Canada has half a million open jobs, Trudeau approves Trans Mountain, and more top news

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Job vacancies rose for the 10th consecutive quarter in Canada during the first three months of the year, with 44,000 positions added from a year earlier — for a total of 506,000 openings. Eighty percent were permanent positions. Quebec, leading the country’s gains, saw a 23% jump in vacancies; most were in health care and public assistance, manufacturing and accommodation and food services. An ageing population is fueling the labor shortage, and the federal government is responding by raising immigration levels over the next three years. • Here’s what people are saying.

The Trudeau government announced its approval for the Trans Mountain expansion project this week, but legal hurdles remain. The $7.4 billion pipeline project designed to link Alberta’s oil sands with British Columbia could potentially bring in thousands of jobs this year. Indigenous groups and environmentalists had protested against the initiative, voicing their concerns over marine life and traditional lands, reports The New York Times. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he’s committed to investing $500 million of profit earned from the pipeline toward clean energy programs. • Here’s what people are saying.

Canadian inflation increased to a seven-year high, raising consumer prices 2.4% from last year. Financial experts speculate that the hike will afford Bank of Canada leverage to maintain its 1.75% interest rate, despite talk of a reduction. In May, the central bank said it would hold off on additional hikes through the end of 2020. • Here’s what people are saying.

Top tourist sights around the world are suffering as a result of overtourism. A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council and commercial real estate firm JLL has identified cities at growing risk of overtourism — including Bangkok, Cape Town and Mexico City — unless they act now to address infrastructure and urban readiness. Last month, staff at the Louvre Museum staged a walkout in protest of increased traffic which facilitated poor working conditions. The growing number of tourists has also led to rising housing costs and serious environmental consequences. • Here’s what people are saying.

Employed women are working more and spending more time looking after their children and on household chores — and sleeping less, says The Wall Street Journal. The Labor Department’s annual American Time Use Survey shows women spent on average seven hours and 20 minutes each day on the job last year — the most since the survey started 16 years ago — and also spent 30 minutes extra each day on chores like cooking and cleaning. At what cost? They’re sleeping, socializing and exercising less, the survey found. • Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: Don’t become an unresponsive employee, says Frost & Sullivan CEO Richard A. Moran, as it shows a lack of respect.

“The workplace is moving so fast today that “the quicker the response, the better” is always a good rule.”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

— Jessica Hartogs