Business
WestJet Must Remove Power Wheelchair Weight Cap by 2027, Regulator Rules
2026-08-20
Canada's transportation regulator has ordered WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on power wheelchairs, deeming it an "undue barrier" to travellers with disabilities. The airline must comply with the new rule before July 2027, with the regulator suggesting the use of spreader plates and alternative arrangements in the interim.
Corus Entertainment Announces Further Staff Reductions
2026-08-20
Corus Entertainment has implemented additional job cuts across its television and radio divisions, impacting operations such as Global B.C., Global National, News 640, and talk radio stations. This follows earlier workforce reductions and comes as the company reported significant financial losses in its recent third quarter.
Trump Hints at Keystone XL Pipeline Revival Amid Trade Talks
2026-08-19
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the Keystone XL oil pipeline could be revived as part of a new trade agreement with Canada. While the remark may carry political weight, experts question the project's feasibility due to environmental and political hurdles, and the uncertainty of future U.S. administrations.
U.S. and Canada Reach Preliminary Trade Deal, Pausing Tariffs
2026-08-19
Negotiators from the United States and Canada are finalizing an agreement aimed at resolving trade disputes and preventing the imposition of new tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "very good deal" had been brokered, while Canadian officials noted "significant progress." The agreement, once formalized, is expected to provide greater certainty for businesses and reinforce Canada's trade advantages.
Meta Faces Landmark Trial Over Allegations of Intentionally Hooking Children on Social Media
2026-08-19
A U.S. federal trial has begun with 29 states accusing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of designing its platforms to be addictive for young users and mishandling their data. States are seeking billions in penalties and significant changes to Meta's business practices, while the company denies intentionally addicting children.
Columbia House Notice of Closure Mysteriously Vanishes
2026-08-18
The mail-order music giant, known for its '12 CDs for a penny' offer, had announced its impending closure after 71 years, but the notice has since been removed from its website, leaving its future uncertain.
Canada-US Trade Talks Intensify Ahead of Tariff Deadline
2026-08-18
Negotiators from Canada and the United States are engaged in critical discussions to avert the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. The deadline for these tariffs, which could impact various Canadian industries including liquor, sports equipment, and lumber, is set for just after midnight.
Canadian Home Sales Decline Year-Over-Year in July, Market Shifts Towards Balance
2026-08-18
While July saw a 5.3% decrease in home sales compared to the previous year, activity increased slightly month-over-month, indicating a market gradually moving towards a more balanced state. The national average sale price saw a modest annual increase.
Canadian Businesses Fear Significant Sales Drop Due to New U.S. Tariffs
2026-08-18
New U.S. tariffs set to impose a 50% duty on a range of Canadian products could drastically cut sales for some businesses, with owners expressing deep concern over potential layoffs and financial instability. The impending trade measures threaten to impact approximately five percent of Canada-U.S. cross-border trade, affecting sectors beyond those previously covered by the CUSMA agreement.
Meta Faces Landmark U.S. Trial Over Child Safety Allegations
2026-08-17
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is embroiled in a significant federal trial in California. States are accusing the tech giant of designing its platforms to be addictive and harmful to young users, while also allegedly misrepresenting their safety. This trial could set a major legal precedent.
Canada's Inflation Rate Reaches 3% in July Driven by Gas Prices
2026-08-17
Inflation in Canada rose to 3.0% in July, primarily due to a significant increase in gasoline prices, according to new data from Statistics Canada. While food inflation saw a slight cool-down, rising energy costs and travel expenses pushed the overall rate higher than anticipated.
Australian Beef Offers Cheaper Alternative in Canadian Stores Amidst Producer Concerns
2026-08-17
Lower-priced Australian beef is appearing on Canadian supermarket shelves, prompting discussions about affordability for consumers and competition for domestic producers. While some shoppers welcome the budget-friendly option, industry representatives note differences in quality and production methods.
Global Wildfire Crisis Fuels Demand for Canadair Water Bombers
2026-08-15
The escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide are placing immense pressure on De Havilland, the manufacturer of the iconic Canadair "Super Scooper" water bombers. Governments are seeking to increase production and bulk orders of these specialized aircraft to combat increasingly severe fire seasons.
Stellantis Considers Brampton Plant Closure and Sale, Union Reports
2026-08-14
The national union Unifor has been informed by Stellantis that the company is contemplating the closure and sale of its Brampton, Ontario assembly plant. Stellantis has stated its focus is on finding a sustainable future for the facility.
US Trade Envoy Warns Against Canadian Retaliation Amid Tariff Deadline
2026-08-14
The United States trade representative has stated that Washington will not tolerate any retaliatory measures from Canada should President Trump proceed with imposing significant tariffs on Canadian goods. The potential tariffs, set to take effect on August 19th, would add to existing levies and are described by the U.S. as a measure to protect domestic supply chains, not as a trade war.
Detroit Automakers Warn Trade Deal Revamp Could Cost Billions
2026-08-14
Major U.S. automakers are expressing concern over proposed changes to the North American trade agreement, warning that new content requirements could significantly increase costs and impact their global competitiveness.
Canadian Payment Giant Moneris Sold to US Firm Amid Digital Sovereignty Concerns
2026-08-14
Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Montreal are selling their joint ownership of Moneris Solutions Corp., a major payment processor handling a significant portion of Canadian transactions, to US private equity firm Francisco Partners. The $2 billion deal has prompted discussions about the implications for Canada's digital sovereignty and data privacy, particularly in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
WestJet Reaches $4.5 Million Settlement in Flight Attendant Harassment Lawsuit
2026-08-13
A decade-long class-action lawsuit involving over 3,000 WestJet flight attendants concerning sexual harassment has concluded with a $4.5 million settlement, approved by a B.C. judge. While the settlement aims to address workplace safety concerns, the lead plaintiff expressed that the financial resolution does not equate to full justice.
Ontario Introduces Data Centre Framework Amidst Moratorium Calls
2026-08-13
The Ontario government has launched a new framework for data centre approvals, aiming to balance economic development with data protection and community concerns. The announcement comes as several municipalities consider or implement moratoriums on new data centre construction.
Canadian Cultural Groups Oppose Removing Streaming Tax
2026-08-13
Dozens of Canadian cultural organizations are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney not to eliminate the requirement for large foreign streaming companies to contribute financially to Canadian content. They argue that proposed government funding is not a stable replacement for the existing CRTC-regulated contribution system.