Taking Stock with Amanda Lang

The race to build new homes is always hobbled by how they are built - labour intensive, and one at a time. Now, Mattamy Homes is working with Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing to make prefab components for up to 3,000 housing units a year. Amanda Lang finds out more from Peter Hass, General Manager of Stelumar.

The Bank of Canada made a call on interest rates this week - but the market is making its own call on rates that will affect the debt most of us pay. Amanda Lang speaks with Penelope Graham, Director of Content at Ratehub.

The OECD's latest review of the Canadian economy includes some familiar themes - like tackling weak productivity and fixing housing affordability. But have those concerns been Trumped by changing policies from the United States? Amanda Lang speaks with Alvaro Pereira, Chief Economist and G20 Finance Deputy of the OECD.

This week's meeting of G7 finance ministers and central bankers was overshadowed by concerns about global trade ... But what should g7 countries be working on? Amanda Lang speaks with Matthew Holmes, Chief of Public Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Amanda Lang looks at Canada’s latest employment numbers – and the pressures the manufacturing sector is facing. She then takes a deeper dive on the employment picture with Brendon Bernard, Senior Economist at Indeed.com. Amanda then circles back to the outlook for manufacturing in this country with Dennis Darby, President and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

The rise of red tape is a huge concern for Canadian business. It feels like an easy fix for a government hoping to help the economy. Amanda Lang speaks with Krystle Wittevrongel, Director of Research at HTE Montreal Economic Institute.

The newly minted federal government ran on plans to help the housing market - but if they follow through on those plans, will it be enough to right a market that is structurally imbalanced? Amanda Lang speaks with Robert Hogue, Assistant Chief Economist at RBC.

Campaigns are often heavy on promises and light on specifics ... but one thing both major parties have in common is a willingness to keep deficit spending ... and some creative math on where the money comes from. Amanda Lang speaks with a person who specializes in holding the federal government to account when it comes to budgeting and accounting: Kevin Page, President and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy.

How are Canadian businesses being affected by U.S. tariffs – and what are they doing to deal with the uncertainty? Amanda Lang speaks with Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

How can economists make meaningful projections with all the uncertainty (and sudden reversals) in policies on the global stage? For his assessment, Amanda Lang speaks with Jean-Francois Perrault, Chief Economist at Scotiabank.

The Canadian economy is under attack - and let's face it, we had problems before Donald Trump came along ...What's the best plan for protecting it in the months ahead? For his assessment, Amanda Lang speaks with Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work

It's a tough time to make economic predictions, with tariffs on one side, and new promises from an election campaign on the other. For his assessment, Amanda Lang speaks with Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief economist at CIBC.

After filling you in on all the news you need to know this week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang speaks with Aled Ab Iowerth, Deputy Chief economist at Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, on the rising threat of stagflation – that is, prices rising while economic growth stagnates.

Amanda Lang fills you in on the news you need to know this week in The Briefs and checks in with B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Diana Gibson, for more on how her province is working with businesses to unlock economic development and internal trade.

After filling you in on all the news you need to know this week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang checks in with Flavio Volpe, head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association for an update on how Canada’s automotive sector is feeling headed into tariffs next week.

After a look at the state of Canada’s trading output by the numbers, Amanda Lang checks in with Roger Martin, author and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management for his thoughts on what Canada needs to do to rebalance its trade policy for the new normal we are now in.

After catching you up on all the news that was in the business world in The Briefs this week, Amanda Lang checks in with Satish Rai, the former chief investment officer with Ontario pension plan OMERS to discuss his new book on financial literacy, focusing on what ordinary people can do to get their financial lives in order.

After catching you up on the week that was in The Briefs, Amanda Lang checks in with Jean-Francois Perrault, chief economist with Scotiabank, for his thoughts on the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut rates this week and the outlook for Canada’s economy headed into a potential trade war.

After catching you up on the week that was in business in The Briefs, Amanda Lang checks in with Mike Moffatt, Executive-In-Resident at the Smart Prosperity Institute, to hear about Missing Middle, a new organization aimed at examining the status of Canada’s middle class, what that term even means, and what policies might potentially be able to help them.

After catching you up with the news of the week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang checks in with Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification to hear about what’s at stake in the trade fight with the U.S., and why policy makers are considering every weapon at their disposal to fight back if necessary.

After catching you up on the news of the week in business in The Briefs, Amanda Lang speaks with Duke Change, CEO of Canada Helps, to hear about the unexpected impact the recent Canada Post work stoppage had on charities who rely on mailed cheques from donors every holiday season. The loonie has sold off heavily in recent months, touching as low as 66 cents US at one point in December. Amanda Lang speaks with Charles St-Arnaud, chief economist at Alberta Central, and Trevor Tombe, an economist at the University of Calgary for their thoughts on what the loonie’s weakness means in the scheme of things, and how Canadian consumers and businesses should plan to deal with the currency. Amanda Lang speaks with Dillon Baxter, the CEO of PlantSwitch, about his company’s promising new technology for environmentally friendly and biodegradable cutlery and packaging. And in her Takeaway, Amanda says the apparent demise of the Net Zero Banking Alliance feels all too predictable given the current political climate, and serves as a reminder of the dangers of asking corporations to get out in front of always shifting political winds.

