The Ontario government is strengthening the rules for Ontario’s social assistance programs to ensure that only people who are living in Canada legally can receive financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The new regulations, which take effect immediately, will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure Ontario’s social assistance programs are focused on supporting only families and individuals facing financial hardship who are legally authorized to live in Canada.

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Officers have received multiple reports of counterfeit Canadian currency being passed at local businesses. Members of the public and local business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant when handling cash and to watch for signs of counterfeit currency, including irregular texture, print quality, or missing security features.

Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit money or has information related to these incidents is asked to contact the OPP. To remain anonymous, tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

For more information on how to identify counterfeit Canadian bank notes and the security features found on legitimate currency, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Bank of Canada’s website at bankofcanada.ca. The site provides clear tips on what to look for, how to check bank notes, and what to do if counterfeit money is suspected.

The post Fake Money Is Being Passed Around In Midland And Penetanguishene appeared first on Muskoka411.

FCAC will oversee industry compliance with the new NSF fee requirements, which include the following consumer protections:

• consumers cannot be charged more than $10 in NSF fees when they do not have enough money in their personal deposit account to cover a payment
• consumers will not be charged an NSF fee more than once in a period of 2 business days for the same personal deposit account
• consumers will not be charged NSF fees on a personal deposit account when the amount of their overdraft on that account is less than $10

FCAC has information for consumers on Canada.ca explaining their rights regarding NSF fees.

“Even if someone is just $5 short when paying a bill or covering a cheque, they can be hit with a non-sufficient funds fee as high as $50. That’s money that could otherwise go toward groceries, medicine, or other everyday essentials. And this isn’t uncommon–more than one in three Canadians are affected by these fees. By capping NSF fees at $10 and strengthening consumer protections, we’re helping Canadians keep more of their hard-earned money while making everyday banking fairer and more affordable.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

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The report, Protecting Northern Ontario for 1.3 cents on the dollar: Housing and health
integration to support a 34.6 billion economy, examines how the integration of housing
and health infrastructure supports the region’s $34.6 billion economy. The study,
building upon the results of January 2025 report “Municipalities Under Pressure: The
Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis”, shows that under current
conditions, homelessness in Northern Ontario will more than double by 2035, placing
increasing pressure on emergency departments, shelters, corrections and local labour
markets.

The study was conducted by HelpSeeker Technologies, in partnership with the Northern
Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) and the Canadian Mental Health
Association (CMHA), Ontario.

This analysis builds on the Ontario-wide housing and homelessness investment case
set out in the 2025 and 2026 Municipalities Under Pressure reports, which identified an
approximately $11 billion housing investment required to change homelessness
trajectories. Those reports also noted that housing investment alone would not produce
durable outcomes without integration with other systems, including health. The
scenarios presented in the report examine how housing investment performs under
those conditions.

Analysis in the report demonstrates that investing in earlier intervention, combined with
housing across the continuum and operating funding for health and housing retention,
will lead to faster stabilization of the housing sector and fewer people entering
homelessness. According to the report, this stabilization investment would be
approximately $435 million or the equivalent of about 1.3 cents for every dollar
generated by Northern Ontario’s economy.

The investment scenarios examine how different investment choices affect
homelessness over time under Northern Ontario conditions, the modelling tests three
investment approaches over a 10-year period.

The difference between the 11-billion-dollar provincial ask and the Northern Scenarios
topping out at 5.1 billion, is the integration of health services including mental-health
and addictions supports that will affect homelessness levels over time.
Northern Ontario plays a key role in exports, natural resources, and critical minerals,
with more than $10 billion in goods exported annually, largely to the United States. The
provincial government has committed billions to resource development in the region,
including investments in critical minerals processing, Indigenous participation, and
transportation infrastructure.

The new report warns that capital investment alone is not enough. Communities must
be able to house and support the workforce required to deliver these projects and
housing investment must be integrated with mental health and substance use support to
be effective.

Northern Ontario is seeing a rapid rise in homelessness and significantly higher rates of
mental health and substance-related harms, with related emergency department visits
two to four times above the provincial average.

“Housing instability and unmet health needs are no longer just social issues – they are
economic risks,” said Michelle Boileau, Mayor of Timmins, and Chair of NOSDA. “They
can undermine labour attraction, retention and productivity at the very moment when
Northern Ontario is expected to deliver on major public and private investments.”

