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Statistics Canada Begins Major Workforce Overhaul, Cutting 850 Positions

    Statistics Canada says it will be cutting around 850 of its staff along with 12 per cent of its executive team. Statistics Canada is moving ahead with a major restructuring that will see roughly 850 jobs eliminated , including a portion of its executive ranks. The agency confirmed that it has entered a formal workforce adjustment period, with affected employees set to receive notices over the next two weeks. The cuts are part of a broader federal initiative to reduce public service spending. With more than 7,200 employees as of early 2025, Statistics Canada is among several departments facing significant downsizing as the government seeks long‑term budget efficiencies. Union representatives have raised concerns about the impact on the agency’s ability to maintain the quality and timeliness of national data. Management, however, has emphasized that voluntary departures and early retirement incentives will be used where possible to ease the transition. The announcement m...

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Northvolt Bankruptcy Casts Shadow Over Quebec EV Battery Plant

Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about the future of its ambitious $7-billion battery plant project in Quebec. The company cited rising capital costs, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in market demand as key factors leading to its financial collapse.

Despite the parent company's bankruptcy, Northvolt North America, a subsidiary, has stated that it remains solvent and intends to honor its obligations. However, the fate of the Quebec plant, known as Northvolt Six, remains uncertain. The project, located near Montreal, was expected to produce battery cells and cathode active materials for electric vehicles, with operations powered entirely by hydroelectric energy.

The Quebec and Canadian governments had pledged significant financial support for the project, with investments totaling billions of dollars. Quebec's Economy Minister Christine Fréchette expressed disappointment but emphasized the government's commitment to finding a buyer to take over Northvolt's North American operations and revive the project.

The bankruptcy marks a significant setback for Northvolt, which had been a key player in Europe's efforts to reduce reliance on Asian battery manufacturers. The future of the Quebec plant now hinges on the decisions of a court-appointed trustee and potential new investors.

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