The head of the International Monetary Fund says Canada has the fiscal room to make productivity-boosting investments, and praised the federal government's proposed changes to budget timing.
Canada's main S&P/TSX stock index soared, meanwhile, and finished more than 500 points higher at 30,353.61, helped by strong gains in the basic materials sector.
Canada's income divide remains at record high levels, according to Statistics Canada, which adds that the top 20 per cent hold the majority of household net worth in Canada.
Canadian steel magnate Barry Zekelman has emerged as one of Ottawa's harshest critics. But will the brash, competitive, Ferrari-loving entrepreneur get his message through before it's too late?
'The tanker ban is a great example of how things will have to change to allow our country to maximize its economic potential,' said Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel.
Wall Street got off to a rough start Wednesday as a U.S. government shutdown begins and fresh labour market data pointed to more weakness on the job front.
Five provinces have raised the minimum wage in a move poised to help support workers facing affordability issues, while Alberta held firm and is now the lowest rate nationally.
Workers from abroad have become a political flashpoint in this country, but many businesses need them to survive and fear they will be left in the lurch when Ottawa announces new immigration targets
Seasonal changes mean gas prices in Canada are heading for some of the lowest prices of the year, and the removal of the consumer carbon price means even more savings.