Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem participates in a news conference on the bank's interest rate announcement and release of the Monetary Policy Report, in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
As Canada steps into a new business week, several developments are set to shape the national economic narrative. From politics to financial reports and key speeches, here are the top five highlights that demand attention.
Election Campaign: Trade Takes Centre Stage
The federal election campaign is entering its third week, and trade relations with the U.S. continue to dominate the conversation. With Donald Trump at the heart of the debate, party leaders are focusing on proving their strength in standing up to the former U.S. president. As the campaign progresses, trade policies are likely to stay at the forefront, influencing voters and business sentiment alike.
Bank of Canada Releases Key Surveys
On Monday, the Bank of Canada will publish two critical reports — its Business Outlook Survey and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations. These documents will offer insight into how businesses and consumers perceive the current economic landscape. With the next interest rate decision scheduled for April 16, these surveys could help forecast the central bank's next move. Last month, the Bank of Canada reduced its key interest rate to 2.75 per cent in response to shifting economic conditions.
Roots Corp. Prepares for Financial Disclosure
All eyes will be on Roots Corp. this Wednesday as the company releases its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings before markets open. The report will include figures from the all-important holiday shopping season. Investors and analysts are keen to see how the clothing retailer performed during this high-stakes retail window, as it could signal broader trends in consumer spending.
Energy Sector in Focus: Poirier to Speak
François Poirier, CEO of TC Energy, is scheduled to address the Canadian Club of Toronto on Thursday. His speech is expected to carry significant weight as he continues to advocate for stronger government support for the energy sector. Poirier, alongside other industry leaders, has been urging federal political leaders to prioritize energy development as a strategic pillar for Canada’s economic sovereignty.
Corus Entertainment Set to Reveal Q2 Results
To wrap up the week, Corus Entertainment Inc. will release its second-quarter earnings report on Friday, followed by a conference call with analysts. This marks the first full quarter since the addition of the Flavour Network and Home Network to Corus’s lifestyle offerings. Analysts will be watching closely to assess how these new channels are performing and what they mean for the company’s long-term growth strategy.
This week is shaping up to be pivotal across multiple sectors in Canada. From political maneuvering on trade to corporate earnings and energy strategy, the coming days will offer plenty of insights into the country’s economic direction.
