More Effort Needed to Help Canadians Understand the Harms of Communism, Says Chair of New Ottawa Memorial
The destructive legacy of communism deserves more public awareness in Canada, not only for its historical impact but also for the harm it continues to inflict today, says the chair of the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, which was unveiled in Ottawa last December.
While the atrocities of the Holocaust are largely remembered and young Canadians are educated about them, comprehension of the legacy and ongoing impacts of communism remains limited, said Ludwik Klimkowski, chair of the 'Memorial to the Victims of Communism–Canada, a Land of Refuge,' in a recent interview with Jan Jekielek, host of The Epoch Times'
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New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Trump's immigration, trade policies could cost tourism industry $12B: report
The US economy could lose out on billions of dollars this year as President Trump's policies hamper the tourism industry, according to a report. The administration's mass deportation efforts, costly trade war, anti-LGBTQ legislation and, most recently, a travel ban on 12 countries have hammered foreign arrivals and spurred anti-US boycotts. The backlash from foreign visitors is expected to cost the US economy a whopping $12.5 billion this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Advertisement However, the organization's estimates have been vastly off the mark in the past. It predicted that growth in the country's travel sector would slow significantly in 2017 after Trump's surprising first election victory, but the number of visitors actually jumped amid a worldwide upswing in tourism. 3 The US economy could lose out on billions of dollars this year as the tourism sector is hammered by policy changes. AP Though Trump has made clear his frustrations with the trade deficit, the projected decline in tourism would only worsen the issue, as spending by foreign visitors in the US is counted toward our exports, according to a Bloomberg report. Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment. Foreign arrivals to the US by air have plunged 2.5% so far this year through April compared to the year before, according to the US International Trade Administration. The largest drop came in March, when arrivals fell 10% after Trump unveiled hefty tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico. Those tariffs, combined with Trump's call to annex Canada as the 51st state, have prompted frustrated Canadians to call for a travel boycott and to stop buying US products. Advertisement Figures on Canadian tourism have not been released by the US yet, but Canada's statistics bureau said trips across the border tumbled 15% in April for the third straight month of decline. Research firms have scaled back their expectations for US tourism this year since Trump took office. Tourism Economics now expects just 66 million visitors – above previous expectations of 79 million – as policy changes prompt travelers to book trips elsewhere, according to Bloomberg. 3 Venezuelan migrants arrive after being deported from the United States at Simon Bolivar International Airport. REUTERS The largest reversal will likely come from Canadians, with visits expected to plunge 20% this year, followed by a nearly 6% drop from western Europe, Tourism Economics said. Advertisement Air carriers like Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa have started to cancel long-haul flights to popular US cities while travel sites like Airbnb, and Expedia have warned that their earnings could be hit hard this year. At least a dozen foreign nations have advised their citizens to use caution when traveling to the US due to the risk of being detained by immigration officials. Others have warned transgender and nonbinary citizens that they could run into trouble using their passports after Trump signed an executive order recognizing 'male' and 'female' as the only two sexes. Global air bookings to the US from May 1 to July 31 are 11% lower than the same time last year, according to Tourism Economics. 3 President Trump departing the White House on Friday for a weekend trip to New Jersey. Getty Images And it's the first year that spending by overseas visitors is expected to fall since the pandemic, with a projected 7% dip to less than $169 billion, according to WTTC. The US is the only economy expected to suffer a tourism revenue decline this year out of the nearly 200 economies tracked by the WTTC.
