In the news today: Inflation dips to 3.1% ahead of fiscal update

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/11/2023 (1018 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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

Statistics Canada says annual inflation rate slowed to 3.1% in October

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to present the fall economic statement today as Statistics Canada reports the inflation rate slowed to 3.1 per cent on a year-over-year basis.

The agency says the inflation rate went down from 3.8 per cent in September.

Excluding gasoline, Statistics Canada adds the consumer price index was up 3.6 per cent for October, following a 3.7 per cent increase for September.

The latest data from Statistics Canada comes ahead of the federal government’s update on finances amid a slowing economy.

—

Here’s what else we’re watching …

No Canadians included on latest list of people cleared to leave Gaza

No Canadians are on today’s list of foreign nationals approved to leave the besieged Gaza Strip today and cross into Egypt via the Rafah border crossing.

Global Affairs Canada said in its latest update on Monday afternoon that 90 more Canadians, permanent residents and their family members made the trip over the weekend.

More than 450 people with ties to Canada have now managed to escape the Palestinian territory where Israel is waging war against Hamas.

—

Housing a key focus in Freeland’s fiscal update

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to present the fall economic statement today.

The document will provide an update on federal finances amid a slowing economy bogged down by high interest rates.

It’s also expected to include new housing measures aimed at boosting the construction of housing across Canada.

One senior government official says the federal government is set to announce 15-billion dollars in low-cost loans for builders, as well as a one-billion-dollar fund toward affordable housing.

—

Coroner’s inquest continues for Soleiman Faqiri

A coroner’s inquest into the death of a mentally ill man at an Ontario jail is set to continue today with testimony from Canada’s former correctional investigator.

Howard Sapers is expected to take the stand at the inquest examining the death of Soleiman Faqiri, as is another witness who will share her lived experience of custody.

Faqiri died in his cell at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario, 11 days after he was detained.

The inquest has heard he had been charged with aggravated assault, assault and threatening death in connection with an incident that happened while he was in a mental-health crisis.

—

Manitoba throne speech set for today

Manitoba’s NDP government is set to lay out its plans in a throne speech at the legislature today, seven weeks after winning the provincial election.

The speech is likely to repeat many of the promises Premier Wab Kinew made during the campaign, including a plan to make Sept. 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday.

Among his immediate priorities is a temporary suspension of the provincial fuel tax, to take effect Jan. 1, to help people with inflation.

Kinew has also said one of his first bills will recognize Métis leader Louis Riel as the honorary first premier of Manitoba..

—

Quebec parents scramble as strikes shut schools

Quebec public sector unions are launching a series of strikes this week that will affect most schools and health-care facilities across the province.

The unionized workers are striking over stalled contract talks with the provincial government.

They include a diverse group of workers such as teachers, nurses, health professionals and junior college professors.

Members of the so-called “common front” — four unions representing about 420,000 workers — will be on strike through Thursday.

—

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2023.