https://dailyhive.com/toronto/ Latest articles from Daily Hive Toronto en-us © 2026 Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:23:28 GMT jsonfeed-to-rss 3.0.8 (https://github.com/bcomnes/jsonfeed-to-rss#readme) http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-ireland-travel-advisory-november-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre Canada has issued a new update to its Ireland travel advisory, alerting Canadians to a potential safety risk in the popular European destination. On Friday, the Government of Canada added a new safety and security update to its travel advice for Ireland. Travellers are being notified of heightened security measures in Dublin during a “high-level event.” “From Nov. 10 to 13, 2026, local authorities will enact enhanced security measures in central Dublin during the European Political Community and EU Heads of State meetings,” reads the update. “Access to certain areas may be restricted during this time.” According to Ireland’s government website, around 50 heads of state or government are expected to arrive in Dublin for meetings over several days for “informal political and strategic discussions.” As a result, there will be an increased presence of security forces, and travellers are warned that access to certain areas may be restricted during this time. Tourists should follow instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information, and be prepared to adjust travel plans for possible disruptions. An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s National Police and Security Service, warns that road closures could affect pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as public transit. Canada’s travel advice for Ireland remains at level one, which means travellers should “take normal security precautions.” “Take precautions similar to those you would take in Canada,” reads the government website. “While no destination is completely risk-free, conditions are comparable to those in Canada, and routine vigilance is generally sufficient.” You might also like: - Want to travel for less? These nine destinations saw major flight price drops - 5 most magical Christmas towns in Canada - Canadians could be part of new class-action lawsuit filed against Loblaw https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-ireland-travel-advisory-november-2026 Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:06:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadas-best-customer-service-awards Natalia Buia Good customer service can make or break a business. In Canada, plenty of retailers, airlines, and service providers are being recognized for their outstanding care, and some of the companies taking home top honours might surprise you. Newsweek has released its annual list of Canada’s Best Customer Service 2027, in collaboration with Statista, a leading statistics ranking provider. The rankings recognize businesses that go above and beyond when it comes to keeping customers happy, whether they’re shopping in-store, browsing online, or reaching out for tech support. This year’s list features 426 winning companies across a whopping 116 categories. The results were based on surveyed consumers who have purchased products, used services or researched businesses within the past three years. Companies were scored on several factors, including communication, professional competence, customer focus, accessibility, and likelihood of recommendation. So, which Canadian brands are getting things right? Montreal-based Reitmans took the top spot in the apparel category with an impressive score of 86.55. The women’s clothing retailer also claimed first place in online apparel, suggesting its excellent customer service goes beyond its brick-and-mortar locations. Fellow Canadian fashion retailer Penningtons wasn’t far behind, landing in second place with 86.24 points. Meanwhile, popular women’s fashion retailer Aritzia had a somewhat surprising result. Despite its popularity across the country, the Canadian brand placed fourth in the women’s apparel category with a score of 85.18, so perhaps there’s room for improvement. Over in athletic apparel, Vancouver-based lululemon landed in fifth place with a score of 81.15, trailing American competitors Under Armour, Adidas, and Nike. When it comes to grocery shopping, IGA came out on top in the supermarket category with a score of 81.42. It managed to beat several familiar Canadian competitors, including Sobeys, Food Basics, Maxi, and No Frills. The winner in the superstore category should come as no surprise. Often crowned “the best grocery store in Canada,” Costco claimed best customer service with a score of 83.10, leaving Real Canadian Superstore and Walmart trailing behind. American conglomerate Starbucks outranked Canadian favourites Tim Hortons and Second Cup in the coffeehouse chains category. And Tims didn’t fare much better in the donut department, as American competitor Krispy Kreme took the top spot with 85.10 points. For online home stores, however, a Canadian name came out victorious. Canadian Tire earned first place with a score of 81.62 (Netflix host Rutledge Wood would be happy with this news), narrowly edging out the U.S.-founded Home Depot, which followed closely behind with 81.58. One of the more unexpected winners is within telecommunications. Montreal-based Videotron was named the internet service provider with the best customer service, earning an impressive 86.55 points. That’s way ahead of bigger competitors like Bell and Rogers, making this a bit of a David-versus-Goliath moment. Looking for a phone carrier that actually keeps its customers happy? Freedom Mobile took the top spot in its category with 81.06 points, beating out Virgin Mobile, Koodo, and Telus. And if you’re planning your next vacation, you might want to keep Air Transat in mind. The Montreal-based airline was crowned Canada’s top airline for customer service with a score of 81.74. Toronto’s Porter Airlines followed with 78.64, while Calgary-based WestJet landed third with an even 77 points. These are just a handful of the companies recognized this year. The rankings also cover everything from luxury hotels and spas to bookstores and, yes, even gas stations. Curious to see how your favourite brands performed? You can check out Newsweek’s full Canada’s Best Customer Service 2027 rankings on its website. You might also like: - Americans react to beloved Canadian T&T Supermarket's expansion - Formerly bankrupt Toys 'R' Us is coming back to Canada, but in a different way - Canadian Tire turns Hudson Williams' viral bag into a Christmas ornament https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadas-best-customer-service-awards Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:31:19 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/international-destinations-flight-price-drops Natalia Buia Are you in desperate need of a vacation but worried your budget won’t stretch far enough? A new list of travel destinations that saw some of the biggest flight price drops could give you a little inspiration for your next getaway without breaking the bank. Ahead of Travel Tuesday on Dec. 1, new data from travel app Skyscanner has revealed nine destinations where average flight prices saw some of the biggest drops during last year’s shopping event. It is worth noting, though, that these were recorded before airlines began introducing major fuel surcharges in 2026, which have since driven up the cost of air travel. Tokyo, Japan, came out on top, with average flight prices dropping by 18 per cent compared with the previous 12-month average. If Japan has been sitting on your bucket list, this would be a good time to keep an eye on cheap flights. Casablanca, Morocco, and Rome, Italy, tied for second place, with average prices falling by 13 per cent. If you’re interested in flying to Morocco to explore its colourful markets or to Rome to explore the Colosseum, now might be your chance. Of course, if flights are getting a little bit more affordable, you have to be mindful of any additional tourist taxes. For instance, Canadians wanting to visit Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain have to pay a €2 (C$3.22) admission fee, introduced in February this year as a measure to help manage crowds. Meanwhile, as of July 1, Japan increased its international tourist tax and visa fees, adding to the cost of travelling to the country. Canadians may now face fees of up to JPY 3,000 (approximately C$27) to enter the country. Back to the travel app’s report, Barcelona, Spain, wasn’t far behind, with an average decrease of 12 per cent, while Taipei, Taiwan, rounded out the top five with an 11 per cent drop. Surprisingly, a couple of American spots made the cut. Phoenix, Arizona, and Orlando, Florida, were ranked due to average flight prices dropping by eight per cent and three per cent, respectively. Despite the price fix, the Sunshine State reported another sharp decline in Canadian tourists this year, as just 1.68 million Canadians travelled to Florida during the first six months of 2026, a 13.9 per cent drop from the same period last year. Here are the nine destinations that saw the biggest average flight price decreases during Travel Tuesday: 1. Tokyo, Japan: 18 per cent 2. Casablanca, Morocco: 13 per cent 3. Rome, Italy: 13 per cent 4. Barcelona, Spain: 12 per cent 5. Taipei, Taiwan: 11 per cent 6. Phoenix, U.S.: eight per cent 7. Lisbon, Portugal: seven per cent 8. Orlando, U.S.: three per cent 9. Hyderabad, India: three per cent Past price drops don’t guarantee the same deals this year. Skyscanner recommends keeping your travel dates flexible, setting price alerts and checking nearby airports to help find the best value. And remember: a cheap flight doesn’t always equal a cheap trip, so be sure to factor in baggage fees, cancellation fees and other pricey travel costs before booking your vacation. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/international-destinations-flight-price-drops Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:00:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-annihilating-competition-womens-world-hockey-championship Rob Williams Their uniforms may look ordinary, but Canada’s play on the ice at the Women’s World Hockey Championship has been anything but. Team Canada has bulldozed its way through the competition in its first three games at the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship. They’re a perfect 3-0 so far, outscoring opponents 24-1 in the process. That includes a 5-1 win over Sweden in their tournament opener, followed by blowouts over Japan (9-0) and Denmark (10-0). Canada’s dominance was on full display against Denmark, outshooting the tournament’s host nation by a whopping 74-6 margin. “It’s one of the best teams in the world, so we knew it would be hard, but we gave our all,” said Denmark goalie Caroline Bjergstad, who bravely faced 41 Canadian shots before being pulled. Tougher tests are on the horizon, as Canada faces Finland on Wednesday. They’ll likely take on the United States in the gold medal game, which is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16. If that happens, it’ll be the 25th time in a row Canada and the U.S. have met in the gold medal game at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. The Americans are also 3-0 in this tournament, outscoring teams 23-1. It’ll be among the most highly anticipated gold medal games of all time, given political tensions between the two countries. Canada will also be looking for revenge after the Americans beat them 2-1 in the Olympic gold medal game in Milan last February. This is a different Canadian team than the one that represented our country at the Winter Olympics, though. Twelve players on Canada’s roster at this tournament did not compete at Milano Cortina 2026. That includes four teenagers — Rosalie Tremblay (18), Hayley McDonald (18), Chloe Primerano (19), and Sara Manness (19) — and 20-year-old Caitlin Kraemer. “We’ve been learning a lot as a group, especially with lots of new players, and I think we’ve been doing a good job learning from each game,” said Team Canada forward Kristin O’Neill after Monday’s win. Canada is without captain Marie-Philip Poulin due to injury, after she underwent knee surgery. Laura Stacey and Renata Fast were named co-captains in Poulin’s absence, with O’Neill serving as alternate captain. Other veteran players missing from this squad include Natalie Spooner, Sarah Nurse, Blayre Turnbull, and Emerance Maschmeyer. You might also like: - Everyone is making fun of the generic jerseys Canada's hockey team is being forced to wear https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-annihilating-competition-womens-world-hockey-championship Tue, 10 Nov 2026 01:04:07 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/loblaw-class-action-data-breach-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre Loblaw is facing a new national class-action lawsuit on behalf of millions of Canadians affected by a data breach. On Nov. 2, Consumer Law Group filed a class-action lawsuit against Loblaw at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice due to a February data breach that exposed the private information of two million Canadians. The grocery retail chain includes 2,500 stores under the names Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, and Fortinos. WHAT’S THE LAWSUIT ABOUT? On March 10, 2026, Loblaw issued a press release stating that it was investigating a data breach. The company said it identified suspicious activity in or around February, during which “a criminal third-party” accessed customer information like names, phone numbers, email addresses, date of birth, and purchase order details. PC Financial was not affected by the breach. Loblaw President and CEO Per Bank issued a statement saying that the company secured its network and customer information, logging all customers out of their accounts. It added that it reported the incident to privacy regulators and law enforcement. Affected customers were also offered 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity restoration services through TransUnion’s myTrueIdentity service. The court document alleges that the company’s failure “was intentional, wilful, reckless or — at the very least — negligent” as it knew or ought to have known that its cache of customers’ personal information was “an attractive target for cybercriminals.” The lawsuit further alleges that Loblaw did not notify affected Canadians that their personal information had been compromised until October 2026, several months after the incident. It claims the free credit monitoring service is not enough because it offers only partial coverage, is limited to two years, and doesn’t prevent the misuse of personal information. The class action alleges that Loblaw breached several privacy laws and violated the Consumer Protection Act. Daily Hive has reached out to Loblaw for comment and will update this story when it receives a response. WHO’S ELIGIBLE? You could be eligible to file a claim if you’re a Canadian resident whose personal information was compromised in the February 2026 data breach, and weren’t notified until October 2026. HOW MUCH COULD YOU GET? The amount hasn’t been specified yet, but the proposed lawsuit is seeking damages on behalf of eligible Canadians. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT? For now, you don’t have to do anything, as the lawsuit still hasn’t been certified. However, you can keep up with the latest updates by signing up online. You might also like: - $50-million Lotto Max jackpot win shakes up rural Canadian community - Americans react to beloved Canadian T&T Supermarket's expansion - Canadians can get refunds or replacements as battery packs recalled https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/loblaw-class-action-data-breach-2026 Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:41:50 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/product-recall-tt-supermarket-canada Natalia Buia Check your pantry: a popular T&T Supermarket product is being recalled across Canada due to an undeclared allergen. According to a recall notice from the Government of Canada, T&T brand Organic Roasted Black Soybeans are being recalled due to the possibility of undeclared milk in the product. This common pantry item can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack on its own or used to prepare homemade teas. “Do not consume recalled products to which you are allergic or sensitive as they may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction,” reads the recall notice. “Do not serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products.” Consumers are advised to throw out the affected product or return it to the store where it was purchased. The product was distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. However, no reactions associated with consuming the product have been reported. This is identified as a Class 1, the most serious category of food recall. The agency is conducting a food safety investigation, which could lead to additional products being recalled. Consumers with questions can contact the CFIA by phone at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca. There have been other nationwide recalls as of late, including Newdery and Bose battery packs and DREO space heaters, all of which pose serious fire and burn hazards. You might also like: - Americans react to beloved Canadian T&T Supermarket's expansion - Dollarama products Canadians say just aren't worth the money - Canada’s biggest Costco store is in this surprising province https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/product-recall-tt-supermarket-canada Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:31:42 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/price-grey-cup-tickets Colton Pankiw Football fans hoping to attend the 113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium this weekend will have to be prepared to spend a pretty penny. Excitement is building ahead of the CFL’s biggest annual event on Sunday, Nov. 15. Calgary is hosting the Grey Cup for the first time since 2019, and fans from across the country are expected to visit Alberta’s largest city to take part in the festivities. For those who haven’t secured their seats yet, Ticketmaster continues to offer both standard-priced tickets and verified resale options. However, there is a considerable difference between the cheapest and most expensive listings, particularly when looking at the resale market. As of Monday, Nov. 9, the cheapest standard-priced Grey Cup ticket available through Ticketmaster is listed at $343.74. At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive is going for $543.24. That means fans looking to purchase directly through the standard ticket inventory can expect to pay anywhere from roughly $344 to $543, depending on their preferred seating location. The verified resale market offers a similar starting point, but things get considerably more expensive for those looking at top-notch seats. The cheapest verified resale ticket currently listed on Ticketmaster is $345.10, just $1.36 more than the cheapest standard-priced option. However, the most expensive listing is priced at a jaw-dropping $2,380. That is a difference of more than $2,000 between the cheapest and most expensive resale options, highlighting just how much some sellers are hoping to get for their Grey Cup seats. And while tickets may not sell at those prices, there is certainly a big draw for this match. Sunday’s game will be between the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes, who finished the regular season with the two best records in the league. Having the Elks advance to the Grey Cup, their first time doing so since 2015, should help ticket sales tremendously in Calgary. Given how close the two cities are, there should be plenty of Edmontonians heading south on QE2 to watch their team fight in hopes of winning their 15th Grey Cup. The Elks do have a tough task, however, as the Alouettes are being favoured by oddsmakers to win it all. You might also like: - Who is favoured to win the Grey Cup? Here's what the oddsmakers say https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/price-grey-cup-tickets Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:04:34 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/who-favoured-win-grey-cup-oddsmakers Colton Pankiw The Edmonton Elks are heading to the Grey Cup for the first time in more than a decade, but they’ll have their work cut out for them if they hope to bring the championship back to Alberta. With the 113th Grey Cup matchup officially set, the Montreal Alouettes are favoured to defeat the Elks, according to the latest odds from FanDuel. Montreal is listed at -170 to win the championship, while Edmonton sits at +140. That means a $100 bet on the Alouettes would generate approximately $58.82 in profit, while the same wager on the Elks would return $140 in profit if they pull off the upset. The Alouettes earned their place in the championship game with a 33-23 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Eastern Final. Quarterback Davis Alexander was outstanding in the win, throwing for 373 yards and two touchdowns to help Montreal book its third Grey Cup appearance in four seasons. Edmonton, meanwhile, punched its ticket with a 28-16 win over the BC Lions in the Western Final. Cody Fajardo and the Elks defence delivered when it mattered most, with Edmonton forcing a crucial late fumble to help put the game away. The Elks will now have the opportunity to end a lengthy Grey Cup drought. The franchise last appeared in the championship game in 2015, when they lost to the Ottawa Redblacks. There will also be plenty of home-province interest in the matchup, with Edmonton looking to bring the Grey Cup back to Alberta against a Montreal team that has been one of the CFL’s top clubs throughout the season. The 113th Grey Cup takes place Sunday, Nov. 15, at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. Those who are in the city in the days leading up will have plenty to do, as the Grey Cup Festival is set to begin on Wednesday and will continue right up until game time. You might also like: - All the Grey Cup concerts and entertainment in Calgary next month https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/who-favoured-win-grey-cup-oddsmakers Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:58:13 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/best-christmas-towns-canada Natalia Buia If Christmas is your favourite time of year, why not celebrate it somewhere that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a made-for-TV holiday movie? From snow-covered streets and twinkling Christmas lights to cozy little shops serving hot chocolate, Canada has plenty of charming small towns that perfectly capture the classic festive vibes. To find the places where travellers can get closest to living out their own Christmas movie, travel company and tour operator Journeyscape analyzed small towns across North America with festive reputations or connections to Christmas films. The company compared each destination’s average December snowfall, likelihood of a white Christmas, population, and walkability before combining the results to give each town an overall score out of 10. While Breckenridge, Colorado, was crowned North America’s best real-life Christmas movie town with an impressive score of 8.86, Canada has its fair share of festive spots worth checking out. In fact, five Canadian destinations made the top 10, making the country a pretty strong bet for anyone dreaming of a winter wonderland. And if you’ve ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and wished you could step right into the screen, this picturesque community might be just the place. Loads of Christmas movies have been filmed in the town, including The Christmas Setup, Christmas By Design, and Christmas Around the Corner. Home to around 6,000 people, Almonte receives an average of 17 inches of snow in December and, according to Journeyscape, has a 75.9 per cent chance of a white Christmas this year. Another thing that makes Almonte stand out is its walk score of 86 out of 100, the highest among the five Canadian destinations on the list. That means you can leave the car at home as you wander its charming streets, browse local shops, and grab a hot chocolate. Coming in a very close second is Wolfville, N.S., with a score of 8.05 out of 10. This charming