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Provincial housing minister praised NDP program during visit to Penticton
British Columbia's Minister of Housing believes the provincial NDP government has come up with a funding model program established only two years ago that will be followed by government leaders across the country to allow Canadians to remain in housing they can afford. During a stop in Penticton Thursday afternoon, Ravi Kahlon, the provincial Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, revealed details about B.C.'s Rental Protection Fund, established back in 2023. As part of the fund, the provincial government announced the purchase of 14 homes at a housing complex located at 680 Wade Avenue East, purchased by the Penticton and District Society for Community Living. Kahlon said hundreds of families, seniors and individuals now have certainty that they can stay in homes they can afford due to the new funding provided by the Rental Protection Fund. 'I would say that the fear that many British Columbians have is when they drive by an encampment, many British Columbians think 'could that be me',' said Kahlon. 'When they see a 'For Sale' sign in front of their building, they think how close I could be if I lose my housing to be in a vulnerable situation. 'So while we address issues like the encampment here in Penticton, we have to ensure that the housing stock that we have protects the people that need it. That's the beauty of this Rental Protection Fund. Over 50 per cent of all the buildings purchased or sold last year, were purchased by the Rental Protection Fund. That is a significant shift of housing into the not-for-profit housing space.' The fund is not only allowing the government to protect the housing needed to provide a home for so many who are struggling to survive, but also ensuring that people can live dignified lives, said Kahlon. Kahlon said he and his government believe funding like this, which allows those struggling to access housing that is accessible and affordable, is going to become a national model for tackling Canada's affordable housing crisis. 'This program, I can guarantee you, will be scaled across the country,' he said. 'It's not whether the federal government wants to or doesn't want to. They have no choice because the data and success we're seeing in British Columbia is clear. 'We have multiple communities in today's announcement, but the reason I wanted to do it in Penticton was because Mayor and Council here are showing all councils across the province that you can be an active participant to protect the vulnerable people in your community and I'm hoping that it inspires other communities to do the same thing, so we can continue to expand this program going into the future. 'My message to the federal Housing Minister (former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson) is you don't need to spend time trying to figure it out, we have the solution. Just write us a cheque.' Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, who attended Thursday's announcement with members of Council and senior city administration, had high praise for the program. 'Today's announcement highlights the success of our affordable housing pilot funding program,' he said. 'This program, along with our updated permissive tax-exemption policy, reflects our commitment to non-market housing and partnerships to protect affordable rentals so residents can stay in homes they can afford.' Raymond Kendell, a tenant in Penticton, was also ecstatic. 'I was worried I wouldn't find a place,' he said. 'It's expensive here in Penticton. I've lived here 4.5 years. I appreciate that the Penticton and District Society for Community Living improved our building. Most people in the building seem stress-free and much happier now.' Tarra Kenney, CEO, Penticton and District Society for Community Living (PDSCL), said the fund will help many people in Penticton and across the province. 'The acquisition of the apartments at 680 Wade Ave. E. in Penticton, made possible through the Rental Proection Fund (RPF), marks a significant step in ensuring affordable housing for our community,' she said. 'Thanks to this funding, PDSCL has been able to maintain lower rental rates, providing stability and accessibility for residents who need it most.' In the midst of a global housing affordability crisis and rising costs, the provincial NDP government is securing affordable housing that gives people stability and peace of mind to help them thrive in their communities, said Kahlon. 'When people lose their homes, it can be a real struggle to find another affordable rental and communities can lose the people who work in local businesses, schools and hospitals,' he said. 'We created the Rental Protection Fund to help people stay in the homes they can afford now and in the future.' To make sure more people throughout B.C. can remain in their homes affordably, the Rental Protection Fund has supported non-profit organizations to buy a total of 220 homes, including the 14 in Penticton. As well, they recently purchased: • Chilliwack: 85 homes at Camelot Apartments, bought by Affordable Housing Societies • Fort St. John: 18 homes at Alpine Lodge., and 24 homes at Grandview Townhomes., bought by Connective • Kamloops: 25 homes at Riverside Gardens, bought by Connective Kamloops • Prince George: 21 homes bought by More than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society • Vancouver: 33 homes in Abana Court., bought by the New Vista Society. To secure these homes, the Rental Protection Fund provided partners with more than $26 million in capital contributions and renewal grants, including approximately $2.3 million to improve the buildings and ensure the homes remain in good condition for the people living there, said Kahlon. 'We're safeguarding affordability for renters across the province in communities big and small,' said Katie Maslechko, CEO, Rental Protection Fund. 'These acquisitions show what's possible when governments, community housing providers and even residents work together to keep our housing Canadian and affordable through community ownership.' The homes range from studios to three bedrooms, and are suitable for the diverse needs of seniors, families and individuals. The homes are centrally located within walking distance of core services that people rely on, such as childcare, schools, parks and transit. 'I have lived here for the past eight years, and prior to the Penticton and District Society for Community Living acquiring the property, the uncertainty and constant worry about potentially having to move or paying one-third or more for rent elsewhere in the city was extremely unsettling,' said Vicki Rylander, a tenant in Penticton. 