Explore every episode of the podcast Taking Stock with Amanda Lang

From Canadian inflation to the latest decision on interest rates, Amanda Lang breaks down the news of the week in The Briefs. And we hear from with Penelope Graham, a mortgage expert with Ratehub.ca to see if new 30-year mortgage rules designed to help first time buyers get into the market will actually make affordability worse.

Electricity is the new oil, and North America’s grid is in danger of one day running dry, which is why Ontario has launched the largest procurement plan in its history.

Taking Stock with Amanda Lang looks at the personal finances of Canadians: What you need to know.

Debt management is critical.

Investing for your future is key.

Bank of Canada shocks with 1% rate hike; Home prices continue to drop but are still up year over year; Roger's will have to win back customer trust after major outage; Provinces would like the Federal share of health care costs to rise; Ontario expands the availability of a second booster shot as we face the prospect of another serious wave of Covid; Twitter sues Elon Musk over failed takeover bid

Most of the jobs created since the pandemic in Canada have been government jobs.

Home prices will decline as rates rise, but CMHC says not as much as you might think.

When will tourism return to pre-pandemic levels? How will the hotel industry change amid new challenges? and most of Canada's tourism is domestic, why can't a great country like this one sell itself better? 

Inflation soars to new highs driven by gas; a million job vacancies in Canada in April points to tight labour market; workers are feeling their power with job actions across the country; Canada needs 5.8 million new homes built by 2030. 

Freeland unveils nothing new in affordability fight; US central bank hikes rates most in almost 30 years; household debt has moderated slightly but is still high; while house prices continue to soften; vaccine mandates are lifted for domestic travel, but not international visitors; Quebec businesses warn Bill 96 will make hiring staff even harder. 

Higher rates are a problem for some Canadians, but the central bank is too focused on the need to fight inflation to do anything but keep raising them. 

The number of workers who want a hybrid work situation is at an all time high but what about those who don’t have the option? Is there another solution in a four-day work week.

Living in cities is increasingly unaffordable for young people, as wages fail to keep up with living expenses.

The Bank of Canada raises interest rates again; GDP growth in Canada misses expectations as concerns about inflation continue; Tim Hortons violated its users privacy; Flair Airlines is deemed Canadian enough; and Rogers and Shaw put their deal on hold to try to appease the competition bureau.

How can a recession be coming when the job market is so healthy? Why can’t government’s do more to help with affordability? and businesses are going bankrupt again as government supports roll off, It’s the biggest year-over-year jump in insolvencies in 31 years, but off a pandemic low. 

What does Crypto currencies' crazy ride tell us about its future? Ian Khan, documentary filmmaker “The Bitcoin Dilemma”; The S&P 500 enters into bear market territory, navigating volatile markets with Kevin O’Leary, Chairman, O’Leary Financial Group;  It’s currently legal for employers in Canada to spy on their
workers…that could soon change. Howard Levitt, Senior Partner, Levitt Sheikh LLP.

Is competition working in wireless?, Inflation hits small business hard  and Work from home: the future or a bust? 

Is the push to electric cars practical?, construction workers strike in Ontario demanding higher pay, coping with high costs and supply chain issues and new data on mental health shows the heavy toll on workers. 

The Briefs: capital gains tax; household net worth hits record; U.S. holds interest rates steady; National Bank to buy Canadian Western Bank; U.S. complains about digital services tax.

The Care Economy in Canada: What you Need to Know

Business does not like the change to capital  gains taxes

The offshoring of jobs for low wages, Jim Stanford, Centre for the Future of Work. The housing economy in Canada; Mike Moffatt, Smart Prosperity, and Ian Lee, Carleton University. Meeting Canada’s ambitious net zero goals – Francois Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Cooling a hot housing market without collapsing it. Inflation is a growing concern and the fix for it could be painful. Netflix is trying to change the bargain it has struck with its customers. 

Round table on the budget: Robert Asselin, senior VP of policy at the business council of Canada. And Armine Yalnizyan, senior fellow at the Atkinson foundation.

In pushing for aggressive emission reduction, Canada would do well to acknowledge the pain and suffering that will be felt along the way 

This week we look ahead to the coming federal budget – what do businesses want, and what might be in the budget?

This week we tackle the winners and losers of our long dance with cheap credit  and what happens as it comes to an end.

Food Security as conflict in Ukraine disrupts flow of commodities – Olivier De Shutter, chair of IPES Food, and advisor to the UN. Pipeline Politics – Tim McMillan, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers; Paul Poscente, CEO of Nesika Services. Gender pay gap – Rona Ambrose, chair of Women’s Economic Council of Canada