east coast town of about 5,000 residents is a great spot for Canadians looking to escape the overcrowded holiday spots. For those who really want to wake up to a blanket of snow on Christmas morning, Banff, Alberta, might be the place to book a trip. Scoring 7.05 out of 10, Banff, Alta. was the only Canadian destination in Journeyscape’s top-five ranking to achieve a 100 per cent white Christmas probability. With its dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrop, snow-covered streets and postcard-worthy scenery, this popular tourist destination practically screams Christmas once winter rolls around. Banff also goes all out with plenty of activities to get visitors into the holiday spirit, including the Banff Christmas Market, the Hot Chocolate Trail, the immersive “In Search of Christmas Spirit” outdoor lights experience and Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola. Carleton Place, just outside Ottawa, has also earned a spot on Journeyscape’s list of Canada’s most magical Christmas destinations, ranking fourth overall. While it received a relatively low walk score of 41 out of 100, its impressive 75.9 per cent chance of a white Christmas helped secure its high ranking. Rounding out the top five is Charlottetown, P.E.I., with an overall score of 6.71 out of 10. Interestingly, Charlottetown receives an average of 24.6 inches of snow every December, making it one of the snowiest destinations on the list. But more December snowfall doesn’t necessarily mean a white Christmas is guaranteed. Journeyscape’s data puts the town’s probability of having snow on the ground on December 25 at 55.6 per cent. Do you have a favourite Christmas-themed town in Canada that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below. You might also like: - 'Canada's best Christmas store' is east of Edmonton and it's massive - 12 Christmas movies that were filmed right here in Canada - 8 small towns and cities in Canada that are straight out of a Hallmark movie https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/best-christmas-towns-canada Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:31:22 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/lotto-max-lottery-winner-november-6-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre Someone in Canada is having the best week ever after winning the Lotto Max jackpot and becoming an instant multimillionaire. The Lotto Max draw took place on Friday, Nov. 6, and the winning numbers were 10, 23, 32, 43, 46, 48, and 51, with bonus number 30. The jackpot was a big one with $50 million up for grabs, and one winning ticket managed to match all seven winning numbers. According to Atlantic Lottery, someone scored the jackpot after buying the lucky ticket somewhere in Restigouche County, a rural community in north-central New Brunswick. No one won the $256,337.70 second prize, but 40 people will split the third prize, with each one taking home $6,529.70. There were also no winners for the two Maxmillions prizes, each worth $1 million. Meanwhile, there were 50 MaxPlus prizes worth $100,000 to be won, with several lottery players across Canada scoring a win. In B.C., no one won the $500,000 Lotto Max Extra, and similarly in Ontario, no one won the $1-million Encore prize. The last time someone won the Lotto Max jackpot was Oct. 20, when a group of four friends from Calgary, Alta. won the $90-million prize. The four have been friends for five years, but it was their first time playing the lottery together. They purchased their ticket online and even gave their group chat a fitting name: “Manifesting Millions.” The next Lotto Max jackpot is worth $10 million, and the draw is on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The Lotto 6/49 draw was on Saturday, Nov. 7, and the Gold Ball prize was worth $36 million. Although no one won the top prize, someone from Ontario did win the $1-million prize. There were no winners for the Classic Draw $5 million prize, but four people will split the second prize and will each take home $39,753.90. The tickets were sold in Edmonton, Ontario, and two in Quebec. A total of 96 lottery players split the third prize, winning $695.50 each. Someone in Vancouver, B.C., scored the $500,000 Classic Draw Extra Prize, but in Ontario no one won the $1-million Encore prize. Amritpal S. of Surrey, B.C., is the most recent Lotto 6/49 jackpot winner. While he’s taking his time to decide what to do with his $32 million, he said that he wants to help his parents and sister. The next Lotto 6/49 draw is on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and the Gold Ball is now worth $38 million. With files from Kendall Collins and Daniel Chai All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. You might also like: - Americans react to beloved Canadian T&T Supermarket's expansion - Canadians can get refunds or replacements as battery packs recalled - Dollarama has several items Canadians need for an emergency kit https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/lotto-max-lottery-winner-november-6-2026 Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:51:14 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadaian-pop-icon-2027-junos Hanna Hett A Canadian icon will be hosting the country’s biggest night of music next year. Carly Rae Jepsen, best known for her 2000s hit “Call Me Maybe,” was just announced as the host of the 2027 Juno Awards in Winnipeg. She will also “bring her signature pop sound” to the stage with a live performance. “No stranger to the Junos stage, she is a three-time Juno Award winner and returns this year to lead the festivities as host for the first time,” reads the press release from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC. Jepsen’s 2012 album Kiss won Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year at the 2013 Juno Awards, while the iconic “Call me Maybe” won Single of the Year. “Since then, Jepsen has continued to evolve her sound, building a devoted global following through her distinctive songwriting and approach to pop music,” reads the release. Her most recent album, Day and Night, is a 24-track double album that is “inspired by a period of personal transformation.” Jepsen is originally from Mission, B.C., a city a little over an hour outside of Vancouver. She even recently gave a major shoutout to a Vancouver cafe that she used to work at before she became famous. If you’re a fan of Jepson, you can catch her on The Day and Night Tour next April, as she will make three Canadian stops in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. CARAS and CBC also announced that Angine de Poitrine, a rock duo from Quebec, will be the Broadcast stage performer at the 2027 Junos. Further, Toronto rock band Our Lady Peace will also be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, as well as “take the stage for a special performance.” The Junos will air live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. ABT/5 p.m. PCT on Sunday, April 4, 2027, across CBC’s broadcast and streaming platforms. You might also like: - 2000s pop icon coming to Vancouver with huge new tour this spring - Carly Rae Jepsen gives major shoutout to Vancouver cafe she used to work at - Carly Rae Jepsen was strolling Vancouver listening to her new album (VIDEO) https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadaian-pop-icon-2027-junos Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:48:46 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/new-tt-supermarket-location-san-francisco Natalia Buia Americans are lining up for a taste of a grocery store Canadians have been in love with for decades. Popular Canadian Asian grocery chain T&T Supermarket is getting plenty of love south of the border after opening its newest location in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 5. The massive 50,000-square-foot store occupies a former Best Buy location that had sat vacant for nearly a decade. It’s also T&T’s fourth U.S. location in just two years, joining two stores in Washington state and another in San Jose, California. According to the New York Post, eager shoppers reportedly began lining up as early as 4 a.m., several hours before the store even opened at 8 a.m. One customer waiting in line told local media which specific products were among the biggest draws. “They are famous for their wontons and their crepes, so it’s definitely a must-try,” they said. Beyond fan-favourite bites, the new store features an in-house T&T Kitchen with more than 20 dishes at its self-serve hot food bar, along with Taiwanese sticky rice rolls, Baby Bear Bao, baked goods, and plenty of packaged snacks. Shoppers can also browse various Japanese matcha products and Korean and Japanese skincare products. The San Francisco location is the chain’s first American store to feature a cafe, serving made-to-order drinks like ube and black sesame lattes and dragonfruit lemonade. As for the grocery selection, shoppers can browse around 200 varieties of vegetables, 17 kinds of mushrooms, and an impressive selection of fresh fish, seafood, and meats. ABC News was also on site to chat with the very first customer through the doors. When asked whether waiting hours in line was worth it for fresh Asian produce and snacks, the shopper had a pretty straightforward answer. “Yes, definitely.” The excitement continued online as one local shared their positive first impression in the r/bayarea subreddit. “I like it! It’s clean, and prices are good. It’s super convenient for me, and there wasn’t a proper Asian grocery store in my area.” Another Reddit user pointed out that Canada has a pretty impressive frozen food game, noting that many of the frozen products they buy in California are actually made in Canada. Those who’ve spent years singing the grocery chain’s praises may be a little unfazed by the enthusiasm down south. After all, Canadians have long been devoted to the brand, with some fans going so far as to hyperbolically claim they’d “die for T&T pork buns.” Since its first store opening in Burnaby, B.C., way back in 1993, T&T has become a staple for plenty of Canadians, with shoppers often making special trips just to stock up on their favourite buns, dumplings, and hard-to-find Asian snacks. The chain is now owned by Loblaw Companies, which acquired the retailer in 2009 for a reported $225 million. Today, T&T operates 38 locations across Canada, primarily in Ontario and B.C., with an expanding U.S. presence and more Canadian stores on the horizon. That includes Manitoba’s first-ever location, a 48,000-square-foot store set to open in Winnipeg in 2028. You might also like: - Groundbreaking for Canadian chain T&T's new U.S. store gets epic Air Force flyover - T&T CEO offers support to North Vancouver cafe following racist incident - Shoppers are confused by ‘envelope gravy’ at Real Canadian Superstore https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/new-tt-supermarket-location-san-francisco Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:50:03 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/recall-canada-battery-packs Irish Mae Silvestre Thousands of battery packs are part of a nationwide recall, and Canadians may be eligible for refunds or replacements. Health Canada announced on Thursday that it’s recalling several battery packs due to fire and burn hazards. The recall involves Bose S1 Pro and S1 Pro+ System Battery Packs, which are lithium-ion rechargeable battery packs designed exclusively for two types of Bose portable speakers. Certain lithium Newdery Power Banks are also being recalled. Canadians are urged to immediately stop using both products. As of October, there have been no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada. However, Bose has received seven incident reports globally, but no reports of injuries. NEWDERY POWER BANKS Newdery is recalling its power bank model ZHX-PB22, as the “lithium-ion battery in the power banks can explode or ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.” A total of 962 units of the affected products were sold on Amazon.ca from June 2024 to November 2024. The model number is printed on the back of the power bank, and if your product is part of the recall, immediately stop using it. Health Canada states that Amazon.ca has refunded consumers who purchased the product; however, if you didn’t receive a refund, you can contact Newdery directly. BOSE S1 PRO AND S1 PRO+ SYSTEM BATTERY PACKS Canadians who own the Bose S1 Pro Portable Bluetooth Speaker System or the S1 Pro+ Portable Bluetooth Speaker System should check if their product uses the affected battery packs. You can find out if the battery pack is part of the recall by checking if its serial number begins with one of the following six-digit sequences: - 083723 - 078352 - 084105 - 078591 - 078592 - 084106 - 086409 If your speaker has the affected battery pack, immediately remove it and contact Bose Corporation to receive a free replacement. “The continued operation of the affected battery packs as they age exposes the lithium-ion cells to potentially damaging operating conditions, posing potential fire and burn hazards,” reads the statement. A total of 35,399 units of the affected products were sold in Canada from April 2020 to May 2024 for the S1 Pro System Battery Packs and from June 2025 to July 2026 for the S1 Pro+ System Battery Packs. Canadians are urged to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of the recalled products or any other consumer product. You might also like: - Dollarama has several items Canadians need for an emergency kit - Canadians need to date beyond their usual type this cuffing season, expert says - Canada’s biggest Costco store is in this surprising province https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/recall-canada-battery-packs Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:12:21 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/country-says-iihf-kicking-out-world-juniors-make-room-russia Preston Hodgkinson Another wrinkle has developed in Russia’s return to international hockey. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled last month that the IIHF must allow Russia to participate in upcoming events, starting with the 2027 World Junior tournament set to be held in Alberta in December. It was a decision that was met with intense backlash, with multiple hockey federations threatening to boycott games that included Russia. Even the Canadian federal government weighed in on the decision, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying that he wouldn’t allow Russian hockey players into the country to participate. Despite all the backlash, it seems the IIHF is intent on following the CAS ruling. The Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation (NIHF) said on Sunday that they’ve been demoted to Division 1A, and Russia will be taking Norway’s place at the upcoming World Juniors tournament. “The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association received information on Saturday from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that, as a result of the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday, October 30, they are required to take necessary measures to reintegrate Russia into the Junior World Championships,” a translated version of the NIHF’s statement read.  “In the new setup for the U20 World Cup in Canada, which starts on December 26, Russia has been placed as nation number ten. This means that Norway, as the lowest ranked team, will be moved down to division 1A.” The Norwegians were set to be the lowest-seeded team at the upcoming tournament after being promoted into the top group this past year. They were placed in Group B of the tournament, alongside Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, and Latvia. “We have previously made it clear where we stand on the issue of Russia’s participation, where we believe they should not be able to participate internationally as long as the war in Ukraine continues,” said Petter Salsten, secretary general of the NIHA, in a statement. “This also clearly shows all the practical challenges and immediate consequences for everyone involved when countries are to be reinstated immediately.” With the CAS decision requiring Russia to participate in the tournament on such short notice, this suggests that the IIHF’s solution was to demote the lowest-seeded team at the tournament to make room. The IIHF issued a statement on Saturday that revealed that the governing body would be taking the necessary steps to follow the ruling, despite disagreeing with it. “While the IIHF continues to disagree with the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning Russian participation in IIHF Championships, we are taking the necessary steps required by the CAS ruling and reviewing what conditions would need to be met to safeguard our Championships, protect the organization’s financial stability and secure the long-term future of international ice hockey,” the statement read. “The IIHF is therefore exploring all available avenues, including opening discussions with all affected MNAs, including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, to identify a constructive way forward that serves the interests of global ice hockey.” While this may answer one question on how the IIHF intends to make room for the Russians on such short notice, it does not clear the hurdle presented by potential boycotts and the Canadian federal government. Salsten pointed to those issues in the NIHF’s statement. “The authorities in Canada have made it clear that Russian players will not be granted visas to participate in the Junior World Championships. In addition, several of the participating countries have said that they will not participate, or face Russia, if they are faced with them in the championship,” Salsten said. “This makes us hope that the last word has not been said about our participation in Canada in December.” It remains to be seen if the IIHF will have a workaround for those potential issues or if they will be forced to exclude Russia once again. You might also like: - Gretzky weighs in on Canada banning Russia from World Juniors - Canadian Prime Minister Carney won't let Russia's hockey team into the country - Will Russia play at World Juniors in Alberta this year? https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/country-says-iihf-kicking-out-world-juniors-make-room-russia Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:08:25 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/top-canadian-restaurants-opentable Marco Ovies OpenTable just dropped its 2026 list of the top 100 Canadian restaurants, and we have all the details on which eateries have made the list. “Some lists are decided by critics, but not OpenTable’s Top 100 — this one is driven by the people who eat there. See this year’s top spots based on insights and reviews from OpenTable diners like you,” wrote OpenTable on its site. Every restaurant on the list earned its spot through real bookings, reviews, and ratings from folks across Canada. And while this is a top 100 list, the list is arranged in alphabetical order by area and the restaurant’s name. Ontario dominates the list of top Canadian restaurants with a whopping 45 restaurants, followed by Alberta with 20 restaurants on the list, Quebec with 16, British Columbia with 14, and the Atlantic with five. Keep on reading to see the full top 100 list, and let us know if your favourite spot was included down in the comments. OPENTABLE’S 2026 TOP 100 LIST ALBERTA - Bar Gigi, Calgary - Blue Rock Swim Club, Calgary - Bolero, Calgary - Bridgette Bar – Calgary, Calgary - Carino “Japanese Italian Kitchen”, Calgary - Cassis Bistro, Calgary - Chairman’s Steakhouse, Calgary - Chuck’s Steakhouse & Patio, Banff - DOPO, Calgary - Francine’s, Calgary - Luca, Calgary - LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio, Banff - MAJOR TOM, Calgary - Mercato – Mission, Calgary - Penny Crown, Calgary - Pizza Culture, Calgary - Sabor Restaurant, Edmonton - Sukiyaki House, Calgary - Ten Foot Henry, Calgary - The Nash – Calgary, Calgary BRITISH COLUMBIA - Ask For Luigi, Vancouver - Botanist, Vancouver - Bravo, Vancouver - Dovetail, Vancouver - Foragers Meadery, Roberts Creek - Kavita, Vancouver - Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, Vancouver - Nightingale, Vancouver - Nomo Nomo, Vancouver - Osteria Savio Volpe, Vancouver - Rimrock Cafe, Whistler - Sumibiyaki Arashi, Vancouver - The Butchart Gardens – The Dining Room, Brentwood Bay - Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, Whistler ATLANTIC - Italian by Night, Saint John - Portage, St John’s - Snow White Laundry, St John’s - Mystic, Halifax - Tribute, Halifax ONTARIO - aKin, Toronto - Alo Restaurant, Toronto - Aloette, Toronto - Bar Isabel, Toronto - Cintro On Wellington, London - Crossroads Restaurant, Rosseau - DaiLo, Toronto - DaNico, Toronto - Don Alfonso 1890, Toronto - Elora Mill, Elora - Estiatorio Milos – Toronto, Toronto - Fat Rabbit, St. Catharines - Giulietta, Toronto - Greystones Restaurant & Lounge, Orangeville - L O R E, Collingwood - Le Swan, Toronto - Lee, Toronto - Les Incompetents, St. Catharines - Liliana, Toronto - Linny’s, Toronto - LOCALE – King City, King City - Mamakas Taverna, Toronto - Mineral, Toronto - Pasta Privato, Toronto - Prime Seafood Palace Steakhouse, Toronto - Quetzal, Toronto - Rasa, Toronto - Richmond Station, Toronto - Rizzo’s House of Parm, Fort Erie - Scaramouche Restaurant, Toronto - Seahorse, Toronto - Shinji, Toronto - Sorrel Restaurant, Toronto - Sunnys Chinese, Toronto - Sushi Yugen – Toronto, Toronto - Takja BBQ, Toronto - Terra Restaurant, Thornhill - The Chase, Toronto - The French Kitchen, Toronto - The Lunch Lady, Toronto - The Onda, Toronto - The Tremont Cafe, Collingwood - Torta Boyz, Ottawa - Trius Winery Restaurant, Niagara-on-the-Lake - Valley Restaurant, St. Catharines QUEBEC - Arthurs Dinette, Montréal - Bistro Le Cerf-Volant, Montréal - Damas Restaurant, Montréal - Ferreira Cafe, Montréal - Garde Manger, Montréal - Hoogan & Beaufort, Montréal - Jjacques, Québec City - Joe Beef, Montréal - Le Grand Comité, Montréal - Liverpool House, Montréal - MacTaverne, Val-David - Montréal Plaza, Montréal - Pasta Pooks, Montréal - Restaurant Beba, Montréal - Restaurant Toque!, Montréal - Restaurant Le Continental, Québec City https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/top-canadian-restaurants-opentable Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:30:15 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/dating-advice-canadian-singles-cuffing-season Natalia Buia If you’re single in Canada and wondering why your dating pool has somehow shrunk to the size of a puddle, it might be time to switch things up. Cuffing season — that time of year when singles start looking for someone to cozy up with during the colder months — is upon us, and experts say Canadians might have better luck venturing outside their usual type, whether it’s a certain look or personality. The way some of us see it is like this: Summer’s when you set up your dating profile and scout potential suitors. September is draft month, and October is the tryouts. November is pre-season, when singles start getting serious about dating. Cuffing season officially kicks off in December, with playoffs running through January. The championship game, if you will, is Feb. 14, a.k.a. Valentine’s Day. “For some singles, cuffing season is a chance to rethink what they actually want in a partner and give someone outside their usual type a shot,” Devyn Simone, Tinder’s resident relationship expert, told Daily Hive. In fact, new Tinder data among single Canadian women aged 18 to 25 found that 73 per cent have been attracted to someone outside their usual type. Let’s face it: we all have a type. For some straight women, a man who stands at least 6-foot-5 is a non-negotiable. Others may have a soft spot for the bad boy aesthetic, complete with tattoos, leather jackets, and skinny jeans. Meanwhile, some women have anonymously admitted to Daily Hive that they won’t date bald men. And straight men have their preferences, too. Some will only date blondes or only brunettes (boo hiss, redheads!), while others are partial to women with, let’s just say, a little junk in the trunk. Simone encourages daters to be flexible but firm on their non-negotiables. “There’s a big difference between giving someone a chance who isn’t your usual physical type and ignoring red flags just because you’d like someone to cuddle with.” And if you’re worried about whether someone will find you attractive, Simone