The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive decision to hold rates, according to its latest monetary policy report. The central bank also maintained its deposit rate at 2.20 per cent. Governor Tiff Macklem said ongoing conflict in the Middle East and evolving U.S. trade policies are reshaping global trade patterns and adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. According to the bank’s report, the Iran-related tensions have reduced growth prospects in oil-importing countries while contributing to higher inflation

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the federal government’s 2026 spring mini-budget in the House of Commons, outlining measures aimed at strengthening the national economy and addressing labour shortages in key sectors. According to the government’s budget statement, a new initiative branded “Team Canada Strong” will focus on expanding the skilled trades workforce. The plan sets a target of training 100,000 new skilled trades workers by the 2030–31 fiscal year to help meet demand in housing construction, infrastructure projects and major resource developm

European Union officials say Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend a summit in Armenia this weekend focused on political, security and infrastructure co-operation across Europe. According to a social media post from European Council President Antonio Costa, Carney will participate in the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. Carney’s office has not publicly confirmed the visit. The European Political Community brings together EU member states and partner countries, including Iceland, Azerbaijan and Montenegro. The forum was launched in 2022 following Russia’s full-scal

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to present a federal economic update today, outlining the government’s plan to strengthen the country’s position among G7 economies and signal potential new measures aimed at boosting investment and job creation. According to statements made ahead of the release, the update is expected to function as a mini-budget, with a focus on long-term economic stability and growth. The government has indicated it will provide details on its fiscal outlook alongside policy steps intended to support economic expansion. A key focus will be

Newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he will not run in an upcoming Quebec byelection triggered by the departure of longtime MP Alexandre Boulerice. Boulerice announced he is leaving federal politics after 15 years to seek a provincial seat with Québec solidaire. He said in a statement that he believes his work in Ottawa is complete and described the move as a continuation of his political priorities at the provincial level. According to his announcement, Boulerice framed the decision as a transition rather than a strategic calculation, while confirming he will vacate his seat in t

Three newly elected Liberal members of Parliament formally took their seats in the House of Commons on Monday following recent byelections that strengthened the governing party’s position. Doly Begum, Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste were sworn in as MPs on Saturday, according to official parliamentary records. Their arrivals bring the Liberals to 174 seats in the House, reflecting gains from both the byelections and a series of defections over recent months. Begum and Martin won Toronto-area ridings previously held by former cabinet ministers Bill Blair and Chrystia Freeland. Auguste sec

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that Canada will establish its first national sovereign wealth fund, starting with $25 billion in initial capital. Carney said the fund will invest in large-scale Canadian industrial projects, including energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and technology. According to the prime minister’s announcement, the federal government will co-invest alongside private-sector partners. The announcement was made at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, one day before the Liberal government is set to deliver its spring economic update. The timing sign

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government intends to introduce a ban on children using social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots, but key details, including the age threshold, have not yet been specified. Kinew made the announcement at the Manitoba NDP’s annual spring fundraising dinner, where he said Manitoba would be the first province to pursue such a policy. It is not yet clear what legislative or regulatory mechanism the province would use, or when a bill could be introduced. According to remarks delivered at the event, the proposed restrictions would apply to bot

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday evening as Canada prepares for the upcoming formal review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed shared economic priorities and agreed to work together to address common challenges tied to the trilateral trade pact. The call comes as the United States and Mexico are expected to begin official discussions on the agreement by the end of next month. Canada, however, has not yet confirmed a timeline for similar talks w