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5 Things to Know Today — June 21, 2026

  Whether you're starting your week or wrapping up your weekend, here are the five Canadian money stories shaping your financial picture right now. 1 Canada Is Technically in a Recession — And the Political Fight Is On Canada's GDP contracted 0.1% on an annualized basis in Q1 2026, following a 1% decline in Q4 2025 — two consecutive quarters of negative growth that meet the textbook definition of a technical recession. Prime Minister Mark Carney has called it a "settling-in period" tied to his government's restructuring of the economy in response to the U.S. trade war. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been relentless in his counter-offensive, pointing to rising insolvencies, job losses and food bank usage as proof that the downturn is real, not technical. Many economists, including BMO's chief economist Douglas Porter, have noted that a future revision to Statistics Canada's data could erase the slim 0.1% contraction — meaning this may not ultimate...

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Bankruptcies Surge in Canada Amid Economic Challenges

 

In a year marked by financial turbulence, business insolvencies in Canada have reached unprecedented levels. According to data from the federal Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, 2023 witnessed the highest number of business insolvencies in 36 years of recorded history. The surge was particularly pronounced, with filings rising 35% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter and more than doubling compared to the same period a year ago.

Key Points:

  1. Record High: The total number of businesses filing for insolvency was the highest in 13 years.
  2. Mainly Bankruptcies: The rise was primarily driven by bankruptcies rather than renegotiations of terms.
  3. Hardest-Hit Sectors: Accommodation and food services, retail, and construction experienced the most significant impact.
  4. Financial Challenges: Businesses grappled with rising input costs, wage expenses, and debt servicing costs throughout the pandemic.
  5. Debt Burden: Debt taken on during the pandemic has left some Canadian businesses unviable or in need of debt restructuring.
  6. Government Loans: Business owners who couldn’t repay government pandemic loans (such as CEBA) by the January 19 deadline now face interest charges and monthly payments.

Economic Outlook:

  • Interest Rate Pressure: The additional costs of servicing debts due to higher interest rates may strain businesses already on a precarious edge.
  • Consumer Spending Decline: The weakening economy has also impacted consumer spending, further adding pressure to businesses’ bottom line.
  • Room for Recovery: Some businesses may struggle to manage increased monthly bills, especially if sales remain challenging.

As the Canadian economy navigates these challenges, businesses face a critical juncture. The road to recovery will require resilience, adaptability, and strategic financial management.


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