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Hudson’s Bay Liquidation Marks End of an Era, Thousands of Jobs at Stake

  Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s oldest retail company, is set to liquidate the majority of its stores, leaving thousands of employees facing layoffs. The company, which has been a cornerstone of Canadian retail for over 350 years, recently filed for creditor protection due to financial challenges, including reduced consumer spending and post-pandemic downtown traffic. Starting today, liquidation sales will begin at all but six Hudson’s Bay locations across the country. The six stores spared include flagship locations in Toronto and Montreal, among others. However, the company has warned that these stores could also face closure if a restructuring solution is not found quickly. The liquidation process is expected to impact over 9,000 employees directly, with additional effects on contractors and brand shop-in-shop staff. Many employees, some with decades of service, are grappling with the emotional and financial toll of the closures. The liquidation sales are set to run until June 15, with...

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Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.1% Amid Job Losses in March

 



Canada’s labor market faced headwinds in March as the country grappled with economic challenges. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate surged to 6.1 per cent, reflecting a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous month. Here are the key takeaways:

  1. Job Losses: The Canadian economy unexpectedly shed 2,200 jobs during March. These losses were primarily concentrated in the services sector, signaling a concerning trend.

  2. Labor Force Dynamics: The rise in unemployment was driven by an increase of 60,000 people actively searching for work or on temporary layoff. This surge in job seekers contributed to the largest monthly jump in unemployment since August 2022.

  3. Population Pressure: Despite the job losses, Canada’s population continues to grow. The sudden widening of cracks in the labor market contrasts with the country’s surging population, creating a complex economic landscape.

  4. Bank of Canada Implications: Economists had initially pushed back expectations for a rate cut by the Bank of Canada due to strong GDP data. However, the latest labor force data may prompt a reevaluation. Analysts now anticipate a potential rate cut closer to our expectation for a first move in June.

In summary, Canada faces a delicate balancing act between economic growth and employment stability. As policymakers navigate these challenges, attention will be on how the labor market evolves in the coming months.

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