'Being on a limited income, such a change would have had a seriously negative impact on my financial stability.' The properties in this announcement are part of the nearly 1,600 homes protected through the fund since its launch in 2023. Based on its effect so far, the fund is on track to exceed its target of protecting 2,000 homes well ahead of schedule. The fund is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 360 homes in Penticton. In January 2023, the Province made a historic initial investment of $500 million to establish the B.C. Rental Protection Fund. The fund provides one-time capital contributions to non-profit housing organizations so they can buy existing affordable rental buildings and co-operatives, protecting the people living there, safeguarding the units and keeping those units as affordable, long-term housing. On average, rents secured through the fund are 44 per cent lower than local market rates and are kept below market to ensure long-term affordability for people with low or moderate incomes. Rob Botterell, BC Green Party house leader; MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, praised the program. 'These projects show what's possible when communities and non-profits are given the tools to take housing off the speculative market,' he said. 'When we protect and expand affordable housing, we don't just solve the housing crisis - we make progress on health, education and economic stability. To create lasting change, we need continued and expanded support for protecting existing affordable homes.' Stephen Bennett, CEO, Affordable Housing Societies, was also pleased. 'We are grateful for the support of the Province through the Rental Protection Fund for our purchase of the Camelot apartments in Chilliwack,' he said. 'Because of this purchase, we have been able to ensure the residents of that building continue to have housing stability at rents they can afford.' Lee-Anne Michayluk, CEO, More Than A Roof Housing Society, credited the government for taking action on one of the most serious issues facing the province and its residents. 'This acquisition underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering strong, thriving communities by prioritizing sustainable and affordable housing solutions,' she said. 'We extend our appreciation to the RPF team and the provincial government as we work together to create lasting, positive impacts for current and future residents. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. 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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cultural diversity and sustainable practice to come together in the KESKUS International Estonian Centre
TORONTO, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting the Estonian Arts Centre to construct a green roof through a combined investment of more than $1.6 million. Enriching the experience of visitors to the KESKUS International Estonian Centre, the green roof will cap the Estonian Arts Centre's vision to create an architecturally significant, cultural landmark. Reducing stormwater run-off, passively cooling the building and providing additional green space, the more than 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden and terrace will be a unique, beautiful and functional feature of the facility. The investment will support its construction, including installing irrigation, stormwater management systems, walkways, and lighting. KESKUS will be a hub for people of all generations to connect, celebrate, and share Estonian culture and achievements. As a symbol of its interconnected relationship to the residents of Toronto, the green roof will be planted with trees and plantings that are native to both southern Ontario and Estonia. Quotes "As MP for University—Rosedale, I am proud that Toronto is home to people from all over the world, whose cultures, experiences and ideas make our city one of the greatest places to live in the world. KESKUS will be a place to celebrate the past contributions and achievements of Estonians around the world, while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. I am grateful to the Estonian-Canadian community for choosing to make Canada their home and for the cultural wealth they bring to our country. As a Ukrainian-Canadian I am also grateful to Estonian-Canadians for their resolute support for Ukraine as it fights Vladimir Putin's criminal invasion and stands up for democracy and the rules-based international order." The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "The scale and ambition of this green roof make it a standout feature of KESKUS, and thanks to the support of the Natural Infrastructure Fund, we're proud that we will deliver a space that will benefit the building, the community, and the environment for generations to come. This investment isn't just about construction—it's about legacy." Liisa Kaarid, Board Chair, Estonian Arts Centre Quick Facts The federal government is investing $1 million in the construction of the green roof through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and the Estonian Arts Centre is contributing $686,300. In 2023, the federal government also announced its contribution of $750,000 through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for below-grade construction of KESKUS. Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed €1,371,808 (about CAD$2.15 million) to support the completion of the multifunctional large hall at KESKUS. The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access to nature. Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living dikes, bioswales, and naturalized coastal restoration. Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of engineered grey infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater ponds. A minimum of 10% of the overall Natural Infrastructure Fund envelope will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects. Associated Links Natural Infrastructure Fundhttps:// Strengthened Climate Planhttps:// Housing and Infrastructure Project Maphttps:// Over 400 Canada Community Revitalization Fund projects boost community infrastructure across southern Ontariohttps:// Estonia supports the largest expatriate project of the last half-century: KESKUS International Estonian Centrehttps:// Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInWeb: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada Follow us on social: Facebook, Instagram, XWeb: SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
