Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy.

What the Bank of Canada’s cut means for the economy

The Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its overnight interest rate by 50 basis points was as significant as it was expected. Following on from a shockingly low CPI print, most analysts and investors had priced in this ‘double’ cut. Nevertheless, the fact of a 50 basis point cut is significant in and of itself, as usually cuts of this size occur when the central bank sees a meaningful growth scare ahead.

Air Canada sees more profit coming from international demand, cheaper jet fuel

Air Canada raised its annual core profit forecast on Friday, as the country’s largest carrier benefits from strong demand for international travel and lower jet fuel prices.

Canadians can take banking complaints to one place as streamlining change takes effect

Canadians now have a single place to appeal banking issues after the federal government’s simplification of the system took effect Friday.

Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation?

Housing experts who have long promoted moving new home construction from suburbs to urban centres are calling for a similar approach to policy in Canada, saying several ideas currently percolating on the fringes of society in Canada have proven successful elsewhere and deserve a more central place in the national conversation.

The small businesses projecting growth aren’t those you expect

The small Canadian businesses with high-growth potential and expectations might not be the ones you have in mind, says a new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL).

Canada-India tensions could escalate cyber threats, hinder immigration

Canada’s deepening dispute with India over its alleged campaign of violence against Sikhs in Canada could intensify Indian-based cyber espionage and hold back immigration, but analysts and experts see no immediate impact on trade.

Immigration prevented a recession last year, but looming changes could stall growth

Reducing the number of new admissions to the country could have negative consequences for the economy and pose challenges for commerce, according to business advocates and economists alike. Economic measures such as the gross domestic product (GDP) have been moving in a positive direction, economists say, in part because Canada’s population has continued to increase due to rising immigration levels.

A Green Taxonomy is necessary, but it needs to play to Canada’s strengths

In principle, a green taxonomy, a set of standard investment criteria for projects, should use the power of the markets to hasten climate action. It should complement sustainable finance efforts, which are well established in capital markets, by clarifying which sectors are deemed investment-worthy. This month’s announcement from Ottawa – which unveiled new green taxonomy guidelines and a plan to introduce mandatory climate disclosure – is helpful in this regard.

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