Weekly Address May 14th Edition

This week’s newsletter brings you the latest updates across Canadian real estate, business, politics, and monetary policy. You’ll also find news from addy, where three investment opportunities are currently available on the platform. Simply log into your account to explore them — and keep an eye out, as more exciting opportunities are on the way.

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🏦 Monetary Policy

Bank of Canada holds policy rate at 2¾%

The Bank of Canada maintained its policy interest rate at 2.75% during its April 16 announcement, following seven consecutive rate cuts. The decision reflects concerns over economic slowdown due to ongoing trade tensions and tariffs, which have dampened consumer and business confidence. (Bank of Canada)

The Bank of Canada’s next interest rate decision is set for Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 9:45 AM ET. Analysts are divided on the outcome; some predict a further rate cut if inflation remains within the Bank’s target range and economic uncertainties persist, while others anticipate a hold to monitor the evolving economic landscape. (Bank of Canada)

🏠 Real Estate News

GTA commercial real estate investment up 26% in Q1 2025

Commercial real estate investment in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) rose to $3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 26% increase compared with the same period in 2024, according to Avison Young’s latest investment report. (Mortgage Professional)

Canadian CRE investment trends – Q1 2025

Altus Group’s Q1 2025 report highlights a resurgence in commercial real estate transaction activity across Canada’s eight largest markets. Investment volumes are climbing, with capital flowing back into the market, indicating renewed investor confidence. (Altus)

Canada Industrial Insights

JLL reports that Canada’s supply pipeline dwindled to its lowest level since 2020, with only 25.1 million square feet of space currently under construction. This represents an over 50% decline from the peak of the post-pandemic construction boom, suggesting a slowdown in new industrial developments. (JLL)

🏙️ City Spotlights

Toronto home sellers are slashing prices, offering big discounts

Homebuyers are starting to find deals in what’s shaping up to be one of the toughest spring seasons for the Toronto housing market in more than a decade. Sellers are offering significant discounts to attract buyers amid a cooling market. (BNN)

Montreal home prices surge as suburban markets outshine the island

Montreal’s real estate market saw a strong start to the spring season, with residential sales rising 10% year-over-year in April to 5,126 transactions. Suburban markets are experiencing higher growth compared to the island, indicating a shift in buyer preferences. (CMT)

Edmonton Proposing $553M Action Plan To Revitalize Downtown Core

The four overarching goals of the new Downtown Action Plan are to facilitate economic, residential, vibrancy, and business growth, says the City of Edmonton. (Storeys)

🏙️ Politics

Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Confirmed As New Federal Housing Minister

Gregor Robertson was Mayor of Vancouver from 2008 to 2018 and returned to politics this year as the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby. (Storeys)

Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government will “change things at the federal level that need to be changed in order for projects to move forward.”

CTV’s Vassy Kapelos: “Does that include C-69 or the emissions cap?” Carney: “It could include both. Absolutely.” (CTV)

Canada gets it first AI Minister – what makes this important?

Evan Solomon: The former journalist has been appointed as Canada’s first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, indicating the government’s commitment to advancing AI technologies and digital innovation. (Times of India)

🏙️ Business News

Rennie lays off 31 employees from real estate firm, cites ‘changing market’

A prominent Vancouver real estate company is laying off 31 employees, citing geopolitics, artificial intelligence and other industry upheavals. (Western Investor)

Delta, Korean Air to Buy Stakes in WestJet For $550 Million

Delta (15%) and Korean Air (10%) have jointly acquired minority stakes in WestJet, boosting international air traffic links between Canada and Asia. (WSJ)

Microsoft To Layoff 3% Of Global Workforce

Technology giant Microsoft (MSFT) has announced that it is laying off 3% of employees across its global workforce, a decision that will impact about 6,000 people. In a statement, Microsoft said that it is aiming to reduce layers of management and cut down on internal bureaucracy. (BayStreet.ca)

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