6 h. ago ‘Grim’ retail sales underbelly points to Bank of Canada restarting rate cuts, economists say

First-quarter retail sales 'flatlined,' a big drop from the 5.6 per cent annualized gain during the previous fourth quarter

Culture

8 h. ago Statistics Canada says retail sales fell 0.4 per cent to $69.3B in February

OTTAWA — Retail sales dropped 0.4 per cent to $69.3 billion in February as sales fell at new car dealers, Statistics Canada said Friday. However, the agency said its early estimate for March suggested an increase of 0.7 per cent for that month, though it cautioned the figure would be revised. TD Bank economist Maria […]

Economics

15 h. ago UK Retail Sales Were Soaring Before US Tariffs Rocked Confidence

Britain’s economy posted its strongest retail sales since 2021 in the first quarter, before consumer confidence was sent sliding by Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Economics

26 h. ago Here's when Canadians can cash in on the next government payouts in May

Eligible Canadians can expect money from the government this month through various Government of Canada benefits and credits.According to Statistics Canada, the country's inflation rate rose to 2.3 per cent in March, slightly lower than the 2.6 per cent increase seen in February.Despite a slightly lower inflation rate, life in Canada remains expensive, and unemployment is rising.In March, the cost of housing increased by 3.9 per cent, while transportation costs rose by 1.2 per cent. Food purchased from stores continues to become more expensive, with prices increasing by 3.2 per cent.As the cost of living remains high, it's worth checking to see which government benefits you may qualify for. Ensure that your direct deposit is enabled, as you look forward to the following benefits, if you meet the criteria:Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — May 20Eligible families in Canada can expect their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment on May 20. In July 2024, with the ...

Politics

29 h. ago Canadians’ interest in buying an EV falls for third year in a row

Electric vehicle prices fell 7.8 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 year-over-year, according to the AutoTader price index

Other

42 h. ago Here's the salary you need to earn to afford a home in Toronto right now

It may be one of the worst times in years to try and sell a home in Toronto, but conversely, those in the market to buy a property may be able to land themselves somewhat of a deal (relative to the city's infamously ludicrous prices, that is).Prices are finally starting to erode in the face of a terribly stagnant market, most notably in the condo sector, where fewer units are changing hands than ever in the last three decades.According to the latest data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), the average price of the typical GTA condo fell 2.6 per cent from March 2024 to the month prior, while the average price of a home of any type is down a similar 2.5 per cent over the same period.Sales have dropped a staggering 23.1 per cent year-over-year, while active listings have shot up 88.8 per cent, giving buyers the advantage of choice and negotiating power.As such, along with a Bank of Canada mortgage rate cut in March, the annua...

Other

49 h. ago Tariffs and political tensions are causing fewer Americans to visit Canada

Canada has seen a slight dip in visitors from the U.S. as tensions between the two countries heighten due to tariffs and Donald Trump's presidency.Statistics Canada released its report on travel between Canada and other countries in February. It found that trips to Canada by Americans decreased by 5.3 per cent compared to the same time last year, to 1.1 million visitors."This marked the first year-over-year decrease in arrivals to Canada by U.S. residents since March 2021," reads the report. "Most of the trips taken in February 2025 by U.S. residents were made by automobile (72.8 per cent) or by air (24.2 per cent)."Americans visiting by car were down 6.5 per cent in February 2025 compared to 2024, which StatCan says marked the end of four consecutive months of year-over-year growth that began in October 2024. Over half of these arrivals were same-day trips.U.S. residents flying to Canada increased by 0.6 per cent compared to the same month last year.Whi...

Politics

3 d. ago Loblaws says groceries are about to get more expensive in Canada again

Shoppers can expect to see grocery prices continue to rise in Canada amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, according to a new report by Loblaw Companies Limited.The retailer, which owns major grocery chains like Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, released its April food inflation report on Monday, following Statistics Canada's latest Consumer Price Index release last week.StatsCan reported that the country's inflation rate rose to 2.3 per cent in March, with food inflation spiking to 3.2 per cent.Loblaw says the 25 per cent tariffs slapped on Canada continue to challenge key sectors and lower consumer confidence.When the trade war between Canada and the U.S. began in March, the grocery giant told us that shoppers would not see an immediate impact on food prices."We expect a wide range of timing depending on the type of product, the current level of inventory, and the ability to find alternatives," said a Lo...

