Despite layoffs, Winnipeg automation company says it can weather trade war
Winnipeg's Eascan Automation says some customers have paused projects amid uncertainty surrounding Canada-U.S. trade relations, but the automation company is confident it will get some of that business back once the trade situation stabilizes.
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CBC
27 minutes ago
- CBC
'It's happening. It's real': Northlander passenger train on track to return next year
Some 14 years after it was scrapped by the previous Liberal government and eight years after the current Progressive Conservative promised to bring it back, the Northlander passenger train is set to return in 2026. "Literally we are on track as we speak," said Al Spacek, chair of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission said. "The equipment is being manufactured and we've seen some exciting developments. Our staff have been down to the manufacturing facility. So it's happening. It's real." Spacek said the passenger service will be fully accessible, complete with Wi-Fi for guests. He also added that improvements are being made to the rail track. "This government has already invested over $70 million on upgrading the track between North Bay and Timmins," he said. "It will be a nice, smooth ride and this only represents 42 per cent of the work that's being planned on the track." Spacek said it's not yet known exactly how much it will cost to bring the Northlander back, but said the provincial government has spent "hundreds of millions of dollars" so far. "We've come a long way since the previous government said they're going to shut down this service," he said. "I'm not sure there was a lack of demand or ridership... certainly that was a decision by the previous government to shut it down for whatever reasons." Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne did indeed cite low ridership and high costs in 2012, when her government decided to scrap the Northlander passenger train and redirect that funding into Ontario Northland's passenger bus service. In 2011, the Northlander had 39,000 riders, with an annual subsidy of $100 million keeping the train running. By comparison, the 2022 business case for bringing back the train estimated annual operating costs at around $283 million, with as much as $93 million in revenues, if they hit a target of 58,000 riders by 2041. "Ticket prices haven't been determined yet, but this is a public transportation service so the cost will be subsidized. Affordability is a priority," said Spacek. "It's a right that people have access to public transportation. Passenger service doesn't make money. That's the fact of life."
CBC
27 minutes ago
- CBC
Sask. to put American-made booze back on the shelves
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is resuming the purchase and distribution of American-made alcohol. All American alcohol products will now be available for purchase through all distribution centres and private liquor distributors in the province, said David Morris, a spokesperson for the corporation, in a statement to CBC on Tuesday. "This change gives Saskatchewan people the option to choose whether they want to buy these products or consider alternatives," Morris said. The federal government's 25-per-cent tariff on U.S. alcohol remains in effect. Morris said Saskatchewan consumers are still encouraged to support Saskatchewan and Canadian products when there is an option. The change comes nearly three months after the province reversed its decision to stop selling some American-branded alcohol products made in Canada. In March, the province announced a ban on all American alcohol products. It then walked back that ban for 54 brands that, while American-owned, are produced in Canada.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Ontario's Life Services Innovation Fund gets $6.5M
Ontario's Life Services Innovation Fund gets $6.5M More than a dozen companies are being awarded up to $500K each to develop new medical treatment technology.
