With federal, provincial, and territorial ministers preparing to meet at the Committee on Internal Trade, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is urging governments to turn recent progress on internal trade into meaningful, practical improvements for small businesses. CFIB notes that initiatives such as the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement and related legislation signal renewed commitment to reducing interprovincial barriers. However, businesses still face significant challenges, including duplicative testing, inconsistent regulations, and restrictions on moving goods and services across borders. While encouraged by recent developments, CFIB warns that overly complex rules, broad exceptions, and slow implementation could undermine progress and recreate longstanding trade barriers. Key sectors such as services, food, alcohol, and labour mobility remain particularly affected. Alcohol distribution highlights these issues, with most provinces lagging behind ahead of the May 2026 deadline for direct-to-consumer shipping. To ensure real progress, CFIB is calling on governments to expand the CMRA to more sectors, ensure consistent implementation, eliminate unnecessary reciprocal requirements, and address regulatory barriers—particularly in trucking and food distribution. Accelerating timelines for alcohol shipment reforms is also critical. CFIB emphasizes that decisive action now would enable small businesses to grow, expand nationally, and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib.ca)…….
PetSmart Charities of Canada has awarded $450,000 in grants to community animal welfare organizations nationwide to support in-store adoption programs that help animals find homes. Adoptable pets are available in PetSmart stores every day, but from March 23 to 29, 2026, local animal shelters and rescues will bring even more adoptable pets–including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals of all ages and personalities–to PetSmart stores across the country to connect people and pets. (PetSmart Charities of Canada – www.PetSmartCharities.ca)………….
Kraft Heinz Canada announced a $250 million investment to modernize its Mont Royal factory in Montreal, reinforcing the company’s commitment to Canadian manufacturing and the homegrown production of its iconic brands. These funds will be directed toward upgrading and modernizing key plant systems at the Mont Royal facility to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. As part of this investment, Kraft Heinz Canada will work to introduce new production volume into the plant. This effort is designed to strengthen domestic food manufacturing and further anchor the company’s operations in Canada. (Kraft Heinz Canada – www.kraftheinzcompany.com)……….
A consortium of investors, including Group Society and Laurier Capital, has acquired Windsor Station in downtown Montréal, launching a major revitalization initiative. The landmark property, known for its historic architecture and the Salle des Pas Perdus, also includes 326,000 square feet of office and retail space that has remained relatively underrecognized. The new owners plan to restore and reposition Windsor Station as a dynamic, accessible destination that blends heritage with modern urban life. Plans include upgrading and diversifying retail offerings, highlighted by a new 10,000 square foot restaurant near the Bell Centre, alongside additional service-oriented tenants. Office spaces will target innovative firms, tech companies, and startups, with an emphasis on high-quality, engaging work environments. Despite broader concerns about office demand, the investors express strong confidence in Montréal’s AAA office market, citing limited new supply and sustained demand for premium, well-located properties. (Laurier Capital – Guillaume Jacob – guillaume@lauriercapital.ca)………..
Have a great week and don’t forget, Buy Canadian…………..