Prime Minister announces Cabinet Ministers, attends COP26
The Prime Minister introduced the
new federal Cabinet last week, which includes 38 federal Cabinet Ministers. Parliament is set to reconvene on November 22nd, which will be followed by the Government’s Speech from the Throne and the Ministers’ mandate letters.
This week, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, the Prime Minister
signaled Canada’s intention to support climate focused initiatives, such as:
- Investing further to fight the climate crisis
- Expanding the use of pollution pricing internationally to cover 60% of global pollution by 2030
- Ensuring Canada’s electricity grid achieves net-zero emissions by 2050
Over 450 financial institutions in 45 countries commit to net-zero emissions by 2050
The
Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, which represents more than 450 financial institutions in 45 countries and $130 trillion worth of financial assets, celebrated yesterday as it announced its commitment to “transform the economy for net-zero.” Specifically, GFANZ firms have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and delivering approximately 50% of emissions reductions by 2030.
Among the GFANZ firms are Canada’s six largest banks and one financial co-op. The University of Toronto is also the
only university in the world to have joined the GFANZ asset owner alliance.
Ontario introduces legislation banning non-competes, making it easier for newcomers to secure work opportunities
The Government of Ontario recently introduced
new workplace legislation that, if passed, would establish new requirements for Ontario employers. The bill, titled, Working for Workers Act,
proposes to
- Make it easier for newcomers to become licensed in regulated professions and secure work opportunities
- Require employers with more than 25 employees to develop “disconnecting from work” policies
- Ban non-compete agreements
According to
the Government of Ontario, non-compete agreements can restrict work opportunities and suppress wage growth. University of Ottawa’s Matt Malone
writes that non-compete agreements prevent knowledge spillovers, “a critical factor in building vibrant and prosperous economies.” Nonetheless, others have
expressed concern over companies’ ability to protect trade secrets and other valuable IP.
Cyberattack disrupts Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare system
Thousands of X-rays, chemotherapy treatments, and other medical procedures were cancelled this week
following a cyberattack on Newfoundland and Labrador’s healthcare system. While it is unclear what type of attack occurred, who was responsible for the attack, nor what the motive was, the province’s Centre for Health Information has confirmed that an “unauthorized party” gained entry to the system.
CBC News reports that “the cyberattack has laid clear the digital inter-connectedness of the health authorities.” In many parts of the province, regular patient care has not yet been restored.
- Mairead Matthews