Tim Hortons has launched a national hiring campaign aimed at recruiting 10,000 new local team members across Canada this summer. The coffee and restaurant chain addressed its use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, stating that roughly 4,000 of its approximately 110,000 employees were hired through the program. The company said that represents about 3.6 per cent of all restaurant roles and noted the number has declined steadily since 2024. Tim Hortons said temporary fore

The inflation rate increased to 2.8% in April, up from an increase of 2.4% in March. Higher energy prices, most notably gasoline prices, drove the acceleration, according to Statistics Canada. The removal of the consumer carbon levy in April 2025, which resulted in monthly declines for gasoline and natural gas, has now fallen out of the 12-month movement, putting upward pressure on the all-items CPI. Excluding gasoline, inflation rose at a slower pace year over year in April

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed a letter of intent with Kruger Inc., owner of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd., to continue discussions on the company’s diversification plans and a potential long-term power purchase agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Under the proposed arrangement, the provincial government plans to extend the current interim power purchase agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper fo

Today, the long-awaited Independent Review Committee report respecting the Memorandum of Understanding for a New Long-Term Energy Purchase and Development Initiative Between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec was released. Premier Tony Wakeham and Minister Lloyd Parrott held a news conference to discuss the report. Government says the MOU in its current form is not in the best interest of the province. The committee also raised concerns about how the negotiation

With food prices increasing rapidly, every dollar counts. We went shopping at Walmart, Sobeys, and Dominion to buy typical staples in most homes. We bought milk, bread, eggs, chicken, French fries, onions, apples, pasta, and cheese. Here is what we found. Product Walmart Sobeys Dominion (Loblaws) Milk (Scotsburn 2% Partly Skimmed Milk) $4.58 $5.25 $4.76 Bread (Villaggio® Classico Italian Style White Thick Sliced Bread) $4.14 $4.59 $4.99 Eggs $5.24 $5.29 $6.25 Chicken (Pub Sty

The number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer fell in February, reversing gains seen the previous month, according to new data from Statistics Canada. Payroll employment decreased by 60,200 jobs, or 0.3 per cent, in February, following an increase of 44,300 positions in January. On a year-over-year basis, employment levels were virtually unchanged. The decline was led by losses in several key sectors, with transportation and warehousing seeing the lar

Reddy Kilowatt Credit Union in Mount Pearl. Photo Kyle Brookings Members of Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union and Reddy Kilowatt Credit Union have voted in favour of a proposed merger, clearing the way for the two financial institutions to combine operations. The vote took place between April 20 and April 27, with results announced during separate virtual special meetings held on Thursday evening. “This is a significant day for our members and the communities we serve,”

A new report from the Fraser Institute argues Newfoundland and Labrador’s latest provincial budget fails to address long-standing fiscal challenges and risks continuing a cycle of deficits and rising debt. In the analysis, authors say the province’s ongoing deficit problem stems from what they describe as a mismatch between government revenues and spending. The report points to reliance on volatile oil and gas revenues as a key issue. Governments often increase spending when

Canada’s real gross domestic product rose 0.2 per cent in February, marking a second consecutive month of growth driven largely by goods-producing industries. The increase was led by a 0.4 per cent gain in goods-producing sectors, with notable expansions in manufacturing as well as mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Services-producing industries saw more modest growth, edging up 0.1 per cent during the month. Gains in transportation and warehousing, along with who

Today, the Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. The Bank’s April outlook assumes tariffs remain unchanged and the global benchmark price of oil declines to US$75 per barrel by mid 2027. The Iran war has led to sharply higher energy prices and transportation disruptions, diminishing growth prospects in oil-importing countries and boosting inflation worldwide. Financial conditions have been vol

The Bank of Canada will make its decision on the interest rate on Wednesday. The rate was unchanged in March and was at 2.25 percent. The rate has been unchanged since October. The bank impacts interest rates on all kinds of other borrowing in the economy, including the prime rate of commercial banks and interest rates paid on deposits, guaranteed investment certificates and other savings.

The Government of Canada has approved a major natural gas infrastructure project in British Columbia aimed at increasing supply and supporting exports. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson said the Sunrise Expansion Program will move ahead, allowing for a $4-billion upgrade to Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system. The project is expected to add up to 300 million cubic feet per day of capacity to the province’s main natural gas transmission network. Officials s

The provincial government is stepping in to reduce a planned electricity rate increase set for July 1, using a one-time credit to bring down the expected hike. Premier Tony Wakeham has directed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to apply $45 million from the Rural Rate Alteration account to offset costs linked to Newfoundland Power. Electricity rates had been projected to rise by about seven per cent. With the credit applied, the increase for island residential customers is expe

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a temporary suspension of the fuel excise tax. The tax cut will come into effect on April 20 and last until September 7. The cut will amount to a 10-cent drop in gas prices and about a 4-cent drop in diesel prices. The cut also applies to aviation fuel costs.

The federal government has awarded a major defence contract to Colt Canada to replace the aging assault rifles used by the Canadian Armed Forces. Under the agreement, Colt Canada will supply up to 65,402 rifle systems through the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program. The project will replace the current C7 and C8 rifles, which have been in service for more than 35 years. The procurement will be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes the purchase of 30,000 gener

The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday, holding the target for the overnight rate at 2.25 per cent. The central bank said the Bank Rate remains at 2.5 per cent, while the deposit rate stands at 2.20 per cent. In its decision, the bank pointed to rising global uncertainty tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which it said has increased volatility in energy prices and financial markets. The bank warned the scope and duration of the c

The City of St. John’s says the region’s economy showed solid growth in 2025, driven largely by offshore oil production and gains in employment. The city released its 2025 Economic Review, an annual snapshot of key indicators for the St. John’s census metropolitan area, highlighting a five per cent increase in economic output over the year. Mayor Danny Breen said the results point to a strengthening local economy. “We are encouraged to see inflation easing and consumer spendi

The Bank of Canada will announce its decision on the target for the overnight rate on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The announcement is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Newfoundland Time. The current rate is at 2.25% and has been steady since October. The update is closely watched by businesses, investors, and consumers, as changes to the overnight rate influence borrowing costs, mortgages, and the broader economy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is wrapping up a busy week abroad. The prime minister visited several countries over the past week and met with world leaders. First off, Carney visited India, where he was greeted by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at Hyderabad House. Both leaders delivered a joint statement, and Canada secured a new partnership with India focused on energy, talent, and technology. Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Energy NL says a benefits agreement signed between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and project partners Equinor and BP for the Bay du Nord offshore oil development marks an important step toward advancing the project. The industry association said the agreement sets expectations for work to take place in Newfoundland and Labrador and outlines opportunities for companies in the province’s supply and service sector. Energy NL CEO Charlene Johnson said the project is