Latest news with #Canadians
CTV News
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Nova music festival survivor's home destroyed by Iranian missile
Ottawa announced it is sending additional consular services to help Canadians in Israel and Iran fly home. Adrian Ghobrial reports. Hila Fakliro survived the Nova Music Festival massacre in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. This past Sunday, an Iranian ballistic missile hit the 29-year-old's apartment in Tel Aviv, reducing it to rubble. Fakliro jokes that someone has been trying to repeatedly kill her - though her story is far from a laughing matter. On Oct. 7, Fakliro was bartending at the Nova Music Festival, when Hamas attackers stormed the event, killing hundreds. Fakliro recalls running through the dessert for hours on end unsure if she was far enough away from the terrorists who'd already killed and kidnapped many of her friends. 'I blacked out, I don't remember what I saw, I remember what I heard. I heard 'Allahu Akbar' the screaming (of victims) and I remember hearing them (Hamas) laughing, so I decided not to look back,' she said. She kept running, looking straight ahead. Fakliro arrived in Toronto about three weeks ago, to be a guest speaker at the Nova Exhibition, an installation that offers a space for reflection and healing following the tragic events of that day. If the 29-year-old hadn't been in Canada, there's a good chance she would have been home when the missile hit her Tel Aviv apartment. 'Many of my neighbours are seriously injured, their pets died there's nothing left of my home' she shared. Israel Iran news: Survivor of Oct. 7 attack Hila Fakliro survived the Nova Music Festival massacre in Israel on Oct. 7. The airspace in Israel is closed to commercial aircrafts. Fakliro's scheduled flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv was cancelled last week. Yet, the 29-year-old still wants to go home. 'I know it sounds crazy. I don't even have a home to go to, but I need to hug my mother.' The powerful urge to return home is being felt by thousands caught in the crosshairs of the deadly, escalating war. CTV News has been speaking to multiple Canadians stuck in both Iran and Israel who say Canadian government officials have been of little help. Many have been left to traverse a warzone on their own, towards land border crossings, unsure if they'll even be granted safe passage into a neighbouring nation. Foreign Affairs Minister , Anita Anand shared an update Thursday saying in-part that 'given the airspace is not open, once Canadians have crossed the border into neighbouring countries, we have consular services available for them.' Fakliro realizes how fortunate she is to be in Canada, being here may have saved her life. 'I have a guardian angel. Someone put me here for a reason' she said. Though she struggles with the human toll and loss of life across the Middle East. After surviving the Oct. 7attack, her apartment now destroyed, Fakliro is calling for peace for Palestinians, Iranians and Israelis. Like so many, she simply wants to go home and try to put the pieces of her life back together.
Global News
35 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Global News
EV interest is stalling over cost concerns. Could a consumer rebate help?
Demand for electric vehicles around the world appears to be on the decline, according to a recent survey from Shell that says cost and affordability are key concerns for buyers. At the same time, the Canadian government confirmed this week that it is exploring a new consumer rebate for electric vehicles. Statistics Canada reported that in the first quarter, or three months, of this year, 37,299 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) were registered, making up 8.7 per cent of all new motor vehicle registrations, down more than 23 per cent compared with one year prior. For the month of April, the latest update from Statistics Canada, EV sales accounted for just over 7.5 per cent of all vehicles sold in Canada. Why are consumers less interested in electric vehicles? New data shows that overall, consumers who haven't bought an EV already say it's primarily due to the costs of purchasing and owning one for the long term. Story continues below advertisement Shell Global released the results of a survey on Tuesday showing falling demand for electric vehicles, especially in Europe and the United States, with affordability the main reason cited, along with charging network reliability. Meanwhile, the report shows that more than two-thirds of current electric vehicle owners reported feeling less worried about charging concerns than a year prior, and nearly three-quarters say the options and availability of public charging points have improved. Although the Shell Global survey did not poll Canadians, there are consistent findings in other recent reports that did. An AutoTrader survey conducted in 2024 found that non-owners in Canada are hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle due to 'limited travel range/distance, inadequate availability of charging stations, higher purchasing costs, and the belief that EVs are unsuitable for cold weather.' 'Overall, while almost half of non-EV owners are open to buying an EV for their next vehicle, interest in EVs has declined for the second year in a row,' Tiffany Ding, director of Insights and Intelligence at AutoTrader, said last year. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy AutoTrader also confirmed at the time that there was a direct correlation between lower gas prices and lower demand for electric vehicles, and vice versa. 2:01 With Trump administration incoming, what will happen to Canada's EV plan? In early 2022, demand for electric vehicles peaked worldwide as the price of traditional gasoline spiked and consumers sought alternatives. Story continues below advertisement This was in addition to strained supply chains, which made traditional gas-powered vehicles more expensive along with other products, and a lack of preparedness for the change in consumer demands made it harder for car companies to keep up. By the end of 2022, things changed direction as supply chains caught up with demand, and affordability started to take a toll on households amid high inflation and rising interest rates. The AutoTrader survey found that drivers instead were looking more and more to hybrid options, including plug-in hybrids, which offer the benefits of both a gas engine and electric by not relying as much or at all on a charging network and consuming less traditional gasoline overall. 