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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...
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The End of an Era: Hudson’s Bay Co. Faces Liquidation

Hudson’s Bay Company, a cornerstone of Canadian retail history, is on the brink of closure after 355 years of operation. The company, which began as a fur trading enterprise in 1670, evolved into a retail giant with department stores across Canada. However, financial struggles, including nearly $1 billion in debt, have forced the company to file for creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

Despite efforts to restructure and secure financing, Hudson’s Bay announced plans for a full liquidation of its business. This process, expected to conclude by June 2025, will result in the closure of all 88 Hudson’s Bay stores, along with its Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th locations in Canada. The liquidation marks a significant loss for the Canadian retail landscape, impacting over 9,000 employees and leaving major shopping malls with vacant anchor spaces.

The company cited subdued consumer spending, post-pandemic shifts in shopping habits, and trade tensions as contributing factors to its financial decline. While Hudson’s Bay’s legacy as Canada’s oldest company will endure, its closure signals the end of an era for traditional department stores in the country.

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