Global Scans · Canada · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The U.S. and Canada's new governments will have their work cut out dealing with potential changes to their trade agreements while simultaneously Canada will be anxious to implement CETA with the EU.

• [New] Canada selects Ottawa-Montreal as first phase of its inaugural high-speed rail network, with construction from 2029 and nationwide consultations beginning in 2026. Global Railway Review
• [New] When Kia launches its newest EV, the EV4 sedan in 2026, it will be the least expensive EV on sale in Canada. Canadian Black Book
• [New] The 2026 Kia EV4 will be the cheapest EV in Canada when it goes on sale. The Change Optimist
• [New] Rio Tinto's gallium project, leveraging Canadian operations and U.S. innovation partners, will meet total U.S. demand for a material currently dominated by Russia. FGS Global
• [New] We see P.E.I.'s economy faring better than the Canadian average with GDP expected to increase by 1.2% for 2026. BDC.ca
• [New] Real GDP growth, projected to be 1.2% for 2025, will slow to 1% in 2026. / Canada BDC.ca
• [New] In 2026, we expect the Canadian economy to remain resilient, producing modest growth overall. BDC.ca
• [New] We expect housing activity to return to balance in 2026, increasing at a more sustainable pace. / Canada BDC.ca
• [New] There's the possibility of a comprehensive trade agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico because the CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) is up for renewal in 2026. BDC.ca
• [New] If finalized, Canadian Forces personnel and Canadian scientists would deploy aboard a Chilean icebreaker, sailing in early 2026. CBC
• [New] Canada's growing profile in Antarctic research may get another boost in early 2026, as the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy confirms a possible second expedition is in the works, in collaboration with the Chilean navy. CBC
• [New] The Bank of Canada has already begun research into a central bank digital currency (CBDC), exploring how a digital loonie could improve inclusion and payment efficiency. / Canada Money.ca
• [New] Microsoft says it will spend $7.5 billion over the next two years to build new digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Canada-infrastructure that the United States tech giant claims will support Canadian digital sovereignty. Sophic Capital
• [New] The lack of consultation when the agreement with Alberta was in the works increases Canada's legal exposure and any new attempts at development by Alberta and Canada will result in immediate action, including court action. BNN Bloomberg
• [New] Canadian businesses must continue to invest in innovation and productivity to adjust to the new economic reality and the trends that will shape our future. BDC.ca
• [New] Good profit margin management will remain essential to the financial health of Canadian businesses. BDC.ca
• [New] We expect consumer spending to remain a stabilizing force for the Canadian economy in 2026. BDC.ca
• [New] Canada's inflation on Monday is expected to have held steady in November with growth in the headline Consumer Price Index remaining at 2.2%, unchanged from October after slowing from 2.4% in September. RBC Economics
• [New] Annual growth in the Bank of Canada's core measures-CPI trim and CPI median - is likely to tick lower but will stay close to the upper end of the 1% to 3% target range for inflation. RBC Economics
• [New] Drivers living in Canadian provinces will see improved enforcement systems that track violations more efficiently, ensuring that penalties are applied uniformly. Tuff Build
• [New] Canada's southern Arctic could lose 34% of its glaciers by the end of the century under 1.5 degrees of warming, compared to up to 60% if the world continues on its trajectory of around 2.7 degrees. northeastNOW
• [New] TD overall expects inflation to moderate back toward the Bank of Canada's 2% target over the coming year. The Globe and Mail

Last updated: 24 December 2025