Craig Lord

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Craig Lord.

Liberals introduce bill to amend Canada Labour Code

Liberals introduce bill to amend Canada Labour Code

OTTAWA -- The Liberal government has introduced legislation it believes will help unions and employers get to deals faster and reduce labour disruptions in the economy.

CP NewsAlert: Liberals introduce bill to amend Canada Labour Code

CP NewsAlert: Liberals introduce bill to amend Canada Labour Code

OTTAWA -- The Liberal government has introduced legislation it believes will help unions and employers get to deals faster and reduce labour disruptions in the economy.

Liberals expected to shake up labour code with new economic bill

Liberals expected to shake up labour code with new economic bill

OTTAWA -- The Liberal government is expected to unveil new legislation today with major implications for labour relations in Canada.

Ottawa's summer spending flurry offset by stronger GDP, oil revenues

Ottawa's summer spending flurry offset by stronger GDP, oil revenues

OTTAWA -- The federal government likely finds itself in a better fiscal position as it heads into the fall session of Parliament this week, thanks in no small part to some rosier economic results.

Liberals will not compromise right to strike or bargain, jobs minister vows

Liberals will not compromise right to strike or bargain, jobs minister vows

OTTAWA -- Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu says the federal government will not interfere with workers' right to strike as Ottawa considers legal changes to improve labour relations.

Inflation drove post-pandemic spike in Canada Child Benefit costs: PBO

Inflation drove post-pandemic spike in Canada Child Benefit costs: PBO

OTTAWA -- Ottawa's fiscal watchdog says a surge in inflation a few years back drove a substantial jump in the cost of delivering the Canada Child Benefit after the pandemic.

Bank of Canada worried fresh U.S. tariff dispute will weigh on confidence

Bank of Canada worried fresh U.S. tariff dispute will weigh on confidence

OTTAWA -- Fears that a reigniting trade dispute with the United States could hamper business and consumer confidence loomed large over the Bank of Canada's interest rate decision earlier this month.

Carney, Harper make the case for Canada at inaugural investment summit

Carney, Harper make the case for Canada at inaugural investment summit

TORONTO -- A Liberal and a Conservative prime minister book-ended the final day of Canada's first-ever investment summit, each making their pitch to global investors for help fulfilling an ambitious capital agenda.

Harper says Canada had 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

Harper says Canada had 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

TORONTO -- Former prime minister Stephen Harper says the federal government had "no choice" but to walk away from trade talks with the United States.

CP NewsAlert: Harper says 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

CP NewsAlert: Harper says 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

TORONTO -- Former prime minister Stephen Harper says the federal government had "no choice" but to walk away from trade talks with the United States.

Harper says Canada had 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

Harper says Canada had 'no choice' but to walk away from U.S. trade talks

TORONTO -- Former prime minister Stephen Harper says the federal government had "no choice" but to walk away from trade talks with the United States.

Three PMs: Carney recruits Chretien, Harper to kick off investment summit

Three PMs: Carney recruits Chretien, Harper to kick off investment summit

OTTAWA -- Three prime ministers were on hand in Toronto to mark one of the largest private sector investments in Canadian history on Monday -- the opening salvo in Mark Carney's two-day summit aimed at attracting billions of dollars in capital to Canada.

Ottawa offers faster access to tax rulings as Carney kicks off investment summit

Ottawa offers faster access to tax rulings as Carney kicks off investment summit

OTTAWA -- Ottawa is tweaking tax policy to make Canada more attractive to international investors just as Prime Minister Mark Carney is welcoming scores of global asset managers to Toronto.

Prime Minister Carney to kick off first investment summit in Toronto

Prime Minister Carney to kick off first investment summit in Toronto

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is welcoming the world's investors to Toronto on Monday for a high-stakes summit aimed at attracting new investment to Canada.

Carney to showcase Canada's capital agenda at first-ever investment summit

Carney to showcase Canada's capital agenda at first-ever investment summit

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will gather scores of deep-pocketed investors in Toronto next week in a bid to fix Canada's "Achilles heel" -- a persistent lack of business investment dragging down the economy.

