Business

Global equities edged higher as investors awaited December U.S. jobs data and a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariffs. Oil and defence names were supported by rising geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.

The article reports Venezuela holds about 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves—roughly 17% of the world total—mostly in the heavy-crude Orinoco Belt, while 2024 production was about 960,000 barrels per day, ranking 21st globally.

Some London businesses say they are stopping or changing recycling practices after Ontario shifted Blue Box responsibility to producers on Jan. 1 and removed businesses from weekly curbside collection.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision soon on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and Canadian business and trade experts say either outcome could affect this year's CUSMA review and add uncertainty for some exporters.

About 1,000 Algoma Steel workers face layoffs in March, and an immigrant employee who applied to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program fears losing his pathway to permanent residency if he is laid off.

The 1958 supporters' group has called for a vote of no confidence in Manchester United's owners, CEO Omar Berrada and director Jason Wilcox ahead of the club's home game on 1 February, citing recent managerial upheaval and leadership concerns.

NOVAGOLD announced an initial letter of intent with Glenfarne regarding potential natural gas supply for the Donlin Gold project and described possible pipeline and power plant infrastructure. The release also reiterates that the statements are forward-looking and cites Donlin Gold resource and reserve figures from 2021 technical reports.

West Texas Intermediate traded above $58 a barrel after a 3.2% gain in the prior session, and Brent settled near $62; traders cited Iran tensions and Citigroup said annual commodity index rebalancing is expected to return cash to oil markets.

Manfred said formal bargaining has not yet begun and he downplayed the likelihood of missed games in 2027; he also expressed interest in expanding MLB to 32 teams and realigning divisions.

The Minnesota Timberwolves observed a moment of silence for Renee Good, who was fatally shot after a brief confrontation with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis; the shooting was reported amid increased ICE activity and prompted further protests.

The Bank of Canada held its key rate at 2.25% in late 2025, and Ratehub.ca reports five-year variable rates (about 3.45%) are currently below five-year fixed rates (about 3.94%).

Parole Board records show the man charged in the Dec. 23 killing of 20-year-old University of Toronto Scarborough student Shivank Avasthi had prior convictions and was on day parole; police say he was arrested Dec. 28 and a firearm was recovered.

Ottawa firefighters extinguished a house fire in Orléans after a dog chewed a lithium-ion battery in a heated ski glove; the dog was rescued unharmed and one adult and one child were displaced.

The article reports that Doug Ford poured out bottles of Crown Royal and that the brand was pulled from LCBO shelves; the bottles sold in Canada are produced by union members at a distillery in Gimli, Manitoba and a bottling plant in Valleyfield, Quebec.

The Supreme Court of Canada has granted leave to appeal a challenge by Ontario Place Protectors to the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, which allowed the province to fast-track redevelopment and exempt the site from environmental assessment; a hearing is expected later this year.

President Emmanuel Macron said France will vote against signing the EU's Mercosur trade agreement; farmers blockaded roads and landmarks in Paris to protest the pact.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board reported 12,224 home sales in 2025, the fewest since 2000, while new listings rose to 37,963 and benchmark prices eased to about $905,900.

The first of three new Northlander trainsets has arrived in Ontario, and the government says passenger service along the Toronto–Timmins corridor is expected to resume in 2026.

The federal government will provide up to $12.4 million to Quebec to cover coordination costs for a buyback of banned firearms, and Ottawa has budgeted more than $700 million for the national program.

The trade gap narrowed 39.0% to US$29.4 billion in October as imports fell, while exports rose to a record US$302.0 billion. Undetermined at this time.

Nexo announced a Zero-interest Credit product offering 0% APR and no fees for crypto-backed loans that supports BTC and ETH; each position comes with a predefined repayment path and mechanisms intended to prevent mid-term liquidation.

Windsor police say a 32-year-old man was arrested Jan. 7 after a sexual assault was reported on Dec. 31, 2025, and investigators are asking whether there are other victims.

Saudia says it will support travel to a wide roster of international sporting, cultural and business events across Saudi Arabia in 2026, citing hubs in Jeddah and Riyadh. The announcement names multiple scheduled events across the year, including motorsport, festivals, tech forums and seasonal programs.

The Transportation Safety Board found the Cessna experienced an engine stall while turning about 200–300 feet above ground on Sept. 8, 2024, leading to a rapid descent and crash that killed the pilot and the observer, who died three days later.

Nominations for Zoom's Solopreneur 50 are open through 5 p.m. ET on February 13, 2026. The program will recognize 50 U.S.-based solo business owners and make top honorees eligible for financial grants and exposure through Zoom's platforms.

Telus has hired TD Securities and Jefferies to advise on a near-term monetization of Telus Health, saying the process will evaluate all partnership structures and may involve strategic partners.

RBC Capital Markets hosted a conference of major Canadian bank CEOs who signalled relatively low loan growth for 2026 and emphasised cost control through technology and AI. Analysts also flagged margin support from higher rates and recent moves in the USD/CAD exchange rate.

Canada's services surplus widened from $0.4 billion in September to $0.5 billion in October 2025 as service imports fell 1.2% to $19.6 billion and exports fell 0.4% to $20.1 billion.

The Calgary Real Estate Board's December 2025 report shows average residential prices fell 4.7% to $554,700 year-over-year, while new listings rose about 9% and inventory increased roughly 28.9% with months of supply at 3.43 months.

The article reports the company has finalized a 4,000‑metre drill program at the Zacatecas Silver Project pending final approvals and highlights the Esperanza Gold Project alongside recent improvements in Mexico's open‑pit permitting environment.