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5 Things to Know Today: 68,300 Jobs Lost, Loonie at 18-Month Low, BoC Hike Odds Fade

  CANADIAN MONEY BRIEF | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 Canada's job losses pile up, the loonie slides to an 18-month low and the Bank of Canada's rate-hike case weakens. Here's what matters for your wallet this long weekend. 1 Canada lost 68,300 jobs in September Statistics Canada reported 68,300 fewer jobs in September, far worse than the roughly 9,200 gain economists polled by Reuters expected. The unemployment rate rose to 6.5% from 6.4%. It follows a 41,700 drop in August, which means Canada has now lost a net 41,200 jobs in 2026 (versus a gain of 211,300 at this point last year). Education plus health care and social assistance lost 58,400 jobs, manufacturing fell by 12,700 and youth employment (ages 15 to 24) dropped by 48,000. The participation rate slid to 64.8%, its lowest in 29 years outside the pandemic. What it means for you: Average hourly wages for permanent employees rose 2.3% year over year, which is slower than August inflation of 3.0%. If your pay isn'...

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Canada Braces for Lasting Economic Impact Amid U.S. Trade Tensions

 

The Bank of Canada’s Governing Council has issued a stark warning: a protracted trade conflict with the United States could permanently depress the nation’s GDP level. In recent meeting minutes, officials noted that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy—exacerbated by the threat of significant tariffs—could lead to a lasting reduction in economic output.

With nearly 75% of Canadian exports destined for the U.S., even temporary disruptions could force businesses to recalibrate their investment plans and supply chains, resulting in a permanent shift in the country’s economic potential. The central bank’s decision to trim its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 3% underscores the urgency of addressing these risks amid rising inflation pressures and subdued business confidence.

While the exact outcomes remain uncertain, the consensus among policymakers is clear: unless the trade tensions are resolved, Canada may face a long-term decline in GDP growth, along with accompanying inflationary pressures that could complicate future economic recovery efforts. The Bank of Canada plans to monitor the situation closely, ready to adjust its policy stance as needed to mitigate these challenges.


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