The Canadian Press has provided a comprehensive roundup of significant news stories to keep readers informed.

Partial U.S. Tariff Pause Offers Little Relief

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent executive order has led to a temporary pause on tariffs affecting certain Canadian products. This measure, however, brings minimal relief as the looming threat of tariffs continues to impact Canada, America's closest ally. Among the changes, tariffs on goods adhering to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement's rules of origin have been delayed, and levies on potash have been reduced to 10 percent until April 2. In response, the Canadian government has suspended its own planned set of retaliatory tariffs.

Financial markets have been shaken since Trump’s announcement on Tuesday, where he enacted a sweeping 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, alongside a lesser 10 percent charge specifically focused on Canadian energy products. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the need for greater stability and certainty for businesses on both sides of the border during these tumultuous times.

StatCan Set to Release February Jobs Numbers Today

Statistics Canada is expected to unveil unemployment figures for February today, with economists surveyed by Reuters predicting an increase of approximately 20,000 jobs for the month. They also anticipate a slight rise in the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent. Conversely, RBC Economics forecast that the unemployment rate held steady at 6.6 percent with a projected gain of 15,000 jobs. Recent hiring trends indicate that Canadian employers have maintained their recruitment momentum, which has helped to lower the unemployment rate from a peak of 6.9 percent recorded in November.

This forthcoming labour force survey will shed light on how Canadian businesses have been adapting to the potential threats of a trade war with the United States, particularly prior to the imposition of tariffs that were formalized earlier this week.

Top Court to Weigh in on Ontario Election Ad Rules

The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to deliver a pivotal decision today addressing the restrictions on third-party election advertising in Ontario. Previously, third parties could allocate a budget of up to $600,000 for advertising within a six-month period leading up to a provincial election. However, during 2021, Premier Doug Ford's government extended this restricted spending period to an entire year, while retaining the same spending cap.

Supporters of the extended regulations argue that they were put in place to shield elections from external influences, whereas opponents claim these regulations are an attempt by the government to suppress criticism ahead of the 2022 provincial election. The law faced legal challenges from teachers' unions and was initially overturned by a lower court. The province's subsequent attempt to reintroduce the law using the contentious notwithstanding clause was also challenged successfully on appeal.

N.B. Wrongful Conviction Details Expected Today

In New Brunswick, authorities are poised to release significant details regarding a long-awaited investigation into the wrongful convictions of two men who spent years imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. The Saint John Police Force will publish a report summary today relating to the case of Robert Mailman and Walter Gillespie, who were sentenced for a 1983 murder and exonerated in January 2024 due to a miscarriage of justice ruling by the court. Innocence Canada, the organization that championed their exoneration, has alleged that their convictions stemmed from police tunnel vision, non-disclosure of critical evidence, recantations from key prosecution witnesses, and a dismissal of the men’s strong alibis. Walter Gillespie, who served 21 years in prison, tragically passed away in April, shortly after his exoneration.

Tech Workers Stepping Back from Women’s Day Events

As International Women’s Day approaches on Saturday, notable figures in the tech industry, such as Calgary-based co-founder Christa Hill of Tacit Edge, have announced their decision to abstain from participating in celebrations marking the occasion. Hill argues that these events often create a superficial atmosphere wherein attendees mistakenly believe corporate Canada is making a concerted effort to advance women's conditions. She, along with others in the tech sector, stresses that their withdrawal is not an opposition to celebrating women but an indication that support should extend beyond one-off events.

Many in the industry advocate for ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts conducted throughout the entire year, rather than being confined to annual, performative celebrations predominantly attended by women. They warn that maintaining the status quo may result in not just stagnation but a regression in progress made toward women's rights and equity in the workplace.