If there’s a theme for markets and governments this week, it’s surely, do what you can, even if you’re not sure it will work. That is most certainly how we would characterize the global sanctions on Russia, as fighting worsened in Ukraine. More coordinated than we’ve seen in memory, the sanctions nevertheless may take more time to work than Ukrainians have to wait. Canada is fast-tracking the immigration process for Ukrainians, and as we’ll explore in the show, also has ambitious targets in the next few years. Corporations also lined up in solidarity against the Russian invasion, with some of the biggest announcing plans to dump huge stakes in Russian Oligarch-owned companies in the oil and gas sector. Others have simply stopped their operations in Russia while the situation continues. The sanctions are expected to make inflationary pressures worse, and they have already had an effect. Oil for one soared above $US114 a barrel, and with Russian oil now unwelcome on global markets, that price could rise still more. That, on top of existing supply constraints in oil and gas sent prices up across Canada. So too will commodity prices have an impact on food costs. Meanwhile our central bank followed through on its telegraphed promise to raise interest rates, but as we ask on the show this week, will that really do much to tame the inflation beast, or will it just hurt households even more? The ever-present question of how to make housing more affordable is also on our minds. This all comes against a backdrop of a not-bad view of our economy, as we seek to emerge from pandemic restrictions. And finally, they say three strikes and you’re out…major league baseball is now in the second longest work stoppage in history. And as the owners and players exchange barbs about which side is to blame, it is, as always, the fans who get left holding the luke warm beer.

Nature abhors a vacuum and markets abhor the unknown. So it comes down to the weird logic of knowing something has happened - even if its bad - that saw global markets whip saw this week. 

A new read on inflation shows it’s still going strong, in fact getting stronger, up more than 5% in January.

The Briefs - Bank of Canada lowers rates; Canada jobs fall flat; Canadian AI firm gets big investment; TD struggles with money laundering problems; NDP wants a cap on some grocery prices; CRTC to impose 5% levy on digital streamers

Auto theft continues to hit new records

Rates and housing, rates and debt payments

Our chilly relationship with China

COVID protests continue, now slowing trade and threatening higher inflation, plus, a housing task force has as blunt message about more density in city neighborhoods’ and, taking on big tech -- how to hold companies like Google more accountable.

More than 200,000 jobs were lost in the month of January, as businesses adjusted to another round of Covid-19 restrictions. With better news on the health front emerging, will business owners be able to find the much-needed workers when it’s time to get back to business? 

All eyes were on central banks this week and many thought interest rates were headed higher in Canada. Instead the Bank of Canada signalled the end of its 'emergency measures' with a warning rates are likely to rise and soon.

In the premiere episode of Taking Stock with Amanda Lang we look at all the pocketbook pressure building across the nation. From inflation to housing costs to shipping -- plus a deep dive into the expected interest rate hike now just days away.

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Soft economic numbers on Friday are likely the last data point before the Bank of Canada makes its next decision on interest rates next week.

New numbers suggest Canadians are far more skeptical of AI than other countries are.

Canadian businesses also aren’t buying in to AI as much as the rest of the world, and it could cost them over the long run.

We’re taking a look at trade in Canada. With more than 1 in 6 Canadian jobs tied to exports, it’s a critical issue. But barriers within Canada and with other countries are holding us back.

Businesses are feeling slightly more confident about the outlook, but risks remain.

The trading relationship between Canada and the U.S. remains strong, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas for improvement.

Barriers to trade within provinces are costing consumers and the economy billions.

The Briefs: U.S inflation cools; Biden imposes tariffs on China; New EV supply plant; More retailers liquidate; Wildfires take hold.

Wildfires in Canada: By The Numbers

Financing big oil

The Briefs - The roundup of the week's top business stories; Canada jobs numbers; Nestle workers strike; TD faces money laundering probe; Lululemon accused of greenwashing.

What do high insolvency rates tell us about the path ahead for the Canadian economy?

Real estate transaction costs - By The Numbers

The Briefs - Roundup of the top stories: Canada GDP is weak; U.S. Central bank signals rates may stay high longer; More home buyers are waiting for lower rates; London Drugs hit with cyberattack; Loblaw hit with boycott; pot gets re-classified in U.S.

New warnings on every cigarette should deter smokers.

Ontario's new rule banning cellphones from classrooms says more about the adults than the kids.

The Briefs: Honda to build a new EV plant in Ontario; Competition questions about a big merger in agriculture; UN plastic agreement; wildfire season comes early; basic income lawsuit moves ahead.

Amanda Lang speaks to Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation about taxpayer dollars spent to bring industry like Honda to Canada.

Amanda Lang speaks to Daniel Garcia-Maccia, economist with the International Monetary Fund about the best way governments can promote productivity.

Amanda Lang speaks to Dennis Darby, president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters about whether the budget is good for business.

Amanda Lang speaks to Gary Sands, VP of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, about efforts to attract foreign players to the Canadian market.

The Briefs: Federal Budget overview; Inflation in Canada; Homeowners bullish on prices; IMF raises global growth forecast; Arrests made in gold heist; Pipeline leak causes Alberta fire.

Measures to spur growth in the budget - By The Numbers

Amanda Lang speaks with Perrin Beatty, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce about the federal budget.

Amanda Lang speaks with Dino Infanti, partner at KPMG, about new tax measures in the federal budget.

Will a national dental plan work if dentists don't sign up?

Amanda Lang chats with Marc Desormeaux, principal economist with Desjardins about the impact of the central bank’s rate cut on affordability.

The Briefs: Bank of Canada decision day; US inflation; More housing supply needed; Consumers feeling better about debt.

