Skip to main content

Featured

Canada’s Auto Industry Is Split on a U.S. Tariff Deal: What It Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • Tariffs & Trade • Saturday, November 14, 2026 Ottawa is once again trying to land a tariff deal with Washington. This time, the biggest fight may be inside Canada's own auto industry, and the outcome could reach your paycheque, your car purchase and your savings. Canada's auto manufacturers agree on the goal: get U.S. tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles down. They do not agree on how fast to move or what to accept. According to a Globe and Mail report published overnight, the Detroit Three (Ford, GM and Stellantis) want a deal sooner rather than later, even an imperfect one, while Honda and Toyota are pushing Ottawa toward a very different design. It matters now because of the clock. Canadian-built vehicles already face a 25% U.S. tariff on their non-American content, and Washington has threatened to double the headline rate to 50% on January 1, 2027. Honda has warned that doubling would be catastrophic for the North American industry. Prime Minister...

article

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.


Comments