Budget office sees modest boost in housing supply from Build Canada Homes
OTTAWA -- The parliamentary budget office projects in a new analysis that Ottawa's new housing agency will fill only a small gap in the housing market.
Craig Lord
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Economists warn surprise GDP growth in Q3 masks weakness in Canada's economy
Canada's economy posted surprisingly strong growth in the third quarter, but economists looking underneath the hood offered a series of caveats that suggest weaker results than the headline figures imply. Statistics Canada said Friday that real gross domestic product rose 2.6 per cent on an annualized basis in the third quarter of 2025, marking a rebound from a contraction of...
Economists warn surprise GDP growth in Q3 masks weakness in Canada's economy
Ottawa -- Canada's economy posted surprisingly strong growth in the third quarter, but economists looking underneath the hood offered a series of caveats that suggest weaker results than the headline figures imply.
Steel sector praises new federal measures, wants to see tariff remission program end
The head of Canada's steel industry association says there was one disappointment in Prime Minister Mark Carney's otherwise helpful package of measures to boost the domestic market in the face of U.S. tariffs. Carney announced new measures Wednesday to help steel and lumber producers find fresh markets for their goods within Canada. They include tighter quotas on foreign steel entering...
Steel sector praises new federal measures, wants to see tariff remission program end
OTTAWA -- The head of Canada's steel industry association says there was one disappointment in Prime Minister Mark Carney's otherwise helpful package of measures to boost the domestic market in the face of U.S. tariffs.
Budget watchdog calls for more transparency after Liberals shift fiscal anchors
OTTAWA -- Ottawa is not planning to set up an independent body to scrutinize the new capital framework in its budget, despite calls for more transparency from the government's fiscal watchdog.
Budget watchdog calls for better transparency after Liberals shift fiscal anchors
OTTAWA -- The interim parliamentary budget officer says Ottawa should turn over scrutiny of one of its key fiscal anchors to an independent body.
Ottawa is 'rebooting' its relationship with the tech industry, advocates say
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney told a business crowd in Montreal recently that the federal government got a bit of outside help on a major piece of innovation policy in the recently passed federal budget.
Ottawa is 'rebooting' its relationship with the tech industry, advocates say
Prime Minister Mark Carney told a business crowd in Montreal recently that the federal government got a bit of outside help on a major piece of innovation policy in the recently passed federal budget. "We went to Shopify and said, 'Can you help us redesign this process?' Somewhat embarrassingly, they came back in 48 hours and said, 'Do this.' We...
Canada Post reaches deal in principle with union, strike suspended
Canada Post and the union representing thousands of its mail carriers say they have reached agreements in principle for new contracts after two years of contentious bargaining. Both parties confirmed the outlines of a deal were in place Friday evening. In a statement, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers said rotating strike action has been suspended as the parties work...
Canada Post reaches deal in principle with union, strike suspended
Ottawa -- Canada Post and the union representing thousands of its mail carriers say they have reached agreements in principle for new contracts after two years of contentious bargaining.
Ottawa's budget legislation puts final nail in the coffin of the digital services tax
OTTAWA -- Legislation to implement the Liberals' new federal budget will also spell the end of Canada's ill-fated digital services tax.
Inflation cools to 2.2% in October as gas, grocery prices fall
Cheaper prices at the gas pumps and grocery store helped bring down inflation in October, Statistics Canada said Monday. The annual rate of inflation cooled to 2.2 per cent in October – a tick higher than economists’ expectations but down from 2.4 per cent in September. Gas prices fell 4.8 per cent on a monthly basis in October as retailers...
Ottawa's operating spending -- not capital -- driving deeper deficits: PBO
The parliamentary budget officer projects Ottawa will blow past the new fiscal anchors set out in last week's 2025 federal budget. Interim budget officer Jason Jacques says in a new analysis of the budget that Ottawa is set to run an average deficit of $64.3 billion over the next five years -- double the level set out in the federal...
Ottawa's operating spending -- not capital -- driving deeper deficits: PBO
OTTAWA -- The parliamentary budget officer projects Ottawa will blow past the new fiscal anchors set out in last week's 2025 federal budget.
Carney's 1st budget wins support for infrastructure, immigration plans: poll
Prime Minister Mark Carney secured broad support from across party lines and provincial borders for some major items in his first federal budget, new polling suggests. But one pollster warns Carney risks reopening old regional wounds if he doesn't show progress soon on critical infrastructure and housing files. Leger polling this week showed broad support among respondents for a number...
Carney's 1st budget wins support for infrastructure, immigration plans: poll
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney secured broad support from across party lines and provincial borders for some major items in his first federal budget, new polling suggests.
Bank of Canada mulled later timing for October rate cut, deliberations show
OTTAWA -- The Bank of Canada's governing council was on the same page about the need to lower its benchmark interest last month -- but the exact timing of the cut was up for debate.
Affordability gap leaves Liberal budget with middling reviews: Leger poll
New polling suggests Canadians had a lukewarm response to the federal budget released last week -- leading one pollster to argue all parties should think twice before mounting an election campaign over the spending plan. The Leger survey indicates some 30 per cent of Canadians who responded approve of the budget tabled by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government on Nov...
