Homelessness and Rental Rates Rise Rapidly

Data from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) reveals that known cases of homelessness in Ontario expanded by more than 23 per cent over three years, reaching upwards of 76,000 individuals. Furthermore, chronic homelessness jumped over 37 per cent in two years, representing nearly half of the province’s identified homeless population. A separate federal count showed national homelessness rose 59 per cent compared to 2020-22 figures, while unsheltered homelessness surged 89 per cent.

A primary factor behind these figures is declining housing affordability. The FAO reported that median market rent in Ontario jumped 19.3 per cent between 2022-23 and 2025-26, whereas earnings for low- and middle-income families expanded by only 14.1 per cent. Projections indicate known homelessness in Ontario could increase by almost 16 per cent by 2028-29.

National Economic Pressure and Conservative Proposals

Financial strains extend across Canada, where 63 per cent of workers cite the cost of living as their main financial stressor. Additionally, over a third of mortgage holders renewing their terms report elevated pressure due to increased interest rates. Housing construction is slowing down in major metropolitan centers like Toronto and Vancouver, with national housing starts expected to shrink by up to 38,000 units by 2028.

Attributing these economic challenges to eleven years of Liberal governance, Conservatives state they are advocating for measures to restore affordability. Proposed initiatives include removing the GST on new home purchases up to $1.3 million and implementing an Economic Action Plan designed to stimulate new development, eliminate growth-inhibiting policies, and encourage investment across the nation.

Private Corporate Partnership Accompanies Initial Grant Announcement

The federal government has initiated the distribution of supplemental funding for Canadian amateur sports organizations, beginning with an additional $2.77 million allocated to Alpine Canada. The announcement, delivered Friday by Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, brings Alpine Canada’s federal funding for the year to $8 million, up from $5 million last year.

Alongside the initial grant, van Koeverden highlighted a new corporate partnership between Alpine Canada and Edmonton-based Capital Power. This marks the first private sector response following an April call from Ottawa encouraging national sports bodies to team up with corporate partners to boost athletic participation.

Ottawa to Host ‘Playground to Podium’ National Conference in November

The government is also preparing a two-day national sports conference in Ottawa this November. Titled the “playground to podium summit,” the event will bring together leaders from across the country’s amateur sports landscape to discuss rebuilding Canada’s athletic system and directing new federal funding.

Van Koeverden described the gathering as an ambitious, first-of-its-kind effort focused on collective action and listening to sports leaders. He noted that the summit aims to guide the direction of a novel $1 billion investment in sport support.

Funding Followed Commission Report Outlining Athletic System Crisis

The supplemental funds stem from a $112 million pool made available this year after organizations were invited to apply in July. Ottawa had pledged in its spring economic update to inject additional funding into national sport organizations following a March report from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which identified a funding crisis caused by federal money failing to match inflation rates.

In April, federal officials outlined a commitment of $755 million over five years, alongside an ongoing $118 million annually, aimed at hosting international events, assisting athletes, and expanding participation. Van Koeverden also noted recent federal support for upcoming national and international competitions, including next week’s Davis Cup tennis matches and the 2026 Men’s Continental Volleyball Championships in Moncton, N.B.

Union Report Details Economic Fallout of Overseas Ship Building

A contract to construct four massive hybrid-electric BC Ferries vessels in China will mean a loss of approximately $1.5 billion in gross domestic product for Canada, according to a report released Thursday by the labour coalition Build Them Here.

The analysis, authored by Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work, calculates that building the ships abroad surrenders roughly 10,000 person-years of employment. Additionally, the study estimates that local construction would have generated $413 million in government tax revenues to help offset public costs.

Crown Corporation Defends Overseas Contract Decision

BC Ferries awarded the deal to a Chinese state-owned shipyard in May 2025, maintaining that no domestic shipbuilders submitted a final proposal. The Crown corporation stated that while two Canadian shipyards pre-qualified after criteria were adjusted to encourage participation, neither completed a bid.

Representatives for the ferry operator explained that the company could not delay replacing aging vessels until domestic capacity expanded, nor could it expect ferry passengers to bear the full financial burden of developing Canada’s shipbuilding industry through higher fares alone. The corporation also noted the ongoing local economic benefits generated through domestic maintenance contracts.

Labour Group Calls for Policy Reforms and Transparency

The report argues that provincial leaders had adequate notice over the past decade to prepare local manufacturing for the replacements. It points out that between 2003 and 2018, only two of 11 new vessels were constructed in British Columbia. Seaspan, the sole B.C. shipbuilder with facilities large enough for the job, withdrew from competing due to strict price and scheduling constraints.

Using economic modeling, Stanford’s team estimated the contract’s total value at $1.6 billion and criticized BC Ferries for withholding exact cost details. The coalition, representing 19 labour organizations, recommended seven policy changes, including provincial equity stakes in shipbuilding projects and new legal mandates requiring BC Ferries to maximize local economic returns.