Three years into war, English classes key for Ukrainian newcomers to Ottawa
Every Thursday afternoon at Ottawa’s Café Ukraine, behind the “Quiet Please – Class in Session” sign, Lisa Hrynuik and Mariia Baziuk are practicing English. Hrynuik, Baziuk’s tutor, plays the part of a patient describing her symptoms, while Baziuk intently listens to piece together a diagnosis. For Baziuk, this isn’t just role playing. Having completed her medical training in Ukraine and...
Artists spotlight housing insecurity in ground-breaking SAW exhibition
Ottawa local gallery, SAW's Give Me Shelter exhibit highlighted the ongoing homeless and housing insecurity issues in the country and internationally. While it was a successful exhibit, participants and officials alike say more needs to be done still.
‘They’re saving money on the bill:’ How Canada’s GST break has taken a bite out of tips
Jeff Rheaume works the Monday night shift on Feb. 3 at his restaurant, The Broadway Bar & Grill Ottawa. [Photo by Mia Parker/Capital Current]
Tariffs could worsen Ontario rental market, expert says
Carleton University student Grace Rhodes hasn’t bought new clothes in two years. “I definitely don’t do stuff because I don’t have the money,” said Rhodes, who rents a home with five other students. Rhodes said the “crazy” state of the rental market makes it hard to afford student life and has already quashed her hopes of home ownership. “Absolutely not...
Rising hate crimes targeting LGBTQ2+ community in Ottawa has many concerned
Hate crimes against the LGBTQ2+ community in Ottawa have been rising rapidly over the last six years, according to data from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) putting many in the community on edge.
Kebaowek First Nation benefit concert raises $14K to help fight nuclear waste facility
Members of the Kebaowek First Nation are buoyed by a successful concert fundraiser they say will help them continue their fight against a proposed nuclear waste facility that would be located near the Ottawa River.
Tax experts question Canada’s expensive and overly broad GST ‘holiday’
As the holiday season approaches, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's GST tax break promises to provide some financial relief to Canadians, but critics argue it’s a short-term solution with political motives.
Small businesses struggle with costs, loss of business as Canada Post strike continues
As the Canada Post strike drags on, small businesses are struggling with higher-cost alternatives for shipping while they try to retain their customers.
It might be more politics than economics, still one small business owner welcomes sales tax ‘holiday’
The GST ‘holiday’ that is about to kick in might not be solid economic policy and it may be too late for those who do their holiday shopping early, but one local business owner says she welcomes the move, mostly.
Weak currency meets rising costs: Nigerian students struggle for affordable housing
As the value of Nigerian Naira continues to tank and housing scarcity increases in Ottawa, Nigerian students struggle to find affordable housing.
“All of us have lost”: Sudanese Canadians build community at a time of war
Sudanese-Canadians are turning to each other to foster community and help their loved ones in Sudan as violent conflict rages on.
GST tax breaks aren’t earning great reviews from some Ottawa businesses and consumers
Small businesses are not sure they will see positive impacts from the federal government's GST/HST cuts during the holiday season.