The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate target on hold at 0.25 per cent and says it will stay there until inflation is back on target. The central bank's key rate has remained at its lower effective bound since March when COVID-19 lockdowns plunged the economy into crisis.In a statement today, the central bank's governing council says that bounce-back activity in the third quarter looks to be faster than it anticipated in July. But it warns of indicators like an uneven rebound in employment and subdued business confidence that points to a slow and choppy recovery process. The bank

The federal government is creating a new national program to help Black Canadians get business loans with national banks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black Canadians and put a spotlight on inequality in Canada. The new program will include $53 million for Black business organization to help entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship, financial planning and business training. Another $6.5 million will go to collect data on the state of Black entrepreneurship and identify the barriers preventing Black Canadians from succeeding in b

A British Columbia First Nation has issued a state of emergency after confirmation that four members have COVID-19 and several others are reporting symptoms of the virus.A notice on the Tla'amin Nation website says residents have been ordered to shelter in place to slow the spread of the virus while health officials complete contact tracing.The order affecting the community, which is in the area of Powell River, took effect late Tuesday afternoon and advised members they should stay where the are for the next 72 hours.Access to the First Nation, about 170 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, ha

There are 133,747 confirmed cases in Canada. Quebec: 63,876 confirmed (including 5,770 deaths, 56,162 resolved) Ontario: 43,536 confirmed (including 2,813 deaths, 39,196 resolved) Alberta: 15,093 confirmed (including 247 deaths, 13,154 resolved) British Columbia: 6,591 confirmed (including 213 deaths, 4,978 resolved) Saskatchewan: 1,669 confirmed (including 24 deaths, 1,587 resolved) Manitoba: 1,349 confirmed (including 16 deaths, 940 resolved) Nova Scotia: 1,086 confirmed (including 65 deaths, 1,018 resolved) Newfoundland and Labrador: 269 confirmed (including 3 deaths, 265 resolved) New Bru

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has ordered all night clubs and banquet halls to close effective immediately. Dr. Henry also says alcohol can no longer be served at bars and restaurants after 10 pm and they must close by 11 pm unless serving meals. She says the additional restrictions are being put in place because the venues are a significant source of risk of spreading COVID-19. Dr. Henry also says people need to cut down on their social interactions to stay safe now that they're heading back to work and schools are reopening. She made the comment after reporting BC had 429 new c

Smoke from several wildfires in Washington State has drifted northwest to blanket the tip of Vancouver Island, prompting the highest possible air quality risk rating over Victoria and Saanich. Environment Canada's air quality index gives the two cities a ``10-plus'' risk rating, while Westshore ranks at ``10'', meaning strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided and children and the elderly should stay inside. Conditions will improve tomorrow, but smoke from a large wildfire in southeastern BC remains a concern and the weather office predicts conditions in Cranbrook and Castlegar will rema

Police say a man who was punched in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside has died. Const. Tania Visintin says 36 year old Neil Scarisbrick died on Monday. He is Vancouver's 11th homicide victim this year. Visintin says police believe the victim and suspect are known to each other, and there is no risk to the public.

Community centres across Vancouver are set to reopen, with programs and services focused on children, youth, seniors and food security coming first. The Vancouver Park Board says 24 centres are reopening today (Tuesday), followed by a gradual reopening of indoor pools, ice rinks and fitness centres. Certain restrictions and safety protocols remain in place in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The park board says wearing masks inside its facilities is optional but encouraged, while staff will undergo daily health screenings and complete additional training.

A 59 year old south Florida woman is dead following an argument with her son over orange juice, an air conditioner remote and the use of her car. Luis Pages told police he ``he lost it'' during the Sunday evening argument and shot 59 year old Miriam Gonzalez multiple times in their North Miami Beach home. 29 year old is charged with one count of second-degree murder and is being held without bond. Pages told investigators he tried to shoot himself too, but was out of bullets. He then called 911. When an officer arrived Pages told him, ``take me to jail.''