Peel Transhelp workers could strike in June
May 18th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Employees of Peel Region’s Transhelp Unit could strike next month. Members of CUPE local 9-66 have filed a no board report with the Ministry of Labour, putting them in a legal strike or lockout position in the second week of June. Transhelp workers transport the ill and infirmed to medical and social appointments. Local 9-66 president Mary Jo Falle says the Region is asking for workers to accept their benefits being gutted and the number of full-time jobs being cut.
Shares of Facebook start trading on the NASDAQ
May 18th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Shares of Facebook will start trading on the NASDAQ Friday morning, in one of the most anticipated share floatation’s in recent stock market history. The initial public offering of 421 million shares has been priced at $38.00 US. At that price, the IPO values the world’s biggest online social network at around $104 billion. Trading will start at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Durham Region officials asked to support the battle against contraband tobacco
May 18th, 2012 | Comments (0)
The battle against contraband tobacco in Durham Region is continuing. The President and CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association spoke in front of the Health and Social Services Committee, hoping to get the Region onboard with tougher enforcement. Dave Bryans says this is a growing problem, with about 35 per cent of cigarettes smoked across the province being illegal. Bryans wants regional council to send a resolution to Queen’s Park asking them to get serious on the issue. He says convenience stores in Durham rely on tobacco for between 45 and 65 per cent of their daily sales.
LCBO has record sales in 2011-12
May 16th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Sales at the LCBO were up over $4.7 billion for 2011-12, an increase of $218 million over the previous year. Officials say part of the reason for the higher numbers was people moving up to premium products. The Liquor Board also transferred $1.63 billion to the Ontario government, which was $80 million more than the year before. The board says it was the 17th straight year of record sales and 18th consecutive record dividend to the province to help pay for public services.
Harper government sends mixed messages about changes to EI
May 16th, 2012 | Comments (0)
There have been mixed messages from Parliament Hill about what will be expected of Canada’s unemployed. Finance Minister and Whitby Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty recently called E-I a disincentive to work and said the only bad job is no job at all. Human Resources Minister Diane Finley countered that changes coming to the Employment Insurance system would not force workers to accept unsuitable jobs or move.
Spring housing numbers soar in Durham Region
May 9th, 2012 | Comments (0)
There is a flurry of activity in Durham Region’s real estate market. President of the Durham Region Association of Realtors, Christine Marquis says the months of April, May and June are typically busy, and April got the busy season off to a strong start, with home re-sales up 6.5 per cent. Marquis says the average price of a home was over $340,000 last month, which brings the year-to-date average selling price to just over $340,000. Meanwhile, Uxbridge remains one of the most desirable areas, with the average selling price there sitting at $516,000.
Credit card companies face the music
May 8th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Credit card issuers are facing some heat from the Competition Bureau, who says companies like Visa and Mastercard are costing consumers billions of dollars every year. The bureau’s lead counsel, Kent Tomson says that Canadians are the hardest hit, citing their fees are the highest for purchases – equalling about $5- billion last year. An Ottawa tribunal is investigating the issue.
CRTC says programs and commercials must be broadcast at the same volume
May 8th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Come September, TV viewers will no longer have to worry about noisy commercials. The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission began an investigation after a flood of complaints by Canadians, about TV commercials that were broadcasted at much higher volumes than the actual programming. The CRTC has given broadcasters until September to make a change.
New agency aims to help technology-based companies in Durham and Northumberland
May 8th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Spark Centre is introducing itself with a big bang. The not-for-profit agency is setting out to help start and grow technology-based companies in Durham and Northumberland. Executive Director Martin Croteau says they’re looking forward to helping innovators come together and build the community into what he knows, it has the potential to become. Spark Centre is hosting its launch party at the Abilities Centre in Whitby on Tuesday night. For more information, click here.
Durham Region targets foreign investors on trip to China
May 8th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Officials in Durham Region are hoping to attract businesses and investors from well outside the area. Earlier this year, council approved a budget to expand the Economic Development program, and a delegation is currently visiting China as part of that investment. Among the politicians and local officials visiting china are UOIT executives. Chair Roger Anderson says many municipalities are already targeting foreign investors and face-to-face interactions are extremely important. While in China, the Durham delegation will be meeting again with a possible investor, whom they first met on a trade mission to France.
Regional officials working to promote business development in north Durham
May 5th, 2012 | Comments (0)
The Region of Durham is promoting a wealth of opportunities for business leaders in northern areas. A forum was held recently, aimed at attracting and retaining businesses in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge. Economic Development Coordinator Rebecca Mustard says it’s important to support and expand the rural economy. For anyone wanting more information, Mustard says you can contact Durham’s rural economic development team. For complete details, click here.
Town of Whitby poised to celebrate history with ” Doors Open Whitby”
May 3rd, 2012 | Comments (0)
On Saturday, May 5th, residents in Durham region are invited to “Doors Open Whitby”, which includes displays of the town’s and region’s heritage. 11 sites will be open throughout the township, displaying buildings and items which planners hope gives residents a better idea of just how the area has evolved over the years. For a full list of openings and schedules, click here.