Unions, employers split on government intervention in labour disputes

Unions, employers split on government intervention in labour disputes

OTTAWA -- The federal government says employers and unions are divided over how much power Ottawa should have to intervene in labour disputes.

August jobs report 'disappointing' but too soon to sound the alarm: economists

August jobs report 'disappointing' but too soon to sound the alarm: economists

Economists weren't ringing any alarm bells after fresh data showed the labour market broke its hot streak with a loss of 42,000 jobs in August. The unemployment rate held steady at 6.4 per cent last month, Statistics Canada said Friday. August’s losses fell short of economists’ expectations for a gain of 15,000 positions. Heading into last month, employers had been...

Champagne to meet U.S. counterpart Bessent at G20 ministers' meeting

Champagne to meet U.S. counterpart Bessent at G20 ministers' meeting

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to meet with his U.S. counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers' meetings in North Carolina this week.

Carney stresses 'Team Canada' trade approach in calls with Opposition leaders

Carney stresses 'Team Canada' trade approach in calls with Opposition leaders

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the importance of a "united Team Canada approach" in phone calls with other party leaders on Tuesday about the state of trade talks with the United States.

Re-escalating trade war puts Canada's economic rebound at risk: economists

Re-escalating trade war puts Canada's economic rebound at risk: economists

OTTAWA -- Economists are warning that a re-escalation in the trade war with the United States puts Canada's burgeoning economic recovery at risk.

Canada needs tax reform -- relieving small business pain might be the first step

Canada needs tax reform -- relieving small business pain might be the first step

OTTAWA -- One of Prime Minister Mark Carney's point people on the government's budget consultations says Ottawa plans to tackle long-awaited tax code reform "one bite at a time" and changes for small businesses are high on the priority list.

Ottawa to rebate $100M in freight costs for shipping steel across Canada

Ottawa to rebate $100M in freight costs for shipping steel across Canada

OTTAWA -- Ottawa plans to slash costs for shipping steel between provinces and territories over the next year in a bid to help domestic producers hit hard by tariffs.

Conservatives tell Carney to show 'backbone' as trade team heads back to Washington

Conservatives tell Carney to show 'backbone' as trade team heads back to Washington

OTTAWA -- Canada's top trade negotiators are heading back to Washington this week for more meetings with the Trump administration as the Opposition Conservatives urge Prime Minister Mark Carney to stop making concessions in pursuit of a tariff-free deal.

Critics call out Liberals for big-ticket spending outside budget framework

Critics call out Liberals for big-ticket spending outside budget framework

OTTAWA -- A series of big-money announcements by the Liberal government this summer has critics and analysts calling out a lack of detail on Ottawa's spending plans.

Trump seeking trade leverage over Canada with new targeted tariffs: analysts

Trump seeking trade leverage over Canada with new targeted tariffs: analysts

OTTAWA -- U.S. President Donald Trump's latest escalation of his tariff campaign against Canada is narrowly focused and appears designed to give the United States more leverage in upcoming trade talks, some analysts argued on Tuesday.

Feds, most provinces get top marks on internal trade -- but more work to be done

Feds, most provinces get top marks on internal trade -- but more work to be done

OTTAWA -- The federal government has gone from a C student to top of the class in its work to advance internal trade between provinces, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Carney shuffles PMO as aide leaves to run in B.C. byelection

Carney shuffles PMO as aide leaves to run in B.C. byelection

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney is shifting around some of the senior advisers in his office in a series of moves some Liberal strategists said shows he is putting his own stamp on government.

Liberals shut down debate over proposed probe into B.C. condo buyout plan

Liberals shut down debate over proposed probe into B.C. condo buyout plan

OTTAWA -- Liberal MPs shut down a Conservative attempt to have the House of Commons ethics committee investigate the government's plan to turn unsold condos into affordable housing in British Columbia.

Champagne defends fiscal track as defence, infrastructure spending ratchets up

Champagne defends fiscal track as defence, infrastructure spending ratchets up

OTTAWA -- Finance Minster Francois-Philippe Champagne says the Liberals are keeping federal finances under control even as key defence and infrastructure spending details remain under wraps.