Affordability gap leaves Liberal budget with middling reviews: Leger poll
OTTAWA -- New polling suggests Canadians had a lukewarm response to the federal budget released last week -- leading one pollster to argue all parties should think twice before mounting an election campaign over the spending plan.
Federal budget's refreshed immigration targets will weigh on growth: economist
OTTAWA -- One economist argues the federal Liberals' renewed pledge to throttle immigration levels over the next few years will weigh on Canada's economic growth.
Canada Post submits overhaul plan to the federal government
OTTAWA -- Canada Post says it has submitted a plan to the federal government to transform its struggling business model into a financially sustainable postal service.
Poilievre lays out market-first opposition to Carney's federal budget in speech
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for removing obstacles to homebuilding and promoting market competition in a speech today offering his alternative to the Liberal budget tabled earlier this week. Poilievre delivered his address to a business crowd at the Economic Club of Canada, a few blocks away from the Canadian Club Toronto, where Prime Minister Mark Carney was outlining the...
Poilievre lays out market-first opposition to Carney's federal budget in speech
OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre needled Prime Minister Mark Carney over the size of the federal deficit Friday in a speech offering his critique of the Liberal budget tabled on Nov. 4.
Canada adds surprise 67,000 jobs in October, unemployment rate drops to 6.9%
Statistics Canada says the economy added 67,000 jobs in October, blowing past economists’ labour market expectations for a second month in a row. Those job gains were concentrated in part-time work while the private sector saw employment grow for the first time since June.
Canada adds surprise 67,000 jobs in October, unemployment rate drops to 6.9%
Ottawa -- Canada’s labour market caught economists off guard with a second straight month of surprise job gains in October.
Carney defends 'bold' Budget 2025 as critics question scale of investment
OTTAWA -- The federal budget is a "bold response" to a global moment of economic disruption, Prime Minister Mark Carney argued Wednesday, replying to critics who question the ambition of Ottawa's plans.
Carney says budget built for a 'crucial time' of global trade disruption
OTTAWA -- The federal budget is a "bold response" to meet a crucial moment of global trade disruption, deep divisions and accelerating technological change, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday as he began the task of selling the first government budget tabled under his watch.
Liberal budget earmarks billions for 'bold and swift action' to meet U.S. disruption
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget takes a big swing at making Canada's economy a more attractive place to invest with billions of dollars for infrastructure and new tax opportunities for business.
Mark Carney's first budget plots a sharp departure from past fiscal plans
Prime Minster Mark Carney's government is getting ready to table its first budget this week -- one that will be markedly different from budgets of the past. "This one is important for a bunch of reasons that might actually be unique to this particular circumstance," said Sahir Khan, vice-president of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University...
Mark Carney's first budget plots a sharp departure from past fiscal plans
OTTAWA -- Prime Minster Mark Carney's government is getting ready to table its first budget this week -- one that will be markedly different from budgets of the past.
Bank of Canada lowers key interest rate to 2.25% in second straight cut
The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point today and is signaling it may be satisfied with where the policy rate stands amid ongoing U.S. trade uncertainty.
Bank of Canada lowers key interest rate to 2.25% in second straight cut
Ottawa -- The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point Wednesday and signalled it may be satisfied with where the policy rate sits amid ongoing U.S. trade uncertainty.
Canada Post union asks Ottawa to butt out as talks set to resume
OTTAWA -- The union representing thousands of Canada Post workers on rotating strike wants the federal government to butt out of bargaining as negotiators prepare to head back to the table with the employer for the first time in nearly a month.
Bank of Canada expected to cut key rate despite mixed inflation, jobs data
OTTAWA -- Most economists expect the Bank of Canada will look past strong jobs data and signs of stubbornness on the inflation front to deliver a second consecutive interest rate cut this week.
Bank of Canada expected to cut key rate despite mixed inflation, jobs data
Most economists expect the Bank of Canada will look past strong jobs data and signs of stubbornness on the inflation front to deliver a second consecutive interest rate cut this week. BMO chief economist Doug Porter is among those expecting a second straight cut on Wednesday, but he admits recent economic data hasn't perfectly lined up with that call. "The...
Minister defends changes allowing Canada Post to shutter rural offices
OTTAWA -- The federal minister in charge of Canada Post told a parliamentary committee Thursday the recent changes to the Crown corporation's mandate are not aimed at reducing any service to rural and remote communities where the post office is a considered a lifeline.
Carney taking a 'gamble' with large deficit in fall budget: Desjardins economist
A Desjardins economist argues the surge in government spending in the Liberals' upcoming fall budget is a "gamble" that will lead either to unsustainable levels of public debt or a new era of economic growth. Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett released an analysis of federal finances Wednesday ahead of the much-anticipated fall budget, set for Nov. 4. In an...
Carney taking a 'gamble' with large deficit in fall budget: Desjardins economist
OTTAWA -- A Desjardins economist argues the surge in government spending in the Liberals' upcoming fall budget is a "gamble" that will lead either to unsustainable levels of public debt or a new era of economic growth.