6:01 Where does Canada's EV industry currently stand? Prices have also been gradually declining for some electric vehicles, so it is possible car companies are taking note of a drop in demand and cost concerns. Story continues below advertisement In some cases, this has also meant delaying plans for expanding EV production. According to the average price for a new EV in Canada as of December 2024 was $70,682, which is down 7.8 per cent from a year earlier, while used options averaged $42,045, a drop of 18.4 per cent from 2024. Canadians can currently purchase some of the cheaper electric vehicle options brand new, starting at roughly $40,000. There is also the cost of charging, which may include the purchase and installation of a home charger, vehicle maintenance specific to electric vehicles, as well as depreciation over time, which differs compared with some gas-powered versions. AutoTrader's price index for the first quarter of 2025 pinned the national average price for a new vehicle at $65,564 — down almost three per cent year over year — and the national average price for a used vehicle at $36,823, a drop of 2.2 per cent year over year. Could a rebate help? Responding to reporters on Tuesday outside the House of Commons, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said 'there will be a consumer rebate,' with few other details given for now. Story continues below advertisement 'Will it be named, iZEV? That I can't tell you,' Dabrusin said when asked by reporters earlier this week about a future rebate program for EVs. This followed a meeting in which the Opposition Conservatives called for current electric vehicle mandates to be scrapped, including the Trudeau government's goal to have all new consumer passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in Canada be zero-emission by 2035, citing concerns about the Canadian auto sector and U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. As of now, Canada and the United States have imposed on each other a 25 per cent tariff on all automotive imports that do not comply with the current North American trade deal known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canadian auto makers and other industry leaders also support ending these mandates, suggesting that the lack of consumer rebates or other incentives makes these goals unrealistic and a 'policy failure.' 2:32 BIV: Province pausing electric vehicle rebate program The iZev, or Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles, program was launched by the federal government in 2019 but ran out of funding by January of this year. Dabrusin's comments suggest it will be replaced with a new strategy aimed at making EVs more affordable for some Canadians. Story continues below advertisement The iZev was intended to act in addition to provincial electric vehicle rebates where available. Previously, the iZEV program offered up to $5,000 off the cost of a new electric vehicle, and over the nearly six-year life span, it cost the federal government nearly $3 billion.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
CMHC Releases Annual Report for 2024 Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) today released its 2024 Annual Report demonstrating that Canadians can continue to count on CMHC as a stabilizing economic entity with a key role in bringing about housing solutions and hundreds of thousands of additional homes for Canadians. Despite challenging economic conditions, CMHC continued to deliver results in 2024 as demand for its commercial products surged. Demand for CMHC's multi-unit mortgage loan insurance products remained strong throughout 2024, supporting more than 283,000 housing units, an increase of 28.7% over 2023. Of those, 43 percent were new construction, an increase of 38% over 2023. CMHC saw continued strong uptake of its MLI Select mortgage loan insurance product which incentivizes developers to build more affordable rental units. The Corporation also saw an increase in its mortgage funding products which provide liquidity for mortgage lenders to support Canadians' access to mortgage financing. Its homeowner mortgage insurance helped Canadians buy more than 49,000 housing units across Canada. Through its commercial activities and the Government programs CMHC delivers, it helped create, repair and assist more than 500,000 homes in 2024. More than 118,000 of those homes are for Canadians in core housing need, and close to 300,000 units are in markets facing the greatest rental shortages. That's an increase of 40,000 units over 2023, exceeding its target by four percent. Of the units supported by CMHC in 2024, 48% are climate compatible, surpassing both its 25 percent target and 2023 results. The Corporation exceeded targets in delivering several federal housing programs, including the Apartment Construction Loan Program and the Affordable Housing Fund, which help builders get financing to build, repair or renew much-needed rental homes. Quote(s): "In 2024, CMHC demonstrated yet again that it can stay agile and remained the stabilizing force in turbulent times. CMHC's solid three-pronged approach spurs solutions to challenges across the housing landscape: commercial products, delivery of housing programs and unbiased housing research are all making a difference. It is working diligently with its many partners, including developers and builders, lenders, non-profit organizations and all levels of government toward a shared vision of a Canada where everyone has a home that they can afford and that meets their needs." — Coleen Volk, CMHC's President and Chief Executive Officer "CMHC continues to demonstrate it is an organization Canadians can count on, even in the most challenging economic times. In addition to incentivizing much needed housing supply and helping more Canadians buy homes. CMHC will continue to manage its commercial business as well as the public resources entrusted to it prudently for the benefit of all Canadians. – Michel Tremblay, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice-President, Corporate Services Highlights from CMHC Annual Report, as of December 31, 2024: Consolidated income before income taxes increased by $238 million, a 14% increase compared to 2023. This was due to several factors, such as increased investment income, and offset by other factors including higher operating expenses for higher multi-unit insurance volumes. At the end of 2024, CMHC's total insurance in force stood at $440 billion, representing an increase of $26 billion compared to is largely due to growth in multi-unit insurance, partially offset by decreases in homeowner insurance and portfolio insurance. CMHC provided guarantees for nearly $165 billion in National Housing Act mortgage-backed securities and $60 billion in Canada Mortgage Bonds, up 9% and 33.3% respectively, over 2023. In 2024, CMHC implemented Government reforms to mortgage rules to make mortgages more affordable for Canadians: increasing the $1 million price cap for insured mortgages to $1.5 million; and allowing 30-year mortgage amortizations for all buyers of new builds. CMHC