After catching us up on the news of the week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang speaks with Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council for a look of the state of the economic relationship between Canada and the U.S. headed into a second Trump presidency.

After looking back at the year that was for Canada’s economy, Amanda Lang checks in with Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist with CIBC for his thoughts on what the advent of a second Trump administration might mean for businesses and consumers next year Amanda Lang checks in with Goldy Hyder, President & CEO of the Business Council of Canada for a read on what the business community thinks about the outlook for 2025. Donald Trump’s policies loom large and will likely bring some uncertainty, but opportunities abound for businesses. Next, Amanda Lang speaks with Lana Payne, President of Unifor, for her take on what the year ahead looks like for workers and organized labour after a tumultuous 2024. Amanda Lang speaks with Penelope Graham, Director of Content at Ratehub.ca for her thoughts on where the Bank of Canada is in its rate cycle, and what it means for consumers. And in her Takeaway, Amanda Lang says while it’s hard to argue with the performance of bitcoin this year, but from an investment perspective it’s as risky and volatile as ever, so buyer beware.

After catching us up on the news of the week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang checks in with David Dienesch, CEO of Allianz Trade in Canada for an update on food inflation and what the outlook is for both your grocery bill and major food exports for 2025

After catching you up on the news of the week in The Briefs, Amanda checks in with Dan Kelly, head of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, for a pulse check on how small businesses are feeling about having to bear the cost of implementing Ottawa's holiday on GST this holiday season. Canada's Competition Bureau has been using new weapons in its fight to level the playing field for consumers, so Amanda Lang speaks with Vass Bednar, Executive Director of the Master of Public Policy Program at McMaster University and James Musgrove, a competition lawyer with McMillan for their take on the state of Canada's competitive landscape

After catching you up on the news of the week in the Briefs segment, Amanda Lang checks in with David Paterson, Ontario's representative in Washington, D.C. for a lookahead to trade discusses between the two countries and Mexico The number of Canadian consumers and businesses filing insolvencies is rising, so Amanda Lang spoke with Andre Bolduc, the chair of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals for an update. And with parts of Canada's housing market showing weakness, we check in with Mathieu Laberge, senior vice-president of housing economics, CMHC for his outlook.

After catching us up on the news of the week in The Briefs, Amanda Lang speaks with Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council for a look of the state of the economic relationship between Canada and the U.S. headed into a second Trump presidency. After a by the numbers look at just how interdependent the economies of Canada and the U.S. are, Amanda Lang checks in with Ian Bremmer, founder of The Eurasia Group, about what Trump's win suggests about the path for America in the next few years, and what should be top of mind for Canada. There are challenges ahead for Canadian business, but Goldy Hyder, the CEO of the Business Council of Canada says there are plenty of opportunities too, if we can stop putting the puck in our own net. And in her Takeaway, Amanda Lang says anxiety over an uncertain future is natural, but a new era south of the border is a good time to reflect on all the things Canada has going for it.

A price on carbon is widely accepted by economists as an efficient way to measure the harm done by carbon and to encourage behavioural change, but is it the best route given that it comes with a real cost to consumers and the economy? Amanda Lang checks in with Chris Ragan, the founding director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University for his thoughts.   Rick Smith, president of the Canadian Climate Institute and Ken Green, Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute, lay out the arguments in favour and against Canada's carbon tax system.   Nik Nanos, chief data scientist of Nanos Research, tells Amanda Lang what Canadians tell pollsters they think about the political issue that is the carbon tax. And in her Takeaway, Amanda Lang says the ongoing debate should not distract us from the need to tackle a complicated issue head on.

After catching you up on the news of the week, Amanda Lang speaks with Aled ab Iorweth, deputy chief economist with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, to check in  on the pace of Canadian home construction and whether it will meet our future housing needs. After years out of favour, nuclear power is ramping up again around the world, including Canada. Amanda Lang speaks with John Gorman, the head of the Canadian Nuclear Association, and Jeff Binns with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization for an update on what is driving the demand, and what the plans are to handle the relatively small amount of waste it will produce.  

After catching you up on the business news you need to know this week, Amanda Lang speaks with Steven MacKinnon, Canada's Minister of Labour & Seniors, for a discussion on what role government can play in optimizing the future of work in Canada. For the first time ever, four generations are in the work force together, which is impacting everything from work from home policies to the nature of productivity. Amanda speaks with Steven Davis, Director of Research at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University and Evangeline Berube with HR consulting firm Robert Half about what it all means.  

Amanda Lang gets you caught up on the news of the week, and we check in with Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Vic Fedeli, for his thoughts on the outlook for the province's automotive sector. Amanda Lang speaks with TD Bank economist James Marple and Kevin Lee of the Canadian Home Builders Association for their outlook on the construction sector and its role in Canada's productivity gap.

