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.

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

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. One of the headlines coming out of the Canada Investment Summit last week that flew under the radar was Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that the federal government...

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.

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

Former prime minister Stephen Harper says the federal government had "no choice" but to walk away from trade talks with the United States. Delivering closing remarks at Canada's first-ever national investment summit Tuesday, Harper said the move was necessary and that Canada needs to reduce its reliance on the United States. "It is clear that the current U.S. administration views...

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

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

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. Prime Minister Mark Carney spent much of Tuesday trying to sweeten the deal for prospective investors. He announced a package of measures that included offering preferential tax measures for businesses...

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 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. The federal government said in a press release Monday that investors putting $1 billion or more into the Canadian economy will now get priority access to a program that offers binding decisions...

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

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. Hundreds of executives and global asset managers are arriving for Canada's first-ever investment summit in Toronto to get a look at major projects in various stages of development. Carney, members of his cabinet and premiers from...

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

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. Hundreds of global and domestic investors with trillions of dollars in assets under management will descend on a downtown Toronto hotel on Sept. 14 and 15 for...

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.

Carney names Dominic Barton as chair of Invest in Canada, replaces CEO

Carney names Dominic Barton as chair of Invest in Canada, replaces CEO

Prime Minister Mark Carney is overhauling the leadership of the federal agency responsible for attracting foreign investment just weeks before a high-profile summit aimed at doing just that. Carney announced today that Dominic Barton, the former Canadian ambassador to China and a well-known name in corporate Canada, will chair the board of directors for Invest in Canada.

Carney names Dominic Barton as chair of Invest in Canada, replaces CEO

Carney names Dominic Barton as chair of Invest in Canada, replaces CEO

Prime Minister Mark Carney is overhauling the leadership of the federal agency responsible for attracting foreign investment just weeks before a high-profile summit aimed at doing just that.

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

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

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne will meet with his U.S. counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers' meetings in North Carolina this week. Champagne's spokesperson John Fragos confirmed in a media statement that the minister will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the next two days.

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.

Economy grew 3.3% annualized in Q2 as StatCan revisions settle recession debate

Economy grew 3.3% annualized in Q2 as StatCan revisions settle recession debate

Fresh data from Statistics Canada on Friday suggests the economy was growing at a healthy clip in the second quarter and rumblings of a recession earlier in the year might’ve been overblown. Real gross domestic product rose 3.3 per cent in the second quarter, a tick lower than economists’ expectations. That was the fastest quarterly pace of growth since early...

Economy grew 3.3% annualized in Q2 as StatCan revisions settle recession debate

Economy grew 3.3% annualized in Q2 as StatCan revisions settle recession debate

Fresh data from Statistics Canada on Friday suggests the economy was growing at a healthy clip in the second quarter and rumblings of a recession earlier in the year might’ve been overblown.

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

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

Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the importance of a "united Team Canada approach" in phone calls with other party leaders today about the state of trade talks with the United States. The Prime Minister's Office says Carney briefed the Opposition leaders about Canada's new measures responding to an escalating trade war with the United States.

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

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. The Canadian Press spoke to a number of tax experts and advocates in recent weeks who all agreed that major reform to...

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.

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 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. Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon has announced a $100-million rebate plan to pay back manufacturers half the freight costs for sending eligible steel products across the country by rail or ship. The relief is...

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.

Poilievre tells Carney in letter to not concede to U.S. demands in tariff talks

Poilievre tells Carney in letter to not concede to U.S. demands in tariff talks

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to show some "backbone" as trade negotiations ramp up with the United States.

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

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

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. Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett published a note earlier this month adding up the Liberal government's spending announcements since the spring economic update in April. By his count, Ottawa has committed to more than...

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.

Gaps in tariff effects among provinces could test Team Canada's unity: experts

Gaps in tariff effects among provinces could test Team Canada's unity: experts

Experts warn the latest tariff threats from the United States will hit some provinces harder than others — and could test the united Team Canada front. U.S. President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders Monday to impose 50 per cent tariffs starting Aug. 19 on a range of Canadian exports, including honey, liquor and hockey sticks. University of...

