Economy encumbered by debt, high oil, but still has 'momentum,' says Carney
Published: 2012-04-20 5:00:00 PM - Author: none'The Bank of Canada is taking a more positive view of the Canadian economy, while doubling down on warnings over household debt, the strong dollar and now the price of oil.
Building on Tuesday's policy rate announcement that predicted 2.4 per cent annual growth this year and next, the central bank's quarterly monetary policy review provided a generally positive spin on Canada's economic outlook particularly in the first half of this year.
The central bank said growth in the first three months of the year will likely be a relatively robust 2.5 per cent annualized, well above the 1.8 level it had expected in its January report...'
Conference Board says tight labour markets after 2016 will slow economy's growth
Published: 2012-04-20 4:54:00 PM - Author: none'A new Conference Board report says tight labour markets after 2016 will curtail the economy's long-term potential for growth.
The think tank's most recent long-term forecast predicts overall real GDP in Canada will grow at an average of 2.7 per cent between now and 2016...'
Ottawa 'streamlines' eco-reviews to aid growth; critics call it sop to Big Oil
Published: 2012-04-20 4:50:00 PM - Author: none'A major overhaul of environmental assessment rules for big projects will create jobs and growth, the federal government announced Tuesday, sparking resource industry praise and fierce criticism from environmental groups.
First signalled in last month's budget, the Conservative government said proposed new rules would encourage investment by avoiding wasteful duplication and setting strict time limits for project reviews...'
Health: Your killer office space
Published: 2012-04-20 4:46:00 PM - Author: none'If you're reading this article from the comfort of your office chair, do yourself a favour: stand up.
Excessive sitting is now recognized as "lethal," according to Mayo Clinic doctor James Levine, a specialist on the harmful effects of inactivity. In recent years, Levine and others have used clinical studies to prove that even in healthy people, a chair-based lifestyle sets up the physiological conditions for the onset of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity-and ultimately, shorter lifespans...'
Ontario Merging Energy Agencies
Published: 2012-04-20 4:42:00 PM - Author: none'Ontario is proposing to merge the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) into a single organization that would save ratepayers millions of dollars a year and better meet today's electricity supply needs.
The government intends to introduce legislation that would, if passed, create a single new agency that will merge the OPA's planning knowledge with the IESO's operational expertise...'
Ontario Honours Six Outstanding Youth
Published: 2012-04-20 4:36:00 PM - Author: none'...Six exceptional youth will receive the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, the highest honour a young person can achieve in the province.
This year's honourees are active in socially-conscious causes, such as advancing environmentalism and sustainability, fundraising and philanthropy. Each has made a difference through volunteerism and inspired other young people to take the lead...'
Can green and grey infrastructure collide with benefits for Ontario?
Published: 2012-04-20 4:32:00 PM - Author: none'A province-wide coalition asking the province to support green infrastructure is pointing to social and economic benefits as well as ecological ones.
The Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition released a report, Health, Prosperity and Sustainability: The Case for Green Infrastructure in Ontario, in March...'
Federal skilled worker program revamp
Published: 2012-04-20 4:27:00 PM - Author: none'There will be a separate and streamlined program for skilled tradespersons under the modernized Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which is expected later this year.
Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney recently spoke at a Bow II construction site in Calgary about the program changes to help fill the nation’s growing labour shortages in areas such as construction, natural resources...'
Toronto to host Canada Green Building Council conference
Published: 2012-04-20 4:22:00 PM - Author: none'Canada’s largest green building event will look at how to implement sustainable design and operations on a grander scale, and based on a broader set of issues critical for a healthy environment and better quality of life for Canadians.
The full program is now available for the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC) National Conference and Expo taking place in Toronto from June 11-13. This annual event brings together speakers and over 30 continuing education sessions with over 1,000 attendees and an expo with more than 100 booths...'
Darlington nuclear refurbishment drives Ontario construction worker demand
Published: 2012-04-20 4:17:00 PM - Author: none'The plan to refurbish four reactors at the Darlington nuclear generating station east of Toronto is one project that will increase the demand for labour, according to exhibitors at the recent Future Building job fair...'