Canadian unemployment is rising, and the country’s largest province is leading the trend. Ontario’s unemployment rate climbed to 7.9% in May—nearly a full point above the national average. A new report from BMO warns the province’s unemployment rate is now at a level not seen outside of the worst recessions. The problem is set to […]
Canadian rental prices have shown modest affordability gains, but the relief is already ending. A new report from rentals.ca shows the average asking rent fell in May compared to last year, with the largest and most expensive cities seeing the steepest declines. However, recent months show rent growth is re-accelerating—signaling the window for relief could […]
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Unemployment Soars, Driven By Immigration More Than Tariffs Canadian unemployment climbed but it wasn’t due to tariffs as expected. The unemployment rate hit 7.0% in May, with the unemployed population hitting 1.6 million. The employed population grew as well—the problem is […]
Canada’s economy was dealt another blow last month, and it wasn’t due to tariffs. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows the unemployment rate climbed aggressively in May, hitting a new multi-year high. Despite the narrative of tariff-induced job losses, the country managed to add a few thousand jobs. Rising unemployment continues to be driven by […]
Canadian real estate markets aren’t a buying opportunity—yet, according to BMO. In a research note to investors, the bank warned major cities are reporting home sales cooled further in May. These markets are also seeing inventory accumulate, leading to a demand balance that typically sees prices fall. Sellers resisting price cuts in hopes rate cut […]
Greater Toronto real estate just had the worst May on record—but you wouldn’t know it from prices. TRREB’s composite benchmark price (i.e. a typical home) climbed in May. Yes, climbed. The increase was unexpected, given that record-high inventory and weak sales made it the worst-performing May market in history. Toronto Real Estate Prices Climb Despite […]
Canada’s banks are suddenly warming up to real estate development loans. Bank of Canada (BoC) data shows chartered bank loans to builders and developers doubled in less than a year, after decades of modest growth. The sudden shift aligns closely with taxpayers getting involved in the market, de-risking lenders. Short of a catastrophic blow to […]
Canada’s central bank will hold rates in June despite the economy’s rising headwinds, according to BMO. In a report to investors, the bank warns accelerating core inflation is now above 3%—not just above the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) target rate, but also above its upper tolerance range. Slowing economic factors may bring down inflation eventually, […]
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canada’s GDP Rises in Q1 2025—But Domestic Demand and Trade Flatline Canadian real GDP climbed 0.5% in Q1, following similar growth in Q4 after a downward revision. At first glance, it appears the economy is on stable footing, but a dive into […]
Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) may appear stable, but its foundation is anything but. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows that real GDP rose 0.5% in Q1 2025, matching Q4 2024 after a downward revision. While the headline signals expansion, it conceals a more troubling reality: domestic economic activity is flatlining, and the terms of […]
