Business headlines in 2023 saw a housing crisis and the fight against inflation take centre stage while the job market proved to be stronger than expected.

The Canadian economy sprinted to the finish line of 2020 with nearly double-digit growth in the fourth quarter, ending its worst year on record on a strong note that has continued into the start of 2021.

Canada's central bank cut another half-point off its key interest rate in an emergency move that comes ahead of what the federal Liberals say will be a "significant" stimulus plan to cushion the economic blow from COVID-19.

Torstar Corp. and Postmedia Network Canada Corp. agreed to lists of employees who would be terminated as part of their deal last year to swap dozens of mostly community newspapers, Canada's competition watchdog alleges in court documents.

Jennifer Lee, a senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, said the monthly trade figures have taken on greater significance as of late.

The decline came due to the Alberta wildfires in May and a drop in exports that was larger and more broad-based than expected, the central Canadian bank said.

The bigger than expected trade deficit came as exports of crude oil and bitumen grew despite the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta., that forced several oilsands operations to shut down production.

While the private sector has moved to shift the risk of pension plans to employees with a move to defined contribution plans, many in the public sector have managed to hold on to those plans.

A rise in the Canadian dollar helped keep food prices in check.