NATIONAL STORIES
Will they use Chinese Steel over Canadian like Phase One?
LNG Canada receives final investment decision for Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat, doubling capacity to 28 million tonnes and creating thousands of jobs.
Kitimat Facility Capacity Set to Double
A major expansion project at LNG Canada’s Kitimat facility is moving forward following a final investment decision. CEO Chris Cooper announced that Phase 2 will double the site’s annual processing capability from 14 million tonnes to 28 million tonnes, placing Canada among the top five global liquefied natural gas exporting nations.
The expansion adds two processing units, known as trains, along with a loading berth, a condensate tank, an extra LNG storage tank, and expanded utility systems. LNG Canada estimates that Phase 2 could yield over $50 billion in government revenue over its lifetime.
Employment and Infrastructure Growth
Construction activities are expected to deliver up to 4,000 jobs in Kitimat during peak activity, alongside roughly 2,100 jobs to erect five new compressor stations along the 670-kilometre Coastal GasLink pipeline. Preliminary work on the marine facilities and jetty is already in progress, with water-management pond construction starting in October and heavy foundation piling planned for January.
Indigenous partnerships remain central to the project’s framework. Haisla Nation elected Chief Maureen Nyce noted that the development reflects true partnership between industry and Indigenous communities while advancing generational prosperity and environmental stewardship within her nation’s traditional territory. In July, LNG Canada reached an equity option agreement with MNT Investments LP, representing economic development organizations from five neighbouring First Nations: the Gitga at, Gitxaała, Haisla, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum.
Government and Regional Responses
Official approval was highlighted in Vancouver during a press conference with Prime Minister Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby. Carney noted that the federal Major Projects Office completed its assessment within 12 months. Premier Eby stated the expanded facility will achieve a carbon emissions profile 30 per cent better than the world’s top-performing LNG plants, alongside a methane emission rate 60 per cent lower than average facilities.
Local perspectives varied following the announcement. Skeena MLA Claire Ratt e expressed gratitude that Phase 2 is moving forward, though she noted that additional projects should have proceeded years earlier. Meanwhile, B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson recently pledged to triple provincial LNG production to boost the economy.
LOCAL
Where Provincial Jobless Rates Stood in September
Canada’s national unemployment rate reached 6.5 per cent in September. Explore the full provincial breakdown and regional employment figures from Statistics Canada.
National and Provincial Jobless Figures
Canada recorded a national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 9, 2026.
Across Western Canada, British Columbia’s jobless rate shifted to 6.4 per cent from 6.5 per cent in August. Alberta recorded a rate of 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent the previous month, while Saskatchewan dropped to 5.4 per cent from 6.0 per cent. Manitoba’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 per cent.
In Central Canada, Ontario’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.0 per cent from 6.9 per cent in August, while Quebec’s rate reached 6.0 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent.
Atlantic Canada and Regional City Data
In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest provincial figure at 9.1 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in August. New Brunswick saw a minor increase to 7.4 per cent from 7.3 per cent, and Nova Scotia rose to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent. Prince Edward Island experienced a decline, moving to 7.3 per cent from 7.9 per cent.
Statistics Canada also tracked seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average rates for major urban areas. However, the agency cautioned that these municipal figures are subject to wide fluctuations due to smaller statistical sample sizes.
NATIONAL STORIES
What New Brunswick’s Latest Unemployment Figures Mean for Your Community
Statistics Canada reports New Brunswick’s unemployment rate reached 7.4% in September, as Canada lost 68,000 jobs nationally, raising the national rate to 6.5%.
Provincial Labor Market Holds Steady Overall
New Brunswick’s unemployment rate stood at 7.4 per cent in September, up slightly from 7.3 per cent in August, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada. The provincial labor pool decreased by 200 people during the month, while overall employment dropped by 700 positions, including a loss of 400 full-time jobs. These monthly shifts remain within the agency’s margin of error.
On a year-over-year basis, the province’s economy continues to tread water. Although the current unemployment rate is lower than the 7.9 per cent reported last September, the total labor force remains virtually unchanged. Year-over-year employment shows a modest gain of 2,100 jobs, driven by an addition of 3,900 positions that was partially offset by a decline of 1,800 part-time roles.
National Employment Drops for Second Straight Month
Across Canada, the national economy shed 68,000 jobs in September, pushing the countrywide unemployment rate up to 6.5 per cent from 6.4 per cent in August. The contraction included declines of 35,000 full-time positions and 33,000 part-time jobs. September marked the second consecutive month of national employment losses, following a decrease of 42,000 jobs in August. These downturns come after a stretch of net growth from April to July, which had added 181,000 positions. Over the past year, national employment remains up by 95,000 jobs.
Regional Trends and Sector Shifts
Job losses across the country were led by Quebec, which lost 49,000 jobs, alongside British Columbia, down 20,000, and Manitoba, down 4,400. Conversely, gains were recorded in Alberta, up 23,000, Newfoundland and Labrador, up 1,800, and Prince Edward Island, up 1,000 positions.
Nationally, job declines were concentrated in educational services, manufacturing, as well as health care and social assistance. Growth was observed in repair and maintenance alongside personal or household services. Across the provinces, September unemployment rates ranged from a low of 5.0 per cent in Manitoba to a high of 9.1 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador.
NATIONAL STORIES
Search Continues After Ontario-Based Medical Flight Vanishes Near Massachusetts Coast
U.S. Coast Guard crews are searching near Nantucket for a missing Latitude Air Ambulance jet carrying four Canadians and two passengers from Bermuda.
Emergency Search Underway Off Nantucket
Air and ground search teams are scanning waters approximately 150 kilometres southeast of Boston after a medical transport aircraft vanished early Saturday morning. Contact with the Gulfstream G100 jet was lost around 1:30 a.m. as it made its approach toward Boston from Bermuda, prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard following notification by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Flight Carrying Crew and Patients
The aircraft is operated by Hamilton-based Latitude Air Ambulance. According to Clarence Togeretz, operations manager for the company, six individuals were aboard the flight. The crew consists of two Canadian pilots and two Canadian medical staff members. They were transporting two Bermuda nationals, identified as a patient and a family member.
Response and Ongoing Inquiries
Togeretz confirmed that the company contacted American authorities after the plane failed to land on the tarmac as scheduled. He noted that this marks the first instance where the operator has lost contact with one of its aircraft, adding that the team is holding onto optimism while praying for a safe resolution. Latitude Air Ambulance has reached out to Transport Canada regarding the incident. Meanwhile, provincial air ambulance provider Ornge expressed support via social media, stating it hopes the aircraft and everyone on board are located safely and quickly.
Where Provincial Jobless Rates Stood in September
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