In the news today: StatCan to release January jobs report

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

Statistics Canada set to release January jobs report today

Statistics Canada is set to release its January jobs report this morning. Economists polled by Reuters expect Canadian employers added 25,000 jobs in the month and are predicting the unemployment rate moved higher to 6.8 per cent. This comes after Canada added 91,000 jobs in December, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 6.7 per cent. RBC Economics says business sentiment remains subdued as consumer demand has slowed.

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Canada-U.S. summit gets underway in Toronto

The federal government is hosting a summit in Toronto today aimed at bolstering the economy in the face of Canada’s rapidly changing relationship with its largest trading partner. U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to impose sweeping tariffs this week has been put on pause until March 4. That looming threat and the volatility of his administration have many business and labour leaders urging Canada to look for alternative trading partners and ways to strengthen internal trade.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

Liberal leadership fee deadline lands today

Federal Liberal leadership candidates will have to cross another hurdle today to remain in the race — a payment of $125,000 to the party. The party requires candidates to pay a total entrance fee of $350,000 in instalments. The candidates still in the race have made two initial payments of $50,000 each — one payment to launch their campaigns and the second to obtain access to the party’s membership list. Those candidates who meet today’s deadline will still have to make a final payment of $125,000 by Feb. 17 at the latest.

Trump and drones: Officials prep for Alberta G7

A security expert who was involved with the G8 meeting held in Kananaskis 23 years ago expects protective measures will be even more stringent when world leaders gather for the G7 west of Calgary in June. For the first time since 2002, the area will host the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada, as well as the European Union, from June 15 to 17. Summit venues in Kananaskis will be locked down from June 10 to 18 with entry restricted to authorized personnel, residents and businesses, while some trails, day-use areas and local businesses will be closed.

Ontario votes: Most campaigns head north

Most of Ontario’s main party leaders will be courting voters in northern parts of the province today, as Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford returns to Toronto. NDP Leader Marit Stiles is set to make an announcement this morning in Sault Ste. Marie, before attending a local winter festival. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie will be campaigning in Thunder Bay, while Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner is heading to Parry Sound. Ford, meanwhile, is set to make an announcement in Toronto’s east end, followed by visits to workers’ unions in other parts of the city.

Why experts want to smooth interprovincial trade

The continuing threat of a trade war has Canadian politicians and business leaders looking for ways to shore up our economy in the face of potential disruptions. Interprovincial trade barriers — the complications of moving goods and services around the country between provinces and territories with different rules — are one target. Removing these barriers could boost Canada’s economy by as much as $200 billion a year, argued the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in a 2024 report.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2025.

The Canadian Press