expects to see further uptake in 2025. CMHC has suspended dividends to conserve capital in response to regulatory capital changes from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions taking effect January 1, 2026, and to respond to significant demand for multi-unit insurance products. Cumulative housing program highlights to December 31, 2024: More than $21 billion in loans committed through the Apartment Construction Loan Program to help build more than 56,000 new purpose-built rental units. Close to $11 billion committed through the Affordable Housing Fund to help create close to 42,000 new affordable units and repair more than 168,000 community housing units. More than $2.3 billion for close to 100,000 loans committed through the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program, delivered in partnership with Natural Resources Canada. About 77 percent of applicants have completed their retrofits and received final loan funding. Signed agreements with 215 municipalities under the Housing Accelerator Fund including commitments of more than $4 billion over four years that are expected to create more than 114,000 additional housing units. Delivered the new Co-op Housing Development Program, which will strengthen this integral part of the affordable housing space. The CMHC Annual Public Meeting is available to watch on the CMHC web site. CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Its mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, it contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
VIA RAIL REACHES TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH UNION Français
MONTRÉAL, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has reached tentative agreements with Unifor's Council 4000 and Local 100, the union representing approximately 2,400 VIA Rail employees working in its stations, on board its trains, in its maintenance centres, at the VIA Customer Centre, and in administrative offices. These tentative agreements are subject to a ratification vote by VIA Rail's Unifor members. Once ratified, the collective agreements will be retroactive to January 1, 2025, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2027. Agreement details will only be disclosed following member ratification. "We are pleased to have reached these tentative agreements with Unifor. From the outset, VIA Rail's management engaged in this round of negotiations in good faith, with the clear objective of reaching a fair and equitable solution that would safeguard the continued delivery of excellent service to all Canadians," said Mario Péloquin, President and CEO of VIA Rail. "This important step reflects the commitment and perseverance of both parties throughout the negotiation process. Our employees are essential contributors to our success, and these agreements will help us move forward together as we continue to serve Canadians from coast to coast with dedication and pride." About VIA Rail VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to operate the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada, and to provide a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible service that meets the needs of Canadian passengers. VIA Rail operates intercity trains connecting over 400 communities across Canada and ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote communities. The Corporation safely transported over four million passengers in 2024 and has been awarded nine Safety Awards and three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada. For more, visit our website:
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Grandma at the picnic': Source sheds light on Vaughan Lamborghini-theft shooting, after Ford's comments
A York Region Police source has decided to add some context to the incident involving a Vaughan man who shot at a crew of suspected car thieves attempting to steal his white Lamborghini from his driveway. It was five days after the event on June 17 that Premier Doug Ford broached the topic in front of a group of reporters, asking if gathered media had heard about the individual and how he was charged by police following a shooting at his home. 'Did you hear about the guy…?' he began. He went on to suggest that Canadians should have access to a castle law, like the United States, in which residents are able to use force, potentially deadly, to protect themselves against intruders. 'These thugs came up ready to steal his car, they're all in their masks,' he told gathered media. 'I guess he was a hunter or something, he shot up in the air … he should get a medal for standing up.' Well, according to a police source, the premier had some key facts wrong. In reality, the man was former military and shot plenty more than one bullet, emptying his rifle magazine before reloading and firing more volleys, the source said. Ford was further incorrect in suggesting the man aimed his gun in the air. Instead, the source explained, the man fired the shots, possibly reaching up to 20 or more, into the suspect's vehicle in the middle of a densely packed neighbourhood at around 4 a.m. 'He was not trying to hit them — he was trying to scare them away,' the source added. 'He shot up their car, all rounds went into the car they arrived in.' The source sympathizes with the premier and the public and their frustration at the current situation involving crime in the GTA, but added no one should want this sort of vigilante justice in their communities. 'Yes, it's great he defended his property … but it could have hit someone going to work or letting their dog out or could have gone through a window,' the source said. 'You don't want this to be celebrated … or I don't anyways.' The source added that when using firearms, whether rifles or handguns, police are trained to consider what might happen should they miss their target. 'When we're being trained and we miss, even if it's just once, the trainer will say 'grandma at the picnic,'' the source said, noting that it only takes one miss to hit an innocent bystander. The source went on to say the man was clearly on high alert considering he was the victim of an attempted carjacking prior to the events of June 12. The source also revealed that the man can be heard loading and firing his weapon while asking for help on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. In the aftermath of the incident, four individuals, including a 16-year-old, were charged with attempted break-and-enter and attempted theft among others. Two were charged with breach of probation and one remains at large. The 35-year-old male, who rents at the home, has been charged with discharging a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm. Ford also revealed that men also allegedly tried to steal a vehicle from his Etobicoke home. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
