initiative seeks to align immigrant selection with Canada's economic priorities, targeting specific skills and language proficiencies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Implementation Plan for the Black Justice Strategy Released

The Canadian government has released the Implementation Plan for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, detailing a 10-year framework to address systemic issues and reduce Black overrepresentation in the justice system.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Nova Scotia Address Homelessness

The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced a joint initiative to combat homelessness with a $5.3 million investment to expand shelter capacity and outreach services in Halifax.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Funding for Health Initiatives in Northwest Territories

Health Canada announced $1.9 million for the Tlicho region in Northwest Territories, supporting projects aimed at improving recovery and counseling services amidst the ongoing overdose crisis.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Firearm-Related Violent Crime Decline in 2023

Statistics Canada reports a 1.7% decline in firearm-related violent crime rates for 2023, marking the first decrease since 2018. Firearm-related homicides also saw a reduction.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada's Approach to the Sudan Crisis

Canada continues its humanitarian efforts in Sudan, focusing on peace-building and humanitarian aid, including a $100 million allocation for emergency services and development assistance.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

New Brunswick Human Rights Issue Addressed

New Brunswick departments have issued a joint statement acknowledging past misinterpretations affecting Eric Ravn's family, pledging to improve services for clients with complex needs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Alberta's Compassionate Intervention Centers

Alberta plans to invest $180 million in constructing two compassionate intervention centers, aiming to provide comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Funds Disability Support Training

Nova Scotia announces funding for 100 spots in disability support programs across the province to meet the Human Rights Remedy and enhance the workforce.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Modernization of Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

Nova Scotia will update its Human Rights Commission to improve accessibility and responsiveness to reflect diverse provincial needs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Red Tape Reduction Bill Introduced

Alberta's ninth Red Tape Reduction bill proposes changes to ease document exchange and improve charitable, trade, and child intervention services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Enhances Consumer Protection Laws

B.C. proposes amendments to consumer protection laws to combat predatory sales practices and ensure transparency in contracts and subscriptions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta's Budget 2025 Focuses on Health and Education

Alberta's Budget 2025 commits $28 billion to healthcare and $9.9 billion for K-12 education, aiming to improve services and infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Pink Shirt Day Statements from B.C. Officials

B.C. Premier David Eby and Minister Lisa Beare underscore the importance of combatting bullying and fostering safe environments for students on Pink Shirt Day.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Terry Duguid Highlights Pharmacare Expansion

MP Terry Duguid announced the expansion of pharmacare in Manitoba, making diabetes medication and contraceptives free to ensure affordability in healthcare.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Raquel Dancho on Human Trafficking Awareness

MP Raquel Dancho marked National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, emphasizing Conservative commitment to combatting exploitation and protecting Canadians.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator René Cormier Discusses Bullying in 2SLGBTQ+ Communities

Senator René Cormier highlights the prevalence of bullying among 2SLGBTQ+ youth, encouraging support and action against discrimination on Pink Shirt Day.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kim Pate Advocates for Basic Income

Senator Kim Pate supports guaranteed livable basic income as a cost-saving measure for Ontario, sharing insights from a related fact sheet.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Celebrates Community Leader

Senator Tony Loffreda attended a ceremony honoring Tony Sciascia with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to the Italian-Canadian community.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Rebooting the system: Why culturally inclusive care matters: Examines the importance of culturally inclusive care in healthcare systems.
• Housing for domestic violence survivors desperately needs funding boost, advocates say: Discusses the urgent need for increased funding for housing support for domestic violence survivors.
• How Guelph candidates plan to address health care, tariff threats and housing the homeless: Guelph's electoral candidates discuss major local issues, including healthcare and homelessness.
• Voting day in Ontario: Trump, healthcare, cost of living top issues on the campaign: Highlights key issues driving Ontario's election campaign.
• Northern Policy Institute surveying northern Ontarians about immigration, personal wellbeing: A survey explores northern Ontarians' views on immigration and personal wellbeing.
• Addressing Racism and Representation in Medical Care: A look at efforts to tackle racism and improve representation in medical settings.