Ottawa to weigh guardrails, alternatives to 'contentious' Labour Code tool: Hajdu

Ottawa to weigh guardrails, alternatives to 'contentious' Labour Code tool: Hajdu

OTTAWA -- The federal government is exploring possible guardrails or alternatives to using what she says is a "contentious" section of the Labour Code that allows Ottawa to intervene in bitter bargaining conflicts, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said this week.

These economists are worried Canada has a data quality problem

These economists are worried Canada has a data quality problem

OTTAWA -- Most economists, including at the Bank of Canada, were a bit surprised when Statistics Canada reported late last month that the economy contracted slightly over the first three months of the year.

Bank of Canada officials seemed unfazed by the surprise economic decline in Q1

Bank of Canada officials seemed unfazed by the surprise economic decline in Q1

OTTAWA -- Officials at the Bank of Canada were seemingly unfazed by economic weakness to start the year as they debated where to take the policy interest rate earlier this month.

Automatic tax filing could give the average non-filer more than $2K per year: PBO

Automatic tax filing could give the average non-filer more than $2K per year: PBO

OTTAWA -- The federal fiscal watchdog says Ottawa's plan to roll out automatic tax filing could see Canadians who normally don't file their tax returns get thousands of dollars in owed benefits annually.

Watchdog says tax code is 'completely nuts' and calls for simplification, automation

Watchdog says tax code is 'completely nuts' and calls for simplification, automation

OTTAWA -- Taxpayers' Ombudsperson Francois Boileau is pushing for simplified, automated tax filing as his office faces its highest number of complaints in three years.

'It's all going to be OK': Canada's U.S. ambassador tries to ease CUSMA anxiety

'It's all going to be OK': Canada's U.S. ambassador tries to ease CUSMA anxiety

Canada's ambassador to the United States says "it's all going to be OK" with the renewal date for the North American trade pact just a few weeks away.

'I followed all the rules' on Alto, Champagne says amid conflict allegations

'I followed all the rules' on Alto, Champagne says amid conflict allegations

OTTAWA -- Finance Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne says he "followed all the rules" to make sure he wasn't in a conflict of interest related to the Alto high-speed rail project.

Senators say changes to labour law could make Canada a more reliable trading partner

Senators say changes to labour law could make Canada a more reliable trading partner

OTTAWA -- A group of senators is arguing Canada needs to overhaul its labour laws to avoid work stoppages in critical sectors if it wants to be seen as a reliable trading partner on the global stage.

In Alberta, Poilievre to argue new federal direction can ease separatist concerns

In Alberta, Poilievre to argue new federal direction can ease separatist concerns

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to argue a change in federal policies would ease separatist concerns in Alberta when he makes a speech in Calgary on Monday.

Liberals' grocery benefit payments start for eligible Canadians today

Liberals' grocery benefit payments start for eligible Canadians today

OTTAWA -- One of the federal Liberals' flagship affordability measures will start landing in the bank accounts of eligible Canadians today.

Too soon to call recession, says Canadian authority on economic downturns

Too soon to call recession, says Canadian authority on economic downturns

OTTAWA -- The unofficial authority on recession calls in Canada says it's too soon to use that word to describe the sluggish economy.

Too soon to call recession, says Canadian authority on economic downturns

Too soon to call recession, says Canadian authority on economic downturns

OTTAWA -- The unofficial authority on recession calls in Canada says it's too soon to use that word to describe the sluggish economy.

Champagne stands his ground after budget watchdog questions fiscal anchor

Champagne stands his ground after budget watchdog questions fiscal anchor

OTTAWA -- The federal finance minister is standing by his government's projections after Ottawa's budgetary watchdog cast doubt on Ottawa's ability to hit a key fiscal anchor.

Budget watchdog forecasts deeper deficits than Ottawa projected in spring update

Budget watchdog forecasts deeper deficits than Ottawa projected in spring update

OTTAWA -- The parliamentary budget watchdog says Ottawa has less than a one per cent chance of maintaining the fiscal anchor of shrinking the deficit as a share of the economy every year.

Poilievre accuses Carney of ducking questions about Canada's sluggish economy

Poilievre accuses Carney of ducking questions about Canada's sluggish economy

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday of avoiding accountability after recent data showed the Canadian economy contracted again.