Other

6 d. ago Hausse record de l’inflation alimentaire: aucune section de l’épicerie n’est épargnée

Statistique Canada a révélé que l’inflation alimentaire avait connu une hausse record au cours du mois de mars.

Economics

9 d. ago Sale of Canadian products outpacing total sales, says Metro CEO

U.S. vendors have been working with Metro Inc. to mitigate the effect of counter tariffs on the price of consumer goods

Other

9 d. ago Bank of Canada holds interest rate steady for first time in 2025

The Bank of Canada (BoC) announced that it's holding its policy rate at 2.75 per cent on Wednesday morning.Before this, the central bank had made two 0.25 per cent cuts to its key interest rate, with the last one on March 12 bringing the rate to 2.75 per cent.On Tuesday, Statistics Canada shared March inflation data, showing that inflation slowed to 2.3 per cent following a 2.6 per cent increase in February.Last week, Ratehub.ca mortgage expert Penelope Graham told us that while Canada had largely dodged the worst of the tariff pain, the BoC's policymakers would assess the impact on our trade partners, and the effect at home, to make a decision on April 16.She said the central bank would be weighing plummeting consumer and business sentiment, based on its own quarterly survey.Upcoming Bank of Canada rate announcementsKeep an eye on the Bank of Canada website at 9:45 a.m. on the following dates:Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (rate update only)Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (rate up...

Other

1 week ago Tariff uncertainty foils ’slam dunk rebound year’ for national home sales: CREA

The Canadian Real Estate Association has downgraded its forecast for home sales activity in 2025, while the number of homes that changed hands across the country in March was down 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago. The association says Canadian home sales in March also fell 4.8 per cent on a seasonally adjusted […]

Society

1 week ago Inflation cooled to 2.3% in March as gas prices fell, StatCan says

OTTAWA — Canadians got a break on inflation in March even without a tax holiday as Statistics Canada says the pace of price increases slowed last month.  The agency says the annual inflation rate was 2.3 per cent in the month, down from 2.6 per cent in February.  StatCan says a drop in the price […]

Economics

1 week ago Les données sur l’inflation en mars au Canada publiées mardi

Ces données seront diffusées une journée avant la prochaine décision de la Banque du Canada sur les taux d’intérêt.

Economics

1 week ago Statistics Canada reports February wholesale trade figures up 0.3 per cent

OTTAWA — Wholesale trade, excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain, rose 0.3 per cent to $85.7 billion in February, Statistics Canada said Monday. The overall increase in sales came as just two of the seven subsectors posted gains. Statistics Canada said sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector […]

Economics

1 week ago Statistics Canada reports February wholesale trade figures up 0.3%

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says wholesale trade, excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain, rose 0.3 per cent to $85.7 billion in February. The overall increase in sales came as just two of the seven subsectors posted gains. Statistics Canada says sales in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector gained […]

Economics

2 w. ago Fundraiser started for Toronto woman killed in boiling volcanic river

Friends and loved ones of a local Toronto woman have organized a fundraiser to help cover costs related to her untimely death.According to a GoFundMe page, Maya Moreno, was on a spiritual journey in the Peruvian Amazon when she "fell into a volcanic river and sustained severe burns over 70 per cent of her body."The page goes on to say that Moreno's tragic accident occurred while on a spiritual healing journey in a sacred spot of the rainforest."On Monday, March 24, while meditating near the extremely hot geothermal river, Maya fainted and tragically fell into the Boiling River, suffering severe burns over 70 per cent of the body," reads the page.The Shanay-timpishka or Boiling River is a large geothermal river,  which has typical temperatures around 27 degrees C, but much higher temperatures have also been recorded, according to online sources. It is known for its healing properties and significant ties to the local culture.Moreno was then treated in Peru un...

Events

2 w. ago Don’t just read the stats, change the future for seniors with your vote

Toronto, Ontario, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In this federal election, your vote holds the power to change the future for seniors in Canada. Alarming statistics show that 1 in 3 seniors is at risk of social isolation, 1 in 10 experiences elder abuse, and a shocking 91% of plastic waste goes unrecycled. These […]

Other

2 w. ago Canadian travel to U.S. dropped again in March amid Trump tariffs: StatCan

While Canadians' travel to the U.S. declined for a third straight month based on returns across the border, Statistics Canada data shows there's an increase in trips elsewhere.

Economics

2 w. ago Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped — again — in March, new data shows

While Canadians' travel to the U.S. declined for a third straight month based on returns across the border, Statistics Canada data shows there's an increase in trips elsewhere.

Other