Canada This Week October 5–11, 2026 | Weekly news briefing

Canada This Week

October 5–11, 2026 | Weekly news briefing for BevNice.ca

This week’s Canada briefing should focus on the federal government, the economy, Canada–U.S. relations, provincial developments, and the issues affecting everyday Canadians.

 

Top Canadian stories this week

Canada employment change -17.7K vs 15.0K estimate. Unemployment rate 6.9% vs 6.7% expected | investingLive

 
 
 

1. Canada loses 68,300 jobs in September

Statistics Canada’s latest labour report showed employment falling for a second consecutive month. Unemployment rose to 6.5%, adding pressure on households and policymakers.

 

Why it matters: Fewer jobs can mean less household spending and greater financial pressure.

Read the report

 

Canada EOR – Quick Hiring Without Entity

 
 
 

2. Parliament debates major economic legislation

The federal government’s Building Canada Strong Act is facing debate over faster approvals for major projects, federal authority and labour disputes.

 
ThoroldToday.ca

Why it matters: The legislation could influence infrastructure investment, employment and Indigenous consultation.

Follow federal news

 

Canada and U.S. should consider ways to ease border restrictions, say UWindsor experts | DailyNews

 
 
 

3. Canada–U.S. trade tensions continue

U.S. trade officials said Washington was maintaining its position in negotiations with Canada. Meanwhile, Canadian exports surged in August as businesses shipped goods ahead of new tariffs.

Reuters
+1

Why it matters: Tariffs and uncertainty can affect Canadian manufacturers, exporters, prices and jobs.

Read the latest trade coverage

 

Quatre professeures de l’Université de Montréal sont lauréates de Prix du Québec - UdeMnouvelles

 
 
 

4. Quebec election raises questions about national unity

The separatist Parti Québécois won the provincial election but fell short of a majority, setting the stage for a minority government and renewed debate over Quebec independence.

AP News
+1

Why it matters: Quebec’s political direction could affect federal-provincial relations and Canada’s economic agenda.

Read the election coverage

 
 
 
 

5. Ottawa raises $2 billion through green bonds

The federal government announced a new 10-year Canadian-dollar green bond issuance on October 9, with strong investor demand.

Canada

Why it matters: Green bonds help finance eligible environmental initiatives and provide insight into investor demand for sustainable investments.

Official federal announcement

What Canadians should watch next week

  • October 19: Alberta’s scheduled vote on whether to hold a referendum on provincial independence.

  • Jobs and the economy: Whether the recent employment decline continues and how policymakers respond.

  • Trade negotiations: Any new developments in Canada–U.S. tariff discussions.

  • Federal politics: Progress on major-project legislation and measures intended to protect Canadian workers.

 BevNice.ca

Saint John Today Sunday, October 11, 2026

 

Daily News Briefing | Saint John, New Brunswick

Top Local News

1. AI data centres remain a major local issue

The proposed 390-megawatt data centre near Lorneville continues to face questions about electricity demand, environmental impacts and potential effects on power rates. A second proposal from Cross River Infrastructure Partners has also emerged, initially seeking 50 megawatts of grid power.

Status: Developing. Neither proposal should be treated as a newly approved project based on the latest reports reviewed. Wol

City of Saint John Notices

2. Thanksgiving holiday hours — Monday, October 12

The City confirms:

  • City offices will be closed Monday and reopen Tuesday.
  • Saint John Transit will not operate Monday.
  • The Saint John City Market is open today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed Monday. Saint John

Full details: City of Saint John holiday notice

Road and Traffic Advisories

3. Highway 1 closures begin Monday

Paving work will affect ramps at Exit 119 serving Bleury Street and the Catherwood Street/Fairville Boulevard area. Alternating lane closures are also planned on eastbound Highway 1 between kilometres 118 and 121.

4. Harbour Bridge off-ramp closes October 13–16

The off-ramp to Chesley Drive is scheduled to close Tuesday through Friday. Follow detour signs and allow extra travel time. Saint John

5. Bayside Drive restrictions begin Tuesday

Near the NRB Asphalt Plant at 750 Bayside Drive, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately four days. Grandview Avenue and Expansion Avenue are suggested alternatives. Saint John

Check NB511 road conditions before travelling.

Public Safety and Police

6. Taxi and tour-bus safety inspections

The Saint John Police Force reported that a joint roadside inspection operation on October 7 checked 50 vehicles. Three were towed, five violations were issued, and 19 vehicles were warned about tire conditions and barred from carrying passengers until the tires were replaced and inspected. saintjohnpolice.ca

Missing youth notice: Police issued an appeal on October 9 concerning a missing 17-year-old last seen in Saint John. No newer status update was confirmed in this review; check the official police feed before sharing the notice. saintjohnpolice.ca

Official updates: Saint John Police Force news releases

Cruise Ships and Business

7. Sapphire Princess scheduled in port today

The Sapphire Princess is listed to arrive at Port Saint John at approximately 8 a.m. and depart around 6 p.m. The Azamara Journey, which arrived Saturday, is also listed for departure today, although published schedules differ on its timing. CruiseMapper

For schedule changes, consult the official Port Saint John cruise schedule.

