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GTA & Vancouver Home Sales Fell Again in August — What RBC's "Recovery" Call Actually Means for You

  September 6, 2026  •  Canadian Money Brief Fresh numbers out this week from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) confirm what a lot of GTA and Metro Vancouver households already feel in their bones: the country's two biggest, most expensive housing markets are still shrinking on paper, even as the Bank of Canada holds rates and the trade war eats into everyone's confidence. At the same time, RBC Economics dropped a report calling this a market that's "finally taking steps" toward recovery. Those two things sound contradictory. They're not — but the gap between them is exactly where you need to be paying attention, whether you're a first-time buyer, a seller sitting on a listing, or a landlord watching your renewal math. What It Means for You: Prices are still down year-over-year in both cities, but the underlying supply picture — fewer new listings, tighter inventory — is the thing actually shifting. That...

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Ontario Introduces Comprehensive Plan to Limit Cellphone Use and Ban Vaping in Schools

 

In a groundbreaking move, the Ontario government has unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce distractions in classrooms and enhance student well-being. The plan, which aims to standardize and strengthen provincewide measures, addresses the rising concerns related to cellphone usage and vaping among students.

Key Measures:

  1. Cellphone Restrictions:

    • Students in kindergarten through Grade 6 will be required to keep their phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless explicitly permitted by an educator.
    • For students in Grades 7 to 12, cellphones will not be allowed during class time unless explicitly directed by the educator.
    • The policy emphasizes “out of sight and out of mind,” restoring focus, safety, and common sense in Ontario schools.
  2. Social Media Removal:

    • Social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices. This step aims to minimize distractions and promote a more focused learning environment.
  3. Vaping Ban:

    • Vaping will be banned in all Ontario schools.
    • Students caught using or carrying vaping devices will be required to surrender them, with parents immediately notified of the situation.
    • The government has allocated $30 million in the 2024 budget to install vape detectors and enhance security in schools.
  4. Supports for Mental Health and Parent Engagement:

    • The government will invest $17.5 million in new wrap-around supports for student mental health and parent engagement.
    • Initiatives include providing support for students at risk of addictive behaviors and developing webinars and resources for parents and students to address the adverse effects of vaping and excessive cellphone usage.

This comprehensive plan reflects Ontario’s commitment to prioritizing student learning, safety, and well-being. By addressing distractions head-on, the province aims to create a more conducive environment for education and growth. 

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