StatCan’s GDP numbers for March and first quarter are out, human trafficking in BC is soaring

By the Canadian Press on May 31, 2024.

The Bay Street Financial District is shown flying the Canadian flag on Friday, August 5, 2022 in Toronto. Statistics Canada will release its reading this morning on how the economy has done in the first three months of the year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Here’s a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed on what you need to know today…

Statistics Canada today releases GDP figures for March and the first quarter

Statistics Canada will release its reading this morning on how the economy has done in the first three months of the year. The agency will release its real gross domestic product figures for March and the first quarter as a whole. The report is the last major economic data point before the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision next week. Central bank governor Tiff Macklem has said a rate cut is within the realm of possibility, but the decision will be based on economic data.

‘Unprecedented’ human trafficking from BC: US

U.S. authorities say human smuggling from British Columbia across the U.S. border is soaring, with organized criminals transporting people by freight train, Uber or on foot. U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics show the number of “encounters” at the BC-Washington border will quadruple since 2021. Last financial year there were almost 43,000 meetings, compared to about 12,000 two years earlier. Matthew Murphy, an assistant special agent in charge with US Homeland Security based in Washington state, says there has been an “unprecedented” spike in human trafficking through B.C.

A federal poll shows concerns about drug decriminalization

A federal government survey last year found that a majority of Canadians believed drug decriminalization policies would lead to an increase in overdoses. That was months before British Columbia scaled back its drug decriminalization pilot. The Privy Council Office survey was posted online in the autumn. It suggests Canadians were divided over whether decriminalization would make their communities less safe.

Jury selection scheduled for Coutts’ blocking trial

Jury selection is scheduled today for two men charged with conspiracy to commit murder during the 2022 border protest in Coutts, Alta. Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert were arrested after RCMP found a stash of guns, body armor and ammunition in trailers. Mounties said at the time they had seized long rifles, handguns, a machete, a large quantity of ammunition and body armor. The two suspects are also charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and mischief.

Interest rate cuts can encourage shopping: experts

Canadian retailers who have complained about slowing consumer spending could see a rebound once the Bank of Canada cuts its benchmark interest rate. With borrowing costs still high, consumers have limited their spending or opted for more price-conscious brands. Liza Amlani, director and founder of the Retail Strategy Group, sees some of this behavior easing as interest rates fall, providing some relief for Canadians. Amlani says lower interest rates would mean more disposable income to spend on clothes, shoes and even experiences and activities.

Loblaw is testing small No Frills stores

Loblaw is testing smaller discount stores across the country this year as consumers increasingly look for ways to save on their grocery bills. Melanie Singh, who heads Loblaw’s discount division that includes No Frills and Maxi, said the company already has a handful of smaller discount stores but plans to join the strategy as a way to reach more customers. Singh says these smaller stores will focus on the local neighborhood. This store on the corner of King and Shaw Sts. at Toronto’s Liberty Village there are ready-made options like fresh-baked pastries, which many discount stores don’t have.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2024.

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