In This Economy?!

It's been a tumultuous year for the economy to say the least, especially in the interest of real estate and housing. The Bank of Canada cut interest rates nine times, yet buyers are still erring on the side of caution, waiting for some sort of stability before diving head-first into the market. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Shawn Zigelstein, broker and team leader for Royal Lepage to see what Canadians could expect heading into 2026. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

It's the kind of relief Canadians have been waiting to see for a while, but year after year, the idea of grocery prices lowering seems to be farther and farther away.Dalhousie University's annual publication, 'Canada's Food Price Report', found that families will be spending an extra 4% on groceries next year, coming out at more than $17,000. Host Mike Eppel speaks to the lead author of the report, Sylvain Charlebois, to discuss the latest in Canada's food market, and whether or not Canadians should hold their breath for lower prices. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Although the 'Buy Canadian' economic movement picked up most of its steam shortly after US President Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods, the momentum is still going, even amid affordability struggles.A new report from Square Canada says more than 60% of Canadians are willing to support local, Canadian businesses this holiday season even if it means digging deeper into their pockets.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Karisa Marra, head of sales for Square Canada to discuss how Canadians are feeling heading into the holiday season, and how shopping with intention can sometimes feel better than trying to find the best deals. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

A recent report by Indeed Canada found that seasonal job postings are up 12% this year compared to 2024, which could offer some respite for those looking for work. Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate remains elevated for the month of October, sitting at 6.9%, while youth unemployment is basically double that at 14.1%.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Brendon Bernard, senior economist at Indeed Canada to break down the report and discuss how the interest in holiday jobs says more about the bigger picture of the state of the economy. The also discuss how the current geopolitical climate plays into the unemployment market. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced his first budget earlier this week, announcing a $78.3 billion deficit, as well as other major investments in defence, AI initiatives and housing.Included in the 406-page report are changes to improving productivity by implementing corporate tax reforms to incentivize foreign investors, as well as accelerate domestic economic growth.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Mikaela McQuade, policy and economics partner at PWC Canada, to break down whether or not Carney's investment into solving the 'productivity problem' will actually yield the results Canada deserves. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!