The Canadian Press has provided a roundup of significant stories, covering a variety of topics that are pertinent to Canadians as they navigate the beginning of the year.
Jobless Rate Anticipated to Rise in December
This morning, Statistics Canada is set to release the job report for December. November's unemployment rate had risen to 6.8 per cent, marking the highest level since January 2017, aside from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts from RBC and BMO predict a further increase in the unemployment rate to 6.9 per cent for December, citing a continued underperformance in Canada's labor market. Additionally, these analysts forecast a modest addition of around 10,000 jobs during the month, coinciding with an upcoming interest rate decision from the Bank of Canada scheduled for January 29.
Liberals to Announce New Leader on March 9
The federal Liberal Party has declared that it will announce its new leader on March 9, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign once a successor is chosen. The party's National Board of Directors convened to outline the initial rules of the leadership race, which has a candidate declaration deadline set for January 23. The entry fee for prospective candidates is $350,000. To ensure a more regulated voting process, the party revised eligibility rules, restricting voting to registered Liberal members who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold status under the Indian Act. Voters must also be at least 14 years of age and register by January 27.
Concerns About New Border Watchdog
While the establishment of an independent review body to oversee the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) marks a significant legislative step, many in the civil society sector remain skeptical about the authority and effectiveness of this new oversight. The Public Complaints and Review Commission will soon allow travelers and immigration detainees to lodge complaints against mishandlings by the CBSA, which is responsible for managing millions of annual entries into Canada. Presently, complaints are typically addressed by an internal unit within the agency, alongside various other independent bodies. The new commission's actual capacity to enforce changes based on complaints remains a point of contention.
Summit to Connect Disabled Canadians with Employers
As numerous Canadians with disabilities grapple with employment challenges, an upcoming event aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers. Scheduled for January 15, the Untapped Talent Summit will be hosted by the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work. The summit will focus on educating companies on enhancing accessibility while providing a platform for disabled individuals to connect with employers. Simultaneously, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work will introduce an online job board dedicated to inclusive job postings, designed to cater specifically to individuals with disabilities.
Missionary Records Might Enhance Climate Models
A research team led by McGill University has developed a novel method that combines 19th-century missionary records with climate models to improve temperature and precipitation projections across Africa. This innovative approach aims to address substantial data gaps that have long challenged climate scientists. Given the historical lack of specific regional climate data in Africa, scientists have faced difficulties in developing accurate climate models. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Climate of the Past, suggests that integrating these historical writings could offer better insights into the region's climatic challenges. Lead author Philip Gooding notes that Africa's historical absence in climate data reflects a broader marginalization within global scientific discourse.