Tax cuts, dropping U.S. tariffs will hurt Ottawa's fiscal position: Desjardins report
A new analysis of federal finances ahead of the much-anticipated fall budget argues Ottawa's fiscal position was made worse by its decision to drop counter-tariffs and cut income taxes. Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett says in a new outlook published ahead of the Nov. 4 federal budget that Ottawa's deficit is likely to be among the largest in recent...
Tax cuts, dropping U.S. tariffs will hurt Ottawa's fiscal position: Desjardins report
OTTAWA -- A new analysis of federal finances ahead of the much-anticipated fall budget argues Ottawa's fiscal position was made worse by its decision to drop counter-tariffs and cut income taxes.
Inflation jumps to 2.4% in September thanks to gas, grocery costs
Ottawa -- Inflation jumped higher in September, Statistics Canada said Tuesday, thanks largely to annual changes in gas prices and persistent pressure at the grocery store.
Average home price must fall in Canada to restore affordability, minister says
OTTAWA -- Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson says the average price of housing -- not necessarily individual home values -- must fall to restore affordability in Canada.
IMF chief, former PBO Kevin Page say Ottawa has leeway to run steeper deficits
Canada's former parliamentary budget officer and the head of the International Monetary Fund are both arguing Ottawa has room to run steeper deficits in the upcoming federal budget, despite concerns raised by the current fiscal watchdog. Kevin Page, now president of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa, published a piece in Policy Magazine this...
IMF chief, former PBO Kevin Page say Ottawa has leeway to run steeper deficits
Ottawa -- Canada's former parliamentary budget officer and the head of the International Monetary Fund are both arguing Ottawa has room to run steeper deficits in the upcoming federal budget, despite concerns raised by the current fiscal watchdog.
Conservatives, Liberals clash over youth unemployment as Tories pitch training reform
OTTAWA -- Young workers in Canada are facing an increasingly bleak jobs market -- and the federal Conservatives and Liberals are at odds over how the government could help.
Conservatives pitch training reform to address high youth unemployment
OTTAWA -- The federal Conservative party is proposing a plan to improve the job prospects facing Canada's young workers.
Details on housing development charges expected in budget: Robertson
OTTAWA -- The office of federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson says the Liberal government remains committed to cutting municipal development charges in half, after the minister was vague about fulfilling the promise at a news conference in Toronto on Tuesday.
Canada adds surprise 60,000 jobs in September, unemployment rate steady at 7.1%
The labour market added an unexpected 60,000 jobs in September, led by gains in the tariff-struck manufacturing sector. Statistics Canada said the unemployment rate held steady at 7.1 per cent last month. Economists had called for a gain of just 5,000 jobs in September, coming off losses of more than 100,000 positions over the previous two months. StatCan said gains...
Canada adds surprise 60,000 jobs in September, unemployment rate steady at 7.1%
Ottawa -- The labour market added an unexpected 60,000 jobs in September, led by gains in the tariff-struck manufacturing sector.
'Stable' reputation makes Canada attractive to investors, Joly says
Industry Minister Melanie Joly says Ottawa's industrial strategy will leverage Canada's reputation for stability to attract more foreign investment. Joly is at the Canadian Club Toronto today laying out the federal government's plan to protect and build up key sectors in Canada. Joly says that with the United States' tariff campaign disrupting global trade flows, investors are looking for certainty...
'Stable' reputation makes Canada attractive to investors, Joly says
Industry Minister Melanie Joly says Ottawa's industrial strategy will leverage Canada's reputation for stability to attract more foreign investment.
Jobs minister urges striking Canada Post union to respond to latest offer
OTTAWA -- The federal jobs minister is urging the union representing striking Canada Post workers to respond to the Crown corporation's latest offers.
Fiscal watchdog gives mixed review to Ottawa's budget framework changes
OTTAWA -- Ottawa's fiscal watchdog says that while there are good measures in the new budget framework the federal government announced this week, its definition of capital spending could blur the picture of federal finances.
Ottawa shifts budgets to the fall as minister defends new fiscal focus
OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Monday unveiled major changes to how and when the Liberal government will introduce federal budgets in the future as the focus on Ottawa's current fiscal path intensifies.
With deficit set to soar, Ottawa shifts budgets from spring to fall
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government plans to table the federal budget in the fall going forward, ending the long-standing practice of releasing the document in the spring.
Poilievre wishes Carney well in Washington -- but says he wants to see results
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is offering Prime Minister Mark Carney his support ahead of meetings this week with U.S. President Donald Trump but is also pressing the Liberal leader to return with results for Canadians. Carney is travelling to Washington on Monday ahead of planned meetings with Trump on Tuesday, where the pair are expected to talk trade and security...
Champagne set for finance committee appearance as fall budget looms
MPs will be pressing for details about Canada's fiscal position today as Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is set to appear at a parliamentary committee. Champagne was summoned last month to make an appearance at the House of Commons finance committee to answer questions about the federal government's budget cycle.
Champagne set for finance committee appearance as fall budget looms
OTTAWA -- MPs will be pressing for details about Canada's fiscal position today as Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is set to appear at a parliamentary committee.