The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady at five per cent today, citing recent evidence that suggests the economy is weakening.The central bank says it decided not to raise its key rate given demand in the economy is slowing and previous rate hikes need more time to take effect.Forecasters were widely expecting today's decision after recent data showed the economy shrank in the second quarter, while the unemployment rate has been on the rise for three consecutive months.The announcement comes after the Bank of Canada raised interest rates at its last two meetings, bringing a previo

Under the 'Farishtey Scheme' in Punjab, the government has decided to provide free treatment to all road accident victims during the first 48 hours of the accident.The 'golden hour' is the first critical hour after a road accident, during which if adequate care is given to a seriously injured person, their chances of survival are greatly increased.Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the person who takes the injured to the hospital for treatment will be awarded with a certificate and Rs. 2000.They say that no matter where the person lives, the Punjab government

India's envoy to Canada says he is satisfied the federal government is adequately protecting his country's diplomats after New Delhi raised concerns for their safety earlier this year.Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma says he's optimistic both countries can circumvent heated diaspora politics to form closer ties.Some members of Sikh communities in Canada advocate for part of Punjab to separate as an independent state but the Indian government perceives this as an extremist movement that endangers national security.The rhetoric escalated in June after the shooting death of the head of

Two premiers have sent letters to Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem urging the central bank to halt rate hikes ahead of its next rate decision tomorrow.Ontario Premier Doug Ford sent a letter on Sunday saying families and businesses cannot afford the "crushing impact of further rate hikes," echoing a letter British Columbia Premier David Eby sent on Thursday.Associate professor and founding director of McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy, Christopher Ragan says it's "unfortunate" that the premiers felt that sending these letters was useful.Ragan says it brings a political e

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson is expected to call an election today.The vote is already scheduled for Oct. 3 and Stefanson will make a campaign announcement this morning where she is expected to launch the 28-day campaign.Stefanson, who became premier two years ago, is aiming to lead the Progressive Conservatives to a third consecutive majority.Opinion polls have suggested it will be an uphill battle, as support for the Tories dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Opposition New Democrats have been leading in the polls, especially in Winnipeg where most legislature seats are co

Ontario's Housing Minister Steve Clark resigned on Monday due to the Greenbelt controversy.The opposition was constantly demanding Clark's resignation.Premier Doug Ford made a minor cabinet reshuffle on Monday afternoon following Clarke's resignation.Paul Calandra has been named Ontario's new housing minister.Prior to this Paul had the Ministry of Long Term Care.Caroline Mulroney is now the President of the Treasury Board.Prabhmeet Sarkaria has been made the new Transport Minister of the state.Nina Tangri has been appointed Associate Minister of Small Business.It is worth mentioning that Steve

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau landed in Jakarta today where he is kicking off a six-day tour of the Indo-Pacific region.Trudeau and his son Xavier were greeted with Indonesian dancers, with the prime minister being gifted a traditional scarf.Trudeau is set to spend two days in Jakarta where he will meet with President Joko Widodo this evening.Tomorrow, the prime minister will deliver remarks at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as the 10-nation bloc prepares to make Ottawa its latest strategic partner.Trudeau's focus on the trip will be about nurturing relationships with Asian leaders

A recent change to Alberta's Traffic Safety Act are coming into effect today.Starting on Friday (September 1), vehicles driving in the closest lane to roadside workers will now have to reduce their speed to either 60 km/h or the posted speed limit. Drivers could also move into the far lane from the workers if safe to do so. Previously, only first responders and tow truck drivers were protected under the Traffic Safety Act. It will now apply to all roadside workers, including police, fire, EMS, tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers and snowplow operators. Failure to comply with the

Twelve of the 400 or so blazes burning in British Columbia are described by the province's wildfire service as "wildfires of note," meaning they are highly visible or pose a threat to public safety. Here is a look at the 12 fires, with information provided by the BC Wildfire Service as of Friday at 1 p.m., Pacific time: Name: Bush Creek East WildfireLocation:West and East of Adams Lake, north of Shuswap and Little Shuswap lakes, south of Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento Size: 431 square kilometres Suspected cause: Lightning Name: Casper Creek WildfireLocation: 24 kilometres west of Lilloo