Immigration Minister highlighted reconciliation and citizenship in Canada Day message
On July 1, 2024, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller underscored the importance of celebrating freedoms and reflecting on Canadian rights and responsibilities. He highlighted the need to understand Indigenous Peoples’ histories and contributions, urging Canadians to promote reconciliation. At a special citizenship ceremony at the Rogers Centre before the Blue Jays game, the minister praised the meaningful experience of newcomers taking their oath and encouraged them to participate in local celebrations and learn about Indigenous cultures.
New Brunswick will develop new public housing units
On June 28, 2024, the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Moncton-based non-profit Rising Tide, announced the development of eight new public housing units. This initiative is part of a larger 40-unit project to enhance affordable housing options in the region. Social Development Minister Jill Green emphasized the importance of such projects in addressing the housing needs of New Brunswickers. The new units are the first public housing to be built in the province in nearly 40 years and are part of a broader $100 million strategy to construct 380 new units across New Brunswick.
Canada’s average weekly earnings rise to $1,240
In April, Canada’s sectoral average weekly earnings increased by 3.7% year over year, reaching $1,240, following a 4.1% rise in March. The average weekly earnings were at $1,204 in June 2023. According to the Statistics Canada reportreleased on June 27, this increase in average weekly earnings can be attributed to factors such as changes in wages, the composition of employment, the number of hours worked, and the impact of the base year. April marked the third consecutive month where the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employers decreased by 22,700 (-0.1%), while job vacancies dropped by 32,000 (-5.3%) to 575,400. Monthly payroll employment declined in 8 out of 20 sectors, with notable decreases in manufacturing (-6,000; -0.4%), administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (-5,200; -0.6%), and accommodation and food services (-4,800; -0.4%).
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is becoming more popular
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada saw a 4.2% rise in April, reflecting its continued upward trend, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). April welcomed 2,100 new permanent residents under PGP, an increase from previous months. The first four months of 2024 saw 7,910 new arrivals, down 12.8% from the same period last year. Ontario led with 3,870 new residents, while Quebec experienced the highest percentage increase. With Canada aiming for higher overall immigration targets, PGP numbers are expected to grow in the coming years.
