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Fed Poised for First 2025 Rate Cut as Weak Jobs Data Outweigh Inflation Concerns

  The Federal Reserve seal at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, where policymakers are set to decide on the first interest rate cut of 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points today, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December last year. The move would bring the federal funds target range down to 4.00%–4.25%, as policymakers respond to slowing job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent labor market data showed just 22,000 jobs added in August, with earlier months revised downward, while the unemployment rate has climbed to around 4.3%. Inflation, measured by the Fed’s preferred PCE index, has edged higher in recent months, partly due to tariffs pushing up consumer prices. Markets have largely priced in the cut, with investors watching the Fed’s updated “dot plot” for clues on whether more reductions will follow in October and December. The decision ...

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Ontario Investigates Alberta Recruiter for Supplying Low-Wage Foreign Workers to Canadian Tire

 

Ontario's Ministry of Labour is currently investigating an Alberta-based recruiter, Allison Jones, for allegedly supplying low-wage foreign workers to Canadian Tire stores across Canada. The investigation was initiated after several workers reported wage reductions and poor working conditions, potentially violating the rules of the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Jones, who owns a recruiting and immigration consulting agency in St. Albert, Alberta, is known for helping franchisees of Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons fill low-wage positions with labor from abroad. The allegations suggest that some workers were misled about their employment terms and had their wages arbitrarily cut.

The investigation highlights the broader issues surrounding the TFWP and the need for stronger regulatory oversight to protect temporary foreign workers from exploitation. As the probe continues, both Ontario and federal authorities are working to ensure that the rights of foreign workers are upheld.




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