Latest from Cision Canada
Cision Canada
28 minutes ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada and European Union launch new industrial policy dialogue Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is focused on strengthening and diversifying international partnerships, working with the European Union (EU) to protect and create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President (EVP) for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, met on July 11 to advance collaboration under the New Canada–EU Strategic Partnership of the Future. This partnership was announced at the Canada–European Union Leaders' Summit in Brussels on June 23 by the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; António Costa, President of the European Council; and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Minister Joly and EVP Séjourné agreed to develop a joint work plan in the coming weeks that will determine specific areas of cooperation. They also committed to convening again within the next month to further advance their shared priorities. Recognizing economic diplomacy as a vital tool for fostering stability, innovation and prosperity, both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to address global challenges. Quotes "At this pivotal moment, Canada is committed to deepening its partnership with the European Union as we diversify supply chains and enhance trade ties. Together, we are strengthening a trans-Atlantic alliance that will enhance our economic competitiveness and protect critical industries and technologies." – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions "Today's visit marks the first concrete step toward the deeper cooperation envisioned at the EU–Canada Summit. At a time when the international geoeconomic landscape has rarely been so unstable, strong partnerships and shared perspectives on global trade and industrial trends are more valuable than ever. From expanding our trade ties and strengthening technological and innovation cooperation to increasing the supply of Canadian raw materials, we share an unprecedented range of common interests." – Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, European Commission Quick facts Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the New Canada–EU Strategic Partnership of the Future in Brussels with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 23, 2025. Canada and the EU also signed the Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation in security and defence priorities. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
34 minutes ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Building 1,285 new homes in Toronto Français
TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the government is supporting the construction of 1,285 new rental homes with an investment of over $650 million through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP). The announcement was made by Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Woburn, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Roberston, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, alongside Michael Thompson, Councillor for Scarborough Centre. The 1,285 rental units will be comprised of three 45, 35, and 41-storey residential towers, located at 25 Borough Drive, and will be developed by Oxford Properties Group, the global real estate arm of OMERS. The development will feature residential and retail space and will offer a broad unit mix of 51 studios, 693 one-bedrooms, 411 two-bedrooms and 130 three-bedroom units, including 23 townhomes for people from various economic backgrounds, age demographics, and family structures. The site is located close to Scarborough Town Centre Shopping mall and will be near Scarborough Centre TTC station, which include GO Transit, and the future Scarborough Subway Expansion. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with our partners to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "Our government is committed to driving housing supply to bring down costs. This project will create more rental homes for people living and working in Scarborough and is an example of what's possible when we work together in partnership with the private sector. This is another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "We are building more affordable homes to address the housing crisis. The project at 25 Borough Drive will create 1,285 new homes for Torontonians, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes. The City of Toronto is proud to support this project through the Rental Housing Supply Program. We are stronger together, working with the Government of Canada to create more affordable homes in Scarborough to meet the needs of our growing city."" – Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto "Oxford is a high-conviction investor in the living sector, and we're proud to leverage our strong development expertise in Canada to help address our nation's housing crisis. The ACLP loan allows us to accelerate our plan to intensify the lands at our Brimley site to deliver much-needed housing solutions in Scarborough. Our partnership with CMHC is a tremendous example of how a public-private solution can drive transformative, meaningful impact for communities." – Daniel Fournier, Executive Chair at Oxford Properties Quick Facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities The $55 billion Apartment Loan Construction Program (ACLP) is providing low-cost financing to support more than 131,000 new rental homes across Canada by 2031 – 2032. The ACLP provides