Local Events Today

  • Queen Square Farmers Market: Scheduled for 8 a.m.–2 p.m., with local vendors, food and crafts.
  • Saint John Writes: Listed for 10 a.m.
  • Bluegrass music with Mike Wetmore and friends: Listed for 2 p.m. SJ Today Events

Check the Saint John events listings for venue details and possible changes.

Weather Today

Environment Canada forecasts a mix of sun and cloud, with a high near 11°C. Cloudier conditions are expected tonight, with a low around 10°C. Weather.gc.ca

Official forecast: Environment Canada — Saint John

Bay of Fundy Tides

Approximate Saint John tide times for today:

  • High tide: 12:54–1:00 p.m.
  • Low tide: Around 7:20 p.m.

Times are approximate and may vary by location. Check updated local information before boating or walking on exposed shoreline areas. Saint John

Confirmed vs. Developing

Confirmed or officially scheduled

  • Thanksgiving service changes.
  • Highway 1 and Bayside Drive traffic restrictions.
  • Harbour Bridge off-ramp closure dates.
  • Police roadside inspection results.
  • Published cruise calls and today’s event listings.

Developing

  • The proposed Lorneville AI data centre and the separate Cross River proposal.
  • The missing-youth investigation; the latest release located was dated October 9.

For BevNice.ca: The strongest items to highlight today are tomorrow’s Thanksgiving service changes, next week’s road closures, cruise activity and the continuing debate over proposed AI data centres.

Canada’s Parliament Renovation: $5 Billion

Canada’s Parliament Renovation: $5 Billion and Still Years From Completion

Canadians are facing a massive bill to restore and modernize the country’s historic Parliament buildings in Ottawa. The question is: how much will it cost, and how long will taxpayers have to wait?

The rehabilitation of Centre Block, home to the House of Commons and the Senate, is one of Canada’s largest and most complex heritage construction projects.

According to the federal government’s latest quarterly progress report, published September 29, 2026, the estimated cost of restoring Centre Block and building a new underground Parliament Welcome Centre remains between $4.5 billion and $5 billion, excluding taxes.

How much will it cost?

  • Estimated total: $4.5 billion to $5 billion.
  • Already spent: Approximately $1.94 billion as of September 15, 2026.
  • Main construction completion: Targeted for 2030–2031.
  • Expected reopening: Approximately one year after construction, potentially in 2031–2032.

These figures cover both the Centre Block rehabilitation and the new Parliament Welcome Centre, not simply repairs to the House of Commons chamber.

Why is the project taking so long?

The Centre Block requires far more than cosmetic repairs. The work includes strengthening the historic structure, replacing aging mechanical and electrical systems, installing modern technology, restoring heritage features and constructing additional underground space.

The Peace Tower’s foundation is also being strengthened. Historic masonry, stained glass, marble, woodwork and other architectural features must be preserved while the building is modernized.

The government describes this as the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project in Canadian history.

What does this mean for taxpayers?

The project is intended to preserve a national landmark for future generations while providing Parliament with modern facilities. However, a multibillion-dollar project extending over many years raises legitimate questions about cost control, scheduling and public accountability.

The federal government’s September 2026 report says the project remains within its approved cost and schedule parameters for the reporting period, although its schedule rating indicates challenges that could affect delivery.

Canadians should continue to receive clear updates on spending, construction milestones and any changes to the expected completion date.

The bottom line

Canada’s Parliament renovation is currently budgeted at up to $5 billion, with main construction expected to finish in 2030 or 2031. The Centre Block is expected to reopen about a year later.

The key question for taxpayers is whether the government can complete this enormous heritage project within its stated budget and timeline.

 

Sources: Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Beginner Piano Lesson #20

Beginner Piano Lesson #20

Review, Chords, and Melody Together

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

  1. Play the C Major Scale:
    • C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
    • Then back down.
  2. Play each note slowly with the right hand, then the left hand.

Chord Review

C Major Chord

  • Notes: C – E – G

F Major Chord

  • Notes: F – A – C

G Major Chord

  • Notes: G – B – D

Practice changing between:

C → F → G → C

Play each chord four times slowly.


Rhythm Exercise

Count aloud:

1 – 2 – 3 – 4

Play:

  • C chord on beat 1
  • F chord on beat 1 of the next measure
  • G chord on beat 1 of the next measure
  • Return to C chord

Keep a steady tempo.


Simple Melody

Right Hand:

C – D – E – D | C – D – E – D

E – F – G – G | E – D – C

Try to play the melody while holding the chords in the left hand:

  • C chord for the first line
  • F chord for “E – F – G – G”
  • C chord for “E – D – C”

Ear Training

Can you hear the difference between:

  • C Major (happy, settled)
  • G Major (wants to return home to C)

Play both and listen carefully.


Challenge

Create your own 4-measure song using:

  • Notes: C, D, E, F, G
  • Chords: C, F, and G

There are no wrong answers—just experiment and have fun.

Practice Goal

15–20 minutes:

  • 5 min scales
  • 5 min chords
  • 5 min melody
  • 5 min creating your own tune

Piano Tip: Smooth chord changes are more important than speed. Play slowly and accurately, and speed will come naturally. 🎹