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Canada’s Labour Market Surges in June, Defying Economic Forecasts

Canada’s job market delivered a pleasant surprise in June, as the national unemployment rate dipped to 6.9% , defying economists’ expectations of a rise to 7.1%. According to Statistics Canada, the economy added 83,000 jobs , marking the first significant employment gain since January. The bulk of the new positions were part-time roles , with 47,000 jobs  created in the private sector. Key growth sectors included wholesale and retail trade , which added 34,000 jobs, and health care and social assistance , which saw a boost of 17,000 positions. Even the manufacturing sector , previously hit by trade tensions, posted a modest gain of 10,000 jobs. This unexpected uptick in employment has prompted analysts to reconsider their forecasts for the Bank of Canada’s upcoming interest rate decision. While some had anticipated a rate cut, the strength of the June labour report may delay such moves. Despite the positive headline numbers, challenges remain. Student unemployment  remains ele...

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Ontario Colleges on Edge as Faculty Strike Looms

Faculty staff at Ontario’s public colleges are poised to take strike action as early as January 9th, following a five-day labour notice issued by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). The union, representing faculty workers at the province’s 24 public colleges, has cited stalled contract talks and lack of job security as the primary reasons for the potential strike.

Despite months of negotiations, the College Employer Council (CEC) and OPSEU have yet to reach an agreement. The union claims that the CEC’s current offer would leave faculty members worse off than their previous contract, which expired three months ago. The CEC, on the other hand, argues that the union’s demands are unrealistic given the financial instability faced by Ontario’s colleges.

The potential strike comes at a challenging time for Ontario’s college sector, which has already seen a significant drop in international student enrollment and funding cuts. The union is urging the CEC to enter mediation with more realistic demands to avoid an unnecessary strike.

As the situation unfolds, both parties remain committed to finding a resolution, but the looming strike date adds urgency to the negotiations.




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