On April 1, 2022, the federal minimum wage will increase from $15.00 to $15.55 per hour. For those working in provinces or territories where the general minimum wage rate is higher, the higher rate will continue to apply.The federal minimum wage, which came into force on December 29, 2021, is adjusted automatically on April 1 of every year, based on the average annual increase of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as reported by Statistics Canada. This is to ensure that the federal minimum wage keeps pace with inflation. This year’s rate increase reflects the 3.4% annual average rise of the CPI

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau capped a week-long European trip by slapping sanctions on five more Russia oligarchs for their close ties with President Vladimir Putin. They include Roman Abramovich, who is a major shareholder in Evraz, a company that operates a steel mill in Regina. G-7 leaders have issued a joint statement backing Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops and promising further sanctions and economic policies targeting Russia's economy. The leaders say they're also pushing global financial institutions including the World Bank and Internation

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Russian President Vladimir Putin made a mistake thinking Ukraine and NATO were weak and divided. Trudeau told reporters at a military base in Latvia that Putin has been shown how wrong he is.Article Five of the NATO treaty states that if an member is attacked, all members will consider it an act of violence against the collective. Trudeau had been asked whether a Russian attack on a NATO ally such as Latvia or Estonia or would lead Canada to declare war.

Tamara Lich, one of the principal organizers of the so-called ``Freedom Convoy'' protest that gridlocked downtown Ottawa for three weeks, has been granted bail on a $25,000 bond. Lich was initially denied bail on Feb. 22 after Ontario Court Justice Julie Bourgeois deemed her detention was ``necessary for the protection and safety of the public.'' Lich's lawyer launched a bail review, arguing that decision may have been tainted by the fact that Bourgeois ran as a federal Liberal candidates in the 2011 election and expressed that her own community had been affected by the protest. On Monday, Su

Ottawa is imposing strict COVID-19 rules on cruise ship companies, crews and passengers in advance of the first ships docking in Canadian ports next month. Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says passengers and crews must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and cruise lines must inspect proof of vaccination and monitor and report pre-boarding test results. Alghabra says no passenger will be allowed off a cruise ship unless they meet the requirements. Alghabra says passengers will also need to take COVID-19 tests before and after boarding a vessel and won't be allowed off cruise ships u

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced sanctions against 10 more Russian political and business leaders. At a news conference in London, he took a clear jab at President Vladimir Putin, pointing out the 10 were identified by Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader who is considered Putin's main rival. Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also acknowledged the need to increase defence spending in response to both Russia's actions and growing instability around the world. Trudeau wouldn't say if that would extend to Canada meeting N

Ottawa-area MP Pierre Poilievre says he would repeal a ban on oil tankers off B-C's north coast if becomes the leader of the Conservative party and wins the next federal election. He made the comment during a campaign stop in Regina today. Poilievre also says he would bring in new laws to support the energy sector and protect the environment, and he promises the work will include consultation with First Nations. During a stop in Saskatoon yesterday, Poilievre the only declared candidate so far in the race to replace Erin O'Toole, pledged to axe the federal carbon tax if elected prime minister

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is heading to Europe to meet with key allies as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine. Trudeau will spend next week in meetings in London, Berlin, Riga, Latvia and Warsaw as leaders present a united front against President Vladimir Putin. Trudeau says allies will also work on countering the disinformation and misinformation that is a particularly strong facet of the war in Ukraine. Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly attended a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, which was followed by a G-7 foreign ministers' meeting. The ministers d

Canada is opening its arms to Ukrainians fleeing war by relaxing immigration rules.The government is announcing expedited temporary visas for Ukrainians that will take just weeks to process, instead of the usual year.Canada is also tightening its economic chokehold on Russian oligarchs, and booting Russia and its ally Belarus off its most favoured nation list of trade partners.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada and other close partners are calling for Russia's suspension from the international policing agency Interpol.