What we know about next week’s budget.

Does a better-performing economy provides cover for a federal budget to spend more?

What should – and shouldn’t be in the federal budget.

Block 1 - From the latest Canadian jobs data to Tesla orders falling sharply and Ford delaying EV plant in Ontario, we recap the top stories of the week. Plus, how working shorter weeks can make us more productive: Amanda Lang talks to Joe O'Connor, CEO, Work Time Reduction Centre of Excellence.

Block 2 - The long tail of inflation and its dampening effect on business investment: Amanda Lang speaks with Randall Bartlett, Senior Director of Canadian Economics, Desjardins and Stephen Tapp, Chief Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Block 3 -- Amanda Lang talks to Bruce Hodges, CEO, Parachute. And in this week’s edition of The Takeaway, Amanda says making the carbon tax a political football ignores the fact that it's the best idea we have for reducing emissions and meeting our global commitments. Easy to criticize, but where are the alternative plans?

Block 1 - From Canadian inflation numbers to the latest decision on interest rates by the U.S. central bank and a takeover of a promising Canadian drug company, we recap the top stories of the week. Plus, we check in with Pedro Antunes, chief economist with the Conference Board of Canada, for his insights on when Canadian lending rates might finally start heading lower.

Block 2 - It’s harder than ever to buy a home in Canada, which is a big reason why Canada’s home ownership rate is falling. We’ll take a look at Canada’s housing market By The Numbers and speak with some experts who are finding some innovative solutions to the problem. Alex Kjorven, Chief Product Officer of Ourboro, explains the company’s business model of becoming equity partners with prospective buyers by helping out with the down payment. Next, we talk to with Nikolaas Van Der Velde, Finance Manager at Indwell, who are selling community bonds to investors looking to help spur the construction of affordable housing.

Block 3 - Climate scientists say we are already missing key targets for emissions, and a new book explores their thoughts about what comes next. Amanda Lang speaks to author and historian, Gwynne Dyer. And in this week’s edition of The Takeaway, Amanda says complex problems like climate change require humanity to resist our innate urge for immediate gratification, and suggests that perhaps we need to get smarter about the ways that we are dumb. 

This week on Taking Stock: A feature interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to discuss how Alberta can continue to grow its economy beyond fossil fuels, take the political temperature in the province and the her view on the role Alberta plays in a united Canada.

What Ottawa can do to make the most of our natural resources, why access to them should be considered of strategic importance, and who can help finance our mining future

The Briefs: Economic growth picks up in Canada and the U.S.; Canada's banks set aside more money for bad loans; As rents hit record levels, more homeowners feel stress; $1.2 B for universities in Ontario, with new freezes on tuition hikes; Warren Buffett's company could be first non-tech firm to hit $1 trillion value.

A new pharmacare deal is on the table - can Canada afford a full-blown version?

How are consumers spending?: By the Numbers

The gap between rich and poor gets wider.

The Briefs: A round-up of the week's top business stories: Inflation cool a little in Canada; Loblaw plans expansion in Canada; Walmart buys smart TV firm Vizio; Feds kick in $2 billion for affordable housing in B.C.; Discover looks to buy Capital One for US$35.3B.

Doctors and health spending in Canada: By The Numbers

We might save money by spending on preventative care, rather than health care.

Social spending gets less attention than health care, but it may be time to revisit those types of investments.

Gig workers often make less than minimum wage — who is watching out for them?

The Briefs: US Inflation is stronger than expected; Housing market shows signs of life; New money for housing and medical staff in rural communities; A new report on tent encampments calls for basic services; Ontario's controversial wage law struck down; it will cost more to insure electric vehicles.

Achieving housing affordability: By The Numbers

Barriers to trade between provinces costs us billions of lost opportunity.

The Briefs: Jobs climb in Canada, but not by much; BCE lays off 9% of its staff; Feds offer money for home affordability; auto theft summit; Bank of Canada says home affordability not in its control; home sales up in Toronto and Vancouver; cross-border fight over wine.

Wages aren’t rising enough to offset the cost of living.

Consumer and business debt levels cause a crunch: By The Numbers

What can businesses do in the face of high debt and flat sales?

Mental health is a problem for entrepreneurs.

Amanda Lang in conversation with Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba.

What you need to know about Manitoba's 25th premier.

The growth opportunity in Manibota.

The role Kinew can play in reconciliation and improved economic outcomes for Indigenous Manitobans.

Manitoba as a bridge between the federal government and irritated western provinces.

With work stoppages at CN and CP Rail and possibly soon Air Canada.

Will new tariffs invite retaliation from China

The Briefs: Bank of Canada holds the line on interest rates; Is Canada already in recession?; The wealth gap widens as the rich get richer; International Student Visas will be cut by 35% this year; Netflix is doing just fine after raising its prices; China may intervene in its own stock market.

The cost of home ownership keeps climbing: By The Numbers

Should we be concerned that a giant U.S. investor is buying rental housing in Canada?

Are deep pocketed investors exactly what we need to build more housing?

Another kick at the guaranteed income can in Canada - an idea that keeps rearing its head. But can we afford it?