🔥🌲 1. Wildfires Continue to Ravage Manitoba and Ontario
Fire crews in Manitoba and Ontario are battling multiple out-of-control wildfires, with the situation exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions. In Manitoba, a severe wildfire near Lac du Bonnet has resulted in two fatalities and the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents. The fire has destroyed 28 structures and continues to pose significant challenges to firefighting efforts.
🛢️🌏 2. China Becomes Top Buyer of Canadian Crude Amid U.S. Trade Tensions
Since the expansion of Canada’s Trans Mountain pipeline in May 2024, China has emerged as the leading buyer of Canadian crude oil, surpassing the United States. This shift is attributed to the ongoing U.S.-China trade war and U.S. sanctions on countries like Russia and Venezuela, prompting Canada to diversify its oil export markets.
💸📉 3. Oxford Economics Warns of Impending Canadian Recession
Oxford Economics now sees a Canadian recession as all but certain, citing a mix of global trade shocks, waning business investment, and a slowdown in immigration. The think tank highlights that these factors are contributing to economic headwinds that could lead to a downturn in the near future.
🛍️🇨🇦 4. MEC Returns to Canadian Ownership
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), the iconic outdoor retailer, has announced its return to Canadian ownership. The company, which has 24 stores and over 6 million members nationwide, was previously sold to a U.S. firm in 2020. The new ownership aims to refocus on MEC’s core values and community roots.
⚖️🏒 5. NHL Players’ Sexual Assault Trial Takes Dramatic Turn
The high-profile sexual assault trial involving five NHL players has taken another dramatic turn as the jury was dismissed for the second time. A juror’s note alleging unprofessional conduct by defense attorneys led to the dismissal, and the trial will now proceed before a judge alone. The accused players have pleaded not guilty, maintaining the encounter was consensual.
6. Ottawa’s Spring Real Estate Market Slows Down
The spring real estate market in Ottawa is experiencing a slower start, attributed to economic concerns and the ongoing trade war with the United States.