Gaps in tariff effects among provinces could test Team Canada's unity: experts

Gaps in tariff effects among provinces could test Team Canada's unity: experts

Experts warn the latest tariff threats from the United States will hit some provinces harder than others — and could test the united Team Canada front.

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.

Lower gas prices bring inflation down to 2.8 per cent in June: StatCan

Lower gas prices bring inflation down to 2.8 per cent in June: StatCan

The annual rate of inflation eased back below three per cent in June as motorists paid less to fill up the gas tank, Statistics Canada said Monday. Inflation slowed to 2.8 per cent in June, down from the recent high of 3.2 per cent in May and a tick lower than most economists were expecting. The agency pointed to a...

Lower gas prices bring inflation down to 2.8 per cent in June: StatCan

Lower gas prices bring inflation down to 2.8 per cent in June: StatCan

The annual rate of inflation eased back below three per cent in June as motorists paid less to fill up the gas tank, Statistics Canada said Monday.

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

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. In the federation's latest annual report card on internal trade, the federal government jumped to an A-plus from the C grade it got in 2025. The report card released Wednesday...

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.

Unemployment rate falls to 6.5% in June as youth add 33,000 jobs: StatCan

Unemployment rate falls to 6.5% in June as youth add 33,000 jobs: StatCan

A better start to the youth summer jobs market helped the economy record steady employment gains in June, Statistics Canada said Friday. Employers added 18,000 jobs last month, the agency said, mostly in part-time and private sector work. That pushed the unemployment rate down a tenth of a point to 6.5 per cent, back to where it stood in January...

Unemployment rate falls to 6.5% in June as youth add 33,000 jobs: StatCan

Unemployment rate falls to 6.5% in June as youth add 33,000 jobs: StatCan

A better start to the youth summer jobs market helped the economy record steady employment gains in June, Statistics Canada said Friday.

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

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. The Liberal government joined with the B.C. government last month to announce a plan to have the governments buy up 2,200 vacant condo units to convert into affordable housing. The Conservatives...

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.

Quarterly payments of Ottawa’s boosted grocery and essentials benefit start today

Quarterly payments of Ottawa’s boosted grocery and essentials benefit start today

Eligible Canadians will find a bit more cash in their bank accounts starting today as quarterly payments begin for the federal Liberals’ boosted affordability benefit. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is paid out to lower-income households every three months and was previously called the GST/HST credit. Eligible households got a one-time payment worth 50 per cent of the benefit’s...

Solid April GDP rebound suggests Canada is not in a recession: economists

Solid April GDP rebound suggests Canada is not in a recession: economists

The economy sprung back to life in April with solid enough growth to dismiss the spectres of a recession, according to economists weighing in on the latest data Tuesday.

More than $100K raised for 24 Sussex restoration: Rideau Hall Foundation

More than $100K raised for 24 Sussex restoration: Rideau Hall Foundation

The foundation in charge of the fundraiser to restore 24 Sussex says it has received more than $100,000 in donations since Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to renovate the heritage residence. Rideau Hall Foundation CEO Teresa Marques says in an emailed statement the group is "humbled and moved" by an influx of donations by individual Canadians over the weekend...

More than $100K raised for 24 Sussex restoration: Rideau Hall Foundation

More than $100K raised for 24 Sussex restoration: Rideau Hall Foundation

The foundation in charge of the fundraiser to restore 24 Sussex says it has received more than $100,000 in donations since Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to renovate the heritage residence.

Canada's former trade chief expects no tariff deal before U.S. midterms

Canada's former trade chief expects no tariff deal before U.S. midterms

Canada's former chief trade negotiator says he doesn't expect Ottawa to reach a tariff deal with Washington before the U.S. midterm elections. Steve Verheul says while there could be a window ahead of the midterms this fall when the U.S. administration is looking for a win, he thinks it's more likely that negotiations stretch into next year. He says he...

Canada's former trade chief expects no tariff deal before U.S. midterms

Canada's former trade chief expects no tariff deal before U.S. midterms

Canada's former chief trade negotiator said Monday he doesn't expect Ottawa to reach a tariff deal with Washington before the U.S. midterm elections.