CALGARY, AB, May 13, 2026 /CNW/ – In Budget 2025, we outlined our plan to build Canada Strong.

The Spring Economic Update 2026 is the next step in our plan to build Canada Strong for All.
It provides a clear update on the strength of Canada’s economy, giving Canadians confidence in our plan. It delivers targeted relief to make life more affordable, support workers and accelerate the construction of homes and major infrastructure. It also strengthens Canada’s competitiveness and economic growth while investing in strong, safe communities across the country.

Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, hosted a roundtable with local community housing partners to highlight housing measures from the Spring Economic Update 2026 that will help build more homes in Calgary by growing the skilled workforce, speeding up construction and supporting modern methods of construction.

The Spring Economic Update takes a practical, co-ordinated approach to housing, bringing together workforce investments and targeted measures to help projects move faster from planning to construction.

A cornerstone of this approach is $6 billion to recruit, train and hire skilled trades workers across Canada. These investments ensure communities have the electricians, carpenters, welders and construction workers needed to build homes for Canadians. This creates good-paying jobs and careers in the skilled trades as we push to build with more Canadian labour and materials.

We’re pairing workforce investments with targeted measures to move projects faster from financing to construction. The Spring Economic Update accelerates more than $7 billion in low-cost loans through the Apartment Construction Loan Program, supporting the construction of up to 16,500 new rental homes and helping bring much–needed supply to market sooner.

These efforts are reinforced by a $41.9-million investment over five years, starting in 2026–2027, to modernize and innovate Canada’s homebuilding system. This funding will streamline regulations and update National Model Codes in collaboration with provinces and territories — cutting red tape and eliminating duplicate inspections, as well as streamlining modular and factory–built housing. Together, in Alberta and across Canada, these measures also create the opportunity to build with materials that help grow our economy and support local jobs, like Canadian lumber, aluminum and steel.

Our new government is building a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair; a Canada that is not just for some, most of the time, but for all, at all times. We’re building Canada strong, for all.

Quotes

“Solving Canada’s housing challenge means building faster — and that starts with up-skilling our workforce to deliver affordable new homes in Alberta and beyond. Through the Spring Economic Update, our government is investing so homes can move from planning to construction faster. Here in Calgary, these investments will help create good-paying jobs, strengthen our local economy and deliver the homes families need now and in the future.”

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation

Quick Facts

The Spring Economic Update 2026 builds on recent action — including $1.7 billion through the Improving Housing Supply Act — to cut red tape, lower costs and speed up homebuilding.$41.9 million over five years (starting 2026–2027) will modernize homebuilding by streamlining regulations and National Model Codes; enabling faster approvals for modular and factory–built housing; accelerating adoption of innovative construction methods; and improving housing data to support faster delivery.The government intends to unlock financing for “missing middle” housing by expanding mortgage insurance for three– to eight–unit residential buildings, with a 30–day consultation to follow.Team Canada Strong will invest up to $6 billion over five years to grow the skilled trades workforce — supporting apprentices end–to–end and cutting the time to Red Seal certification by up to 50 percent.Working alongside a comprehensive suite of federal housing measures, Build Canada Homes is providing tailored support to quickly address varying housing needs across the country.

Associated Links

Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for AllSpring Economic Update 2026: Key MeasuresSpring Economic Update 2026: Address by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Eight local heroes recognized at Frost Bank Center during a landmark Spurs season, as Ownwell deepens its commitment to San Antonio homeowners

SAN ANTONIO, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the San Antonio Spurs close out a strong season, finishing the 2025-26 regular season 62-20, capturing their first division title since 2017, and now competing in the NBA Playoffs, Ownwell is proud to announce the return of its Community Champions program for a second consecutive year in partnership with Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

This season, Ownwell and the Spurs honored eight extraordinary San Antonio residents whose dedication to their community exemplifies the same spirit of resilience and service the Silver and Black have always embodied. Community Champion Honorees were celebrated on the Frost Bank Center court during halftime at various Spurs home games, and each honoree received $1,000 toward their property tax bill, courtesy of Ownwell.

Meet the 2025-26 Ownwell Community Champions
This year’s honorees represent the full breadth of what it means to serve San Antonio, from first responders and educators to caregivers and coaches who refused to let their community down:

Christopher S. – A first responder with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, entering his fifth year of service, Christopher puts his life on the line daily to protect Bexar County residents.

Sabrina R. – A 911 operator for the City of San Antonio Police Department with nearly nine years of service, Sabrina is the calm voice in a crisis. She and her family also quietly feed the unhoused — modeling for her children the power of giving back.

Amanda G. – When a young teammate on her daughter’s basketball team tragically passed away, Amanda stepped up to coach five grieving girls, ages 7-9, through the remainder of the season. The team advanced all the way to the Spurs Youth Basketball League citywide championship, earning second place. A true testament to Amanda’s heart, leadership, and resilience.

Krystal A. – A hospice worker of extraordinary compassion, Krystal has walked alongside patients and their families during life’s most difficult transitions, earning the deep gratitude of those she serves.