has some advice: own your look. “You don’t need to decide for somebody else whether they’re going to find you attractive,” she says. That’s backed up by the survey, too, with 85 per cent of Canadian women surveyed saying confidence is what makes someone more attractive to them. Tinder has done its part to shake up dating expectations. This summer, the dating app giant hosted a Baldies Boat Party in Toronto as part of its “Bald Guys Summer” campaign, encouraging singles to rethink their preconceived notions about men rocking the Pitbull look. Some Canadians are already discovering that looking beyond their usual type can pay off. Katy Szakal admits to Daily Hive that she has a physical type and rarely ventures outside of it. However, she once decided to give a self-described “short king” a chance after matching with him online. The two ended up dating for almost six months. “Honestly, shorter guys aren’t all that bad,” she says. “Look at Tom Holland with Zendaya, or Joe Jonas with Sophie Turner.” Well, at least one of those celebrity couples is still going strong. CANADIANS NEED TO SWIPE WITH A LITTLE MORE CURIOSITY Simone says if something about someone’s profile catches your eye, even if they’re not your usual physical type, give them a chance because you never know who will surprise you. That approach worked for Paula, who asked Daily Hive to withhold her last name for privacy reasons. Paula says she typically goes for tall, clean-shaven “preppy” men. But one night while browsing Tinder, she came across a bearded man with glasses, a dad bod, and a collection of profile prompts that made her belly laugh. So she swiped right. “I reminded myself that I wouldn’t want anyone to be vain or overly picky when it came to my own profile, so it was a matter of practicing what I preached,” she says. The two are still dating and may even celebrate Christmas together this year. For some single Canadians, winter can feel like the loneliest time of year. The days are short, the nights are cold, and the endless holiday festivities only make us yearn for someone special to hold hands with. “Just remember, it’s a season, not a deadline. Keep meeting people, stay open to connection, and go at your own pace,” Simone says. “Most importantly, make sure you actually like the person, not just the idea of having someone to get you through the winter.” Having a date for Valentine’s Day is nice and all, but isn’t finding someone you actually want to hang out with on Feb. 15 way better? https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dating-advice-canadian-singles-cuffing-season Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:00:45 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/dollarama-canada-emergency-kit Irish Mae Silvestre Whether it’s a power outage, severe weather, or a different unexpected situation, Dollarama has several items that can help Canadians prepare for emergencies. The Government of Canada has published guidelines on what to include in an emergency kit, reminding Canadians that emergencies can happen at any time. “Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others,” reads the statement. The first step is to understand potential risks in your area and create an emergency plan accordingly. Your local, provincial, or territorial government emergency management organizations can provide more detailed information to ensure you’re better prepared for emergencies that could happen in your region. Next, make sure to build an emergency kit for your family and pets. Canadians are advised to keep basic supplies in case they need to get by without power or tap water, and to ensure they have enough supplies for at least 72 hours should they need to evacuate or shelter in place. Emergency kit must-haves include food, water, medication, and flashlights, ideally packed separately in each person’s own backpack that’s easy to grab in a rush. However, building an emergency kit doesn’t have to cost much. We headed to Dollarama to see what affordable items we could find to help put together a basic kit, based on the government’s basic emergency kit checklist. As with any Dollarama run, selection and availability can vary by location, but here’s what we found. FILE ORGANIZER Make sure you have both digital and physical copies of important documents in case of emergencies. Documents can include identification for each person, birth and marriage certificates, passports, citizenship papers, information on medication and dosage, emergency contact information, insurance details, and banking records. FLASHLIGHT AND BATTERIES According to the government, emergency kits should include wind-up or battery-powered flashlights. Dollarama carries a couple of options for flashlights, as well as extra batteries. PET SUPPLIES Make sure you also have emergency supplies ready for your pets, such as water, food, and medication. Dollarama stocks several brands of pet food. NON-PERISHABLE FOOD A basic emergency kit should have enough food for at least three days, and you can stock up on canned or non-perishable food at Dollarama. But make sure to check expiry dates every year, and don’t forget the can opener. BASIC TOOLS In case of specific hazards or emergencies that could last for a longer period of time, the government advises including additional supplies such as tools, masks, hand sanitizers, garbage bags, whistles, candles and waterproof matches or lighters, pen and paper, as well as duct tape, scissors, and plastic sheeting. We found several of these at Dollarama, which could help ensure you’re better prepared. FIRST AID KIT You could either buy a full first aid kit or build your own. A first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, tape, gauze, antiseptic wound cleanser, and disposable gloves — most of which can be found at Dollarama. While the store is a great place to pick up emergency kit essentials on a budget, some shoppers say certain items simply aren’t worth the money. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dollarama-canada-emergency-kit Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:00:09 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-2026-federal-budget-indigenous-communities Kenneth Chan From building homes and repairing water systems to paying for health care and education, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2026 federal budget sets aside roughly $50 billion in funding for Indigenous communities over 10 years. This continues a pattern of substantially elevated federal spending on Indigenous communities and services since the federal Liberals formed government more than a decade ago. The largest component is about $32 billion over a decade for First Nations housing and infrastructure. Other major commitments cover shorter periods, including funding for schools, children’s services, health benefits, and policing. Several measures would renew or extend existing programs. You might also like: - New $29-billion federal plan to 'end homelessness' in Canada emphasizes adequate treatment and support services, not just housing - Canada 160: Federal government sets aside $325 million for 2027 celebrations to boost national pride - Federal budget outlines how Canadians could profit from the first national sovereign fund - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - B.C. First Nations chiefs seek to overturn Prime Minister Carney's national interest status for Pacific Link oil pipeline The Government of Canada’s new budget announced this past Thursday notes that longer funding commitments would give First Nations communities more flexibility and room to carry out planning. “For First Nations partners on reserve, long-term funding will lead to stronger, more reliable essential services by enabling communities to plan ahead, retain skilled workers, and make investments based on long-term needs rather than short-term pressures,” reads the budget document. “It will also reduce the time and resources spent navigating short-term funding, allowing more of every dollar to go directly to delivering results.” The brand-new First Nations On-Reserve Infrastructure Program would receive $18.5 billion over 10 years, beginning in the 2027/2028 fiscal year. It would pay for construction and upkeep of facilities such as roads, bridges, schools, and health centres, along with water and wastewater infrastructure. The federal government would also consider bringing existing infrastructure programs together, giving communities more flexibility to decide when projects should proceed and how different improvements should fit together. For housing, the federal budget provides $11 billion over 10 years, starting in 2027/2028. This would help maintain 119,000 existing homes, build more than 6,900 new homes, and renovate more than 10,900 homes. Another $1.7 billion over five years, also starting in 2027/2028, would help move housing projects that are ready for construction ahead more quickly on First Nations reserves. The housing and infrastructure package also includes about $658 million over 10 years to test different ways of financing projects and helping First Nations individuals become homeowners. Of that $658-million amount, $500 million over a decade would support a pilot project using federal funding to secure financing upfront, allowing communities to begin infrastructure work sooner instead of waiting for funding to arrive over time. A further $150 million over five years would go to the First Nation-led Yänonhchia’ Revolving Housing Finance Fund, which works with Indigenous financial institutions to provide housing loans. The budget estimates this would support 825 loans across 60 to 100 First Nations communities. Beyond buildings and infrastructure, education accounts for a substantial share of the funding. The federal budget provides $5.8 billion over five years, beginning in 2027/2028, for the Elementary and Secondary Education Program on reserve. This includes renewing targeted support for adult education. A separate $4378 million over the same period would support First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education. Children’s services would receive more, including $6 billion over six years. Health benefits are another major expense, with $2.9 billion over three years, starting in 2027/2028, for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. It helps cover costs for First Nations and Inuit people, including medications, travel for medical care, and mental health services. An additional $291 million over four years would renew support for public health workers and initiatives in Indigenous communities, including preventing infectious diseases and responding to outbreaks. For policing, Carney’s administration has budgeted $634 million over four years, starting in 2027/2028, followed by $251 million in ongoing annual funding for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. This money would support officers, facilities such as police stations, and community safety services. “Building a strong and united Canada also means continuing the important work of reconciliation. It means ensuring Indigenous communities have the same foundations that every community needs to thrive: safe housing, clean water, good schools, reliable infrastructure, stable and culturally responsive policing services, and the ability to shape their own future,” said François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of finance and national revenue, during his budget address on Thursday. “Budget 2026 will make major new investments in First Nations housing and infrastructure and provide greater funding certainty so communities can plan for the long term. Because being masters of our destiny must mean having the tools to shape a better future.” More than a decade ago, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government increased funding for Indigenous communities while also changing Ottawa’s requirements to financial transparency. In December 2015, the federal government stopped discretionary enforcement measures under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which requires First Nations to publicly disclose audited financial statements and chiefs’ and councillors’ pay and expenses. The federal government restored withheld funding and suspended court actions over non-compliance. The law technically remains in force, and Indigenous Services Canada’s funding agreements still require audited financial statements to be shared with community members and the federal government. Meanwhile, some First Nations, including those represented by the St’át’imc Chiefs Council, are legally challenging Prime Minister Carney’s designation of the planned Pacific Link oil pipeline as a project of national interest, asserting inadequate consultation and risks to salmon and fishing rights. The federal government and the project’s proponents promote the oil pipeline as a way to expand overseas exports and generate additional revenue for the federal government and the provincial governments of Alberta and British Columbia. Indigenous communities would also be offered the opportunity to purchase a combined ownership stake of at least 10 per cent, supported by federal and Alberta Indigenous loan guarantee programs. You might also like: - New $29-billion federal plan to 'end homelessness' in Canada emphasizes adequate treatment and support services, not just housing - Canada 160: Federal government sets aside $325 million for 2027 celebrations to boost national pride - Federal budget outlines how Canadians could profit from the first national sovereign fund - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - B.C. First Nations chiefs seek to overturn Prime Minister Carney's national interest status for Pacific Link oil pipeline https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-2026-federal-budget-indigenous-communities Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:19:25 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/biggest-costco-canada Natalia Buia For more than 40 years, Costco has been the go-to spot for Canadians looking to stock up on groceries, bulk pantry items, clothes, electronics, and pretty much anything else they can squeeze into their shopping cart. Although the beloved warehouse giant got its start in Seattle, Wash., it didn’t take long to migrate 217 kilometres north and open its first Canadian location in Burnaby, B.C. in 1985. Now you can find Costco stores in countries like Japan, the U.K., Australia, and even New Zealand, among many others. According to the company, there are currently around 115 Costco warehouses across Canada, with more on the way in Alberta and other provinces. WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE BIGGEST COSTCO IN CANADA? Well, you’ll have to head east for this one. And maybe bring a second shopping cart, because this place is massive. In 2019, a whopping 190,000-square-foot Costco warehouse opened in Galway, a neighbourhood in St. John’s, N.L., making it the largest Costco in Canada. According to CBC, which covered the grand opening, Costco’s only warehouse on the island has over 500 workers, 1,000 parking spaces, and a gas station with 24 pumps. Get ready to stock up on giant boxes of Kirkland Signature peanut butter and enough toilet paper to last until next Christmas. For comparison, the world’s largest Costco is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sprawling 235,000 square feet — roughly the size of four football fields — it’s both a traditional Costco warehouse and a business centre under one roof. Now, when it comes to the Canadian province with the most Costco locations, do you think you know the answer? That would be Ontario with 43 existing warehouses. That number is expected to grow, with new locations planned for communities like Caledon, Oakville, and Wasaga Beach. Quebec comes in second with 25 locations, followed by Alberta with 20. Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island and Canada’s three territories are currently Costco-less. There is a new Costco warehouse opening in Winnipeg, Man., on Nov. 13, but it is unclear whether that will be even bigger than the Galway location. For now, Newfoundlanders can proudly claim bragging rights for having Canada’s biggest Costco… not that anyone needs another reason to make a trip for a $1.50 hot dog or anything. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/biggest-costco-canada Sat, 07 Nov 2026 16:00:53 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/small-towns-canada-hallmark-movies Natalia Buia We’ve reached that point in the year when we’re enjoying more cozy nights at home, under a fuzzy blanket, with a questionable number of festive movies queued on TV. I don’t know about you, but the second Halloween (both the holiday and the slasher franchise marathon on AMC) wraps up, I’m ready to switch over to full-blown cheesy Hallmark movie mode. It’s a tale as old as time: big city gal moves to a charming small town, gets into a heated argument with the local bakery owner, and somehow ends up falling in love at a pumpkin patch or Christmas market. Step and repeat. Having spent most of my life in a major Canadian city, I often fantasize about ditching the concrete jungle for a quiet town tucked away in the mountains. Maybe fall in love with a lumberjack with a golden retriever. Who knows. And that’s the beauty of these movies we love to hate… and hate to love. They’re cringy and cheesy, frustratingly formulaic, and wildly unrealistic. But you have to give them credit because they do a pretty fantastic job of showcasing the gorgeous settings in the regions they’re filmed in – and I’ll have you know, many of them are indeed filmed in Canada. Our country is full of picturesque communities with charming main streets, historic buildings and mountain or waterfront views that look like they belong on the big screen. So, if you’re ready to live out your Hallmark movie fantasy (minus the awkward third-act breakup), here are eight small towns and cities across Canada worth adding to your travel list. MAHONE BAY, N.S. Mahone Bay is a sleepy seaside town with colourful, historic homes, cozy coffee shops, and several beautiful churches lined up along the harbour. You can’t get more Hallmarks than that! This stunning Nova Scotia community has all the ingredients for a feel-good romantic comedy, including a picturesque waterfront, a slower pace of life and plenty of seasonal festivities in the ‘ber months. DAWSON CITY, YUKON Dawson City might be small, but it has more personality than some big cities. It’s got lots of colourful frontier-style buildings, wooden boardwalks, dirt roads and a fascinating Gold Rush history that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. It’s easy to picture a big-city newcomer arriving here for a fresh start, getting caught up in the charm of the locals and discovering that maybe a quieter life isn’t such a bad idea after all. ALMONTE, ONT. Almonte might just be the closest thing Canada has to an actual Hallmark movie set. In fact, it’s earned the nickname “Mini Hollywood North” thanks to the many Christmas movies filmed in the area. The gorgeous town is filled with red-brick historic buildings, quirky boutiques and cozy cafes and bistros, all set along the Mississippi River. Whether you’re wandering the waterfront or browsing the adorable downtown storefronts, there’s a festive, small-town feel (and maybe an eligible bachelor) around every corner. ELORA, ONT. Elora is pretty much what you’d get if you took everything you love about a Hallmark movie and brought it to life. Come winter, the small town of around 8,000 people gets even more magical, with twinkling lights and festive markets that make you want to grab a hot chocolate, bundle up and go for a romantic stroll. It’s that place where you kind of expect to bump into your childhood sweetheart while shopping for Christmas ornaments. CANMORE, ALTA Canmore has all the makings of a Hallmark movie, but with a little more adventure thrown into the mix. With a population of around 17,000, it has that small-town feel, but there’s still plenty happening from seasonal festivals and outdoor activities, plus plenty of boutiques and restaurants to explore. The snow-covered streets, charming mountain lodges, and jaw-dropping backdrop of the Three Sisters make it especially dreamy during the holidays. NELSON, B.C. With more than 350 beautifully preserved heritage buildings, Nelson looks like it was specifically designed to be a Hallmark (or Disney) movie set. Tucked into the Selkirk Mountains, this artsy little town is full of character, with historic storefronts and the occasional vintage streetcar zipping by. Baker Street is especially charming when the lights come on and the snow starts falling, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on visiting soon. WOLSELEY, SASK. Often considered one of the prettiest towns on the Prairies, Wolseley is built around a beautiful lake complete with a swinging bridge. There’s also the gorgeous historic Town Hall and Opera House, which adds plenty of old-school character to the town. In winter, when the lake freezes, it becomes a skating hot spot for the whole community. So, it’s easy to imagine a festive love story unfolding here, complete with a little drama around the Christmas tree lighting, of course. KASLO, B.C. If a Hallmark movie were set in a secluded mountain town where everyone knows everyone, Kaslo would be the perfect backdrop. Tucked between the Selkirk Mountains and Kootenay Lake, this little village has a charming historic downtown, a beautiful waterfront and the iconic SS Moyie, one of Canada’s oldest preserved sternwheelers. There’s also a lovely public beach, scenic hiking trails, local art galleries and pubs that bring everyone together. Are there any towns or small cities we missed? Let us know in the comments below. