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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — Tuesday, May 19, 2026

  From Canada's surprise rise to near the top of G7 growth charts, to softening rents, a cooling job market, and a looming trade renegotiation with the U.S. — here's what's moving your money today. 1 Economy & Growth Canada Is the 2nd-Fastest Growing G7 Economy — But Headwinds Loom The IMF now projects Canada to post the 2nd-fastest GDP growth in the G7 for 2026–2027, and the Spring 2026 Economic Update backs that up: the economy grew 1.7% in 2025 while avoiding a recession. Business investment is rebounding — up 2.6% in Q4 2025 — and Canada has attracted a record $97 billion in foreign direct investment. The engine? A relative tariff advantage under CUSMA, strong energy exports, and targeted federal spending. The caution: that momentum is fragile. Higher oil prices, a soft labour market, and a critical U.S. trade review mid-year could all shift the outlook quickly. 💡 What it means for you A growing economy generally supports job stability and wage gains — but don...

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Freight Train Standstill: Canadians Await Details on Railway Reopening

 

Businesses and industry leaders across Canada are holding their breath as they await updates on when freight trains will resume operations. The federal government has stepped in after a work stoppage brought all shipments to a halt for an entire day.

Months of tense negotiations between Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) reached a breaking point when the two sides failed to reach a deal by 12:01 a.m. eastern time on Thursday. In response, both companies locked out workers.

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon swiftly intervened, asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose binding arbitration on the parties. He also requested that the railways resume operations under the terms of the old collective agreement until new deals are in place.

CN promptly lifted its lockout in anticipation of a formal order from the board, while CPKC prepared to restart operations. However, the Teamsters union, representing rail workers, refused to discuss resuming service and instead challenged the constitutionality of MacKinnon’s direction.

The impact of this work stoppage extends beyond supply chains. Tens of thousands of commuters in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver rely on lines running on CPKC-owned tracks. The urgency to restore rail services is palpable, and all eyes are on the CIRB’s decision.


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