The construction industry has been resilient through the pandemic even as it confronts shortages of workers and raw materials, and rising inflation. But these challenges will pale in comparison to the ones that contractors will face as nations race to meet aggressive goals in reducing carbon emissions. … READ MORE >
As world moves to renewable energy, storage looms as a major hurdle
It’s little mystery that wind and solar power will be a significant part of the answer. Yet even as their costs of production have plummeted, storage capacity will stand in the way of their widespread adoption. … READ MORE >
Carbon pricing—in the spotlight at COP26—could mean big shifts for global trade
Though long touted by economists as the solution to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change, carbon pricing has for years been mostly abstract. Discussions at COP26, however, indicate the textbook solution might soon become a reality for more than a few select countries and industries. … READ MORE >
Canada employment steady as more sectors return to pre-pandemic levels
Canada’s economy continued its gradual recovery as the unemployment rate fell to 6.7% in October, the fifth month of decline in a row, according to data released Friday by Statistics Canada. … READ MORE >
Canada’s trade surplus widened amid microchip shortage
Canada’s merchandise trade balance had the fourth consecutive month of surplus in October as global supply chain bottlenecks debilitated the automotive industry. … READ MORE >
RSM Canada Financial Conditions Index: An inflation tantrum?
Financial markets around the world are reacting to the rising risk of inflation and the prospect of policy responses by central banks, all of which have led to a modest easing in our RSM Canada Financial Conditions Index. … READ MORE >
Multi-family dwellings drive Canada building permit value up 8.2%
The value of building permits in Canada grew to CA$10.14 billion in September, an 8.2% increase compared to August, driven by the increasing value of multi-family residential permits, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
Manufacturing in Canada at seven-month high
Canada’s manufacturing output hit a seven-month high in October as domestic and international demand remained strong despite persistent bottlenecks in the global supply chains. … READ MORE >
Canada GDP rose 0.4% in August as the economy reopened
The rise in spending on in-person services led the economic recovery, as August marked the first full month of most COVID-19 restrictions being lifted across the country. … READ MORE >
A bumpy path toward a net-zero future
As world energy leaders prepare to kick off a major United Nations conference on climate change on Sunday, nations are turning back to coal as natural gas falls into short supply. But the shortage will prove to be temporary. … READ MORE >