The Bank of Canada is widely expected to leave its key policy interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent when it announces its latest monetary policy decision on Wednesday. Economists estimate there is a 95 per cent likelihood that the central bank will hold rates steady for a fifth consecutive meeting. According to market analysts, policymakers are likely to focus on ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the conflict involving Iran, as well as the economic implications of the upcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The decision comes as recent Statistics C

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to France and Ireland this week as part of a diplomatic visit focused on trade, security and international cooperation. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of the G7 summit. The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence and critical minerals. Carney will then travel to Dublin for talks with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening trade and economic ties between Canada and Ireland. Officials say it wil

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has joined counterparts from 11 international partners, including Australia and Denmark, in issuing a joint statement expressing concern over ongoing attacks between Lebanon and Israel. The ministers welcomed ongoing ceasefire efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation. According to the joint statement, civilians must be protected at all times. The ministers said the people of Lebanon have already endured significant hardship and stressed the importance of s

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has expanded its use of biometric boarding technology as it prepares for increased passenger volumes during the FIFA World Cup. According to airport officials, 42 biometric boarding gates are now operating across the airport. The technology is expected to speed up the boarding process by approximately 13 per cent, helping reduce wait times for travellers. The airport has also introduced new CT screening technology at security checkpoints. Under the upgraded system, passengers will no longer be required to remove liquids and large electronic devices from th

Eligible Canadians are expected to begin receiving one-time federal grocery benefit top-up payments starting today as part of the Liberal government's affordability measures. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, previously known as the GST/HST credit, provides support to lower-income households to help offset rising living costs. The federal government says payments will be issued automatically to qualifying recipients through direct deposit or by mail. According to the federal government, approximately 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time payment. Benefit amounts vary by

A Surrey home that was previously targeted in a shooting last month was struck by gunfire again early Thursday morning, according to Surrey Police Service (SPS). Police said officers responded at approximately 4:02 a.m. to reports of shots fired near 57 Avenue and 148 Street in the South Newton neighbourhood. Frontline officers located evidence confirming that gunfire had occurred at the property. Authorities said several people were inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. The extent of any property damage has not been released. According to SPS, the investi

A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges after an RCMP officer was injured during an alleged migrant smuggling operation near the Canada–U.S. border in southern Quebec, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday night near Noyan, Que., south of Montreal, while a border enforcement team was searching for five people who had allegedly entered Canada illegally. According to the RCMP, an officer attempted to intercept a vehicle linked to the investigation when the driver allegedly rammed the door of a police vehicle before fleeing the area. RCMP said Chetan Kumar, 25, w

The federal government has released a new national artificial intelligence strategy aimed at expanding Canada's AI sector, increasing business adoption of the technology, and creating new employment opportunities across the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon unveiled the strategy in Toronto on Thursday. According to the government, the plan includes a $2.3 billion investment intended to strengthen Canada's position in the global AI industry. The strategy sets a target of creating 90,000 AI-related jobs and work opportunities for Canadians by 2

Former Surrey Police Service (SPS) Chief Norm Lipinski has publicly addressed his dismissal for the first time, saying he was not provided with a clear reason for the decision. In a letter to SPS employees, Lipinski said he had returned to work early from vacation and was called into a Surrey Police Board meeting on his first day back. According to the letter, board members informed him that his employment was being terminated but did not provide a specific explanation for the decision. Lipinski wrote that he had not expected his tenure with the service to end in this manner. He said he rema