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/small-towns-canada-hallmark-movies Sat, 07 Nov 2026 16:00:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-federal-plan-end-homelessness-10-years-2026-budget Kenneth Chan Prime Minister Mark Carney is setting a 10-year goal to put Canada on a “path to end homelessness,” putting aside about $29 billion for a plan that combines housing construction with new specialized healthcare facilities for people with complex needs, rental housing assistance, and other community supports. Outlined in the 2026 federal budget released yesterday, the strategy would see the Government of Canada help pay for the upfront capital cost of constructing buildings and facilities, while expecting the lower levels of government in the provinces to fund their ongoing operations and the services residents need to avoid homelessness. The budget intends to completely reshape Canada’s current strategies in order to put the country on a path to “ending homelessness” within a decade — setting the conditions to do so. Achieving that goal would require cooperation among federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, non-profit organizations, charities, businesses, and developers. You might also like: - How a knock on my door sparked a $7-million push to help Vancouver's homeless - Opinion: Wrap-around supports are crucial for Metro Vancouver's homeless youth - Opinion: Refusing change is a choice, and it's keeping the Downtown Eastside in crisis - Opinion: Vancouver is Canada's dumping ground for the homeless, and this needs to stop - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes “Canada has the resources, the people, and the will to end homelessness — but every level of government and each sector has a role to play. It requires forward-thinking action: stable housing and a comprehensive set of services — including health care, mental health and addictions treatment, crisis services, and other community supports. We are committed to changing how Canada addresses homelessness and supports those who are unhoused, because every Canadian should have the security of a warm home,” reads the budget. “That is why Budget 2026 is putting significant federal resources toward helping create the conditions to end homelessness within 10 years. This is a call to action for every level of government, Indigenous partners, the private sector, and the not-for-profit sector to come together to reach this goal.” The budget includes $11.2 billion over four years beginning in the 2027/2028 fiscal year, followed by $17.8 billion over the remaining six fiscal years. Overall, under the 10-year goal, this includes $2.36 billion in the 2027/2028 fiscal year, followed by $3.62 billion in 2028/2029 and $2.62 billion in each of 2029/2030 and 2030/2031. The package brings together new initiatives and extensions of existing programs, including monthly help with rent for Canadians with low incomes. “Tonight, thousands of Canadians will sleep in shelters or on the street, with none of the security or stability that adequate housing provides. We can do better. We must do better. And we will do better,” said François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of finance and national revenue, during his budget address yesterday. “With Budget 2026, we are putting Canada on a path to end homelessness within 10 years. We will renew the Reaching Home program and the Veteran Homelessness Program. We will work with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to link housing with mental health, addiction, and community care services. Through Build Canada Homes, we will build more affordable housing. The investments we make today will define our society tomorrow.” A SHIFT TO ALSO FOCUS ON TREATMENT, NOT JUST PROVIDING HOUSING Under the revamped approach, housing would be linked with services such as mental healthcare, addictions treatment, employment assistance, training, and income support. The aim is to help people find a home and address the circumstances that could otherwise leave them homeless again. A major part of the package is an additional $10 billion through the federal government’s Build Canada Homes for new supportive housing and transitional housing across the country. This includes $3.6 billion over four years starting in 2027/2028, with another $6.4 billion in later years. It is emphasized that federal funding would cover capital costs, such as construction. Provincial and territorial governments would be expected to pay for ongoing operations and services for residents. Another $5 billion would establish an Integrated Supports Fund, which would also be achieved through Build Canada Homes. The federal government would provide $1.8 billion over four years beginning in 2027/2028, followed by $3.2 billion in later years. This fund would back projects combining housing with healthcare and social services. It could help create supportive housing and transitional housing, convert existing buildings, and attract investment from businesses and charitable donors. The budget also provides $2 billion over two years — beginning in 2027/2028 — for the Health Infrastructure Fund under the Build Communities Strong Fund to help build mental health and addictions treatment facilities. These facilities would help people receive the treatment they need before their conditions become part of the country’s mental health and addictions crisis. Alongside those investments, the federal government is looking to extend two existing homelessness programs for another decade. Reaching Home and the Veterans Homelessness Program would receive a combined $2.1 billion over three years beginning in 2028/2029, plus $4.4 billion in subsequent years. This funding would continue to support homelessness services and prevention efforts, including assistance specifically for veterans. The Canada Housing Benefit would also be renewed for 10 years, with $1.7 billion over three years starting in 2028/2029 and another $3.9 billion in later years. The benefit provides monthly rental assistance to Canadians with low incomes, helping them find and keep housing. The federal government’s new approach addresses a longstanding gap in Canada’s homelessness response: providing someone with a home does not, by itself, provide the treatment and daily assistance they may need to remain there. The federal government’s previous “Housing First” policy and funding priorities first began in 2014 under Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative administration, emphasizing getting people into permanent housing without requiring abstinence or participation in treatment beforehand. Although that previous model includes healthcare and individual support, a 2025 Mental Health Commission of Canada report identified inadequate funding, staffing challenges, and inconsistent implementation as barriers to delivering it effectively. In British Columbia, for example, the outgoing BC NDP-led provincial government previously acknowledged that some people with severe mental health and addictions issues, brain injuries, and other complex conditions need more care than conventional supportive housing provides. B.C.’s supportive housing standard is largely non-clinical. In 2022, the B.C. government created a new variation of supportive housing called complex care housing, which provides extensive wrap-around clinical and support services, with some of these complex care housing units situated within a portion of the supportive housing buildings. In Metro Vancouver, residents and businesses near some supportive housing sites have blamed inadequate care, staffing, and oversight for crime, open drug use, public disorder, and sanitation problems spilling into surrounding neighbourhoods and commercial areas. These complaints — and fears of similar impacts elsewhere — have fuelled local opposition to new supportive housing and associated services, alongside demands for adequate mental health and addictions treatment, stronger security, and greater accountability from governments, health authorities, and the non-profit housing operators. The federal government now explicitly connects its new housing investments with an expectation that the lower levels of government will strengthen funding for ongoing operations, healthcare, and other supports, and demonstrate results. “Homelessness remains one of Canada’s most urgent social challenges. But homelessness is not inevitable. It is the result of gaps across housing, health, mental health, addictions, and social support systems,” reads the budget. The federal budget points to Winnipeg as an early example of how the combined optimized housing and healthcare services model could work as a partnership between the federal and provincial governments. The federal budget announcement yesterday highlighted the agreement with Manitoba’s provincial government, and Prime Minister Carney and federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson were in Winnipeg today for the partnership’s formal announcement. The partnership with Manitoba will bring over $1 billion in new capital spending through Build Canada Homes. This includes the Winnipeg Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, which will bring acute and outpatient care with permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and wraparound services. Up to $800 million in funding will be provided to build 2,000 new units of supportive housing and transitional housing in Manitoba, with the provincial government agreeing to provide funding enabling a certain standard for ongoing healthcare and support services. For other areas of the country where such issues are also acute, the federal government intends to work with other provincial governments on their separate housing agreements ahead of the federal Spring 2027 Economic Update. “This work will align these agreements with the goal of putting Canada on a path to end homelessness in 10 years, protect existing non-market housing stock, take into consideration the expanded role of Build Canada Homes, and make responsibilities clearer for delivering affordable housing and targeted affordability supports,” reads the budget. “As we increase capital investments, provinces and territories will be expected to strengthen funding for operations, health care, and wraparound supports, and to demonstrate progress against shared outcomes.” HOW REALISTIC IS THE GOAL OF PUTTING CANADA ON A PATH TO “END HOMELESSNESS”? The federal budget’s repeated references to putting Canada on a path to “end homelessness” carry a familiar echo for Vancouver, the epicentre of Canada’s homelessness, mental health, and addictions crisis. Leading the federal housing and homelessness portfolio is Minister Robertson, who served as Vancouver’s mayor from 2008 to 2018. During his first mayoral campaign in 2008, Robertson promised to end street homelessness in Vancouver by 2015. Of course, that deadline passed without the goal being achieved. It should be emphasized that a key distinction lies in how the goals are framed: Robertson’s 2008 promise was to end street homelessness in Vancouver by 2015, while the 2026 federal budget emphasizes creating the conditions to put Canada on a path toward ending homelessness within 10 years. When asked by media during today’s press conference in Winnipeg why he believed the federal effort could succeed when his Vancouver vow went unfulfilled, Robertson pointed to insufficient funding and cooperation from the federal and provincial governments during his time as mayor. “We did not have the support as a city. We set the goal, the federal and provincial governments were not coordinating, were not investing at the scale that was needed to solve the challenge in Vancouver,” said Robertson during today’s press conference in Winnipeg. He said the severity of Vancouver’s homelessness crisis had motivated his decision to run for mayor. He pointed to the homeless shelters subsequently opened and operated by the city, along with the construction of 500 temporary modular homes in a single year — towards the end of this mayoral tenure — with provincial government assistance, as examples of progress during his time as the mayor of Vancouver. However, he argued that achieving lasting results required a broader effort involving all levels of government and the people delivering services on the ground. “It takes the coordination of all levels of government. It takes the support of all the people working on the street,” he said. He also emphasized the involvement of Indigenous governments, noting the significant challenges homelessness poses for Indigenous people across Canada. “We all have to do this together. We all have to be jointly focused on achieving this goal and implementing these changes and connecting the dots between the help, the housing and the health. Those things have to be integrated, and we have to deliver them together at pace,” continued the minister. You might also like: - How a knock on my door sparked a $7-million push to help Vancouver's homeless - Opinion: Wrap-around supports are crucial for Metro Vancouver's homeless youth - Opinion: Refusing change is a choice, and it's keeping the Downtown Eastside in crisis - Opinion: Vancouver is Canada's dumping ground for the homeless, and this needs to stop - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-federal-plan-end-homelessness-10-years-2026-budget Fri, 06 Nov 2026 23:39:47 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/federal-budget-2026-taxes Irish Mae Silvestre Proposed changes in the latest federal government 2026 budget could make tax season just a bit easier for Canadians. If approved, several proposed changes could affect how Canadians file their taxes, claim expenses, and access tax credits. One of the biggest changes would give most Canadians more time to file their returns. There’s also proposed tax relief for Canadian artists, while Canadians with foreign investments could face fewer reporting requirements. Here’s a look at the proposed changes that could affect you. CANADIANS COULD HAVE MORE TIME TO FILE TAXES With the government proposing to push the deadline from April 30 to May 15, Canadians could soon have extra time to file their taxes. These changes would apply to employees, self-employed Canadians and their spouses or common-law partners, starting in the 2027 tax year. Currently, most employees must file and pay their taxes by April 30. Self-employed Canadians have until June 15 to file, but must pay any taxes owed by April 30. Under the proposed changes, both deadlines would move to May 15 for everyone. FEWER CANADIANS MAY HAVE TO MAKE QUARTERLY PAYMENTS Canadians who owe income tax may no longer have to make quarterly payments. Currently, Canadians are required to make quarterly tax instalments if they expect to owe over $3,000 in taxes ($1,800 in Quebec). The government wants to raise that limit to $7,500 and $4,500 starting in 2028. This means that fewer Canadians may have to make payments throughout the year. MORE TIME TO DISPUTE TAX ASSESSMENT Don’t agree with a tax assessment from the CRA? You could have more time to challenge it. According to proposed changes, most taxpayers would have one year from the date the CRA sends their notice of assessment to file an objection, up from the current 90 days. TAX RELIEF FOR CANADIAN ARTISTS The new Canada Creative Credit is a new tax relief that could provide support to artists “as they foster creativity, artistic production, and cultural entrepreneurship in Canada.” Artists could soon qualify for a new non-refundable tax credit that, when combined with the Basic Personal Amount, could cover up to $45,000 in annual eligible income earned from their original creative work. EMPLOYED ARTISTS COULD DEDUCT MORE WORK-RELATED EXPENSES In keeping with government efforts to support Canadian artists, the government wants to let employed artists deduct more of their expenses related to their work. Currently, eligible artists can deduct up to $1,000 or 20 per cent of their eligible employment income, whichever is lower. The changes mean they could deduct eligible work expenses up to the full amount of their employment income from eligible artistic activities, removing the existing $1,000 limit. REPORTING TAXES COULD BE EASIER FOR CANADIANS WITH FOREIGN INVESTMENTS Canadians could face fewer tax reporting requirements for foreign investments, as the government wants to increase the reporting threshold. Currently, Canadians with over $100,000 in certain foreign investments or income-earning property must file a Foreign Income Verification Statement. Now, the government wants to raise that limit to $200,000. They also want to increase the limit for simplified reporting from $250,000 to $500,000. COMBINING RRSPS AND RRIFS Canadians are required to convert their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) into Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) when they turn 71. Now, the government wants to simplify the process by combining both into one account called an “RRSP for life.” If approved, the changes would mean that Canadians can keep their RRSPs instead of switching accounts. However, they would still have to make minimum withdrawals after 71. MAKING IT EASIER TO CLAIM HOME ACCESSIBILITY TAX CREDIT Canadians who renovate their homes to make them safer or more accessible for seniors or people with disabilities can claim the Home Accessibility Tax Credit to offset costs. Currently, claimants must keep track of renovation expenses and provide supporting documentation, such as invoices and receipts. New changes would mean that eligible homeowners and family members would be able to claim a flat $1,000 in renovation expenses without having to calculate actual costs. Some proof of expenses would still be required, and this flat-rate option can only be claimed once in a person’s lifetime. LESS PAPERWORK TO CLAIM MEDICAL EXPENSES It could soon be much easier for Canadians to claim certain medical expenses on their taxes. The government wants to simplify the process by removing the prescription requirement for some medical expenses. For expenses that could be used for non-medical reasons, Canadians would need a medical practitioner to certify their condition instead of getting a prescription. The government also proposed changes that could save Canadians more money. You might also like: - Justin Trudeau lands new gig at one of the world's most prestigious schools - Here's how Canada's 2026 federal budget could save you money - Four Canadian friends who won $90M Lotto Max jackpot had a very cheeky group chat name https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/federal-budget-2026-taxes Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:19:54 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-ice-rink-improvement-fund-federal-budget Kenneth Chan In a country where many childhood memories often include a pair of skates, Ottawa’s latest play for Canadian pride is heading to the local ice rink. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2026 federal budget, announced yesterday, includes $750 million for ice rinks across the country, as a part of a broader effort to strengthen national unity and the community spaces where many Canadians spend time together. The budget presents these investments as part of Canada’s cultural infrastructure, placing the neighbourhood arena alongside libraries, museums, and other public spaces that help people feel connected to their communities and country. You might also like: - Canada 160: Federal government sets aside $325 million for 2027 celebrations to boost national pride - Opinion: Canada should host the Olympics again to reignite national and civic pride - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - New permanent VANCOUVER sign's installation further delayed until early 2027 - World-class short-track speed skating competition to return annually to Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum “Arenas, ice rinks, and recreational facilities are at the heart of many communities across Canada. They are where so many Canadians first learn to skate, where young Canadians gather after school and adults lace up after work, and where families and friends huddle in the stands for the sports they love. But many of these facilities are aging and need significant investment to remain safe, accessible, and ready to serve their communities for years to come,” reads the budget. The ice rink allocation represents half of a $1.5-billion package for community recreation infrastructure over a nine-year period through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund. The other half is $750 million in additional funding for other types of community recreational facilities. This funding would support repairs and modernization of existing facilities, as well as expansions and new construction. That could give the initiative a role in both extending the lifespan of aging ice rinks and creating new facilities to skate and play. The federal government is aiming to spend $680 million of the combined $1.5 billion for such investments over the next four fiscal years, including $80 million in 2027/2028 and $200 million each in 2028/2029, 2029/2030, and 2030/2031. “This measure would benefit all Canadians, while people who use rinks for hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate programs, public skating and other activities would benefit more directly,” reads the budget, which notes that the “benefits are expected to lean toward men, boys, and youth,” with this demographic representing about 81 per cent of Hockey Canada registrations. Moreover, children and youth overall represent about 75 per cent. The capital investments in ice rinks and other community recreational facilities sit alongside other investments to boost national pride and culture, including $325 million for Canada 160 initiatives — celebrations, events, festivals, and new infrastructure to mark the country’s 160th birthday in 2027, similar to Canada 150 in 2017. This also includes $100 million from the Build Communities Strong Fund, specifically for new capital investments in new and improved community spaces as a lasting legacy. “In 2027, Canada will mark its 160th anniversary. It will be a moment for Canadians to come together. To celebrate our communities. To discover more of our country. And to pass on what we love about Canada to the next generation,” said François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of finance and national revenue, during his budget address. “That is why Budget 2026 will invest in the places and experiences that bring Canadians together. The community spaces where neighbours meet and newcomers find their footing. The festivals where communities celebrate their traditions. The museums, parks, and historic sites where Canadians discover their country. We will also revitalise the arenas and rinks where generations of Canadians have learned to skate, play, and dream.” You might also like: - Canada 160: Federal government sets aside $325 million for 2027 celebrations to boost national pride - Opinion: Canada should host the Olympics again to reignite national and civic pride - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - New permanent VANCOUVER sign's installation further delayed until early 2027 - World-class short-track speed skating competition to return annually to Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-ice-rink-improvement-fund-federal-budget Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:40:45 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/gretzky-sides-carney-russia-world-junior-ban Colton Pankiw Wayne Gretzky is throwing his support behind Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to prevent Russian hockey players from competing at the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta. The hockey legend spoke to reporters Friday at an event in Toronto hosted by Upper Deck, where he was asked about Canada’s position following a controversial ruling that could have allowed Russia to return to international hockey competition. “I understand the stance the prime minister has taken, and good for him. He’s made that stance, and he’s made it clear, and I think a lot of the players and the people of Canada feel the same way,” Gretzky told reporters. Gretzky also expressed his opposition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. “Nobody likes war, right? We definitely don’t want to see this. We hope it ends. We wish it didn’t start,” he added. The comments come after Carney announced Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be permitted to represent their countries at sporting events on Canadian soil while the war continues. The federal government said it would use its immigration powers to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada, effectively keeping Russia out of the 2027 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer. The decision followed a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must reinstate Russian teams into international competition, beginning with the upcoming World Juniors. Russia and Belarus have been excluded from IIHF competitions since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Several European hockey federations have also voiced opposition to Russia’s return, with multiple countries threatening not to play against the nation while the war continues. Gretzky’s comments are particularly interesting given his own Ukrainian heritage. His paternal grandmother was from Ternopil Oblast in western Ukraine. The 2027 World Junior Championship is scheduled to begin Dec. 26, with Edmonton and Red Deer serving as the two host cities. Canada will enter the tournament looking to capture its first gold medal since 2023, while the ongoing dispute over Russia’s potential return has become one of the biggest off-ice storylines surrounding this year’s event. You might also like: - Canadian Prime Minister Carney won't let Russia's hockey team into the country https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gretzky-sides-carney-russia-world-junior-ban Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:32:15 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/blue-jays-guerrero-gift-mom-car Marley Dickinson Toronto Blue Jays star Vlad Guerrero Jr. has been making the most of his offseason back home in the Dominican Republic. Guerrero has spent the time off doing a little bit of everything, from hanging out on his farm with family to fishing with the boys. He’s also been giving back to the people who matter most to him. On Thursday, Guerrero shared a video to his Instagram story showing him surprising his mother, Riquelma Ramos, with a brand-new luxury SUV. He shared a photo of his mom posing with the 2026 Lexus LX 600, writing, “Te amo, te mereces eso y más,” which translates to “I love you, you deserve that and more.” This gift to his mom wasn’t cheap. A Lexus LX 600 starts around $157,000, and this model Vlad bought appears to be suped up with a luxury, burnt-orange leather interior. Only the best from Toronto’s $500-million man to his mother. Guerrero and his mother have always shared a close relationship. Each season, the Blue Jays slugger has typically worn pink gloves, socks or cleats throughout May