News
House of Commons transport committee holds emergency meeting on airport delays
|
|
OTTAWA — The House of Commons transport committee is holding an emergency meeting today to talk about whether to go ahead with an investigation into airport delays and flight cancellations.
Airlines and airports have been grappling with a surge in travel this summer, compounded by staffing shortages affecting both carriers and federal agencies.
That’s led to widespread flight cancellations, baggage delays and lengthy lineups, with the Greater Toronto Area’s Pearson International Airport the hardest hit by these issues.
Last week, the head of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority said delays at Canada’s busiest travel hub are declining, but stopped short of making specific commitments or timelines to improved travel times going forward.
Transport Canada says the government and the aviation industry are working together to improve travel, including through meeting with stakeholders, boosting staff level and improving the ArriveCAN app.
Air Canada is also facing heat for refusing compensation claims to passengers, citing staff shortages resulting from the pandemic.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 8, 2022.
The Canadian Press
By Staff
Posted March 31, 2023 6:22 am
Updated March 31, 2023 7:59 am
News
Canada's economy rebounded in January in surprise 'double-barrelled blast of strength' – CBC News
Canada’s economy showed a rebound in January, with real gross domestic product growing by 0.5 per cent for the month, Statistics Canada reported Friday.
The figures came after a contraction of 0.1 per cent in December.
January’s report was better than economists had been expecting. In a note, Andrew Grantham of CIBC Economics said the January figure was above the 0.4 per cent consensus expectation of economists’ forecasts.
Statistics Canada said the main drivers of growth for the month were also the largest contributors to the December decline.
“In January, the wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, and mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sectors all rebounded from declines recorded in the previous month,” the federal agency said.
After remaining relatively flat in the second half of 2022, the accommodation and food services sector was also among the top contributors to growth in January.
Advance figures for February released at the same time by Statistics Canada indicate that the economy continued to expand that month, although the 0.3 per cent increase is less than what was seen in January.
WATCH | Why Dollarama profits are soaring:
Sales at discount chain Dollarama have jumped by close to 17 per cent as financially strapped Canadians search for bargains amid high inflation. But the bargain store chain hasn’t been immune to inflation either and is facing some stiff competition from rivals.
‘Double-barrelled blast’
Douglas Porter, the chief economist at BMO Capital Markets, said today’s “double-barrelled blast of strength is well above even the most optimistic views.” He said the January and February figures have BMO projecting first-quarter growth of 2.5 per cent.
Grantham said the strong growth in January, plus the surprise further advance in February, leaves overall GDP tracking at almost three per cent for the first quarter of the year, which is above the 0.5 per cent expected by the Bank of Canada.
Forecasters said the good start to 2023 economically could impact the central bank’s path on interest rates. Earlier this month, the Bank of Canada left its key interest rate target unchanged at 4.5 per cent. It was the first time the central bank kept its key policy rate on hold since it began raising it last year in an effort to cool rising prices.
“Suffice it to say that if the strength seen in the opening months of the year persists, the [Bank of Canada] is going to find itself in a tough spot,” Porter said.
By Staff
Posted March 31, 2023 10:12 am
Statistics Canada says economic growth resumed in January following a small contraction in December.
The agency says real gross domestic product rose 0.5 per cent to start the year after contracting 0.1 per cent in the final month of 2022.
It also says that its initial estimate for February indicates growth continued with a gain of 0.3 per cent, though it cautioned the figure will be updated.
For January, the growth came as the wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, and mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sectors all rebounded after falling in December.
Wholesale trade gained 1.8 per cent in January, helped by wholesalers of machinery, equipment and supplies, while the mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector grew 1.1 per cent after falling 3.3 per cent in December.
The transportation and warehousing sector added 1.9 per cent in January, more than offsetting a drop of 1.1 per cent in December that was due in part to bad weather.
More on Money
© 2023 The Canadian Press
UK economy avoids recession but businesses still wary
Canada’s economic growth resumed in January: StatCan
As Ontario announces minimum wage increase, here’s how others compare – Global News
-
Science17 hours agoAfter sunset, see the 5 planets in the sky or via video
-
Art8 hours ago
The art of picking the perfect colour
-
Sports7 hours ago
Edmonton Oilers deliver a statement performance in a 2-0 shutout of L.A.: Cult of Hockey Player Grades – Edmonton Journal
-
Business18 hours ago
Stocks extend rally as Wall Street looks to end of quarter: Stock market news today
-
News19 hours ago
Six bodies, including one child, recovered from St. Lawrence River
-
Business17 hours ago
White House proposes tougher U.S. bank rules, new tests after crisis
-
Sports17 hours ago
Bontis says he’s apologized to Sinclair, doesn’t remember insult
-
Investment17 hours ago
BRAVO READY Announces Strategic Investment From Magic Eden
