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AIR MILES Is Gone. Here's What Actually Earns You Travel Now

  If you've been holding onto a Air Miles card waiting to redeem for a flight, the program you signed up for doesn't exist anymore — and the cards that replaced it aren't the best game in town. If you searched "best AIR MILES credit card" and landed here, there's something you need to know first: there is no such thing anymore. AIR MILES, the loyalty program that's been part of Canadian wallets since 1992, officially became BMO Blue Rewards on June 2, 2026. BMO had already stopped issuing new AIR MILES cards back in January, and every collector's Miles converted automatically into Blue Points at a rate of roughly 1 Air Mile to 15.79 Blue Points — no action needed, no lost value. That's good news if you're a longtime collector sitting on a pile of Miles. It's less good news if you were hoping to earn free flights that way going forward, because Blue Rewards was built to compete with PC Optimum and Scene+ — grocery, gas, and everyday spendi...
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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 increase in unemployed individuals in several years — a sign of a labour market adjusting to shifting economic conditions.

Sector Trends

  • Gains: Healthcare, social assistance, and construction
  • Declines: Professional services, accommodation and food services, and utilities

Looking Ahead

With more people entering the job market and competition for roles increasing, analysts expect early 2026 to bring a tighter, more competitive labour environment. The December data suggests a labour market that is expanding but still finding its balance.

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