fully repayable low-interest loans to encourage the construction of more rentals for middle-class Canadians. It creates a positive impact to the housing system at minimal cost to taxpayers. A stable supply of purpose-built rental housing is essential for more people in Canada to have access to housing that meets their needs. As of March 2025, CMHC has committed $23.35 billion in loans through ACLP to support the creation of more than 59,000 rental homes. It is one of many programs and initiatives under the National Housing Strategy designed to help address housing needs across the housing continuum. It complements other NHS initiatives that focus on funding affordable housing units for lower-income households. Budget 2024 announced enhancements to the ACLP which includes the program being extended from 2027 – 2028 to 2031 – 2032. The enhancements will allow applicants to apply for funding for on- and off-campus student housing to support post-secondary educational institutions as well as independent seniors housing. There are no longer minimum requirements relating to energy efficiency and accessibility, instead applicants will benefit from making stronger commitments to desired rental supply and social outcomes. Funding provided for 25 Borough Drive is as follows: $650 million in fully repayable loans from the federal government, through the Apartment Construction Loan Program $2.5 million from City of Toronto's Rental Housing Supply Program Additional Information: Visit for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Climate
- Cision Canada
Hurricane Season: Be aware of the risks to your safety before you go Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Water, heat, humidity and wind: The perfect elements for a great day of sailing on a calm, clear stretch of water. However, on the high seas, this beautiful image can quickly turn into a darker and much more frightening one when these elements merge and start swirling forcefully towards the coast. Harvey, Ian, Sandy, Irma and Katrina … all these major hurricanes caused significant destruction and claimed a large number of victims. The same applies to individual actions that may be beneficial in and of themselves. When these actions are combined, they can have a major impact. Tropical storms, even weak ones, can quickly intensify and become major hurricanes, posing a serious threat to your safety. The Government of Canada establishes risk levels to international destinations to help travelers make informed decisions. When a tropical storm warning is issued, the risk level for a destination may be adjusted to advise against non-essential travel. You should be prepared to cancel your plans at the last minute, depending on the current risk level and the evolving situation on the ground. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts This reasoning also applies to Canadians travelling or staying in hurricane-prone regions. As we begin the Hurricane Season (from June 1 to the end of November in the Atlantic Ocean, and from May 15 to November 30 in the Pacific Ocean), the Canadian government is encouraging its citizens to take the following 8 actions. Together, these actions can make a significant contribution to your safety abroad. Remember that, in the event of a hurricane, you could face serious safety risks. Regularly consult the Natural disasters and climate section of the Travel advice and advisories web pages, before and during your stay abroad, to make informed decisions about your destination and whether it is prone to hurricanes. Ignoring official warnings could affect your insurance coverage and safety. Your insurance policy may be cancelled if a travel warning is in effect for your destination. Register with the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service to allow the government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency in your destination country. Follow on social media to receive ongoing updates about safety conditions abroad. to receive ongoing updates about safety conditions abroad. Take note of the contact information of the Canadian office abroad that is closest to your destination so you know who to contact in an emergency. Please note that our ability to help you may be limited. Be prepared for any possibility, such as having to change or cancel your trip, being stranded abroad, facing major power outages or being forced to stay in your hotel room. Review your travel insurance to find out all the details about your coverage and adapt it to your needs. Get information from official sources in emergency situations. Consult the Severe storms outside Canada page for more information. The 2024 Hurricane Season: Striking figures When a tropical storm reaches sustained winds of at least 63 km/h, it is officially named. An "average" season consists of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. During the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, 18 tropical storms were named, 11 storms became hurricanes, and of those, 5 were major hurricanes. Last year's Atlantic hurricane season began quietly and ended with a bang. In November alone, 3 hurricanes formed. In 2024, a total of 5 storms made landfall. From 1991 to 2020, the average number of storms that made landfall was 1.7 per year. The forecast for the 2025 season is similar to the 2024 season, that is, above normal. The forecast is expecting between 13 to 19 tropical storms to be named, 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 may become major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Historic Cannabis Seed Giveaway is a Huge Hit at 2025 California State Fair
