Canada
In August 2025, Nova Scotia’s housing market showed resilience despite a modest decline in sales. The number of homes sold fell by 2.1 % year-over-year, yet average prices rose by 7.1 %. The province continues to attract buyers from outside due to relative affordability and growing inventory levels.
Ontario experienced a sharp decline in new housing construction during the first half of 2025, with housing starts falling by 25% compared to the same period in 2024. Toronto saw the steepest drop, while Ottawa showed surprising growth. The slowdown poses challenges for affordability, provincial housing targets, and the broader economy.
On September 23, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a major expansion of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs. The initiative will create 8,000 new student placements and involve 2,500 additional employers by 2028. Delivered through the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), the program focuses on boosting practical skills, strengthening business–education partnerships, and enhancing opportunities for francophone communities across the country.
In a landmark move announced on September 9, 2025, Anglo-American and Teck Resources unveiled a $53 billion merger that will reshape global copper production. The new firm, Anglo Teck, will be based in Vancouver with primary listing in London and global reach across Johannesburg, New York and Toronto. This partnership aims to meet surging demand for copper amid the green energy transition, unlocking substantial cost savings and strategic growth.
The Canadian federal government is gearing up to unveil targeted support packages for the aluminum, steel, and canola sectors, which have been hit hard by international tariffs. Meanwhile, July’s trade data shows a narrowing deficit thanks to rising U.S. exports—chiefly crude oil and vehicles. These measures aim to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience and competitiveness during ongoing trade turbulence.
Canada’s upcoming federal budget, delayed due to the 2025 election, is set for October and aims to strike a careful balance between fiscal restraint and strategic investments. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizes the urgent need to rein in soaring government spending while channeling resources into major projects. Meanwhile, private-equity developments—like individual investors stepping up in Fairstone Bank’s recapitalization—highlight a shift toward new investment dynamics in the Canadian economy.