On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, marking the seventh consecutive interest rate cut. This decision comes in response to the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the economy had started the year strong, with solid GDP growth and inflation around two percent. However, tariff uncertainty has impacted business spending and consumer confidence, prompting the central bank to lower the interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point. Macklem also emphasized that the bank will proceed

A fire at a high-rise building in downtown Vancouver has displaced 42 residents. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says crews were called to the building on Nelson Street on Tuesday and arrived to find flames coming from the building's seventh storey, extending into the eighth floor. It says firefighters fought the blaze with a ladder truck from the outside, while crews entered the building to temper the flames on the inside. The department says several people with mobility restrictions were found still inside and firefighters were able to help them to a safe area before gathering remaining p

Ottawa and Alberta have reached a new joint $70-million funding agreement to aid the province's response to homelessness. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says the funding is expected to boost shelter capacity, build transitional housing, and support the government's navigation centres in Edmonton and Calgary. Those navigation centres serve as a hub where those experiencing homelessness can go to be referred to available supports and services. Nixon says the funding will be split between Alberta's two major cities as well as Red Deer and Lethbridge. The deal will see Ottawa provide

Calgary police say a massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault of a client. Police say the client went in January to Parkview Massage and Wellness in south Calgary. It's alleged the client was touched sexually without consent during an appointment. Police say the client reported what happened the following month. A 46-year-old man is now charged with one count of sexual assault. He is slated to appear in court in May.

Ontario has decided to withdraw the 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the US following positive discussions between Premier Doug Ford and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Premier Doug Ford is also scheduled to travel to Washington this week to meet with Lutnick. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent in retaliation for Ontario's surcharge. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement, warning that any move by Canada to cut off electricity to the US could

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada should hit the U.S. with matching 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum in reply to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation. Trump says he will double the steel and aluminum tariffs he promised to deploy on Canadian products tomorrow to 50 per cent in response to Ontario's 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. Trump originally vowed to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Canada should use Canadian steel and aluminum for public infrastructure projects

Former central banker Mark Carney, who is set to become the Prime Minister of Canada, has expressed his intention to re-establish and strengthen trade relations with India. This statement comes amid the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Carney mentioned that, if given the opportunity, he would focus on improving Canada's relationship with India. As he is now set to take office, it is expected that Carney will prioritize diversifying Canada’s trade relationships to reduce its reliance on the U.S. In related news, the Indian government is reportedly considering the

Canada's steel industry has suffered a significant blow as US President Donald Trump has announced a doubling of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in response to Ontario's imposition of a surcharge on electricity supplied to U.S. states. Trump stated that a 50 percent tariff would be imposed on these goods starting Wednesday. In addition to this, Trump used social media to demand that Canada immediately remove tariffs on U.S. dairy products. He also threatened to permanently close Canada's automobile manufacturing industry with tariffs in April. Trump has once again repeated his threat o

A union representing more than 30,000 nurses in Alberta has reached a four-year tentative agreement with the province after six weeks of formal mediation. United Nurses of Alberta says the agreement will significantly improve wages, including an immediate hike of about 15 per cent for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. Formal mediation began in January after workers voted in October 2024 to reject recommendations that had been reached through informal mediation. The union says the tentative agreement also covers issues like staffing shortages, rural health care and job sec