to honour the woman who raised him. Besides spending time with his friends and family, Guerrero also apparently has been putting in work with his dad, Hall of Famer Vlad Guerrero Sr., in hopes of getting his swing back on track. Guerrero is coming off his most frustrating season yet in his Blue Jays tenure. The six-time All-Star struggled to find power off the bat all season and hit for a career-worst .260 at the plate. That’s a long way from the 20+ homers he hit in his five previous seasons. You might also like: - Former Blue Jays player gets elected in U.S. midterms https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/blue-jays-guerrero-gift-mom-car Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:13:26 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/girl-guide-cookies-canadian-tradition Daily Hive Branded Content Remember the thrill of Girl Guide cookie season arriving? Maybe you were the Girl Guide heading door to door with your friends on a weekend. Maybe you were the kid at school begging your mom for some spare change to secure a box of the iconic Chocolatey Mint cookies from a friend. Or, maybe you were firmly on one side of the great chocolate vs. vanilla debate and have never really let it go. However you remember it, these classic Canadian cookies likely have a special place in your heart. Which means you’ll be pleased to know that Girl Guide cookie season is underway, with the iconic Chocolatey Mint cookies available in communities across Canada. These nostalgic treats are officially back and the story behind each box is about a whole lot more than cookies. THE SWEET TRADITION BEHIND THE COOKIE FUNDRAISING For anyone who knows the cookies, but not the empowering mission behind them, here’s what you need to know: Girl Guides is a Canadian organization working to be a catalyst for empowering girls and these boxes of cookies are its official fundraiser. Every fall, local groups get together to fundraise with those delicious boxes in hand, going door to door and setting up in front of local businesses in their community. Along the way, girls get hands-on experience with goal setting, financial literacy, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. The well-known tradition goes all the way back to 1927, when a Girl Guide leader in Regina, Saskatchewan, started baking cookies to help her local group raise funds for new uniforms and camping equipment. WHERE YOUR SUPPORT GOES Nearly a century later, cookie fundraising is still a fun, meaningful way for girls to learn, lead, connect, and achieve together. All money raised by the boxes of cookies that you buy goes right back to the Sparks, Embers, Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers you buy them from, to help support leadership development, activities, camps, travel, and the other outdoor adventures that await them. MORE THAN JUST A BOX OF COOKIES If cookie season has you wanting more than a snack, there are a few ways to get involved and support the Girl Guides in your community. Firstly, if you’ve got a child age five to 17 who’d love the friendship and adventure, you can register your girl to join in on all the fun. If you’d rather lend a hand yourself, you can become a volunteer with a local unit and help girls in your community gain confidence, financial literacy, and other real-world skills. And if you’re not able to grab a box, you can still support girls in Guiding with a donation that helps turn their dreams into real experiences. HOW TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A BOX Thanks to the Girl Guides’ Cookie Finder, your favourite flavour is easier to find than ever. Whether you’re team chocolate, team vanilla, or a die-hard Chocolatey Mint fan, you can track down cookies near you in mere seconds. Just enter your location and cookie preferences and you’ll see where and when cookies are being sold near you. At the end of the day, the power of a Girl Guide cookie isn’t what’s inside the box. It’s what every box makes possible. That’s a pretty sweet impact!   https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/girl-guide-cookies-canadian-tradition Fri, 06 Nov 2026 19:46:49 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/justin-trudeau-oxford-university Natalia Buia Justin Trudeau is taking a page out of the millennial playbook by adding yet another side hustle to his growing resume. This time around, the former prime minister of Canada will be crossing the pond to England, where he’ll be joining one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government announced on Friday that Trudeau has joined as a Distinguished Fellow and member of its World Leaders Circle. > We are pleased to announce that the Rt. Hon. @JustinTrudeau has joined Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow and member of the World Leaders Circle. > https://t.co/bhZrLt94TO https://t.co/JqV8ygnbLr > > — Blavatnik School of Government (@BlavatnikSchool) November 6, 2026 Not a bad addition to the LinkedIn profile. Trudeau led the Liberal Party from 2013 to 2025 and served as Canada’s prime minister for a decade before resigning in January 2025. Now, he’ll be bringing his political experience to Oxford, where he’ll engage with students, researchers, and fellow former world leaders on the future of global governance. The school’s World Leaders Circle is an international network of former heads of government who share their experience and insights to help shape the next generation of public leaders. “We are delighted to welcome Justin Trudeau to the School as a Distinguished Fellow and member of our World Leaders Circle,” said Ngaire Woods, professor and dean of the Blavatnik School. Trudeau, who for the last year has kept fairly quiet aside from supporting pop star girlfriend Katy Perry on social media and red carpets, is also looking forward to the new chapter. “I look forward to contributing my experience, exchanging perspectives with fellow leaders, and engaging with the next generation of government and policy leaders as we consider how governments can respond to change and build a more hopeful, inclusive, and prosperous future for everyone,” he said. Trudeau will be visiting Oxford later in November to start his new venture. But it’s not his only post-politics pursuit. Back in September, the 54-year-old former prime minister announced another career pivot at the Toronto International Film Festival, revealing his new production company, Hope & Hard Work. The company plans to develop scripted and unscripted series, including Le Collège, from North of North writers Jessie Gabe and Shebli Zarghami, as well as other “audio and live experiences.” Safe to say, retiring in Margaritaville isn’t on Trudeau’s agenda anytime soon. You might also like: - Justin Trudeau caught dancing in a Home Hardware in Canada with Katy Perry - Tate McRae gets heat from Sophie Grégoire Trudeau over latest performance - ‘Queen of Cringe’ Katy Perry can't stop gushing about Justin Trudeau https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/justin-trudeau-oxford-university Fri, 06 Nov 2026 19:39:18 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-federal-budget-could-save-you-money Irish Mae Silvestre Canadians could soon have more money to spend on everyday expenses thanks to new measures outlined in the latest federal government budget. From increased grocery benefit payments to changes to financial support for caregivers, the government’s latest spending plan includes several proposals that could help Canadians save money. “Being masters of our destiny is about having the confidence to build on our strengths and shape our own future,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of finance and national revenue. “Canada has the resources, talent and ambition to succeed. Budget 2026 builds on those strengths by unlocking investment, building more at home, strengthening our energy and natural resource advantage, and helping Canadian businesses grow and compete on the world stage.” Here’s a look at the ways that the new federal budget could put more money back in Canadians’ pockets. INCREASED CANADA GROCERIES AND ESSENTIALS BENEFIT PAYMENTS In 2026, Canadians with low and modest incomes were eligible to receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) supplement. The government is planning a one-time 50 per cent increase for the 2026-2027 benefit year, which would provide $339 for a single person without children and up to $679 for a couple with two children. REFUNDABLE CANADA CAREGIVER CREDIT Canadian caregivers could soon have more money in their pockets. The Canada Caregiver Credit would become fully refundable, allowing eligible Canadians who are caring for loved ones to receive up to $1,260 each year starting in 2027. An estimated 585,000 caregivers would benefit, including 180,000 additional caregivers who currently don’t receive any support through the credit. The measure is also expected to lift 15,000 individuals out of poverty. CANADA STRONG PASS RETURNS The government is bringing back the Canada Strong Pass, which gives Canadians free and discounted access to Parks Canada sites, participating museums and galleries, as well as free and discounted VIA Rail travel for families. The pass is also getting some new perks in 2027, including discounted admission to Indigenous-led museums and cultural centres. Budget 2026 proposes $76 million in 2027-2028 to support this renewal. In addition, the government wants to make admission to Canada’s national museums permanently free year-round for children and youth under 25, giving families even more opportunities to explore the country’s cultural attractions without having to spend extra on tickets. MORE SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME WORKERS One of the proposed changes aims to rename the Canada Workers Benefit to the Build Canada Worker Benefit. The changes would increase support for low-income workers, increasing yearly benefits to $1,859 for single individuals without children (up from $1,709), and $3,143 for families (up from $2,943). Changes would also lower the minimum earnings threshold from $3,000 to $500, and from $1,150 to $200 for the disability supplement. Canadian workers with the lowest earnings could get an additional $675, while those eligible for the disability supplement could get almost $1,000 more. The benefit is expected to help nearly two million workers, including 180,000 new recipients. LOWER ENERGY COSTS The government is also offering $2 billion in heat pump rebates to help Canadians lower their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient. Households with incomes below the median will be eligible for a rebate of up to $10,000, while other eligible households will be able to receive a $2,000 rebate. The government says these rebates can be combined with existing provincial programs to potentially reduce the upfront cost even further. Check out the full Budget 2026 for more details. With files from Laine Mitchell and Natalia Buia https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-federal-budget-could-save-you-money Fri, 06 Nov 2026 19:22:12 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-90-million-lotto-max-lottery-winners Kendall Collins Four people from Calgary, Alta., are celebrating a life-changing win after taking home a record-breaking $90-million Lotto Max jackpot. Eidelson Elchico, Lovelyn Malvar, Hazeline Ong, and Velna Ramirez are splitting the massive prize after matching all the numbers in the Oct. 20 draw. Each winner will walk away with $22.5 million. The massive $90-million prize marks the largest Lotto Max jackpot in Canadian history. The win was discovered during the Oct. 20 draw, with winning numbers being 08, 15, 19, 23, 26, 28, and 34, and the bonus number was 38. This massive win comes just six months after Lotto Max raised its maximum jackpot from $80 million to $90 million. The four have been friends for five years, but this was their first time playing the lottery together. They purchased their ticket online and even gave their group chat a fitting name: “Manifesting Millions.” The win came as a surprise to the group, with Elchico discovering the good news while checking his email. He quickly turned to the group chat to alert the others, who initially had a hard time believing they had actually won. This isn’t the first big win for Canadian players. In December 2025, two Ontario residents split an $80.4-million jackpot, the largest at the time. All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. You might also like: - Dollarama products Canadians say just aren't worth the money - These Canadian provinces have the worst and best access to health care - Air Canada's quarterly fuel bill jumps by 75%, a $906-million increase https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-90-million-lotto-max-lottery-winners Fri, 06 Nov 2026 19:00:54 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/most-in-demand-rental-markets-canada Natalia Buia Canadians apartment hunting right now might be surprised by where the action is. Smaller and mid-sized cities are leading the country in renter interest, according to a new report. RentCafe, a rental search website, recently released its latest Renter Interest Report, a quarterly look at where Canadians are actively searching for apartments. In Q3, smaller and mid-sized cities made up the entire top 10 for the second consecutive quarter. Moncton, N.B., is once again taking the top spot, continuing its impressive run as Canada’s most in-demand rental market. Meanwhile, cities like Victoria, B.C., and Hamilton, Ont., are also drawing plenty of attention, while big cities like Toronto and Vancouver were left off the top 10. To determine which markets attracted the most attention, RentCafe reviewed millions of online renter interactions between July and September. Cities were ranked using four key indicators of renter activity: available listings, listing views, apartments saved as favourites, and personalized searches. Moncton extended its reign as the country’s most in-demand rental market, earning a perfect score of 100.00 and ranking number one in three of the four categories. “Saved searches were the one indicator that softened, down 36 per cent year-over-year, although Moncton still ranked number one nationally on this metric relative to its renter population,” reads the report. The city’s strong showing comes as New Brunswick’s rental market continues to stand out. It recorded the strongest new-lease rent growth among the nine provinces tracked, at 3.7 per cent. It also had the lowest provincial vacancy rate, at 2.2 per cent. Interestingly enough, the report states the most searches for Moncton apartments came from people living in Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal. The rest of the top five played a bit of musical chairs this reported quarter. Victoria climbed one spot to land at number two in Q3, earning a score of 75.38. According to RentCafe, it’s the city’s highest placement since the ranking began. Hamilton slipped one position to land at number three, while Halifax climbed two spots to land at number four. Kitchener, Ont., also moved up two positions, to round out the top five. The two cities with the fewest vacant apartments across Canada were Winnipeg and Halifax, with vacancy rates of 2.6 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively. There were a couple of new faces in this quarter’s rankings, too. Oshawa, Ont., and Saskatoon, Sask., both broke into the top 10, pushing London and Regina off the list. “Oshawa recorded the largest jump by climbing 11 positions to number eight overall with a score of 53.81. This marks its highest position on record and its first appearance in the top 10 since Q4 2024,” reads the report. And once again, Canada’s biggest rental markets were nowhere to be found in the top 10. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton all missed the list for the second consecutive quarter, though they’re in the top 25. That doesn’t mean renters have lost interest in these major cities. They remain popular destinations, but year-over-year renter engagement continued to decline across the group, according to RentCafe. For renters keeping an eye on prices, there may be some encouraging news, too. According to a separate report from Rentals.ca, rent across Canada has been trending downward for two consecutive years, with the average asking rent now sitting at $2,034. THE TOP 10 MOST IN-DEMAND RENTAL MARKETS IN CANADA 1. Moncton, N.B. 2. Victoria, B.C. 3. Hamilton, Ont. 4. Halifax, N.S. 5. Kitchener, Ont. 6. Winnipeg, Man. 7. Saskatoon, Sask. 8. Oshawa, Ont. 9. Windsor, Ont. 10. Nanaimo, B.C. To read the full report, visit RentCafe’s website. You might also like: - Rent across Canada is now the lowest it’s been in two years - These Canadian provinces have the worst and best access to health care - 10 best places to live in Canada for affordability and quality of life https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/most-in-demand-rental-markets-canada Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:53:38 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-160-fund-federal-government-program-160th-anniversary-2027 Kenneth Chan The colourful maple leaf of the official Canada 150 logo and the major public events and festivals held across the country throughout 2017 to celebrate national pride may still feel like recent memories. But a decade later, the Government of Canada is preparing to bring Canadians together for another big round of celebrations. Although Canada’s 160th anniversary in 2027 does not carry the same symbolic weight as its 150th anniversary, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal government is nevertheless embracing the occasion — a clear apparent attempt to strengthen national pride and unity amid political and economic tensions with the United States, including President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to make Canada the 51st state. At home, Alberta last month held Canada’s first separatist referendum in more than three decades, albeit with the “Forever Canadian” movement and ultimately voters overwhelmingly rejecting any further consideration of separating from the country. These external and internal tensions have helped fuel a resurgence in Canadian pride since early 2025. The federal government’s 2026 budget, released yesterday, sets aside $325 million for Canada 160 anniversary programs in the 2027/2028 fiscal year, with the Canada 160 Fund as the centrepiece. You might also like: - Opinion: Canada should host the Olympics again to reignite national and civic pride - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - B.C. First Nations chiefs seek to overturn Prime Minister Carney's national interest status for Pacific Link oil pipeline - Prime Minister Carney grants new $5.9-billion Metro Vancouver superport national interest status, targeting opening four years earlier - Nearly 25 years later, B.C.'s First Nations treaty referendum echoes through today's land disputes Canada will turn 160 years old on July 1, 2027 — Canada Day — marking 160 years since Confederation in 1867. “Building on the legacy of Canada 150, Canada 160 celebrations will bring together the stories, spaces, and experiences that strengthen national pride and belonging, and leave a lasting legacy in communities across the country. Canada 160 is an invitation to every Canadian to read and tell our stories, gather in the places that bring us together, and celebrate what it means to be Canadian,” reads the budget. “Festivals, hometown games, concerts, and community celebrations turn local connections into lasting memories. They bring together people who might otherwise never meet, across regions, generations, languages, and backgrounds, and remind us of all that we share in common as Canadians. As we mark Canada’s 160th anniversary, we want to celebrate the communities that have shaped our country and continue to define who we are today.” The funding would support not only major anniversary experiences, but also the familiar Heritage Minutes films about Canadian history, and the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches more than 30,000 km across the country. Community spaces would also receive support, with $100 million of the $325 million coming from money already allocated through the existing broader Build Communities Strong Fund, which funds the construction of community and recreational facilities, transportation infrastructure, healthcare facilities, schools, utilities, and other public infrastructure. Beyond that main package, the federal government has set aside another $25 million for local festivals and live performances marking the anniversary. This includes $10 million for the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program and $15 million for the Canada Arts Presentation Fund in 2027/2028. The total of $325 million set aside for Canada 160 is roughly half the federal investment in Canada 150, before accounting for significant inflation since the pandemic. Canada 150 in 2017 was one of the country’s largest — if not the largest — nationwide anniversary celebrations since the centennial in 1967. The 100th anniversary year featured major events and the construction of new cultural and recreational facilities across the country, with Montreal’s Expo ’67 World’s Fair serving as the centrepiece of the nationwide celebrations. Fifty years later, Canada 150 brought another year of celebrations across the country, including big concerts, festivals, community events, and fireworks. While the funding supported events and festivals throughout 2017, it also enhanced Canada Day events, such as expanded fireworks festivities at Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver and at the CN Tower in Downtown Toronto. Fireworks were launched directly from the structure of the CN Tower, made possible in part by federal Canada 150 funding. As well, there was free admission to Parks Canada sites, and permanent investments in community infrastructure intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond the birthday itself. According to the Department of Canadian Heritage, the federal government provided a total of $610 million in funding for Canada 150 in 2017. That included $210 million for Canadian Heritage’s Canada 150 activities — which supported new and greatly expanded public events and festivals across the country, including expanded Canada Day events — as well as $300 million for community infrastructure and $100 million for free admission and expanded programming at Parks Canada sites. The department also funded about 20 giant three-dimensional “CANADA 150” letter signs, each installed at prominent locations across the country in 2017 and becoming some of its most photographed attractions that year. Although these were all intended as temporary installations, some remain fixtures today, including the sign on the waterfront of Victoria Inner Harbour — altered after 2017 to read only “CANADA” — with the B.C. legislature as its backdrop. The Canada 150 community infrastructure funding component supported nearly 3,000 projects, including improvements to recreational facilities, libraries, theatres, and arenas, leaving a legacy beyond the anniversary celebrations themselves. Meanwhile, down south in the U.S., throughout 2026, there have been enhanced celebrations, programming, and initiatives to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. You might also like: - Opinion: Canada should host the Olympics again to reignite national and civic pride - Prime Minister Carney opens door to reforming or abolishing Canada's Indian Act - B.C. First Nations chiefs seek to overturn Prime Minister Carney's national interest status for Pacific Link oil pipeline - Prime Minister Carney grants new $5.9-billion Metro Vancouver superport national interest status, targeting opening four years earlier - Nearly 25 years later, B.C.'s First Nations treaty referendum echoes through today's land disputes https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-160-fund-federal-government-program-160th-anniversary-2027 Fri, 06 Nov 2026 15:40:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/2026-federal-budget-canada-immigration-levels-plan-update Kenneth Chan The Government of Canada plans to welcome 370,000 new temporary residents annually from 2027 through 2029, while setting an annual target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions, under the latest immigration plan. The measures, outlined in the 2026 federal budget released on Nov. 5, 2026, also include a new initiative that would give up to 200,000 temporary residents already in Canada an opportunity to become permanent residents by the end of 2027. