The Liberal government of Canada is preparing to introduce significant legislation aimed at dismantling internal trade barriers and enhancing labor mobility across the country. A bill has already been placed on the House of Commons notice paper, with the potential for it to be tabled as early as today. Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to eliminating these barriers by Canada Day, but with limited time remaining in the parliamentary calendar, it seems unlikely that the legislation will achieve Royal Assent before the House adjourns for the summer.
Several provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have also proposed similar legislation to facilitate the interprovincial trade of goods. This initiative comes in the midst of ongoing economic turbulence caused by tariffs during a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney has been involved in behind-the-scenes discussions with Trump regarding trade, highlighting the urgency of streamlining internal trade as a response to external pressures.
In addition to this legislative development, thousands of residents from Manitoba have sought refuge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following severe wildfires in their home province. Many evacuees express gratitude for the hospitality they have received but are concerned about the status of their homes upon their return. One evacuee, Kelly Ouskun, described his harrowing journey through smoke and flames, ultimately making his way to Niagara Falls with his family. Over 18,000 individuals have been displaced due to the wildfires, including residents of Flin Flon and members of at least four First Nations, such as those from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
As Canada prepares for the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17, security officials have included contingency plans for potential evacuees, particularly if wildfires escalate. Kananaskis, located an hour west of Calgary and adjacent to Banff National Park, is considered secure for the summit; however, officials remain vigilant as wildfires continue to emerge in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northern Alberta.
On another front, Statistics Canada is expected to release employment figures for May today. A survey of economists conducted by LSEG Data & Analytics anticipates a loss of around 12,500 jobs, with the unemployment rate potentially rising by one-tenth of a percentage point to 7 percent. Following April’s increase to an unemployment rate of 6.9 percent amid a slight job gain, the latest data holds significance for the Bank of Canada, especially as the central bank has maintained its benchmark interest rate for the second consecutive time.
Lastly, reactions from hockey fans have emerged concerning Wayne Gretzky's ties to the Trump administration. Initially facing backlash for his public support of Trump, Gretzky is now receiving praise as the Edmonton Oilers reach the Stanley Cup final. An incident in March saw his statue vandalized, leading to increased security measures around the monument. Longtime fans like Darren Rogers advocate for Gretzky's legacy, highlighting his pivotal role in leading the Oilers to multiple Stanley Cup victories.