From Canadian inflation to the latest decision on interest rates, Amanda Lang breaks down the news of the week in The Briefs. And we hear from with Penelope Graham, a mortgage expert with Ratehub.ca to see if new 30-year mortgage rules designed to help first time buyers get into the market will actually make affordability worse.

Electricity is the new oil, and North America's grid is in danger of one day running dry, which is why Ontario has launched the largest procurement plan in its history.

Amanda Lang chats with Marc Desormeaux, principal economist with Desjardins about the impact of the central bank's rate cut on affordability.  

With work stoppages at CN and CP Rail and possibly soon Air Canada. Will new tariffs invite retaliation from China

A look a the middle class: By the Numbers. Building a Middle Class. Middle Class and Taxes.

How technology is changing the job market in agriculture. An innovative program aiming to help employ Americans with developmental disabilities. The rising costs of cyberattacks.

A special look at tourism in Canada: By the numbers. Are airfares finally coming in for a landing?  What makes travelers pick the destinations they choose?

America in turmoil. Defence spending is good for the economy. If 40% of immigrants want to leave big cities for cheaper housing, that is actually a good thing, especially for the smaller cities they locate to.

The lag on inflation and debt relief for Canadians, despite rates moving lower. Why actively managed funds pulled out of some of the top tech stocks in favour of others in the artificial intelligence space. Double-digit rise in youth unemployment, making life even less affordable.

A look at the state of Canadian trade. The mood among Canadian exporters is upbeat compared to pandemic lows, but still well below previous highs. Despite the rise of protectionism, there's optimism about the future for Canadian trade.  

Taking Stock with Amanda Lang looks at the personal finances of Canadians: What you need to know. Debt management is critical. Investing for your future is key.

The Briefs: capital gains tax; household net worth hits record; U.S. holds interest rates steady; National Bank to buy Canadian Western Bank; U.S. complains about digital services tax. The Care Economy in Canada: What you Need to Know Business does not like the change to capital  gains taxes

The Briefs - Bank of Canada lowers rates; Canada jobs fall flat; Canadian AI firm gets big investment; TD struggles with money laundering problems; NDP wants a cap on some grocery prices; CRTC to impose 5% levy on digital streamers Auto theft continues to hit new records Rates and housing, rates and debt payments Our chilly relationship with China

Soft economic numbers on Friday are likely the last data point before the Bank of Canada makes its next decision on interest rates next week. New numbers suggest Canadians are far more skeptical of AI than other countries are. Canadian businesses also aren't buying in to AI as much as the rest of the world, and it could cost them over the long run.

We're taking a look at trade in Canada. With more than 1 in 6 Canadian jobs tied to exports, it's a critical issue. But barriers within Canada and with other countries are holding us back. Businesses are feeling slightly more confident about the outlook, but risks remain. The trading relationship between Canada and the U.S. remains strong, but that doesn't mean there aren't areas for improvement. Barriers to trade within provinces are costing consumers and the economy billions.

The Briefs: U.S inflation cools; Biden imposes tariffs on China; New EV supply plant; More retailers liquidate; Wildfires take hold. Wildfires in Canada: By The Numbers Financing big oil

The Briefs - The roundup of the week's top business stories; Canada jobs numbers; Nestle workers strike; TD faces money laundering probe; Lululemon accused of greenwashing. What do high insolvency rates tell us about the path ahead for the Canadian economy? Real estate transaction costs - By The Numbers

The Briefs - Roundup of the top stories: Canada GDP is weak; U.S. Central bank signals rates may stay high longer; More home buyers are waiting for lower rates; London Drugs hit with cyberattack; Loblaw hit with boycott; pot gets re-classified in U.S. New warnings on every cigarette should deter smokers. Ontario's new rule banning cellphones from classrooms says more about the adults than the kids.

The Briefs: Honda to build a new EV plant in Ontario; Competition questions about a big merger in agriculture; UN plastic agreement; wildfire season comes early; basic income lawsuit moves ahead. Amanda Lang speaks to Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation about taxpayer dollars spent to bring industry like Honda to Canada. Amanda Lang speaks to Daniel Garcia-Maccia, economist with the International Monetary Fund about the best way governments can promote productivity. Amanda Lang speaks to Dennis Darby, president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters about whether the budget is good for business. Amanda Lang speaks to Gary Sands, VP of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, about efforts to attract foreign players to the Canadian market.

The Briefs: Federal Budget overview; Inflation in Canada; Homeowners bullish on prices; IMF raises global growth forecast; Arrests made in gold heist; Pipeline leak causes Alberta fire. Measures to spur growth in the budget - By The Numbers Amanda Lang speaks with Perrin Beatty, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce about the federal budget. Amanda Lang speaks with Dino Infanti, partner at KPMG, about new tax measures in the federal budget. Will a national dental plan work if dentists don't sign up?