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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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Liberal Leadership Race Heats Up as High-Profile Candidates Emerge

 

As the race to elect a new Liberal leader quickly approaches, the field of hopefuls is narrowing. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is expected to launch his bid to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after signaling plans through his campaign team. Former B.C. premier Christy Clark is also debating whether to put her name forward, expressing her serious consideration despite disappointment with the short timeline for the race.

Several high-profile cabinet ministers have announced they will not run, including Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon and Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand, who each bowed out over the weekend. They join Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, who have decided to focus on their portfolios instead.

Hopefuls have until January 23 to declare their candidacy, with the new leader set to be announced on March 9. So far, former Montreal MP Frank Baylis and Nepean, Ont., MP Chandra Arya are the only ones to publicly state their intention to run.

The race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party as it seeks new leadership and direction for the future.

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