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration notes that its approach aims to meet labour market needs while keeping immigration levels manageable for housing affordability and supply, healthcare services, and other public services, with a greater emphasis on helping people already living and working in Canada settle permanently. You might also like: - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Canada is offering 2,000 foreign workers permanent residence - Canada reveals new Express Entry immigration categories for 2026 - Canada's population is 300,000 higher than previously thought: statistics Broadly, this immigration plan still continues the federal government’s revised strategy of reducing immigration levels compared to the heightened volumes recorded earlier this decade, from the far more ambitious targets implemented by the former administration of Justin Trudeau. The federal government points to declines already underway. The budget reports that new international student arrivals between January and August 2026 were 71 per cent lower than in the same period of 2024. New worker arrivals were down 57 per cent, while new asylum claims fell 68 per cent over the same comparison period. The earlier immigration surge helped drive rapid population growth in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, adding demand to already constrained housing markets. New housing completions had failed to keep pace with growing demand, putting additional upward pressure on home prices and rents and worsening living-cost pressures. The initial impact was particularly pronounced in rental housing markets, where most newcomers first find housing, while high construction costs, restrictive zoning, and lengthy approval processes continued to constrain supply. The pressures extended beyond housing, as the population surge had intensified existing strains on healthcare, education, and social services. Meanwhile, the growing number of people seeking work coincided with weaker hiring. Last year, the Bank of Canada noted that strong population growth during 2023 and much of 2024 — combined with reduced demand for workers partly resulting from earlier interest rate increases — had contributed to rising unemployment, particularly among young people and newcomers. With all that said, the federal government’s earlier immigration cuts have also helped cool the housing market considerably. Substantially slower population growth and more rental housing availability have helped lower asking rents in the key markets of Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto, giving renters more choice. It has also weakened home sales considerably, alongside high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty. However, the increase in the new permanent residency opportunities in 2027 — for those who are temporary residents already in Canada — could also remove a barrier to homeownership for some newcomers, as permanent residents are not covered by Canada’s federal foreign homebuyer ban. Furthermore, in the 2026 federal budget, Carney intends to extend the overall foreign buyer’s ban on purchases of existing and resale homes to Jan. 1, 2029, while exempting new residential properties to encourage investment in new housing. According to the 2026 federal budget, the overall targets for 2027 and 2028 carry forward the targets in the previous immigration plan, with those levels now extended through 2029. However, the federal government is changing the allocation of spaces within some immigration categories. Moving forward, the annual target for new temporary resident arrivals falls from 385,000 in 2026 to 370,000 in 2027. The annual permanent resident target remains at the same 380,000 level set for 2026. For each of the three years covered by the new plan, the temporary resident target consists of 150,000 international students and 220,000 workers. These compare with 2026 targets of 155,000 students and 230,000 workers. The worker allocation includes 170,000 arrivals through the International Mobility Program and 50,000 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program each year. These temporary resident figures cover specified categories of new student and worker arrivals. They exclude visitors, asylum claimants, permit extensions, and study or work permit applications made from within Canada. Post-graduation work permits are also excluded because they represent a change or extension of status rather than a new arrival. Some seasonal workers are excluded from the targets as well. The figures therefore do not represent every person entering Canada temporarily or the total number of temporary residents living in the country. The planned levels remain substantially below earlier immigration volumes. The annual temporary resident target of 370,000 is about 602,000 below the peak of 971,815 new arrivals recorded in 2023. The annual permanent resident target of 380,000 is about 104,000 below the peak of 483,655 admissions recorded in 2024. Permanent resident admissions can include people already living in Canada who obtain permanent status, as well as newcomers arriving from abroad. Economic immigration will account for 244,700 permanent resident admissions annually or about 64 per cent of the overall target. Family immigration will account for 81,000 permanent resident admissions each year, including 66,000 spouses, partners, and children, and 15,000 parents and grandparents. A further 49,300 spaces annually are planned for refugees and protected persons, alongside 5,000 in the humanitarian, compassionate, and other category. The plan also sets rising targets for French-speaking immigrants as a share of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec: 9.5 per cent in 2027, 10.5 per cent in 2028, and 12 per cent in 2029. Alongside these annual targets, the new temporary-to-permanent residency initiative would include transitioning 100,000 workers eligible for Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program by the end of 2027, working with provinces and territories to address local labour needs. The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada notes that this new measure will provide additional processing space in 2027 for two groups: workers already in Canada and their accompanying family members, and people with longstanding humanitarian cases who are also already in the country. This department will also continue initiatives announced in the 2025 federal budget to accelerate permanent residency for up to 115,000 protected persons and their dependants in Canada, and 33,000 work permit holders, during 2026 and 2027. You might also like: - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Canada is offering 2,000 foreign workers permanent residence - Canada reveals new Express Entry immigration categories for 2026 - Canada's population is 300,000 higher than previously thought: statistics https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/2026-federal-budget-canada-immigration-levels-plan-update Fri, 06 Nov 2026 07:41:06 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-strong-fund-notes-sovereign-federal-budget-2026 Kenneth Chan Canadians could soon put some of their savings into a new investment product tied to the country’s major projects and businesses, under plans detailed in today’s 2026 federal budget. The federal government has outlined further information on how the Canada Strong Fund (CSF) — the country’s first national sovereign wealth fund — would invest public money and give individual Canadians an opportunity to share in its returns. This adds to existing investment options, such as real estate, bonds, and stocks. You might also like: - What is Canada's new sovereign wealth fund and how will it affect taxpayers? - Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report - Vancouver Airport CEO weighs in on Carney's privatization plan - B.C. First Nations chiefs seek to overturn Prime Minister Carney's national interest status for Pacific Link oil pipeline - Prime Minister Carney grants new $5.9-billion Metro Vancouver superport national interest status, targeting opening four years earlier - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes Other countries already use sovereign wealth funds and similar government-owned investment companies to build long-term wealth. For example, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global invests oil and gas revenues overseas. Singapore’s city state-owned Temasek invests in businesses at home and abroad, seeking commercial returns. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund combines international investments with domestic projects intended to develop industries and reduce their economy’s dependence on oil. Canada already has a provincial sovereign wealth fund example in Alberta’s Heritage Savings Trust Fund, established in 1976 by Alberta’s provincial government to save a share of the province’s non-renewable resource revenues for the future. Starting with an initial $1.5 billion, the fund was worth $32 billion as of March 2026. Its purpose is to turn wealth from resources such as oil and gas into long-term investment earnings that benefit current and future generations of Albertans. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plans for the CSF would have a different geographic focus, investing exclusively in Canadian companies and projects, with the goal of earning long-term financial returns while supporting the country’s economy. First announced in Spring 2026, the CSF would receive an initial $25 billion from the federal government over three years. Today’s budget sets out plans to establish it as a standalone federal Crown corporation, while also outlining its potential investments, funding sources, and proposed savings product. The federal government plans to introduce legislation in the coming months to establish the Crown corporation. Until that legislation takes effect, it would be set up as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation, with its own chief executive and board. The proposed seven-member board would include the chief executive, the federal deputy minister of finance, and five independent directors with investment or corporate experience. The CSF would operate at arm’s length, publish quarterly and annual reports, and have an annual report. Its performance would be compared with private sector investments. It would buy a share of businesses and projects without taking them over. It would usually invest alongside private investors under similar terms, weighing potential profits against the risk of losing money. One route would involve companies and projects already receiving federal assistance, whether through financing, grants, or help navigating approvals through the federal Major Projects Office. That support would normally create an opportunity for the fund to invest, although it would not be required to participate. This could include hydroelectric dam projects, a semiconductor manufacturing company expanding its business in Canada, and a critical minerals project supported by road and electrical infrastructure. The CSF could also identify other promising Canadian businesses and projects on its own. In some scenarios, it could invest without a private partner if the expected financial returns met its requirements and there were a strong case for wider economic benefits. The CSF could take a passive minority stake in the groups awarded those contracts. It could also receive some of the contract proceeds to invest in other Canadian businesses and projects. Its role would be to earn investment returns, while existing federal programs could continue providing grants or financing on more favourable terms to help projects proceed. For individual Canadians, the federal government is aiming to introduce Canada Strong Notes in early 2027 through participating financial institutions. These would be investments linked to the sovereign wealth fund’s performance, with protection for the amount initially invested when the note reaches the end of its term. The notes would pay a base interest rate and offer additional returns depending on how the fund performs. Investors could receive those gains through interest payments along the way and a higher payout at maturity. The federal government provided the example of someone investing $5,000 in a 10-year Canada Strong Note to help pay for a grandchild’s post-secondary education. They would receive annual interest payments and potentially earn additional returns based on the CSF’s performance, with their original $5,000 protected at maturity. Before investing, they would review how returns are calculated and any conditions for withdrawing money early. The CSF’s investments would still carry risks, including the possibility of losses alongside its private partners. Beyond the federal government’s initial contribution, the money raised through the notes would help finance the fund. It could also receive proceeds from federal assets and properties or ownership stakes in existing commercial government assets, and reinvest some of its earnings. Canada’s largest and busiest airports are one potential source. In September 2026, Prime Minister Carney announced plans to seek private investment at four federally-owned airports: Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. All four airports are currently operated by locally-governed non-profit airport authorities that pay annual rent to the federal government. Investors would obtain long-term contracts to operate the airports, while the federal government would retain ownership of the land and assets. Vancouver International Airport is being eyed as the possible first airport to undergo this for-profit privatization change, partly because of the potential for First Nations to take a minority ownership stake in its operations. You might also like: - What is Canada's new sovereign wealth fund and how will it affect taxpayers? - Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report - Vancouver Airport CEO weighs in on Carney's privatization plan - B.C. 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It would also allow these insured mortgages to be repaid over 30 years when at least one borrower is a first-time homebuyer or the property is newly built. You might also like: - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Canadians could see monthly mortgage payments climb following interest rate hike - Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate for the first time in more than three years Mortgage default insurance protects lenders against losses if a borrower fails to repay. It is generally required when a buyer puts down less than 20 per cent, but lenders can also choose to insure eligible mortgages with down payments of 20 per cent or more. The budget’s planned expansion of optional mortgage default insurance applies to this latter category. Current federal insurance rules for these mortgages generally limit repayment periods to 25 years and require the property to be worth less than $1 million. The federal government notes that expanding eligibility would encourage competition between lenders and give buyers more flexibility. Similar changes for buyers with smaller down payments already took effect in December 2024. Those previous reforms raised the home price limit for high-ratio insured mortgages to $1.5 million and expanded access to 30-year repayment periods for first-time buyers and purchasers of newly built homes. The higher limit would also better reflect the cost of buying a home in expensive markets — especially in Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto, where prices rose sharply in the last few years since the pandemic. Borrowers with larger down payments can already obtain uninsured mortgages with longer repayment periods, subject to their lender’s rules. The new policy would expand which mortgages can qualify for insurance. Spreading the same loan over 30 years rather than 25 years generally reduces monthly payments, but increases total interest costs if the interest rate is unchanged. The repayment period is separate from the mortgage term, which determines how long the current contract remains in effect. The budget also announced new regulations to improve the information publicly available about insured mortgage rates, with the Bank of Canada publishing the data. The federal government notes that more current and detailed information would help borrowers compare offers and shop for a better deal. Another measure would give the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) legal authority to provide an income verification service through agreements with mortgage lenders and insurers. The federal government will spend $13 million over three years, beginning in the 2027/2028 fiscal year, to develop and test the service. After that initial phase, it intends to fund the service through arrangements with the industry. The aim is to help lenders and insurers check borrowers’ income more reliably, improve mortgage application processing, and reduce fraud. As well, there will be consultation with the mortgage industry and other stakeholders on making early payment penalties for insured mortgages easier to understand and compare. These charges can come up when borrowers pay off or renegotiate a mortgage before its term ends or exceed their permitted extra payments. You might also like: - Federal government eases Canada's mortgage insurance rules for select new housing construction - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Canadians could see monthly mortgage payments climb following interest rate hike - Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate for the first time in more than three years https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-budget-2026-mortgage-rates-fees-rules-change Fri, 06 Nov 2026 01:45:21 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-federal-budget-mortgage-insurance-new-multiplex-rules Kenneth Chan Building a triplex or fourplex could become easier to finance under mortgage insurance changes announced in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2026 federal budget today. The Government of Canada plans to remove the $1.5-million property value ceiling and the requirement for owners to live in one of the homes for eligible new triplexes and fourplexes. Additionally, private mortgage insurers would also be allowed to cover loans for multi-unit residential properties with five to 50 units. Both changes — intended to help realize the construction of new “missing middle” homes — will apply to mortgage insurance applications submitted by lenders on or after Feb. 1, 2027, with the aim of helping smaller builders finance more housing. You might also like: - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Conservative provincial government set to roll back BC NDP's housing legislation to give municipal governments more control - Over 14,000 new condos unsold in Metro Vancouver, with sales at record low - Canadians are entering the real estate market at a surprising age Mortgage insurance protects lenders if borrowers fail to repay. It also helps borrowers obtain financing with less money upfront. Generally, a multiplex is a small residential building or development containing several self-contained homes — each with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space. A triplex contains three homes, while a fourplex contains four units. Such developments — with units configured side by side, stacked vertically, or a combination of both  –can be found on small properties, including single-family lots. For new triplexes and fourplexes, insured loans could cover up to 90 per cent of the property’s expected value upon completion. This would apply to both construction and purchases of newly completed properties. The budget shows the change with a hypothetical $3-million fourplex, which exceeds the current $1.5-million insurance limit. Under the new rules, an eligible builder could theoretically obtain an insured loan of up to $2.7 million. Once finished, the builder could rent out all four homes with an insured mortgage repaid over up to 30 years or sell the homes to individual buyers. Borrowers would still need to qualify. For mortgages on completed triplexes and fourplexes, housing costs could not exceed 39 per cent of gross income, while total debt payments could not exceed 44 per cent. Mortgage stress test requirements would also apply, and at least one borrower or guarantor would need a credit score of 600 or higher at approval. For properties with five to 50 homes, private insurers could cover construction, purchases, refinancing, and mortgage renewals, without a property value ceiling or a requirement for owners to live on-site. Loans could cover up to 90 per cent of the property’s value for new construction, with mortgage repayment periods of up to 50 years. For other loans, the limits would be 85 per cent and 40 years. Separate rules would apply to construction loans themselves. Each home would need its own cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. The property must have a single legal title or ownership structure; separately titled properties could not be bundled together simply to meet the required number of units. Borrowers would need a net worth of at least 25 per cent of the requested loan, and no less than $100,000, calculated using their assets held in Canada. The building’s income after operating expenses must also cover at least 115 per cent of its debt payments for a five-year mortgage term, or 110 per cent for a 10-year term. For construction loans under both sets of changes, the specified repayment-period limits and debt-payment requirements would not apply. Insurers would instead use their own criteria to assess borrowers’ ability to repay. The changes address a financing hurdle that has persisted even as Canada’s municipal governments allow more homes on single-family lots and other low-density zoning. The federal government’s Spring 2026 economic update, which first hinted at these forthcoming mortgage insurance policy changes, acknowledged that builders still struggled to borrow at rates that made smaller projects viable. Traditional lenders often treat multiplexes as commercial developments — requiring larger upfront contributions and stricter qualifications that can make projects financially unfeasible. Broader access to insured loans could reduce the money eligible builders need to contribute upfront and expand their financing options. Removing the property value ceiling could also help projects in expensive housing markets qualify, while dropping the live-in requirement would allow builders to use this financing for triplexes and fourplexes intended entirely for rental housing. You might also like: - Federal government to extend Canada's foreign buyer's ban to 2029 while exempting new homes - Federal government to expand Canadians' access to 30-year insured mortgages and make rates easier to compare - Conservative provincial government set to roll back BC NDP's housing legislation to give municipal governments more control - Over 14,000 new condos unsold in Metro Vancouver, with sales at record low - Canadians are entering the real estate market at a surprising age https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-federal-budget-mortgage-insurance-new-multiplex-rules Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:46:57 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-strong-pass-return-in-2027 Laine Mitchell The Canada Strong Pass is set to return for another year, with Budget 2026 revealing that the federal government intends to renew the pass. The new budget was tabled on Thursday, and in it was the news that the pass, which allowed Canadians to take advantage of discounted travel and free admission to certain sites, is set to come back in 2027 for a third consecutive year. The federal government stated that last year visits to Parks Canada sites increased by 13 per cent, national museum attendance grew by an average of 15 per cent, and Via Rail ridership rose by 6.5 per cent. WHAT IS THE CANADA STRONG PASS? The Canada Strong Pass first launched on June 20, 2025, and ran until Sept. 2 that year. It came back for a second time last year, being available from June 19, 2026, until Sept. 7. It’s not a physical pass or ticket, but the program