Statistics Canada is expected to release its November employment report this morning, providing the last major economic indicator before the Bank of Canada delivers its final interest rate decision of the year next week. Economists say the data will help shape expectations about whether the central bank sees enough evidence of a cooling economy to justify future rate cuts. A survey of economists conducted by Reuters suggested the national unemployment rate likely rose to seven per cent in November, with a modest loss of about 5,000 jobs. Analysts at Royal Bank, however, anticipate the jobless

John Rustad has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., ending a tense standoff that unfolded over the past two days between him, his caucus and the party’s executive. His departure comes less than 24 hours after he publicly rejected calls to quit, insisting he still held the mandate to lead. In a written statement released today, Rustad said the internal dispute was not the result of a hostile takeover by former BC Liberal members, responding to concerns raised by some supporters after last year’s political realignment that saw several MLAs cross over to the Conservatives. H

Canada is increasing its financial and military support for Ukraine, with federal ministers confirming more than $200 million in new commitments as the conflict with Russia continues to dominate international security discussions. National Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada will join NATO allies in purchasing a package of critical military capabilities sourced from the United States, with Canada contributing $200 million toward the shared procurement plan. The announcement was made as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. Anand

A months-long enforcement initiative involving the RCMP and several other police agencies across Canada has resulted in the seizure of 386 kilograms of fentanyl along with large quantities of other illegal drugs. The coordinated effort ran from late May to the end of October and focused on production sites, trafficking groups and the financial networks that support the illicit drug trade. Police say the operation led to thousands of arrests and charges nationwide. That included 217 individuals accused of trafficking fentanyl while already out on bail, highlighting what investigators describe a

Canada’s Defence Minister Anita Anand is travelling to Brussels this week for a series of high-level engagements with European Union and NATO officials, the federal government confirmed Monday. The trip marks a significant step in Ottawa’s ongoing efforts to deepen transatlantic cooperation on security, economic resilience and Arctic strategy. During her visit, Minister Anand is set to meet senior EU leaders on Tuesday. The agenda is expected to include discussions on strengthening supply chains, advancing shared economic-security objectives and coordinating further sanctions and measures

Canada's economy regained momentum over the summer months, with new federal data showing a 2.6 per cent annualized increase in real gross domestic product during the third quarter. Statistics Canada’s latest release indicates the rebound was considerably stronger than forecasts from the Bank of Canada and private sector economists, many of whom expected only modest growth. The agency reports that a sharp drop in imports combined with slightly higher exports helped strengthen the country’s trade position. Federal capital spending – including major procurement of new military equipment –

The federal government and Alberta have signed a new memorandum of understanding that lays out a framework for advancing an oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast, while also opening the door to potential changes to British Columbia’s tanker restrictions. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith formalized the agreement at a ceremony in Calgary on Thursday, describing it as a step toward defining the project as one of national interest under the Building Canada Act. Under the terms released by officials, Ottawa says it would be prepared to adjust the West Coast tanker ban

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says members of her United Conservative caucus are ready to defend their work as several MLAs face active recall petitions across the province. More than a dozen campaigns have been launched under Alberta’s recall legislation, which allows constituents to attempt to remove an elected official before the next general election. Smith pointed to two senior ministers as examples of what she described as a strong government record. She said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has overseen significant increases to school operating and capital budgets, and that Se

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to introduce a package of federal supports aimed at stabilizing Canada’s steel industry as companies continue to absorb the economic impact of steep U.S. tariffs. A federal official, speaking to The Canadian Press, said the measures are designed to protect domestic producers while keeping national supply chains functioning. According to the official, the federal government plans to restrict steel imports from countries without free-trade agreements with Canada. Those import levels would be reduced from 50 per cent to 20 per cent of what entered the coun