Skip to main content

Featured

Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...

article

Amazon to Close All Quebec Warehouses, Lay Off 1,700 Workers

 

Amazon Canada has announced the closure of all seven of its warehouses in Quebec, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,700 permanent employees and 250 temporary workers. The decision, which will take effect over the next two months, is part of a strategic move to revert to a third-party delivery model.

The affected facilities include fulfillment centers in Lachine, sorting centers in Coteau-du-Lac and Longueuil, delivery stations in Laval and Lachine, and an AMXL delivery station in Longueuil. Amazon claims that this decision was made to provide more efficient and cost-effective service to customers.

However, the move comes amidst ongoing labor disputes, particularly following the unionization of workers at the Laval warehouse last year. The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) has condemned the closures, suggesting they are part of an anti-union campaign.

Amazon has assured that it will offer a package including up to 14 weeks' pay and transitional benefits to the impacted employees. Despite this, the CSN plans to challenge the closures, arguing that they violate labor laws.

This decision marks a significant shift in Amazon's operations in Quebec and raises questions about the future of labor relations in the region.




Comments