gave Canadians free or discounted access to Parks Canada sites, museums, galleries, and even travel on Via Rail. It also offered free admission to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The pass was available to Canadians and international tourists. You might also like: - How well does Canada rank globally on justice and the rule of law? - These Canadian provinces have the worst and best access to health care - More Rewards is offering credit monitoring following cybersecurity breach WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE CANADA STRONG PASS? In previous years that the pass was in effect, visitors had access to the following: - Free entry at participating locations operated by Parks Canada during regular operating hours. - Twenty-five per cent off camping and overnight accommodations with Parks Canada. However, fees still applied for guided tours, hikes, and programs, as well as permits, parking, fishing licenses, and firewood. - Free and reduced entry fees at participating museums and galleries. Admission was free for those 17 and under, while visitors aged 18 to 24 got a 50 per cent discount. - Free and reduced fares on Via Rail. Children and youth aged 17 travelled for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid discount code, while adults aged 18 to 24 got 25 per cent off on valid Via Rail routes across Canada with valid discount codes. It’s important to note that in the last three years of the Canada Strong Pass, free admission didn’t apply to provincial or territorial parks, Sépaq parks in Québec, municipal and private parks, parks or historic sites not operated by Parks Canada, nor locations operated by third parties. Some proposed new perks for 2027 included the Canada Strong Pass being expanded to include discounted access to Indigenous-led museums and cultural centres. Budget 2026 proposes to provide $76 million in 2027-28 to support this renewal. It was also announced that, in addition to the Pass, Budget 2026 proposes to permanently make admission to Canada’s national museums free year-round for children and youth under 25. To help make that happen, Budget 2026 proposes to provide $46.3 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, and $11.5 million ongoing to Canada’s national museums and the National Battlefields Commission. You can view the entire Budget 2026 online. With files from Irish Mae Silvestre  https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-strong-pass-return-in-2027 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:41:55 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-foreign-buyers-ban-extension-proposal-2029 Kenneth Chan Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration is proposing to exempt new residential properties from Canada’s foreign homebuyer ban, while extending the current restrictions on purchases of existing homes for another two years, to Jan. 1, 2029. The changes are outlined in the 2026 federal budget released this afternoon. The federal government’s approach would encourage investment in new housing while preserving access to existing homes for Canadians. The ban is currently scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, 2027. Under the proposal, it would continue to apply to existing and resale properties, subject to applicable exemptions, while new residential properties would be exempt. “This would help protect housing affordability by keeping the vast majority of the market available for Canadians, while unlocking additional investment in new housing supply,” reads the budget document. “We will continue to support a range of policy measures, such as those levied by other levels of government, which address housing market pressures, including speculation. The federal government will propose legislation and launch a regulatory process on this change in short order.” The budget does not outline the detailed eligibility rules or an effective date for the new-home exemption. You might also like: - B.C. developers urge ease to Canada's foreign buyer's ban to revive housing projects - Canada's housing crisis is so bad the foreign homebuyers' ban has just been extended - Over 14,000 new condos unsold in Metro Vancouver, with sales at record low - Some developers in Metro Vancouver turning to bulk condo sales amid weak market - Surrey, Langley, and Fraser Valley lose much of pandemic-era home price gains - Opinion: B.C.'s housing crisis will be amplified by the homes we don't build today As a housing affordability measure, the ban first took effect on Jan. 1, 2023, initially for two years. In early 2024, the federal government subsequently extended it to Jan. 1, 2027. Under the existing rules, the ban generally prevents non-Canadians from buying certain residential properties in urban areas, including detached houses and condominium units. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not subject to the ban, while exemptions allow some temporary residents and other eligible buyers to purchase homes. The measure was first introduced at a time when Canada’s housing market was seeing a major upswing after the initial pandemic slump, resulting in record-high increases to home prices and rents. At the time, Canada was also experiencing substantial surges in population growth due to the federal government’s heightened immigration targets. The federal foreign buyer’s ban was seen as a way to curb foreign demand and help keep homes available for people living in Canada. There also appears to be broad public support for the ban, based on a national survey in April 2025 by Vancouver-based polling firm Research Co. It found that 76 per cent supported the federal government’s policy, while 13 per cent opposed it and 11 per cent were undecided. Support crossed party lines: 82 per cent of respondents who voted Conservative in the 2021 federal election backed the ban, along with 78 per cent of both Liberal and NDP voters in that election. However, assessments of the ban have raised questions about its effectiveness and whether it should remain in place, particularly given current housing market and economic conditions and the changes to immigration targets. Some developers have also expressed concerns about its impact on their ability to secure financing for new housing projects. The proposed extension comes as some developers — particularly in Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto — in the past two years have been urging the federal government to loosen the ban, arguing that foreign buyers could help clear unsold condominiums and provide the pre-sales needed to finance construction for the next round of new housing projects in future years. Some developers have also called on the federal government to create new exemptions for new pre-sale homes, as well as homes in new mid-rise and high-rise building projects. In more recent months, there have been requests from the real estate and development industry to simply let the existing ban expire naturally on Jan. 1, 2027. Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver’s new condominium market is struggling with weak sales and unsold inventory. The Fall 2026 market report by Rennie counted more than 14,000 unsold new condominium units at the end of June 2026, spanning projects before construction, under construction, and completed. Just 1,340 new condominium units were sold in the first half of 2026, which is a record low for the region. Condominium developers in both Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto are increasingly turning to bulk purchases to unload their unsold inventory. Condominium prices and sales remained below year-earlier levels across B.C.’s Lower Mainland in October 2026. In Greater Vancouver Realtors’ area, the condominium benchmark price was $673,400, which is down 5.9 per cent compared to October 2025, while sales fell 16.7 per cent to 892 units. In Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s jurisdiction, which includes the major Metro Vancouver areas of Surrey and Langley, the condominium benchmark price was $460,800, which is down 8.1 per cent compared to October 2025, while sales dropped 20.1 per cent to 238 units. You might also like: - B.C. developers urge ease to Canada's foreign buyer's ban to revive housing projects - Canada's housing crisis is so bad the foreign homebuyers' ban has just been extended - Over 14,000 new condos unsold in Metro Vancouver, with sales at record low - Some developers in Metro Vancouver turning to bulk condo sales amid weak market - Surrey, Langley, and Fraser Valley lose much of pandemic-era home price gains - Opinion: B.C.'s housing crisis will be amplified by the homes we don't build today https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-foreign-buyers-ban-extension-proposal-2029 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:20:36 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/meta-news-coming-back-canada Bradly Shankar, MobileSyrup Meta says news could soon return to its platforms in Canada. Speaking to Politico reporter Mickey Djuric, Meta Canada Head of Public Policy Rachel Curran said it’s “very likely” that Canadians will be able to share news once again on Instagram and Facebook. She said she’s optimistic a resolution will come through ongoing Canada-U.S. trade talks. > 🚨 NEW: Meta hopes to restore news on Facebook/Insta in Canada by year’s end. > > Meta Canada’s Rachel Curran says it will “very likely” be resolved thru Canada-U.S. trade talks. “If we are able to reach agreement post-midterms … the news stuff will be dealt with as part of that.” > > — Mickey Djuric (@MickeyDjuric) November 4, 2026 Meta has been blocking news on its platforms in Canada since 2023 in response to the federal government’s Bill C-18, also known as the Online News Act. Under that law, Meta and Google are required to pay Canadian publishers for sharing content on their respective platforms. The feds argued that companies like Meta benefit from this news circulation and should compensate journalists accordingly. Meta, however, argued that this law misunderstood its relationship with publishers because they voluntarily post links to its platforms and earn money from other revenue streams like advertising or subscriptions. Naturally, this long-running blocking of news has been a blow to both publishers (especially smaller ones) and everyday Canadians alike. But change could be coming. As Curran mentioned, the U.S. just had its major mid-term elections in which the Democrats landed major victories across the country. Naturally, this so-called “blue wave” takes some power away from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republicans, who are responsible for starting this ridiculous trade war with Canada in the first place. Therefore, it remains to be seen what negotiations U.S. politicians might now make with Canada, including with regard to the Online News Act. You might also like: - Canadians spent mind-boggling millions on OnlyFans content this year - Rogers slapped with $15-million fine over 'deceptive' unlimited plan ads - Bees, batteries, and a clever knife: Canadian inventions among the best of 2026 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/meta-news-coming-back-canada Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:01:21 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/blue-jays-respond-santander-islamophobic-social-media-posts Marley Dickinson Toronto Blue Jays slugger Anthony Santander is one of the more active members of the team on social media, but a couple of his recent posts have landed him in hot water. Following Tuesday’s U.S. election, Santander shared a series of Islamophobic videos to his Instagram story, including claims that elected Muslim politicians are radicals and that Islam is a religion driven by war. The first video, shared from the account @theamericantruthproject, claimed that all Muslims elected to office on Tuesday are radicals who want to impose Sharia law in the U.S. Congress. The second video featured a Christian minister who described Islam as “violent” and “driven by war.” The minister went on to say that Islam is not peaceful and that there is “no such thing as kind Muslims.” Santander has since removed both videos from his Instagram story, but they were up long enough to receive criticism from fans. “Anthony Santander sharing Islamophobic reels on his story is not how I wanted to start the day,” one person wrote on X. “In a province with a large Muslim population, Islamophobia is not a great look,” another wrote. The Toronto Blue Jays organization has long prided itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, in addition to providing a safe and welcoming environment regardless of an individual’s religion or background. A spokesperson for the Blue Jays organization addressed the posts in a statement to Offside. “Baseball is for everyone, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark. Individual comments do not represent our organization’s values and beliefs.” The 32-year-old Venezuelan missed the entire 2026 season with a shoulder injury. Since signing a five-year, $92.5-million contract with Toronto ahead of the 2025 season, Santander has appeared in just 54 games in a Blue Jays uniform. He’ll enter the third year of his contract in 2027. You might also like: - Former Blue Jays player gets elected in U.S. midterms https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/blue-jays-respond-santander-islamophobic-social-media-posts Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:39:44 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/everyone-making-fun-generic-jersey-canadas-hockey-team-forced-wear Colton Pankiw Canada’s women’s hockey team will look a little different when they take the ice at the IIHF Women’s World Championship this weekend. And hockey fans aren’t exactly impressed with the new look. The jerseys the Canadian players will be wearing in Denmark have officially been revealed, and they’ve already become a pretty big talking point online. Rather than the familiar Hockey Canada crest and traditional Maple Leaf design, the new red sweaters feature a relatively plan “CANADA” across the front, with a small outline of the country appearing near the collar. >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by Offside (@offside) It’s certainly a different look, and fans on Reddit have wasted little time sharing their thoughts. “Who sent that into production,” one fan questioned. “Unlicensed videogame looking-a** sweaters,” another joked. Others weren’t as gentle in their wording, with one fan describing the jerseys as “absolute dogsh*t.” There were a few people willing to defend the design, though, with one Reddit user saying they actually liked the map of Canada featured near the collar. The unusual uniforms are the result of an ongoing dispute between Hockey Canada and the IIHF over commercial rights to national team jerseys. The IIHF has an agreement with TRUE Hockey to supply uniforms for international competitions, while Hockey Canada has an exisiting partnership with Bauer that runs through the 2033-34 season. As a result, Canada has been instructed to wear the IIHF-designed jerseys rather than the new Bauer uniforms they recently unveiled. The United States is facing the same situation, with its players also being forced to wear generic-looking jerseys instead of their usual CCM designs. Canada begins its pursuit of another gold medal on Friday, Nov. 6 against Sweden, with the tournament running through Nov. 16. At least the players won’t have to worry about what the jerseys will look like once the puck drops. You might also like: - Canada forced to wear generic jersey at upcoming international hockey tournament https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/everyone-making-fun-generic-jersey-canadas-hockey-team-forced-wear Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:29:48 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-justice-global-ranking-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre A new report puts Canada ahead of most countries when it comes to upholding the rule of law. World Justice Project (WJP) is a non-profit advocating for the advancement of the rule of law worldwide. It states that the rule of law is essential in keeping corruption in check, tackling poverty and disease, and protecting people from injustices. Dr. Alejandro Ponce, executive director at WJP, warns that the world is “entering a period of greater uncertainty.” “Geopolitical tensions are rising, economic pressures are reshaping societies, and the rules that have long supported international cooperation are increasingly contested,” he stated. “In this environment, the rule of law matters more, not less.” WJP’s 2026 Rule of Law Index is based on measuring people’s perceptions and experiences of the rule of law worldwide. It ranks 143 countries and jurisdictions, scoring them based on eight factors: constraints of government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice. Denmark came in first with an overall score of 0.90, while Venezuela ranked last, scoring just 0.26. So, how did Canada do? Pretty well, actually. The country placed 13th, holding on to the same spot as last year with an overall score of 0.80, up from 0.79. That’s because Canada scored higher this year when it comes to the absence of corruption and open government. However, there is room for improvement, as the country saw its scores drop when it comes to fundamental rights, as well as civil and criminal justice. Still, it’s not bad considering Canada’s southern neighbour dropped down three spots to number 30 with an overall score of 0.67. And the U.S. isn’t the only country that has seen a decline. The report states that scores have been dropping in most countries over the past nine years. “These trends are serious, but they are not irreversible,” said Ponce. “Institutions can be weakened quickly; rebuilding them takes time, sustained commitment, and public trust. But countries can change course.” Canada also recently ranked number one as the safest country to visit, according to American tourists. You might also like: - Where Canada ranks on list of the most welcoming countries in the world - Dollarama products Canadians say just aren't worth the money - These Canadian provinces have the worst and best access to health care https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-justice-global-ranking-2026 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:25:52 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/mont-tremblant-best-ski-resort-beginners Natalia Buia It’ll be winter before you know it, and if your goal this upcoming season is to finally learn how to ski, there’s one Canadian destination you should add to your bucket list. The 2026 Snomad Ski Resort Awards have been announced, ranking spots around the world across various categories based on nearly 154,000 ratings from skiers and snowboarders during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Mont Tremblant in Quebec was crowned the best ski resort in North America for beginners. The resort earned an impressive 4.40 out of five rating, with skiers and snowboarders praising its “perfect snow conditions,” lack of crowds, and best value for money. A typical ski day at Mont Tremblant costs around $156 for an adult and $117 for youths aged 13 to 17. Access to the learning zone (excluding the high peak season from Dec. 27, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027) costs around $48 for adults and $36 for youths. The resort has 103 ski trails spread across four different sides, covering more than 80 kilometres of terrain. Its summit sits 875 metres above sea level, offering some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding Laurentian Mountains. According to Snomad, one of the things that makes Mont Tremblant stand out is its beginner-friendly layout, with 15 lifts servicing both the upper and lower sections of the mountain. This means beginners can build their confidence on the slopes without having to commit to massive descents right away. The supportive environment is another big plus. First-time snowboarders praised the short lift lines of less than five minutes, and “the runs were great with good run time.” There are plenty of other winter activities to try once you make it to the mountain, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and snow tubing. If you’re curious about how other resorts ranked, Sun Peaks in B.C. took the top spot for best overall ski resort in North America, followed by Revelstoke, also in B.C., and Alberta’s Lake Louise. And if you’re dreaming of skiing overseas, France’s Val d’Isère was crowned the world’s best overall ski resort, followed by Livigno and Val Gardena, both located in Italy. You can check out all the 2026 Snomad Ski Resort Awards online. You might also like: - Alberta ski resort near the U.S. border named quietest in the world - Popular B.C. ski resorts transform into winter wonderlands as snow arrives - Vancouver Island named one of the world's top winter travel destinations https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/mont-tremblant-best-ski-resort-beginners Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:26:25 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/former-blue-jays-player-elected-us-midterms Preston Hodgkinson The United States held their 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, and a former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher came out victorious. It was another tense election night for our neighbours down south, as millions of Americans voted on the future of the U.S. House and Senate. Down the ballot, however, some lesser-known positions were up for grabs in various parts of the country. Retired MLB player Matt Shoemaker had his eye on one of those positions, running and winning a seat on the Saline Area Schools Board of Education in Michigan. The 40-year-old Shoemaker ran for a four-year seat and narrowly won by just 28 votes. While Shoemaker technically won a seat, he didn’t receive the most votes in the election. A total of three four-year seats were up for grabs, and the ex-MLB pitcher came third to win that final spot, edging out the fourth-place candidate. Carl Spina led all candidates with 8,528 votes, with Christy Lillie following closely behind with 8,169 votes. Shoemaker rounded out that trio with a total of 6,598 votes, which edged out Afifa Corrigan, who ended the night with 6,570. It was a tight race, and local news agency Sun Times News reports that Shoemaker’s 28-vote margin is still subject to official canvass. It’s a bit surprising to see an ex-pro athlete like Shoemaker run for public office. The Michigan native spent nine years in the big leagues, playing for the LA Angels, Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins between 2013 and 2021. Shoemaker was a substitute teacher before he made it to the big leagues, and it seems that passion for education returned after his MLB career came to an end. In an interview with The Saline Post before the election, he detailed his reasons for running in the election. “I have four young children in this school district. My wife and I want to make sure our children have a great place to grow up, as well as gaining a great education,” Shoemaker said. “I’m running for School Board to support our teachers and staff, expand opportunities for our students, and help every kid succeed in school, on the field, and in life. “I’ve learned great teams succeed when people are supported, everyone has a voice, and you work toward something bigger than yourself.” Shoemaker started in just 11 games with the Blue Jays between the 2019 and 2020 MLB seasons. He posted a 3-1 record and a 3.14 ERA in that span, before eventually leaving Toronto in February 2021 to sign with the Twins. He was out of the big leagues after the 2021 season and played just one more season in Japan before calling it a career. You might also like: - Blue Jays fans dressed up as Hazel Mae for Halloween and she loved it https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/former-blue-jays-player-elected-us-midterms Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:47:56 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/nhl-fighter-looks-like-child-next-shaquille-oneal Colton Pankiw It’s not often, if ever, that somebody can make Ryan Reaves look small. The recently retired 39-year-old was one of the NHL’s most feared enforcers throughout his 962-game career. Part of his intimidating presence came from his imposing 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame, which made him an intimidating matchup for just about anyone willing to drop the gloves. On Wednesday night, however, Reaves found himself looking considerably smaller than usual. Reaves, who is beginning to transition into a career in sports media, joined the NHL on TNT panel for the first time Wednesday night. During the broadcast, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made a brief appearance, eventually coming face-to-face with the former NHL heavyweight in a rather hilarious encounter. The two stood side-by-side, and the size difference was something to behold. > SHAQ STOPPED BY THE STUDIO AND FOR A SECOND IT LOOKED LIKE HIM AND REAVES MIGHT FIGHT 🥊😂 pic.twitter.com/aYW6DZHsdS > > — NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) November 5, 2026 O’Neal, who stands at a towering 7-foot-1, is one of the most physically imposing athletes in sports history. Even among professional athletes, his combination of height and size is difficult to comprehend, and standing next to Reaves made that abundantly clear. Despite spending nearly two decades making life miserable for some of the NHL’s toughest players, Reaves suddenly looked like the smaller sibling in a family photo. It’s not exactly a position hockey fans are accustomed to seeing him in. Reaves officially announced his retirement in September after 16 NHL seasons. He finished his career with 66 goals, 74 assists and 1,137 penalty minutes across 962 regular-season games, establishing himself as one of the league’s most recognizable tough guys. While his playing days are behind him, Wednesday’s appearance suggests Reaves could be a familiar face on hockey broadcasts moving forward. His personality and experience should make for an interesting addition to the media landscape. He may have spent his NHL career being one of the last players anyone wanted to challenge, but even Reaves had to take a back seat when Shaq walked into the room. