Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment