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Weekly Market Snapshot: Records Everywhere as a Blowout Canadian Jobs Report Meets a Shock U.S. Loss

  August 8, 2026 A short, holiday-shortened week still managed to deliver record after record. The TSX, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and Europe's major indices all closed the week at or near all-time highs — even as Friday's jobs numbers told two very different stories on either side of the border. Here's everything that moved your money this week, and what to watch next. The Bottom Line The TSX capped its biggest weekly advance in about four months, closing Friday at a record 36,381.23 after Canada added a blowout 75,100 jobs in July (versus 17,800 expected). Wall Street also hit fresh records — but for the opposite reason: US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs, which markets read as reducing the odds of any further Fed rate hikes. Add in a fourth straight record close for European stocks, a wild swing in oil, and gold pushing toward US$4,400/oz, and it was a week where almost every major asset class ended up higher. 🇨🇦 Canada: TSX's Best Week Since April Canadia...
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Ottawa’s “Better Homes” Program: A Dual Solution for Climate Change and Affordability

 

Ottawa, the vibrant capital city of Canada, is stepping up its game to address two pressing challenges simultaneously: climate change and the affordability crisis. The recently launched “Better Homes” program aims to empower homeowners to retrofit their dwellings, making them more environmentally friendly while easing financial burdens.

The Better Homes Program: What You Need to Know

  1. Interest-Free Loans: Ottawa homeowners can now apply for low-interest loans to fund home retrofits. These upgrades include replacing windows, adding insulation, installing heat pumps, or setting up electric vehicle chargers. The loan amount is tied to the home’s value, allowing borrowers to access up to 10% of their property’s value, capped at $125,000.

  2. Long-Term Repayment: The loans are repaid over a 20-year period through property tax bills. This innovative approach ensures that the financial burden aligns with the benefits gained from energy-efficient improvements.

  3. Green Transition: Residential buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on heating, cooling, and electrifying homes and office spaces, Ottawa aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The Better Homes program encourages homeowners to embrace greener alternatives.

  4. Expert Guidance: The City of Ottawa has partnered with the environmental non-profit EnviroCentre to offer free energy retrofit planners to interested homeowners. These experts guide residents through the retrofit process, ensuring effective implementation.

Why It Matters

  • Climate Action: Retrofitting homes directly impacts Ottawa’s emissions. By enhancing energy efficiency, we move closer to achieving the city’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

  • Affordability: The Better Homes program recognizes that affordability and sustainability go hand in hand. It empowers homeowners to make cost-effective changes that benefit both their wallets and the planet.

  • Community Engagement: Educating diverse demographics about available support is crucial. City staff play a pivotal role in bridging this gap and ensuring that every homeowner can participate.

As Ottawa pioneers this initiative, it sets an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges. The Better Homes program proves that tackling climate change need not come at the expense of affordability—it’s a win-win for all.


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