The Bank of Canada may raise its policy interest rate this month as inflation risks continue to grow. UBS Global Research expects the central bank to increase the rate by 0.25 percentage points at its upcoming meeting, following seven consecutive decisions to hold it at 2.25%. UBS economist Abigail Watt expects another 0.25-point increase in January, taking the policy rate to 2.75%, which she considers the midpoint of the bank’s neutral range. Rates could then remain unchanged for an extended period. The forecast marks a shift from earlier expectations that the Bank of Canada would leave rat

Canadian colleges and universities are seeing a sharp increase in domestic student enrolment as the federal government tightens restrictions on international students. According to the latest Statistics Canada data, the number of international students fell by 39,600, or 6.9 per cent, in the 2024-25 academic year — the largest decline since the 1990s. In contrast, domestic enrolment increased by 37,626 students, marking the fastest growth in 15 years and bringing domestic enrolment back to 2010-11 levels. Experts say the rise in Canadian students is providing some relief to post-secondary in

Punjab Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring met senior party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today and formally submitted his resignation from the post of Punjab Congress president. Warring had already referred to himself as the “former president” yesterday. He clarified that his resignation was not sought by the party leadership, but that he had resigned on his own. The Congress high command is now expected to announce a new Punjab Congress president soon.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said outstanding trade issues with Canada remain difficult to resolve, signalling that Ottawa and Washington are not close to an immediate agreement. Speaking to reporters Thursday at the conclusion of the G20 trade ministers’ meeting in Milwaukee, Greer said technical discussions with Canada are continuing but several issues remain unresolved. Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu also held an informal meeting with Greer on the sidelines of the G20 gathering. Sidhu said he raised Canada-U.S. trade tensions and other issues, including r

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signalled that Canada could begin a controlled increase in immigration after bringing the country’s immigration system back under control. In another part of an interview with a private broadcaster, Carney said the immigration system is now under control and that the next question is how to begin a controlled increase in the country’s population. His comments come exactly one month before the government is expected to announce its immigration targets for the next three years. The previous three federal immigration plans focused on reducing the number of newco

A report commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warns of significant economic consequences if Alberta were to separate from Canada. The study, led by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, estimates that trade costs could increase by 5% to 8%, potentially resulting in 44,000 to 69,000 fewer jobs in Calgary compared with remaining in Canada. The report notes that Alberta is Canada’s most trade-exposed jurisdiction, making the province particularly vulnerable to higher trade costs. The report comes three weeks before Albertans vote on 10 referendum questions, including one on

The RCMP in Quebec has charged 16 people following an investigation into a major cocaine trafficking network allegedly operating in the province. Police said the operation, known as Project Chrome, began in 2022 with significant assistance from the Canada Revenue Agency. Investigators allege the organization operated an illegal gaming house in Montreal and used proceeds from drug trafficking to renovate properties linked to the group and launder money. During searches, police seized 14 kilograms of cocaine, more than $145,000 in cash and assets valued at over $9 million. According to details r

Langley RCMP are investigating a shooting in which one person was injured in the Brookswood area. Police said the incident occurred early Monday morning in the 3000-block of 205 Street. Langley RCMP officers and BC Emergency Health Services personnel responded shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and transported the injured person to hospital. According to Sgt. Zanel Sharoum, investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident based on preliminary findings. Police are speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation. The victim's identity has not bee

The B.C. Conservatives have launched an attack on the B.C. NDP and Leader David Eby during the provincial election campaign, accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing failed economic policies. The Conservatives claim that exactly two years ago, the B.C. NDP promised to provide every family in British Columbia with a $1,000 grocery rebate but abandoned the commitment after winning the election. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson questioned how voters could trust the NDP after the alleged broken promise, arguing that the province needs a change in government. Doerkson also cr