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Trade War Turbulence: Canada’s Q2 GDP Suffers Steepest Drop Since Pandemic

                                                   `   A railway grain terminal in Alberta.   Canada’s economy contracted sharply in the second quarter of 2025, posting a 1.6% annualized decline — the steepest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic — as U.S. tariffs battered exports and dampened business investment. Statistics Canada reported that international shipments of passenger cars and light trucks plunged nearly 25%, while industrial machinery exports fell over 18%. The downturn followed a temporary boost in Q1, when businesses rushed orders ahead of anticipated tariffs. Imports also fell, partly due to Canada’s retaliatory measures, but this was not enough to offset the export slump. Despite the trade hit, household spending rose 4.5%, and housing activity remained resilient, offering some cushion to the economy. Still, the...
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NDP and Bloc Québécois Push for Extended $250 Payouts to Retirees


The New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Québécois are urging the Liberal government to extend the recently announced $250 payouts to include retirees. The payouts, part of a broader affordability package, are currently set to be distributed to working Canadians who earned $150,000 or less in 2023.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed concern that the current plan excludes some of the most vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and people living with disabilities. Singh emphasized the need for the government to address this oversight and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their employment status, receive the support they need.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet echoed these sentiments, stating that his party would not support the proposal unless it is expanded to include seniors and retired Canadians. Blanchet highlighted the importance of providing financial relief to those on fixed incomes, who are often disproportionately affected by rising living costs.

The Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has yet to respond to these calls for an expanded benefit. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed that the government is in discussions with other parties about the measures.

The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the financial well-being of many Canadians.



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