Skip to main content

Featured

U.S. Targets 60 Nations in Global Forced‑Labour Crackdown, Canada Included

The U.S. government has initiated a broad series of Section 301 investigations into 60 countries—ranging from major trading partners like Canada, the European Union, China, Mexico, Japan, and the U.K. —to determine whether they have failed to curb the use or import of goods produced with forced labour.  U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that the probes will examine whether foreign policies and enforcement efforts sufficiently prevent forced‑labour‑linked products from entering global supply chains. If violations are confirmed, the U.S. may impose tariffs or other trade restrictions without requiring additional congressional approval. The move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of the administration’s previous tariff strategy, prompting a shift toward other trade tools. Canada, now under scrutiny, could face new economic pressures depending on the investigation’s outcome. Officials say the reviews will be completed “in a matter of mo...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

New Federal Budget to Deliver $1,100 Tax Credit for Personal Support Workers

 

                                           Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu 


The federal government has announced a major new measure in Budget 2025 aimed at supporting Canada’s personal support workers (PSWs). The initiative introduces a refundable tax credit of up to $1,100 per year for eligible PSWs, a move expected to benefit more than 200,000 frontline care workers across the country.

Unveiled by Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu, the credit is designed to recognize the essential role PSWs play in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in caring for seniors and vulnerable populations. The refundable nature of the credit means that even low- and modest-income workers, who may not owe income tax, will still be able to claim the benefit.

The program will allow PSWs to claim five per cent of their eligible earnings, up to the $1,100 maximum, for the next five years. This measure comes after sustained advocacy from healthcare unions, including SEIU Healthcare, which had been calling for financial relief for PSWs since 2024 Newswire.

Alongside the tax credit, Budget 2025 also includes a $75 million investment in the Union Training and Innovation Program to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades, as well as commitments to speed up the recognition of foreign professional credentials.

Union leaders and healthcare advocates have welcomed the announcement, calling it a “long overdue recognition” of the sacrifices and contributions made by PSWs, especially during the pandemic years. The government has framed the measure as part of a broader effort to make life more affordable for workers while strengthening Canada’s healthcare system.

With Canada’s aging population driving up demand for long-term care, the new tax credit is being positioned as both a financial relief measure and a recruitment tool to help attract and retain workers in a sector facing chronic shortages.

In short: Budget 2025 delivers a landmark win for PSWs, offering direct financial support while reinforcing their critical role in the country’s healthcare system.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment