Rent prices rose in 2023 as Canada saw lowest vacancy rate since 1988: CMHC
Rent prices in Canada soared last year as supply struggled to keep up with demand, leading to the lowest national vacancy rate on record since the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. began tracking that data in 1988.
The federal housing agency said in a report Wednesday the vacancy rate for purpose-built rental apartments sat at 1.5 per cent during the first two weeks of October 2023, when it conducted its annual survey.
That was down from 1.9 per cent a year earlier,
Takeaways from the AP’s look at the role of conspiracy theories in American politics and society
WASHINGTON (AP) — have a
about secret motives and plots as a way to understand their world and avoid danger.
These days, however, and those who believe them seem to be playing an outsize role in politics and culture.
Republican Donald Trump has amplified conspiracy theories about , , and , and has for the QAnon conspiracy theory. His lies about the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden spurred the , an event that quickly spun off
On the left, . has exploited to wage his own
Ontario seeks municipal daycare audits, raising cost-cutting concerns
Ontario has ordered municipalities that directly operate child-care centres to do a value-for-money audit of their programs to determine if they could instead be operated by a “third party,” raising concerns about privatization.
The move also has some advocates concerned the provincial government is looking to find savings on the backs of early childhood educators, as higher staff pay in municipal centres is often the reason they can cost more to run.
Ministry of Education funding guidelines sent to licensed child-care operators late last year say
Why European Union officials are taking angry farmers so seriously before Thursday’s summit
HALLE, Belgium (AP) — The writing of was on the Paris-to-Brussels highway in giant yellow letters visible from up high: “Ursula, We are here!”
It was chalked onto the road with an equal measure of defiance and desperation, warning European Commission not to ignore farmers’ concerns for better prices and less bureaucracy.
The European Union is holding a summit on Thursday — and von der Leyen or any other EU leader in attendance can only disregard the plight of farming at their peril.
Here
Man wanted in alleged sexual assault at Mississauga house party
A man with what police call a distinctive tattoo on his left hand is wanted in the alleged sexual assault of a woman at a house party in Mississauga.
Peel Regional Police said the incident happened at the residence on Nov. 26, 2023.
Authorities are hoping to speak to a male suspect, who is believed to be around five-foot-eight and in his 20s. Photos have been shared.
Anyone who may be able to identify this man is asked to contact investigators.
Czech government now seeks to build up to 4 nuclear reactors instead 1 to reduce price
PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech government said Wednesday it plans to build up to four nuclear reactors instead of one as the country tries to become more energy independent and wean itself off fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the decision to seek more reactors could reduce the price per reactor by up to 25%. The timing and locations are not yet decided.
Three companies including U.S. firm Westinghouse, France’s EDF and Korea’s KHNP originally to build one reactor at the Dukovany nuclear power
Woman falls into dumpster while tossing garbage, gets compacted inside trash truck
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — A woman fell into a dumpster while throwing out her garbage and was later rescued from a trash truck that had compacted the contents while she was inside, fire department officials in New Hampshire said.
Luckily, neighbors heard her screams and the trash compartment was equipped with a camera. The driver spotted the woman stuck inside and called 911. By then, the driver “had reportedly compacted the garbage up to four times,” the Manchester Fire Department said in a
Desjardins to cut 30% of service centres, ATMs in next three years
MONTREAL — The Desjardins Group says it will cut its service centres and ATMs by 30 per cent before 2027.
Spokesman Jean-Benoît Turcotti says the boards overseeing the 200-plus credit unions that comprise the organization made the decision after analyzing how frequently the outlets were used.
Desjardins says it will be up to those boards to decide which centres and ATMs in Quebec and Ontario will shut down, as they are in the best position to assess their communities’ needs.
Turcotti says the
Man accused of destroying Satanic Temple display at Iowa Capitol is now charged with hate crime
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Mississippi man accused of destroying a statue of a pagan idol at Iowa’s state Capitol is now being charged with a hate crime.
The statue was brought to the Capitol by the of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the building during the holidays. The move drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Florida Gov. and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, both Republicans. On Dec. 14, the was “destroyed beyond
Meta, TikTok and other social media CEOs testify before Senate committee on child exploitation
Sexual predators. Addictive features. Suicide and eating disorders. Unrealistic beauty standards. Bullying. These are just some of the issues young people are dealing with on social media — and children’s advocates and lawmakers say companies are not doing enough to protect them.
On Wednesday, the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X and other social media companies went before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify at a time when lawmakers and parents are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media on young people’s lives.
The hearing