News
Consumer insolvencies reach second-highest annual level on record in 2025 as business filings fall
2+ hour, 13+ min ago (578+ words) Consumer insolvencies in Canada edged higher in 2025 to the second-highest annual total ever recorded, while business insolvencies declined from the year before but remained well above pre-pandemic levels, according to data cited by the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring…...
To lower grocery bills, food supply chains need to be improved: McGill professor
3+ day, 21+ hour ago (568+ words) With Canadians facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced food affordability measures to help ease the burden on consumers. Yu Ma, Professor at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management, said the expanded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit…...
VIDEO: Canadian consumers holding steady but under strain as debt and uncertainty persist: Economist Todd Hirsch
4+ day, 14+ hour ago (209+ words) Canadian consumers are treading water financially, according to economist Todd Hirsch, who says household spending has stalled amid uneven income growth, persistent debt pressures and lingering economic uncertainty. Hirsch cautioned, however, that averages obscure growing financial strain for many households....
From the Desk: Navigating Retail Expansion and Consumer Caution in Early 2026
2+ week, 3+ day ago (404+ words) This week also coincides with post-holiday season reflections and planning ahead for Valentine's Day, marking a pivotal moment for retailers to recalibrate marketing, inventory, and staffing strategies in response to evolving consumer patterns and economic signals. According to Statistics Canada,…...
Small businesses must be top priority as MPs return to Ottawa
3+ week, 2+ hour ago (208+ words) The November federal budget did not provide meaningful support to small businesses. We urge Parliament to make small business priorities their priorities this winter and to strengthen Canada's entrepreneurial landscape." The CFIB is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized…...
Economic Uncertainty and High Prices Keep Canadian Consumers Pulling Back, Bank of Canada Survey Finds
3+ week, 2+ hour ago (238+ words) Concerns over high prices and economic uncertainty related to the trade conflict continue to have a negative impact on consumers, according to the Bank of Canada's latest Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations. "The survey was conducted through an online panel…...
Consumer prices on the rise in December: Statistics Canada
3+ week, 17+ hour ago (211+ words) The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose2.4% on a year-over-year basis in December, following a2.2% increase in November, reported Statistics Canada on Monday. The year-over-year acceleration in the all-itemsCPIwas driven by thetemporary Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) breakthat began…...
Retail Sales Growth Masks a Shift to Experience Spending
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (551+ words) J.C. Williams Group is a leading Toronto-based retail consulting firm with over 45 years of experience helping retailers, developers, and municipalities succeed. The firm specializes in market research, retail strategy, and downtown revitalization, offering data-driven insights and practical solutions to navigate a…...
AI-Driven Pricing May Be the Next Shock to Canadian Grocery Shoppers
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (336+ words) Crucially, this is no longer just an online issue. With the rapid adoption of digital shelf labels, dynamic pricing can now be deployed inside physical grocery stores. Prices can change in real time and potentially vary by location, timing, or…...
Rising Grocery Prices Drive Debt Stress for Canadians
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (412+ words) The widening gap between headline inflation and essential expenses has become increasingly visible as Canadians move through the holiday season. For many households, higher grocery bills combined with year end obligations are leaving little room to absorb additional costs, setting…...