News

BUDGET

With more news on the federal budget, the Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, Chris Malette, welcomed the 2026 Federal Budget, entitled Masters of Our Destiny, highlighting its focus on economic growth, affordability, fiscal responsibility and support for local communities.

He stated that the budget includes major investments to strengthen Canada’s economy, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, build more homes, modernize infrastructure and improve affordability for families.

For our region, Budget 2026 is expected to help:

· Support local farmers and food processors through the National Food Security Strategy.

· Strengthen Prince Edward County’s wine industry through the pro-posed renewal of the Wine Sector Support Program, investing $176.9 million over three years beginning next year.

· Build more homes and improve housing affordability.

· Create skilled jobs through investments in manufacturing, infrastruc-ture, clean energy, critical minerals and defence.

· Support 8 Wing CFB Trenton and military families through defence modernization and growth.

· Lower costs for families through grocery assistance, housing measures, mortgage supports and energy-efficient home retrofits.

· Invest $1.2 billion to extend federal funding agreements for mental health, addictions treatment, and home and community care ser-vices.

Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman issued a statement yesterday saying the budget fell short of expectations. She noted that with $142 billion in additional spending, the continuation of the industrial carbon tax, and a renewed commitment to the proposed $90-billion-plus ALTO high-speed rail project including measures to accelerate land expropriation, the government is making significant commitments without adequately addressing the pressures facing Canadians today. The concern is not simply how much government spends. It is whether that spending reflects sound priorities, delivers measurable results, and leaves our country on stronger financial footing.

UNEMPLYOMENT

Statistics Canada reported today that Canada’s unemployment rate went up to a six-month high in October and the economy lost a few thousand jobs as the private sector and full-time employment saw declines.

The unemployment rate edged up to 6.7 per cent in October from 6.5 per cent in the prior month. The last time it was higher than this level was 6.9 per cent jobless rate in April.

Locally in the Belleville–Quinte West region, the unemployment was 6.4%. That is up from 5.4% in August 2026.

The October report highlights a continued weakness in the labour market in Canada that has failed to post any job gains on average this year as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada worsened and businesses hunkered down to save costs.

And finally, how far can you walk in seven hours? For Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk that would be 192,500 kilometres. During his spacewalk at the International Space Station this week, he circled the Earth almost five times in 6 hours and 59 minutes. If Joshua was travelling that fast in the County, he could walk from Point Traverse to Carrying Place in about 10 seconds. That is if he doesn’t have to stop on our Main Streets on the way through the County.

Sports

Locally, you may want to take in the Wellington Duke home game tonight against the St Michaels Buzzers because this is playoff weekend in the sports world.

CFL

Saturday is the CFL conference finals which determines who will go to the 113th Grey Cup on Sunday November 15th in Calgary. At 3:00 the Winnipeg Blue Bombers travel to Montreal to face the East’s top Team the Alouettes. At 6:30, the West’s top team Edmonton Elks welcome the BC lions to Commonwealth Stadium.

SOCCER

In Canadian Women’s professional soccer, it is the second leg of the Northern Super League semi-finals. On Saturday the Ottawa Rapid need a strong game at FC Toronto. Toronto took leg one 4-2, so Ottawa needs at least a two-goal differential to trigger the tie breaker. The Montreal Roses have it a little easier as they travel to face the Rise in Vancouver on Sunday. Montreal took leg one 3-0.

The Men’s Canadian Premier League semi-final second leg is on Saturday. The Hamilton Forge and Atlético Ottawa had a 2-2 draw in leg one. Their final match goes at 1:00 in Hamilton. That match will be followed at 4:00 in Calgary’s where Cavalry FC lost to Supra du Québec 2-1 in leg one.

F1

In F1 racing, the third weekend in a row will see the 22 teams in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli wrapped up the driver’s championship last week for Mercedes. If that team can take two of three podium spots, then they will also secure the constructor’s championship.

The 71 lap, 305 km race goes at noon on Sunday.