Skip to main content

Featured

Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

article

Canada’s Labour Market Sees Positive Growth: 37,300 New Jobs Added

 

In a welcome development for the Canadian economy, the labour market added 37,300 jobs in January. This surge in employment comes as a breath of fresh air, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic and economic fluctuations.

Key Highlights:

  1. Unemployment Rate Declines: The unemployment rate dipped to 5.7 per cent, marking the first decline since December 2022. This positive trend signals a potential recovery and renewed confidence in the job market.

  2. Part-Time Work on the Rise: The increase in jobs was primarily driven by a surge in part-time employment, which saw a gain of 48,900 positions. However, the number of full-time jobs experienced a slight decline of 11,600 during the same period.

  3. Economic Resilience: Despite global uncertainties, Canada’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience. The labour force’s adaptability and employers’ willingness to hire contribute to this encouraging trend.

As we move forward, it’s essential to monitor these developments closely. While the current data paints an optimistic picture, sustained efforts are necessary to ensure stable and inclusive growth.



Comments