Gunness & Associates

  On April 2, 2024, the New Brunswick Government took a significant step in supporting low-wage earners by announcing a raise in the minimum wage to $15.30 per hour. This move, aimed at mitigating income inequality, reflects the province’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for its workforce.   Effective immediately, the minimum wage in New Brunswick has been raised from $14.75 to $15.30 per hour. This adjustment comes as a welcome relief for thousands of minimum-wage workers across the province.   Notably, the provincial government has tied the minimum wage to the consumer price index (CPI). This proactive measure safeguards low-wage earners from the erosive effects of inflation while providing businesses with a degree of predictability in labor costs.   Since 2019, New Brunswick has witnessed a remarkable 36% increase in its minimum wage. This steady upward trajectory underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of li...

  As living costs continue to rise through Canada, four provinces have taken it another step higher in helping workers by compelling an increase in Canadian provinces minimum wages come October 1, 2024. New minimum rates of wage across the provinces also raise new minimum rates to reflect this commitment to fair compensation. This movement across all provinces is a yearly review, but it does portray an attempt toward economic fairness in helping out workers within many industries across Canada. Ontario Leads with the Highest Wage Increase Ontario will also witness the largest increase. The minimum hourly wage will increase to $17.20 an hour on October 1, 2024. This is another historic step towards protecting low-income workers from the yoke of inflationary pressure when prices are going up across the board. "The changes better balance the needs of Ontario's workforce with the broader economic factors at play," said the province in a release. Other Provinces Follow Suit: M...

  On July 9, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), issuing invitations to skilled candidates across various sectors. This recent draw showcased the province's ongoing commitment to attracting top talent in key industries, further bolstering its workforce and economy.  In total, British Columbia issued up to 71 ITAs in this draw, underscoring its commitment to attracting diverse talent across multiple sectors. So far this year, British Columbia has invited up to 3,682 candidates through the BCPNP, demonstrating the province's proactive approach to addressing its labor market needs and fostering economic growth. General Draw: Welcoming Skilled Talent In the general draw, British Columbia extended invitations to 35 candidates, marking a significant opportunity for skilled workers to embark on a new journey in the province. The minimum score required for candidates in this draw was 110 poin...

  British Columbia remains an enticing province for entrepreneurs who are interested in investing and making investments in the country in the BC Provincial Nominee Program. On 24 September 2024, the BC Provincial Nominee Program did its latest round; six qualified business applicants were invited under the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream. This invitation, therefore, offers an excellent business opportunity to those professionals who are willing to contribute massively to the province's economy, one of Canada's most prosperous provinces. British Columbia remains one of the best global entrepreneur destinations due to the momentum of its thriving economies, across many sectors. Key Details of the BC Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur Stream Draw Number of Invitations: 6 Minimum Score: 122 Maximum Possible Score: 200 Categories Assessed: Self-Declared Factors (up to 120 points): Experience & Ownership, Net Worth, Investment, and more. Business Concept (up to ...

  On June 24, 2024, Prince Edward Island conducted a significant invitation round under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), targeting candidates in the Labor Impact and Express Entry streams. A total of 75 applicants received invitations, marking a notable event in the province's ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers to support its economic growth.   Highlights of the June 24, 2024, Prince Edward Island PNP Draw Number of Invitations: 75 candidates Streams: Labor Impact and Express Entry Target Sectors: Healthcare, Construction, Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Trucking & Transport Work Permits: Focus on candidates with permits expiring before October 2024 This draw was particularly focused on addressing the needs of specific sectors: Healthcare: Recognizing the crucial role of healthcare workers, PEI PNP targeted professionals in this sector to ensure the community's well-being and healthcare services' continuity. Construction: As Prince...