Canadian businesses were bracing for elevated inflation—then the Iran War broke out. Now they’re doubting the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) ability to contain inflation, according to the Q1 2026 Business Outlook Survey. The central bank’s survey reveals firms are preparing for 5 years of elevated inflation. Canadian Businesses Expected Inflation To Surge Before Latest War […]
Canadian wages are growing faster than usual, but they’re failing to keep up with household spending. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data reveals household credit is once again outpacing wage growth, suggesting households are borrowing what their wages won’t provide. The growing gap raises questions about the sustainability of repaying a household debt load that now rivals […]
Canada’s building boom is slowing, but not in the country’s biggest markets—with a big exception. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data shows new housing starts fell in March. Despite the drop, two of the three largest markets saw an uptick in building activity. The exception was Canada’s most expensive market, where completed and unsold […]
Canadian inflation readings are surging, a trend that’s just getting started. Statistics Canada’s (StatCan) Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged in March. The surge is largely attributed to energy prices, which had been dragging growth due to a base effect. A base effect that was set to expire in April, and set to compound with soaring […]
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Real Estate Industry Cuts Forecast, Prices To Stagnate 2 More Years Canada’s real estate industry is tempering its expectations after a weak Q1. CREA sees 2026 home sales just 1% higher than 2025, slashing its 5.1% growth forecast from January. Falling […]
Policymakers broke Canada’s real estate market, and now it faces 7 years of bad luck. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) slashed growth expectations for sales and prices, forecasting a 7th year of stagnating prices. They warn the first quarter was weaker than previously anticipated, as factors that drove growth before are over. Even with […]
Home prices typically fall to stimulate demand, but that’s not the case in Canada, apparently. Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) data shows the price of a typical home climbed in March. Despite this upward tick, it was the weakest sales for the month since 2009. A real head scratcher, considering inventory remains historically robust. Canadian […]
Canadians saw their average wage surge at the fastest pace in months, according to Statistics Canada (StatCan). The surge reported in March stands in stark contrast with the reality of other datapoints, and for good reason—wages aren’t booming. The surge was due to a dramatic composition change, according to BMO Capital Markets, who warned investors […]
Canadian builder intentions are slipping even as policymakers throw tens of billions in stimulus at construction. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows building permit values fell sharply in February, with only residential intentions posting a modest gain that still translated into fewer homes planned. Meanwhile, non-residential permits fell abruptly, pointing to weaker investment appetite beyond the […]
Canada’s seemingly stable jobless rate is hiding widening disparities among cities (and provinces), according to BMO Capital Markets. The bank’s latest Labour Market Performance Ranking shows job markets in Western Canada are largely improving, while Eastern Canada—Southern Ontario in particular—dominates among the worst-performing cities. The bank warns this divergence won’t be resolved any time soon, […]