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ontario Municipal Social
Services Association (OMSSA), and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers
Association (NOSDA) also released a report this week Municipalities Under Pressure
One Year Later: The Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis. This
report shows the number of people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ontario
rose from 5,930 to 8,142 in the past year, an increase of more than 37 per cent as
compared to 7.8 per cent provincially. Since 2021, homelessness in the north has
increased by approximately 117 per cent, more than double the provincial rate. While
Northern Ontario represents five per cent of Ontario’s population, it now accounts for
nearly 10 per cent of all known homelessness in the province.

Housing shortages, long wait times for community housing and limited access to health
and mental health services are already making it harder to attract and retain workers,
particularly in smaller and remote communities. Average waits for community housing
can be more than three years, with some communities reporting waits of 10 years or
more. The community housing waitlist in Northern Ontario increased from 8,855
households in 2018 to 13,104 households in 2025, a 48 percent increase.

“Investing in stronger social supports is necessary for our economic protection,” said
Boileau. “It will reduce reliance on shelters, emergency departments, hospitals, and
other high-cost responses in our communities.”

Local lens (District of Parry Sound):

The post Investing Pennies On The Dollar Could Halt Rising Homelessness, Protect Northern Ontario’s Economy: New Report appeared first on Muskoka411.

The pressure is on for parents this holiday season. Three-quarters of Canadian parents recently surveyed (76 per cent) say creating a magical holiday for their children is a top priority – but higher prices are turning wonder into worry. A new Interac survey reveals two-thirds (66 per cent) of Canadian parents say rising costs are making it harder to manage their holiday spending, and half (52 per cent) are worried about overspending this holiday season. So much so, grandparents are stepping up, with one in five parents (21 per cent) relying on them for holiday support. A third of parents (33 per cent) say grandparents spend more on gifts for the kids than they do themselves.

Interac transaction data forecasts that December 19, 2025, will be the busiest shopping day of the year, with 24.8 million Interac Debit purchases predicted. The majority of the transaction volumes are expected to take place at fast food restaurants, grocery stores and discount stores. As parents head to the shops this holiday season, more than four in 10 (45 per cent) plan to spend a total of under $500 on gifts, one in four (25 per cent) plan to spend $500 – $999, and nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) plan to spend $1,000 or more.

“Interac survey and transaction data point to a clear pattern: Canadians are approaching the holidays with a heightened sense of caution on spending,” said Chris Lee, Head, Payments at Interac. “As we approach peak shopping season, household budgets will be tested by high prices and high expectations. Using Interac Debit can help Canadians manage their finances by using their own money- keeping holiday magic alive and providing a sense of financial confidence and security as we approach the festive season.”

Most parents say the pressure to overspend comes from within, as they strive to make the holidays feel special (56 per cent). Nearly half (47 per cent) are driven by a desire to give their children what they never had. Other factors driving parents to go over budget include keeping up with family expectations (37 per cent), making the most of retail promotions (25 per cent) and trying to recreate the holiday ideal seen on social platforms (15 per cent).

Key findings from the Interac holiday spending snapshot include:

Older Kids, Big Budgets: As kids grow, the pressure on parents increases. Parents say the teenage years (age 13-17) are the most demanding for holiday spending, with kids aged six to nine following in second place. Parents of toddlers under two feel the least spending pressure.

Lingering Regrets: 74 per cent of parents have felt financial strain after overspending for the holidays in the past; nearly two in five (40 per cent) experience this every year. Recovery takes weeks for some, but 44 per cent need until the spring, and 12 per cent feel the impact most of the year. Among parents who reflected on their holiday spending last January, 56 per cent felt stressed, overextended or remorseful.

AI Assistance: Only about a fifth of parents (23 per cent) say they wish AI could handle their shopping for them. As agentic commerce plays an increasing role in Canada, four in 10 (40 per cent) would use an AI tool if it could identify the best day or time to shop for the lowest prices.

Hosting Pressure: Nearly half (46 per cent) feel pressure to go above and beyond when hosting; three in 10 (34 per cent) have scaled back due to the cost of having people over. Nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) find it awkward to ask guests to share expenses.

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Tuesday, December 2 is GivingTuesday, the global day of generosity that inspires people everywhere to give back. This year, CanadaHelps — co-founder of GivingTuesday in Canada — is encouraging all Canadians, new and returning donors alike, to celebrate the joy of generosity.

New research from CanadaHelps finds that one in five Canadians hasn’t donated to charity in the past five years. And CanadaHelps President and CEO Duke Chang has a message for them: there’s no better time to start than on GivingTuesday.