Humboldt Seed Company empowers homegrowers with an unprecedented cannabis seed giveaway at the 2025 California State Fair. SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Humboldt Seed Company (HSC), California's largest licensed cannabis seed provider, is making history at the State Fair with a 15,000-seed giveaway, part of its mission to empower home growers. The giveaway continues through July 27 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Fairgoers can visit the Embarc counter at the California Cannabis Experience and receive 3 cannabis seeds for one cent, keeping in compliance with all state regulations. The seeds are sourced from HSC's annual phenohunting project—an advanced selection process aimed at identifying the best cannabis strains for its ongoing breeding program. "This is more than just a giveaway—it's an opportunity to spotlight cannabis as a premium California agricultural product and inspire consumers to discover the benefits of growing their own," said Benjamin Lind, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Humboldt Seed Company. "The enthusiasm we're seeing has exceeded our expectations." This significant industry milestone is the largest legal cannabis seed distribution ever undertaken at a public event. It represents an important moment for the destigmatization of cannabis and brings home growing into the mainstream gardening realm. "We're thrilled to partner with Humboldt Seed Company. Their commitment to scientific innovation, genetic excellence, and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with our mission," said Dustin Moore, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Embarc. "And we're just getting started. In the coming weeks, we'll announce a new collaboration that combines world-class genetics with responsible retail practices to create memorable experiences for concertgoers. We're moving cannabis from the parking lot to the main stage." About Humboldt Seed Company Established in 2001, Humboldt Seed Company is a Northern California heritage brand providing quality cannabis genetics to commercial cultivators and home growers in legalized states across the U.S. and international markets, including Europe, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Antigua, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and the U.K. With a focus on environmental and social justice, HSC combines traditional breeding and modern scientific practices in its strain development program. For more information visit
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Red Apple Stores Bring a Fresh New Look to Four Communities This August
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Four communities are about to experience a refreshed way to shop! Red Apple is thrilled to announce exciting updates across several store locations, including a full renovation in Virden, MB, and brand transformations in Cardston, AB; Shelburne, NS; and Iroquois Falls, ON, where former Bargain Shop stores have been rebranded to Red Apple. Shoppers will love the newly refreshed stores, now featuring brighter lighting, modern signage, and easy-to-navigate aisles that make every visit more enjoyable. Each location also includes a Candyworks™ candy shop, a sweet destination for kids and kids at heart! The rebranding from The Bargain Shop to Red Apple reflects the company's ongoing commitment to providing the same great value, while delivering a better, more modern shopping experience. Customers can expect friendly service, expanded assortments, and a more inviting store atmosphere, all with the everyday savings they've come to count on. "This is more than a new name or look, it's about creating a better everyday shopping experience," said Brendan Proctor, CEO and President of Red Apple Stores. "We've reimagined these stores to be brighter, more welcoming, and full of the value our customers know and love. Whether you're shopping for your family or picking up a little treat at Candyworks, there's something for everyone." To celebrate, all four locations will host a Grand Opening event on Friday, August 15, complete with exclusive giveaways, a ribbon-cutting, and plenty of community cheer. Ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. at each location. Here's what's in store for the first 100 customers: A FREE $10 shopping card A FREE laundry basket A FREE reusable shopping bag (while supplies last for all customers) Plus, enter for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree! From trendy fashion and stylish home essentials to toys, snacks, and everyday necessities, Red Apple continues to deliver incredible value close to home. Store Locations: 135 Wellington St. West, Virden, MB (Newly Renovated) 388 Main Street, Cardston, AB (Formerly The Bargain! Shop, Now Red Apple) 115 King St #100, Shelburne, NS (Formerly The Bargain! Shop, Now Red Apple) 288 Cambridge Avenue, Iroquois Falls, ON (Formerly The Bargain! Shop, Now Red Apple) Mark your calendars for Friday, August 15 and come celebrate with us, you're going to love what's new! About Red Apple Stores Red Apple Stores is Canada's favourite chain of over 140 small-town general merchandise retail stores. For more than 20 years, we have been your reputable neighborhood retailers who bring you big brands, quality products, and big savings on food, fashion, home, and more at convenient locations in your small towns. Our stores are known for providing super-friendly service, creating a welcoming environment for shoppers, and treating customers with dignity and respect.