Margaret B. – An educator at Brackenridge High School for over 13 years, Margaret provides high-quality art instruction in 3-D Design, sculpture, and ceramics. She also hosts a weekly art club and runs an annual art showcase that opens her classroom to the entire community.

Raymond G. – A Parks Operations Supervisor for the City of San Antonio, Raymond works behind the scenes to ensure that every park in the city is clean, safe, and welcoming for the families who depend on those spaces every day.

Heather G. – She dedicated the past year to caring for her brother as he battled stage 4 glioblastoma, supported their family through unimaginable hardship, and now continues to raise awareness for the disease in his memory following his passing in September 2025. Heather’s love and sacrifice reflect the quiet heroism that sustains entire families.

Pauline B. – A hospice worker of extraordinary compassion, Pauline has walked alongside patients and their families during life’s most difficult transitions, earning the deep gratitude of those she serves. Her story of service inspired a special additional honor from Ownwell this year (see below).

Partnership Rooted in Community Service
“The success of this partnership reflects a clear purpose to educate and empower local homeowners while recognizing the leaders who make our community stronger,” said Frank Miceli, chief commercial officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “When we align around a shared mission like this, the results extend far beyond business—they’re felt in every neighborhood across San Antonio.”

The Spurs’ remarkable 2025-26 season, which included the franchise’s best-ever start at 5-0, an 11-game winning streak in February, and a Southwest Division championship, provided the perfect backdrop for a program built on recognizing extraordinary effort With this strong showing, the Spurs energy this season has been a rising tide lifting the entire city.

Closing the Property Tax Knowledge Gap in Bexar County
Alongside the Community Champions program, Ownwell continued to host free property tax education events across San Antonio throughout the 2025-26 season. These Lunch & Learn sessions empowered homeowners to understand how property appraisals work, when and how to file an appeal, and which exemptions may be available to them.

The need is significant. In 2025, more than 490,000 Bexar County homeowners did not protest their property tax assessments, a missed opportunity that Ownwell estimates could have collectively saved those residents more than $126.5 million. To date, Ownwell has helped reduce tax bills for more than 38,000 Bexar County properties, generating over $12 million in savings for local homeowners.

“Every homeowner in Texas deserves a fair shot at lowering their property tax bill,” said Sam Sosa, Senior Property Tax Manager at Ownwell. “Through these events and programs, we’ve helped thousands of families understand their rights and navigate the system with confidence. The Community Champions remind us why this work matters — these are real people, real neighbors, and real stories.”

What Homeowners Should Know
With the May 15th appeal deadline fast approaching, Ownwell encourages Texas homeowners to take action. Here are three key reminders:

Learn the process. Understanding your rights and how the property tax system works is the first step to saving money.Track your property value. Keep an eye on your annual appraisal and tax bill to spot unexpected changes. A lower assessment doesn’t mean it’s accurate.Get support. Whether it’s through Ownwell, your local appraisal district, or a legal professional, don’t hesitate to ask for help if your property valuation seems too high.

To learn more or get started with your own property tax appeal, visit www.Ownwell.com.

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SOURCE Ownwell

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Luminate Bank® earned the #1 ranking among large companies in The Denver Post’s Colorado Top Workplaces 2026 awards. The company also received the Special Award for Appreciation, recognizing its culture of employee support and recognition. This distinction is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including that employees feel Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

“Being named a Top Workplace is incredibly meaningful because it comes directly from the individuals who choose to grow their careers with us and show up every day with purpose and conviction. They are the foundation of our success,” said Eric Lovins, President of Mortgage Lending at Luminate Bank. “We don’t take the responsibility of earning their trust lightly, and we remain committed to creating an environment where they can thrive, succeed, and feel proud of the work they do.”

Luminate Bank traces its roots to 1937, when it first opened as Equity Bank. In 2020, the organization was acquired and reintroduced as Luminate Bank and Luminate Home Loans, reflecting a renewed commitment to guiding customers through complex financial moments with clarity and care. In 2025, Luminate Home Loans and Luminate Bank unified under one brand, combining full-service banking with a strong mortgage platform to expand offerings and better serve customers. Today, Luminate Bank’s team of more than 700 professionals nationwide continues to focus on relationship-based banking paired with digital innovation, supporting responsible growth and long-term customer success.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

About Luminate Bank® — At Luminate Bank, We Open Doors—empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial dreams through personalized service and innovative digital solutions. As a nationwide bank headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we are committed to helping our clients meet their financial goals with a blend of modern technology, traditional values, and the trusted guidance of experienced professionals. Known for our exceptional commitment to customers, we take pride in delivering a seamless, supportive experience for every step of the journey. Our dedicated mortgage division has branches and a team of loan originators across the US, making expert home financing solutions accessible to communities nationwide.

Luminate Bank is committed to safeguarding your money and accounts with FDIC insurance coverage up to applicable limits. Learn more about how we can open doors for you at www.luminate.bank, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or call (952) 939-7200.

ABOUT ENERGAGE
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

Media Contact
Debbie Schwake, CMO
debbie.schwake@luminate.bank
952-698-3300

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-denver-post-names-luminate-bank-the-1-large-top-workplace-in-colorado-for-2026-302771529.html

SOURCE Luminate Bank