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5 Things to Know Today: Inflation Data, a Tariff Countdown, and a Big Energy Deal

  August 17, 2026 Inflation data lands this morning, the clock on the U.S. tariff deadline is down to two days, and a long-running provincial energy dispute is about to be settled. Here's what's moving your money today. 1. Today's Inflation Report Could Set the Tone for September Statistics Canada releases July's Consumer Price Index this morning. Economists are expecting the annual rate to tick up to roughly 2.9%, from 2.8% in June, mainly because gasoline prices swung higher again in July after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices back up. Core inflation measures, which the Bank of Canada watches most closely, aren't expected to move much. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print would make it less likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates at its September 2 meeting, which matters if you're renewing a variable-rate mortgage or carrying a line of credit. A softer number keeps a cut on the table. 2. The Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away, and Talks Are...

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Canada’s Railways and Union in Critical Talks as Midnight Deadline Looms

 

Canada’s two major freight railroads, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), are currently embroiled in intense labor negotiations. The stakes are high: if an agreement isn’t reached by midnight, thousands of workers could face a lockout. This would halt the movement of approximately $1 billion worth of goods that traverse these companies’ tracks daily.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged both sides to continue their efforts at the negotiation table. He emphasized that millions of Canadians, workers, farmers, and businesses across the country are counting on a resolution. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters have also called on the federal government to take immediate action to keep trains running and goods flowing.

The situation remains tense, and the outcome will have significant implications for the Canadian economy. Let’s hope that a last-minute agreement can be reached to avert a major rail stoppage. 

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