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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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NDP Won’t Support Liberal $250 Rebate Plan Unless Eligibility Expanded: Singh


NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced that his party will not support the Liberal government's $250 rebate plan unless it is expanded to include the most vulnerable Canadians. The current proposal, part of a broader affordability package, aims to provide $250 to more than 18.7 million Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023.

Singh emphasized that the rebate should also cover seniors, students, people on disability benefits, and those who were unable to work last year. He initially supported the idea, believing it would benefit anyone earning under $150,000, but the current plan only includes those who had an income.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's office responded, stating that it is "categorically false" to say seniors and people with disabilities are excluded, as many of them work and would qualify if they meet the income criteria.

The proposed measures are set to be included in the fall economic statement, with the GST holiday beginning in mid-December and lasting for two months.




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