U.S. Fed slashes benchmark rate by 1%

The federal government is considering a series of trade concessions as it seeks relief from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The measures under consideration reportedly include easing restrictions on the sale of U.S. liquor in some provinces, removing Canada's retaliatory tariffs on automobiles and expanding market access for U.S. dairy products. According to the sources, Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is attempting to demonstrate to the United States that Canada is committed to improving bilateral trade relations. One of

British Columbia added a net 17,800 jobs in July, bringing the province's unemployment rate down to 6.2 per cent, according to employment figures highlighted by B.C. Jobs and Economic Development Minister Ravi Kahlon. Kahlon said the province recorded the largest increase in full-time employment in Canada during the month, with 32,500 full-time jobs added. The increase included 16,200 new full-time positions held by women, according to the provincial government. The minister also said B.C.'s manufacturing sector gained 3,100 jobs in July, while employment in the agriculture sector increased 43

Premier David Eby addressed reporters in Abbotsford on Thursday evening following continued questions about his public absence during British Columbia's ongoing wildfire emergency. During the news conference, Eby issued an update on the province's wildfire response and confirmed the arrival of additional international firefighting personnel. According to the premier, a second contingent of firefighters from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand has arrived in British Columbia to support wildfire suppression efforts. The crews will work alongside personnel from Alberta, Quebec and Yukon to strength

The British Columbia government is considering reducing development cost charges to encourage the construction of new homes in the province's fastest-growing communities. Housing Minister Christine Boyle confirmed the province is in discussions with the federal government on a proposal that would reduce development cost charges by up to 50 per cent for multi-unit housing projects in rapidly growing municipalities. According to the minister, the plan also includes exploring options to offset the funding shortfall municipalities would face if the fees are reduced. Development cost charges are pa

Correctional Service Canada says two correctional officers and an inmate have died during a transfer from the Edmonton Institution for Women. The federal agency announced the deaths Thursday in a social media post, describing the incident as a "tragic accident." It did not say when the deaths occurred or provide details about how the three people were killed. According to Correctional Service Canada, the transfer involved the Edmonton Institution for Women, a multi-level facility in west Edmonton that houses minimum- and medium-security inmates. No additional information about the circumstance