Skip to Main content

8.93°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Podcast Contact Us

Feb 27, 2024 4:03 PM - The Canadian Press

Ottawa freezes merger notification threshold, funds housing innovation projects

Share On

ottawa-freezes-merger-notification-threshold-funds-housing-innovation-projects

It also announced $123 million of funding to eight homebuilders that the federal government says are driving innovation and will help build more than 5,000 affordable homes.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The federal government is freezing the threshold at which the Competition Bureau must be notified of a merger.

It also announced $123 million of funding to eight homebuilders that the federal government says are driving innovation and will help build more than 5,000 affordable homes.

The announcements came this morning during Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's weekly economic update alongside other ministers.

Competition law requires mergers that exceed a certain value to be flagged to the Competition Bureau in advance, so it can determine whether the deal could prevent or lessen competition.

Ottawa says the amount usually increases along with gross domestic product but instead, it will be kept frozen at $93 million, the threshold since 2021.

The funding for homebuilders is being allocated through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, a program that funds rent-to-own schemes and other innovative projects.

Latest news

mark-carney-meets-premiers-and-first-nations-leaders-ahead-of-federal-budget

CanadaOct 26, 2026

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting with premiers and First Nations leaders in Ottawa today ahead of the upcoming federal budget, aiming to address obstacles and opposition that could delay major projects. During the meeting, Carney pledged greater support for Indigenous communities and promised to build stronger partnerships with them. It was the first time in two decades that federal, provincial and First Nations leaders had gathered at the same table for direct discussions on key national issues. Carney said his government would announce new measures for First Nations in th

BC Greens Retain Two Seats Despite Increase in Vote Share

The BC Greens have retained two seats in the provincial election, despite an increase in their overall vote share. Preliminary results show the party received approximately 23,000 more votes than in 2024. However, it failed to increase its seat count beyond the two seats it held before the snap election. Party leader Emily Lowan won in Saanich North and the Islands, while Jeremy Valeriote was re-elected in West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. Speaking to the media, Lowan acknowledged that making the Green Party's voice heard in the legislature would be a major challenge. However, she said the party wo

bank-of-canada-could-raise-interest-rates-for-the-first-time-in-three-years

CanadaOct 26, 2026

Bank of Canada Could Raise Interest Rates for the First Time in Three Years

Canada’s central bank is set to announce its monetary policy decision on Wednesday, with many experts anticipating a possible interest rate hike. If the Bank of Canada raises rates, it would mark the first increase in three years. Economists say the Canadian economy is facing two conflicting challenges. On one hand, economic growth remains weak, which would normally support cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy. On the other hand, rising oil prices are driving inflation, and the central bank may not want to wait until price pressures spread to other sectors before taking action. Ma

25-year-old-jasdeep-singh-hayre-missing-in-surrey-police-seek-publics-help

25-Year-Old Jasdeep Singh Hayre Missing in Surrey, Police Seek Public’s Help

Surrey Police are seeking public assistance in locating 25-year-old Jasdeep Singh Hayre, who was reported missing after last being seen on October 21 in the 17000-block of 26 Avenue in Surrey. Police say there has been no contact with Hayre or any information about his whereabouts since that day. His family and police are concerned about his well-being. Hayre has a distinctive tattoo of a lion and an arrow on his left arm. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502.

B.C. Conservatives Sweep All 10 Surrey Ridings

The B.C. Conservative Party has swept all 10 ridings in the Surrey area, securing a major victory in the provincial election. One of the most closely watched contests was Surrey City Centre, where Conservative candidate Zeeshan Wahla defeated B.C. NDP candidate Amna Shah by approximately 400 votes in a tight race. Meanwhile, Garry Thind won two elections within a week, becoming both a Surrey school trustee and the MLA for Surrey-Guildford. However, under provincial law, he will have to resign from his school trustee position. In Surrey South, Centre BC leader Elenore Sturko suffered a defeat,

Related News

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting with premiers and First Nations leaders in Ottawa today ahead of the upcoming federal budget, aiming to address obstacles and opposition that could delay major projects. During the meeting, Carney pledged greater support for Indigenous communities and promised to build stronger partnerships with them. It was the first time in two decades that federal, provincial and First Nations leaders had gathered at the same table for direct discussions on key national issues. Carney said his government would announce new measures for First Nations in th

Bank of Canada Could Raise Interest Rates for the First Time in Three Years

Bank of Canada Could Raise Interest Rates for the First Time in Three Years

Canada’s central bank is set to announce its monetary policy decision on Wednesday, with many experts anticipating a possible interest rate hike. If the Bank of Canada raises rates, it would mark the first increase in three years. Economists say the Canadian economy is facing two conflicting challenges. On one hand, economic growth remains weak, which would normally support cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy. On the other hand, rising oil prices are driving inflation, and the central bank may not want to wait until price pressures spread to other sectors before taking action. Ma

Obama Slams Trump Over Trade War With Canada, Warns Tariffs Will Raise Prices

Obama Slams Trump Over Trade War With Canada, Warns Tariffs Will Raise Prices

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has sharply criticized Donald Trump over his trade war with Canada, calling it disappointing that America’s closest ally has been targeted. Speaking at a Democratic Party campaign rally in Detroit on Sunday, Obama said Trump’s tariffs were working against his own promises to lower prices for Americans. He highlighted the automotive sector, where manufacturers in both countries rely heavily on cross-border supplies of components, warning that Trump’s tariffs would drive up costs for American consumers. Obama also praised Canadians as some of the best peo

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital