Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:

Canada-U.S. trade

The ongoing uncertainty on the trade front is expected to carry on. Canada and Mexico won a reprieve on broad U.S. tariffs last week, but President Donald Trump is set to impose other tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum on Wednesday. Expect the rapid developments on this file to continue in the coming days.

Federal politics

The new leader of the Liberal party will be announced Sunday night at an event in Ottawa. The winner will then begin the transition process to replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister. The new leader has to decide on a cabinet, and is expected to call an election before Parliament is scheduled to resume on March 24.

Rate announcement

The Bank of Canada will make its latest interest rate announcement on Wednesday. The central bank’s decision comes as the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. clouds the economic outlook. The Bank of Canada cut its policy interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to three per cent at its last decision in January.

Transat results

Travel company Transat AT Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter results on Thursday. The results come as some travellers rethink their plans to fly to the U.S. — a key sun destination for Transat — as Trump threatens Canada with devastating tariffs and the loonie hovers around 70 cents US.

Empire results

Grocery retailer Empire Co. Ltd. will report its results on Thursday. Grocers have been looking to reduce their reliance on products from the U.S. as shoppers, angered by Trump’s threats against the country, search for alternatives to fill their shopping baskets. The parent company of Sobeys and Safeway in Canada has been responding with more signage and information to help them make their picks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2025.

Companies in this story: (TSX:TRZ, TSX:EMP.A)

The Canadian Press