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/nhl-fighter-looks-like-child-next-shaquille-oneal Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:30:20 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/dollarama-what-not-to-buy Irish Mae Silvestre Online forums dedicated to Dollarama are full of recommendations for some of the best things to buy at the popular Canadian discount chain. Whether it’s an unexpected name-brand find or a surprisingly good deal, shoppers are always sharing their favourite Dollarama purchases. Popular picks range from snacks, candy, and chocolate (4Fun chocolate in particular gets a lot of love) to toiletries and affordable home organization products. But not everything on Dollarama’s shelves is a bargain, and some products may be better left on shelves. “What’s the worst thing to buy?” one shopper asked in a Reddit post. Many were quick to weigh in, sharing their thoughts on products they’ve regretted buying and wouldn’t recommend picking up on their next Dollarama run. KNIT AND CROCHET KITS Shoppers who enjoy arts and crafts have expressed frustration with the store’s crochet kits, claiming that the photos have little resemblance to the final product. One shopper who tried several beginner-level kits said people would be better off saving their money, stating that the kits are “NOT ‘great for beginners.'” “In fact, I think these kits would kill any interest any beginner would have in learning to crochet,” they wrote in their review. “I made each of these true to the pattern provided, and in the case of the bat, the pattern wasn’t even a real pattern. It was pure AI hallucination.” But while the crochet kits weren’t a hit, others say they’re fans of the cross-stitch kits. CHARGERS Several shoppers also warned against buying portable chargers and charging cords at Dollarama, saying they’ve had problems with their quality and how long they last. “Probably any of those portable chargers or just chargers in general,” one person wrote. “They work for like two seconds then stop working.” “I second the chargers; they break within a day or two no matter how delicately I handle them,” another commented. “Phone chargers, they’ll suddenly stop working after a month,” one stated. KITCHENWARE Dollarama regularly stocks plenty of kitchenware, from cooking utensils to bakeware, but not everything gets rave reviews. One shopper said Betty Crocker plastic storage containers were among the worst things they’d bought at the store. “They used to have the Rubbermaid ones which were okay, but now it’s all Betty Crocker,” they commented. Can openers were another common complaint. Several shoppers said they’ve also had trouble using theirs, with one claiming their Dollarama purchase “imploded on itself” while they were trying to open a can. “Yes, the can openers suck!” one agreed. So, what is worth buying? Shoppers say Betty Crocker silicone spatulas are among the store’s worthwhile finds. CHILDREN’S TOYS Dollarama dedicates an entire section to children’s toys, but some of them aren’t worth the money. One shopper shared that a Dollarama doll they bought was a disappointment, writing that its “hair falls out, leg fell off, none of the shoes fit. My daughter was not impressed.” Another said a remote-control car they picked up only worked for 10 minutes, adding, “I didn’t expect much, but I thought we would at least get a day out of it.” Clearly, some Dollarama finds are better than others. What are some of your hits and misses? Let us know in the comments. You might also like: - Deadline set for Canadians to claim money from $1.25M Apple settlement - Formerly bankrupt Toys 'R' Us is coming back to Canada, but in a different way - 'All is not forgiven': Canadians react to Democrats' big win in U.S. midterms https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dollarama-what-not-to-buy Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:09:45 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadian-provinces-health-care-access Natalia Buia Where you live in Canada could make a huge difference in how easily you can access doctors, hospitals, and other health-care services. A new study has revealed which provinces are doing best and which need improvement. Online health-care service MedExpress Canada ranked all 10 provinces based on five factors; unmet health-care needs carried the most weight in the rankings at 30 per cent, followed by travel burden (25 per cent), physician supply (20 per cent), wait times (15 per cent), and search interest (10 per cent). The findings reveal significant differences across the country, with Atlantic Canada facing the biggest challenges overall. Prince Edward Island ranks as the hardest province in Canada to access health care. The province reportedly has the highest rate of unmet health-care needs, at 13.9 per cent, while residents also face long travel distances and lengthy waits for treatment. Meanwhile, Quebec ranks as the easiest province to access health care. It has among the highest numbers of family doctors per capita, below-average unmet health-care needs at 8.7 per cent, and shorter treatment waits than most provinces. One might think having more doctors would mean faster access to care. On the contrary, New Brunswick has the highest number of family doctors per capita in Canada but also the longest health-care wait times. According to the report, patients wait an average of 60.9 weeks between receiving a referral and getting treatment, compared to just 19.2 weeks in Ontario. Travel is another roadblock for Canadians, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents face the longest average trip to an emergency room, at 20.3 kilometres, and the second-longest trip to a doctor, at 24.3 kilometres. On the flip side, B.C. has the least travel issues, with residents travelling an average of just 12 kilometres to see a doctor and 9.2 kilometres to get to an emergency room. The study also looks at how often Canadians search online for services such as walk-in clinics, prescription refills, and doctors who are accepting new patients. Ontario has the highest search volume, with approximately 38,200 searches per 100,000 residents. B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba followed, each recording around 19,600 to 20,800 searches per 100,000 people. Interestingly, Saskatchewan has the highest search rate for doctors accepting new patients, at 295 searches per 100,000 residents. P.E.I. leads the country in searches for prescription refills, at 104 per 100,000 people. Here’s how Canadian provinces rank for health-care access, from worst to best: 1. Prince Edward Island 2. Newfoundland and Labrador 3. Nova Scotia 4. New Brunswick 5. Saskatchewan 6. Ontario 7. Alberta 8. Manitoba 9. British Columbia 10. Quebec You can read MedExpress Canada’s full report on its website. You might also like: - 10 best places to live in Canada for affordability and quality of life - Here are the worst Canadian cities to live in if you have allergies - 'Exceptional care': Two B.C. hospitals ranked among best in the world https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadian-provinces-health-care-access Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:29:05 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadians-financially-worse-off-report National Trending Staff Canadians continue to feel pressure on their wallets, with more reporting that they are worse off financially than a year ago. That’s according to a recently published report from Canadian online estate planning platform Willful. The Great Delay report examined how a number of financial issues were impacting Canadians, and its findings were startling. According to the report — which was informed by data collected by Angus Reid Forum in September — 40 per cent of Canadians said they were in a worse financial position than last year. This was a slight uptick from the 37 per cent who reported feeling the same way in 2025. In terms of a generational breakdown, Gen X is feeling most of the stress, with 47 per cent saying they felt worse off, and over half (52 per cent) noting that their debt repayment costs went up. Surprisingly, Boomers were the least likely (13 per cent) to say they felt better off, compared to Gen Z, which was the only generation where there was a glimmer of positivity. According to the report, 36 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they felt better off than worse off (29 per cent) when it came to their money. GROCERIES AND GAS DRIVING COSTS When asked what was impacting their spending the most, almost all Canadians (97 per cent) said their grocery spending increased over the past year by an average of 21 per cent. The majority of respondents (84 per cent) also noted that their spending on gas had increased by at least 25 per cent. Dining out and utilities were also areas of major spending. Respondents also noted that overall inflation was a major factor in their personal costs increasing. Almost half (47 per cent) said they were dipping into their savings to cover daily expenses, with 82 per cent noting that they’d need an average of $818 of extra monthly income to help reach their financial goals. Some respondents (seven per cent) also said they had no savings to dip into, while two-thirds of respondents (63 per cent) said they weren’t ready to face a financial emergency. Willfull noted that these stats serve as a “reminder that for a lot of households, savings aren’t going towards a goal. They’re covering the gap between paycheques.” THE ‘SANDWICH GENERATION’ IS EXPERIENCING MORE STRAIN The survey sampled 1,501 adults across the country, focusing on a key subgroup known as the “sandwich generation,” which is defined as people with a child of any age and at least one living parent. Findings highlighted that this group in particular is experiencing the strain of everyday costs and bills. Compared to the average Canadian, those in the sandwich generation said they were more likely to experience costs increasing across several areas like childcare, supporting aging parents, debt repayments, and car payments. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the sandwich generation. The report noted that this group were more likely than other Canadians to save for the future and contribute to an RESP. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadians-financially-worse-off-report Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:00:38 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/musical-stage-company-uncovered-2026 Sabrina Gamrot Toronto has a truly unique music and performance scene, and one iconic concert series that embodies that statement is about to celebrate a major milestone.  Cue the lights, draw the curtains, and hit the beat with The Musical Stage Company’s Uncovered concert series. Celebrating an impressive 20th anniversary season, the beloved concert series is gearing up for a funky concert you can’t miss. It all takes place at Koerner Hall from Nov. 10 to 12, where UnCovered: Bee Gees & The Beach Boys is bringing the sun-soaked harmonies of The Beach Boys with the disco falsetto vibes of The Bee Gees.  PSYCHEDELIC SURF POP WITH DISCO FEVER Blending that signature UnCovered style, you can expect theatrical storytelling and world-class musicianship for a night of celebrations. For 20 years, Toronto has come together for the iconic UnCovered series. It’s where some of the world’s most influential music gets reimagined by musical theatre performers.  In the last two decades, past shows have included ABBA, U2 and The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen… … But 2026 might be the grooviest show yet!  20 YEARS OF TORONTO MUSICAL AND PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE Steering the ship is creative lead Kevin Wong, who reunites with lauded musical theatre talent. This includes performances by Alicia Ault, Divine Brown, Sara Farb, Arinea Hermans, Kelly Holiff, George Krissa, Andrew Penner, and Jackie Richardson.  Just imagine the psychedelic pop anthem “Good Vibrations” followed up with hip-shaking “Stayin’ Alive”. It’s absolute pop perfection. With tickets starting at just $35, there isn’t an excuse in the world that could make up for missing this once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t forget your dancing shoes and purchase your tickets to UnCovered: Bee Gees & The Beach Boys before they sell out. https://dailyhive.com/toronto/musical-stage-company-uncovered-2026 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:01:23 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/air-canada-third-quarter-2026-performance-fuel-costs Kenneth Chan Air Canada’s fuel bill in the third quarter of 2026 jumped by nearly 75 per cent, with higher prices expected to squeeze profits through the end of 2026. For the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2026, the fuel expenses of Canada’s flag carrier reached $2.118 billion, which is up by $906 million from $1.212 billion over the same three-month period in 2025. Fuel costs accounted for 31.5 per cent of the airline’s overall operating expenses in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 22 per cent increase from the same period in 2025. You might also like: - Air Canada is suspending its Vancouver route to the world's best airport in Asia - Canada approves direct Vietnam flights, possibly linking Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027 - Air Canada scraps major Canadian route to one of world's largest cities - Air Canada cancels YVR route to popular U.S. party destination Furthermore, the fuel expenses for the first nine months of 2026 reached $5.025 billion, which represents an increase of $1.48 billion or about 42 per cent compared to the $3.55 billion recorded in fuel costs over the same nine-month period in 2025. The airline’s fuel prices averaged $1.48 per litre in the third quarter of 2026 — up 68 per cent from $0.88 per litre during the same period in 2025. Over the first nine months of 2026, fuel prices averaged $1.28 per litre — up 40 per cent from $0.91 per litre during the same period in 2025. Air Canada expects the fuel price for the fourth quarter of 2026 will reach $1.72 per litre, representing a 33 per cent increase from its previous forecast of $1.29 per litre. It expects about half of its fuel needs for this year’s final quarter to remain exposed to price fluctuations, which is partly due to the volatility of the cost of refuelling at airports outside of Canada. Unstable and high fuel prices is the key variable in Air Canada’s overall financial forecast. Global fuel prices have skyrocketed ever since the United States and Israel began their war with Iran in late February 2026. Air Canada cited the war and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz as sources of fuel price volatility. “Aircraft fuel prices have been, and continue to be, subject to high volatility as a result of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Moreover, there has been significant disruption to international shipping trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, further exacerbating the impact on fuel supply and prices, including for aircraft fuel,” reads the airline’s 2026 third-quarter report. “A prolonged or escalating conflict could further disrupt global energy markets and cause aircraft fuel prices to remain elevated or rise even higher. We cannot predict future supply constraints, price volatility or cost of aircraft fuel, or how long current or future conflicts will last or their ultimate impact on global energy markets and across the aviation industry.” Other factors impacting the airline’s financial position include U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada, which has impacted travel demand for the airline’s extensive routes reaching American destinations. Since last year, in response to the demand changes, Air Canada has reduced its capacity to select U.S. destinations, and in some cases it has also suspended certain routes. Rising fuel prices have also impacted the financial viability of non-U.S. international routes. For example, the sudden shock in fuel prices contributed to Air Canada’s decision to suspend its non-stop service between Vancouver and Singapore starting in January 2027. Airlines around the world are feeling the strain of higher fuel prices, although the impact varies depending on where they are based. Discount airlines have been particularly vulnerable. In May 2026, soaring fuel prices dealt the final blow to U.S. discount carrier Spirit Airlines, which was already struggling financially. WestJet is also warning that higher fuel prices are exposing broader cost pressures in Canadian aviation. During a session with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 29, 2026, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech called for a national aviation strategy to address those challenges. WestJet notes that fare increases can cover only part of the additional fuel bill, while aircraft, staffing, airport, and air-navigation costs remain. Taxes, fees, and passenger-protection obligations add to the pressure. “That is why the fuel story is not only about fuel. Fuel is bringing to light what was already there: Canada’s aviation system has very few shock absorbers left,” said von Hoensbroech. WestJet also criticized federal financing for some airlines, arguing that this supports subsidized fares, distorts competition, and makes it harder for commercially funded carriers to recover higher fuel costs through ticket prices. Unlike publicly traded Air Canada, Canada’s other major carriers, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and Flair Airlines are privately held and do not routinely publish detailed financial results. WestJet is controlled by private equity firm Onex Partners with its 75 per cent stake, with the remaining ownership split between Delta Air Lines’ 12.7 per  cent, Korean Air’s 10 per cent, and Air France-KLM’s 2.3 per cent. Air Canada’s operating revenue in the third quarter of 2026 increased by 21 per cent to $6.98 billion, reaching a new record for the airline’s third quarter. But operating profit in the third quarter of 2026 declined to $261 million from $284 million in the third quarter of 2025. Air Canada cut its annual adjusted EBITDA forecast to $2.4 billion to $2.7 billion, from $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion. This measure excludes interest, taxes, and certain accounting charges and adjustments. Despite higher fuel prices and the corresponding upward pressure on airfares, Air Canada carried more than 13.3 million passengers in the third quarter of 2026 — up 9.6 per cent from 12.17 million during the same period in 2025. Over the first nine months of 2026, the airline carried 36.33 million passengers, which is up 6.5 per cent from 34.1 million during the same period in 2025. Air Canada’s fleet size has decreased slightly from 366 aircraft in the third quarter of 2025 to 358 in the third quarter of 2026. You might also like: - Air Canada is suspending its Vancouver route to the world's best airport in Asia - Canada approves direct Vietnam flights, possibly linking Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027 - Air Canada scraps major Canadian route to one of world's largest cities - Air Canada cancels YVR route to popular U.S. party destination https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/air-canada-third-quarter-2026-performance-fuel-costs Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:04:50 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-forced-generic-jersey-international-hockey-tournament Colton Pankiw Canada’s women’s hockey team will have a different look when it takes the ice at this week’s IIHF Women’s World Championship in Denmark. Hockey Canada confirmed Wednesday that its players have been instructed to wear jerseys supplied by TRUE Hockey, the IIHF’s official uniform manufacturer, instead of the new Bauer-designed uniforms recently unveiled by the organization. The decision stems from an ongoing disagreement between the IIHF and several of its member associations over commercial rights to national team uniforms. The IIHF signed an exclusive agreement with TRUE Hockey in 2025, making the company its official apparel supplier. However, Hockey Canada already had a long-term partnership with Bauer that runs through the 2033-34 season. Hockey Canada has argued that IIHF bylaws give individual member associations control over the rights to their national team logos, emblems, and uniform designs. Specifically, the organization has pointed to statute 24.3 in the IIHF’s bylaws. The disagreement eventually escalated into legal action, with Hockey Canada and USA Hockey seeking temporary injunctions to prevent the IIHF from enforcing its new supplier agreement. Those injunctions were subsequently lifted, allowing the IIHF’s decision to move forward. In a statement released Wednesday, Hockey Canada acknowledged that its national women’s team would have to comply with the IIHF’s uniform requirements at the upcoming tournament. “Due to ongoing discussions with the IIHF relating to commercial rights of its Member National Associations, Hockey Canada has been advised that our National Women’s Team must wear a jersey designed by the IIHF and its jersey supplier at the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship,” the organization said. > Statement from Hockey Canada re: #WomensWorlds jerseys. 🍁 > > Déclaration de Hockey Canada sur les chandails pour le #MondialFéminin. 🍁 pic.twitter.com/vx9JVRSsus > > — Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) November 4, 2026 Hockey Canada also revealed that it has not yet seen the uniforms its players will be wearing when the tournament gets underway. “While we have yet to see the jersey Canada will be playing in on Friday, our team remains focused on the tournament and representing our country proudly on and off the ice.” Despite the unusual circumstances, Hockey Canada is still moving ahead with the release of its new Bauer jerseys for fans. “The new official Hockey Canada Bauer jersey will be available for purchase online at the Hockey Canada Shop beginning tomorrow,” the statement added. Canada begins its quest for a record 14th Women’s World Championship gold medal Friday against Sweden. The tournament runs from Nov. 6 to 16 in Denmark. You might also like: - Former Canucks player bringing WHL team to Chilliwack https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-forced-generic-jersey-international-hockey-tournament Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:23:28 GMT