Wednesday, May 13, 2026
ADVT 
National

Weakening job market was on BoC's mind as it cut interest rates, summary suggests

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Aug, 2024 10:45 AM
  • Weakening job market was on BoC's mind as it cut interest rates, summary suggests

The Bank of Canada wants the economy to pick up speed again and some members of its governing council are concerned that weak job market conditions could hinder that process.

That's according to the central bank's newly released summary of deliberations detailing discussions ahead of the July 24 rate decision. 

The summary reiterates that the bank's decision to lower its policy rate last month was partly driven by the desire to boost economic growth.

As consumer price growth continues to ease, the central bank is placing more emphasis on the risks associated with undershooting its two per cent inflation target.

The governing council discussed the various indicators that suggest there is slack in the labour market and some members noted that further weakening could delay a rebound in consumption spending, which would in turn weigh on economic growth and inflation.

As high interest rates chill the economy, Canada's unemployment rate has steadily risen over the last year, reaching 6.4 per cent in June.

MORE National ARTICLES

Gunfire, armed soldiers in Vancouver this weekend, but all just a test, says military

Gunfire, armed soldiers in Vancouver this weekend, but all just a test, says military
It might look frightening, but Vancouver residents are being advised not to be concerned if they hear what sounds like gunfire or see armed military members around a now-closed brewery on the city's west side. Capt. Graeme Kaine with 39 Canadian Brigade Group, which administers reserve forces in British Columbia, says members from the Vancouver-based Seaforth Highlanders regiment will be taking part in urban operations training this weekend.  

Gunfire, armed soldiers in Vancouver this weekend, but all just a test, says military

Israel-Hamas, Ukraine wars to feature prominently in EU-Canada Summit beginning today

Israel-Hamas, Ukraine wars to feature prominently in EU-Canada Summit beginning today
The top two heads of the European Union are set to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau beginning on Thursday in Newfoundland and Labrador's capital city of St. John's. Their meeting comes as wars rage in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, and EU officials say both are likely to feature prominently in the two days of meetings between Trudeau, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Israel-Hamas, Ukraine wars to feature prominently in EU-Canada Summit beginning today

Efforts underway to stabilize slope threatening two dozen Penticton homes.

Efforts underway to stabilize slope threatening two dozen Penticton homes.
Residents of a mobile home park in Penticton must wait another day to learn when they might be allowed to return to their homes. Twenty-five units in the Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park were ordered evacuated Tuesday and a state of local emergency was declared when city officials spotted a large and potentially unstable boulder on the hillside above the south Okanagan homes.

Efforts underway to stabilize slope threatening two dozen Penticton homes.

RCMP helicopter rescues man after truck stuck in snow west of Kelowna

RCMP helicopter rescues man after truck stuck in snow west of Kelowna
A man whose truck got stuck in the snow west of Kelowna, B.C., needed to be rescued by an RCMP helicopter. Rescuers say the man was unharmed but the situation could have ended much worse and they are warning of a growing trend of drivers relying on online maps to navigate forest service roads.

RCMP helicopter rescues man after truck stuck in snow west of Kelowna

Abbotsford businesses being targeted by extortionists

Abbotsford businesses being targeted by extortionists
Police in Abbotsford say businesses in the city are being targeted by extortionists. The Abbotsford Police Department says multiple businesses have received letters seeking protection money to stave off potential violence, but police say the letters have been sent out in a mass mailing to commercial business.

Abbotsford businesses being targeted by extortionists

Police investigating armed robbery in Surrey

Police investigating armed robbery in Surrey
Surrey RCMP is seeking information following an armed robbery that occurred at a Newton business Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, at approximately 11:08 a.m. Surrey RCMP received the report of an armed robbery at a business located in the 8100-block of 128 Street. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

Police investigating armed robbery in Surrey