Liberals prepare to lose climate champion as Guilbeault plans to quit Commons

Liberals prepare to lose climate champion as Guilbeault plans to quit Commons

OTTAWA -- The resignation of one of the most prominent environmental voices in the Liberal caucus was held up Wednesday as a watershed moment for a government accused of prioritizing economic development over climate policy.

Former cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says he will resign as an MP this summer

Former cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says he will resign as an MP this summer

OTTAWA -- Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault announced Wednesday that he will resign as a member of Parliament this summer following significant changes to federal climate policy under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Former cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says he will resign as an MP this summer as Carney thanks him for his service

Former cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says he will resign as an MP this summer as Carney thanks him for his service

OTTAWA -- Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault announced Wednesday that he will resign as a member of Parliament this summer in the wake of significant changes to federal climate policy under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney thanks Steven Guilbeault for his service ahead of MP's resignation

Carney thanks Steven Guilbeault for his service ahead of MP's resignation

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked former cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault for his contributions to government as the Liberal MP prepared to announce his resignation Wednesday.

Ottawa launches national aerial firefighting fleet for 2026 wildfire season
Chinese Embassy in Canada denounces MP Chong's visit to Taiwan

Chinese Embassy in Canada denounces MP Chong's visit to Taiwan

OTTAWA -- China's embassy in Canada says a Canadian MP's visit to Taiwan crosses a "red line" at a time when Ottawa is attempting to rebuild its relationship with Beijing.

Ottawa still pledging to double construction pace despite home building headwinds

Ottawa still pledging to double construction pace despite home building headwinds

OTTAWA -- The federal Liberal government is sticking to its pledge to double the pace of home building even as headwinds buffet the construction industry.

Energy sector investment, exchange rate factors in possible Bank of Canada rate hikes

Energy sector investment, exchange rate factors in possible Bank of Canada rate hikes

OTTAWA -- The Bank of Canada's governing council says it's weighing a range of different paths for its benchmark interest rate to cope with inflation risks from the Iran war.

Bank of Canada head 'encouraged' by Ottawa's efforts to diversify economy

Bank of Canada head 'encouraged' by Ottawa's efforts to diversify economy

OTTAWA -- Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says he's "encouraged" by the federal government's efforts to diversify the economy and protect it against increasingly common shocks to global trade.

Liberals target affordability to meet era of uncertainty in spring fiscal update

Liberals target affordability to meet era of uncertainty in spring fiscal update

OTTAWA -- The federal Liberals say they're getting a windfall from better-than-expected fiscal revenues and are largely putting that money back into circulation to support households and build up the economy.

CP NewsAlert: Liberals target affordability to meet era of uncertainty

CP NewsAlert: Liberals target affordability to meet era of uncertainty

OTTAWA -- The federal Liberals say they're getting a windfall from better-than-expected fiscal revenues and are largely putting that money back into circulation to support households and build up the economy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney promises 'good news' in spring economic update

Prime Minister Mark Carney promises 'good news' in spring economic update

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Liberals are "good fiscal managers" — and he'll have the chance to prove it when the federal government tables its spring economic update Tuesday afternoon.

Liberals must show results in spring economic update: former PBO

Liberals must show results in spring economic update: former PBO

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney will be under pressure to show results from his economic agenda when his government tables an update to its fiscal outlook on Tuesday.

Housing minister says Liberal ridings aren't favoured for funding after Gladu comment

Housing minister says Liberal ridings aren't favoured for funding after Gladu comment

OTTAWA -- Housing Minister Gregor Robertson says Ottawa is not prioritizing infrastructure funding in Liberal ridings after floor-crossing MP Marilyn Gladu implied earlier this month that she was getting more attention after leaving the Conservatives.

Bank of Canada appoints two deputy governors, dropping 'external' title for one

Bank of Canada appoints two deputy governors, dropping 'external' title for one

OTTAWA -- The Bank of Canada is filling two vacancies on its governing council with a pair of economists who are already well known at the central bank.

Inflation expected to jump in March as Iran oil shock enters price data

Inflation expected to jump in March as Iran oil shock enters price data

OTTAWA -- Statistics Canada will reveal the early impacts of the Iran war's oil price shock on inflation when the agency reports its consumer price index for March on Monday.