Skip to main content

Featured

Air Transat Faces Flight Suspensions Amid Pilot Strike Notice

  Air Transat has announced it will gradually suspend flights starting Monday following a 72-hour strike notice issued by its pilots’ union. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing roughly 700 pilots, delivered the notice after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline’s parent company, Transat A.T. Inc. Background The union filed the strike notice on Sunday, giving pilots the legal right to walk off the job as early as Wednesday. Last week, pilots voted 99% in favor of strike action , underscoring their frustration over stalled contract talks. ALPA leaders emphasized that pilots do not want to strike but feel compelled to act after management failed to meet demands for a modernized agreement. Airline Response Air Transat confirmed it will begin suspending flights gradually between December 8 and 9 to prepare for a possible full shutdown. The company stated it is working “around the clock” to reach a deal and minimize disruption for trave...

article

Canada's Inflation Rate Rises as GST Holiday Ends


Canada's annual inflation rate surged to 2.6% in February, up from 1.9% in January, according to Statistics Canada. This increase follows the conclusion of the federal government's two-month GST/HST holiday, which had temporarily reduced prices on various household staples, gifts, and restaurant bills. The tax break ended mid-February, contributing to a notable rise in consumer prices.

Economists had anticipated a more modest inflation increase to 2.2%, but the actual figures exceeded expectations. Without the tax holiday in place for half the month, inflation would have reached 3%, highlighting the significant impact of the temporary measure.

While gas prices saw a slight monthly increase, their annual comparison showed a deceleration, helping to moderate the overall inflation rate. However, provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick experienced the fastest price accelerations, reflecting regional variations in consumer costs.

This development comes as the Bank of Canada continues to monitor inflation trends closely, especially in the context of ongoing economic challenges. The end of the GST/HST holiday underscores the complexities of balancing temporary relief measures with long-term economic stability.

Comments