The Bank of Canada has announced it is maintaining its key policy interest rate at 2.25 per cent for a fifth consecutive decision, citing continued uncertainty around global trade and inflation pressures. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the outlook for monetary policy remains uncertain due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. According to the central bank, weak economic growth and elevated oil prices are creating competing pressures on the Canadian economy. Macklem outlined two possible scenarios that could influence futur

The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., is expected to move closer to opening this week, with reports indicating a ribbon-cutting ceremony could take place Friday. The bridge could be opened to regular traffic as early as next Monday. The project drew attention earlier this year after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not allow the bridge to open unless the United States received an ownership stake in the crossing. Asked about those comments on Tuesday, the prime minister said no behind-the-scenes discussions or concessions regarding ownership

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to use a speech in Calgary today to argue that changes in federal policy could help address growing separatist sentiment in Alberta. According to excerpts of the speech shared with The Canadian Press, Poilievre will call for measures aimed at expanding resource development, accelerating pipeline construction, respecting provincial jurisdiction and reducing tax burdens. Poilievre's prepared remarks argue that many Albertans who support separation are frustrated with federal decision-making rather than with other Canadians. The speech states that

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

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

Canada–U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to travel to Washington on Tuesday for talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to LeBlanc's office. Spokesperson Gabriel Brunet said LeBlanc will be joined by Canada's Chief Trade Negotiator, Janice Charette, for the meeting. The discussions come as Canada and the United States prepare for a mandatory review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the continental trade pact governing trade among the three countries. Formal trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington have not yet begun ahead

The BC Conservative Party has elected former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay as its new leader following a closely contested leadership race. According to results released by the party, Findlay secured 51 per cent of the vote, narrowly defeating Caroline Elliott, who received 49 per cent. Findlay brings extensive political experience to the role. She served as a cabinet minister in former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government and most recently held the position of Opposition Whip under federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The leadership change comes as the BC Conser

Canada’s economy contracted for a second consecutive quarter, officially placing the country in a technical recession for the first time since 2020. According to new data released Friday by Statistics Canada, real gross domestic product declined at an annualized rate of 0.1 per cent during the first quarter of 2026. The economy had already posted a 1 per cent decline in the fourth quarter of 2025. Economists generally define a technical recession as two straight quarters of negative economic growth. Statistics Canada said increased gold imports and a slowdown in the oil and gas sector during

Surrey Police Service is investigating a daytime robbery at a jewelry store located in the Payal Business Centre in Surrey. Police say the suspect fled after stealing jewelry during the incident, which took place in the middle of the day. According to SPS media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ali Gales, officers were called to the area near 128 Street and 81 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a robbery at the business. Police said the suspect allegedly stole several pieces of jewelry from the store before fleeing the scene. Reports indicate jewelry being worn by the