In this episode: small business drought in Canada, expansion of Microsoft in Ontario, workplace activities during the Mental Health week, provincial employment updates and other topics.

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1. Canada is experiencing what experts call an “entrepreneurial drought,” with more businesses closing than opening for six consecutive quarters | More businesses have been closing than opening in Ontario and Canada: We’re in an entrepreneurial drought
2. Ontario is welcoming a major investment from Microsoft as part of its broader $19 billion commitment to Canada, expanding cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure across the province | Ontario Welcomes Microsoft’s AI Infrastructure Expansion | Ontario Newsroom
3. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is laying off 30 more employees | Sask. Polytechnic announces more layoffs, bringing total staff cuts to 154 since July
4. Alberta is introducing new expedited teaching certificates to address a growing teacher shortage | Strengthening Alberta’s teacher workforce | Renforcer le corps enseignant de l’Alberta | alberta.ca
5. Mental Health Week 2026 takes place from May 4 to 10, and this year’s theme is Come Together, Canada | Mental Health Week
6. A new report from O.C. Tanner highlights that only 27% of Canadian companies have recognition champions | Only 27% of Canadian companies have a recognition champion: report | Benefits Canada.com

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