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Canada’s Job Market Gains Momentum as Unemployment Drops to 6.5%

  I n October, Canada gained 66,600 jobs and the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points to 6.9 per cent.  Canada’s labour market showed renewed strength in November , with the unemployment rate falling to 6.5% as the economy added 53,000 jobs . This marks a positive shift after months of slower employment growth, suggesting resilience despite global economic uncertainties. Key Highlights: Unemployment Rate: Down to 6.5%, the lowest in several months. Job Creation: 53,000 new positions added, driven largely by full-time employment. Sector Growth: Gains were seen in professional services, healthcare, and construction, reflecting strong demand across diverse industries. Regional Trends: Ontario and British Columbia led the way in job creation, while some provinces experienced more modest growth. Economic Context: Analysts note that the increase in employment could ease concerns about consumer spending and economic slowdown. However, wage pressures and infla...

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Liberals' GST Break Expected to Pass Today

 

Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today in the House of Commons. The bill, introduced by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, aims to provide temporary relief to Canadians by eliminating the GST on a variety of holiday essentials from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. 

The GST holiday will cover items such as children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy, and snacks. The government estimates that a family spending $2,000 on these items could save between $100 and $260, depending on the province.

The NDP has agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a proposed $250 rebate for working Canadians, which the NDP wants expanded to include non-working seniors and people with disabilities. The bill is expected to pass with the help of the NDP, despite opposition from the Conservatives, who have criticized the GST break as a "cheap gimmick".



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