“Canada is an incredibly generous country,” says Chang, “But right now, 22% of Canadians account for half of all giving. This year, we’re talking directly to the millions of Canadians who haven’t donated in a while — or maybe have never donated at all — and reminding them that their first gift can make a real difference. Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation starts something meaningful.”

CanadaHelps’ new research confirms that:

• The generosity gap is widening by income. Those earning more than $150,000 a year account for half (49%) of all donations — a divide that continues to grow as affordability challenges persist.
• Younger Canadians are more likely to be non-givers. Almost one-third of 18-35 year old Canadians (27%) haven’t given to charity in the past five years — six percentage points higher than the national average. People over the age of 65 contributed half of all donation dollars (50%) in Canada in 2023.
• Making an impact: Over the past 12 months, more than one in four Canadians haven’t donated to charity (31%) — showing there’s still a huge opportunity to inspire generosity.

For Canadians looking to find the joy of generosity, Chang has three tips:

Think Small. It’s no surprise that affordability is the top reason Canadians hold back from donating (67%). But many Canadian charities are smaller than you may think. In fact, 77% of charities in Canada make less than $500,000 in annual revenue, 90% employ 10 or fewer full-time staff and 59% employ no full-time staff at all. Even the smallest donation can have a big impact.

“Understandably, there are many Canadians for whom donating to charity simply isn’t in the budget,” continues Chang. “But I can’t overstate what even a small donation means to so many charities in this country. If one million Canadians — just 2.4% of Canada’s population — each made a $5 donation on GivingTuesday, think of the impact that could have.”

Feed Your Passion. Almost half of all Canadians (46%) say they’re most inspired to support a cause when they feel a personal connection to it. The good news? There are more than 86,000 registered charities in Canada — making it easy to find something close to your heart.

Adore rabbits? Check out B.C.’s Warren Peace Bunny Sanctuary. Love skiing? Consider supporting Adult Disabled Downhill Skiing. Simply enter any keyword on CanadaHelps.org and you’ll see a list of relevant, CRA-approved charities.

Remember: Giving is Good for You
Exercising generosity isn’t just good for charities, or communities — it’s good for you. Research proves that acts of generosity can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward centre, while releasing endorphins — leading to a “helper’s high” that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression. Supporting others can lower your blood pressure and protect your heart.

“Our goal at CanadaHelps is simple: to make Canada the most generous country in the world.” adds Chang. “Every act of generosity — whether it be donating money, time or services — strengthens our community. GivingTuesday is about collective action, and this December 2, we have the chance to spark a ripple effect of generosity that reaches every corner of the country.”

Visit CanadaHelps.org this GivingTuesday to make a donation of any amount to any registered charity in Canada.

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The Ontario government is raising the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour, effective October 1, which will support over 800,000 workers. This annualized wage increase of 2.4 per cent is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.

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Global pressures are reshaping how Canadians shop — and the shift is showing up on their receipts. New survey data from Interac Corp. (Interac) reveals that nearly eight in ten Canadians (78 per cent) have redirected at least one monthly purchase from a big-box or international retailer to a local Canadian business since tariffs were first announced, with a quarter of Canadians shifting three to five purchases a month, and a fifth of Canadians pivoting six or more.

Interac Debit transaction data reflects the purchase pivot: for the first time in recent years, small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) consistently outpaced larger merchants in year-over-year volume growth between April-July 2025. During this period, SMBs saw an incremental 15 million Interac Debit transactions, compared with the same months in 2024.

“Earlier this year, consumers told us they intended to shop more locally in light of tariffs — and they’ve followed through. While larger merchants have traditionally led in Interac Debit volume growth, small and medium businesses are now growing their volume at a faster rate,” said Debbie Gamble, Group Head, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Interac. “Our summer data snapshot shows Canadians are using their spending power with great intention — responding to global pressures through where they shop, what they buy and how they choose to pay.”

The new Interac data reveals five standout ways Canadians are spending this summer:

• Small restaurants win big.  Following tariff announcements, restaurants saw the most dramatic change. Within the April-July 2025 time period, volume growth for SMB restaurants was twice as large as their chain counterparts. Convenience stores and tourism-related SMBs also saw a boost.
• Little treats, big comfort. At a time of heightened global economic uncertainty, many Canadians are turning to small indulgences — especially food — for comfort and connection. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) say affordable treats help lift their mood, and 59 per cent say it feels even better when those purchases support local businesses. When asked to compare their spending this summer versus last:
  • 42 per cent of Canadians are spending more on fresh produce from farmers’ markets
  • 30 per cent are spending more on baked goods from local bakeries
  • 21 per cent are spending more on premium jams, sauces and honeys
• Essential luxuries. Interac also asked Canadians what non-essential purchases they would never cut from their budget – even when feeling financially squeezed.
  • More than a third (35 per cent) of Boomers and 27 per cent of Millennials say purchases toward their health and wellness is the category they are least likely to eliminate from their budgets.
  • Three in 10 (30 per cent) of Gen Z and 23 per cent of Gen X report that streaming services are their number one spending priority they would not discontinue.
  • A quarter of Gen Zs (26 per cent) would not forgo skincare or personal care products.
• Made in Canada — or not made in the U.S. The preference for Canadian-made goods remains strong, with 70 per cent of Canadians checking product labels for Canadian origin before buying. If a Canadian option isn’t available, two-thirds (65 per cent) say they prioritize goods made outside the U.S.
• Tap Canadian. Supporting local isn’t just about where Canadians shop — it’s also about how they pay. Four in 10 Canadians (42 per cent) were unaware that using Interac Debit can help small businesses save on transaction fees and keep more money in Canada. Choosing this 100 per cent Canadian payment method helps dollars stay local, can support small businesses in their growth and hire and reinvest in their communities. Nearly six in ten Gen Zs (57 per cent) say knowing the benefits makes them more likely to pay with Interac Debit.

“How we choose to pay can make a meaningful difference for small businesses. Using Interac Debit helps keep more money with Canadian entrepreneurs — assisting them to reinvest in their businesses, hire locally and contribute to their communities,” added Gamble.

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Through investigation, South Simcoe Police determined that the victim had completed a transaction with a female individual located in Toronto, Ontario. The victim received what they believed to be three (3) genuine 100 Canadian  dollar bills. Unfortunately, when the victim attempted to deposit the funds at a local bank in Bradford West Gwillimbury, the bank employee advised that the bills were not legal tender. Upon closer inspection of the currency, the bills were lighter, different material of paper and shade of colour, and slightly more transparent. Additionally, the clear portion is not consistent with real legal tender and all three (3) bills in this incident shared the same serial number.

The victim notified South Simcoe Police to report the incident.

South Simcoe Police are warning the public of counterfeit currency that is circulating in our region. These counterfeit bills closely resemble genuine bank notes and may be difficult to detect at first glance. Police are urging businesses and the public to remain vigilant and to inspect your cash carefully.

How to detect counterfeit bills:
• Feel, look and flip; the polymer should feel smooth.
• Fake bills lack security features such as holograms.
• Original bills have raised ink on shoulders of the large portrait.
• Compare with a bill you know is real.

If you suspect a counterfeit bill:
• Politely refuse it.
• Ask for another form of payment.
• Contact police if you encounter suspected counterfeit money.

Additional information and tips for recognizing counterfeit money can be found on the Bank of Canada’s website.
www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention

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“Small businesses don’t have a lot of runway left. They are trying their best to absorb the costs, but if nothing changes, they will be forced to make some tough decisions,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy at CFIB. “The worst outcome for Canada in the trade war is a bad deal, but the second worst outcome is the never-ending uncertainty small business owners have been wrestling with for the past six months. The federal government needs to provide some stability and return tariff revenue to help small businesses. We’ve suggested several options, including temporarily reducing the federal small business tax rate to zero or a tariff rebate designed on earlier models, like the carbon tax rebate.”

CFIB data shows that the trade war is squeezing small businesses on every front. Nearly two-thirds (62%) face higher expenses while many are also seeing lower revenues (48%), supply chain disruptions (41%), and paused investments (36%). Nearly one in five (19%) small businesses dealing with extra tariff costs report that they will not be able to last more than six months if the tariff status quo remains and nearly four in 10 (38%) said they would last less than a year.

With Ottawa collecting billions in additional tariff revenue on U.S. imports, a strong majority (82%) said the government should ensure that any tariff revenue that is returned includes support for smaller businesses affected both directly and indirectly by trade disruptions.

“The trade war’s impact on Canada’s small businesses should be top of mind for the government as Canada continues its negotiations with the U.S. Canada can’t fix its productivity crisis without empowering its entrepreneurs. If the government wants to build one Canadian economy, it needs to ensure small businesses are part of the solution and that includes providing them with tariff support during this very challenging time,” Pohlmann said.

Methodology

Preliminary results for the U.S.-Canada trade war and your business survey. The online survey is active since August 8, 2025, number of respondents = 1,721. For comparison purposes, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of at most +/- 2.36 %, 19 times out of 20.

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