Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week
Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:
Alberta referendum
Albertans vote on Monday on 10 referendum questions including whether or not to hold a binding referendum on the province leaving Canada. Elections Alberta officials say the separation question will be counted first with the result expected to be known sometime early the following morning.
Stellantis strike vote
Unifor, the union representing more than 9,000 workers at Stellantis, will release results Monday of a weekend strike vote by workers at the automaker. The union has said a strike mandate would give its bargaining committee leverage to reach a negotiated agreement, calling strike action a last resort. A major sticking point in the contract talks is the future of the Brampton, Ont., assembly plant, which Stellantis wants to sell to defence contractor Roshel.

Inflation
Statistics Canada will release its September inflation reading on Monday when it publishes its consumer price index for the month. The report is expected to help give the Bank of Canada a look at how energy price pressures are influencing other parts of the economy. The annual inflation rate in August was three per cent, matching the pace set in July.

Outlook survey
The Bank of Canada will release its business outlook survey and its survey of consumer expectations on Monday. They come ahead of the central bank's next interest rate decision and monetary policy report scheduled for Oct. 28.

Rogers results
Rogers Communications Inc. will report its third-quarter financial results on Friday. The company recently completed its purchase of the remaining 25 per cent stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment it did not already hold, giving it complete ownership of the sports conglomerate that includes the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC and Argonauts.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B)
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
This Ontario village is a mini slice of Scotland with stone shops and historic charm
It's extra cozy during the autumn months. 🍁
Ontario is full of picturesque villages, but if you're looking for a place with a little European flair, you might want to take a road trip to this charming spot.
With quaint stone shops, historic architecture, and river views, it's a beautiful place to spend a day or longer.
The town is especially dreamy in autumn, when crisp leaves blanket the ground, and the little stores and cafes feel even cozier.
Perth is a charming Ontario town nestled along the Tay River, about an hour from Ottawa.
It was named after Perth, Scotland, and you can still see its Scottish roots reflected in the old-world buildings and quaint streets today.
According to the website, "you'll be amazed by the gorgeous heritage buildings lining the streets and the passageways that once served as horse lanes. With a Scottish influence, many of Perth's stone buildings were crafted by masons, making them a long-standing backdrop to the town's landscape. "
It's a magical spot to spend an afternoon sipping pumpkin spice lattes, wandering along leafy trails, and popping into local boutiques.
You can head to cozy cafes like Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe, North Folk Cafe, Jazzy's, and The Fieldhouse Bakery and Restaurant for warm drinks and cozy autumn vibes.
Since it just isn't fall without a sweet treat, you'll want to stop by Perth Pie Co., where you'll find everything from pumpkin pies to scones and gooey butter tarts.
There are lots of spots to grab a bite or enjoy a drink as well. The town's website highlights everything from "delicious pub eats to mouth-watering fine dining to thirst-quenching brews and spirits," so there's something for every taste.
Once you've satisfied your appetite, you can check out the Perth Museum, snap a photo with a replica of the town's famous giant "Mammoth Cheese," or wander around Code's Mill. This historic complex features five buildings and dates back to 1842, offering another glimpse into Perth's past.
Stewart Park is one of Perth's prettiest places to explore. Spanning five acres, the green space transforms into an autumn wonderland, with colourful foliage, winding walkways, and charming little bridges straight out of a storybook.
For more autumn views, you can follow the Tay River Towpath Trail for views of the river framed by brilliant red and golden leaves, or head to nearby Foley Mountain Conservation Area for sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Perth Tourism suggests stopping on the bridge in Stewart Park or following the Tow Path toward Last Duel Park, where you can take in the colourful scenery along the way.
October also brings Halloween fun to town, with seasonal activities like ghost walks and trick-or-treating.
With its historic stone buildings, cozy cafes, Scottish charm, and parks filled with fall foliage, Perth makes a picturesque destination for an autumn day trip or weekend getaway.
Daniel Allain new leader of New Brunswick's Progressive Conservatives
Daniel Allain is the new leader of New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative party after taking the majority of ballots in a two-person race.
The upbeat former provincial cabinet minister took to the stage after he was declared the winner Saturday at a party leadership convention and vowed to create a “broad and welcoming” coalition.
“Whether you’re a man or a woman; English or French; rural or urban; North, South, East, West; a person of faith, a member of the LGBTQ community, a young person … you belong to this party,” he said.
Now, he said, the party needs to put aside its differences and offer the province an alternative to the country's only Liberal provincial government.
"We are at our best when we are socially progressive, fiscally conservative, believe in the rights of the individual, prioritize private growth, believe in bilingualism, care for society's most vulnerable, are fiscally responsible, and work to create strong families and communities."
He criticized Premier Susan Holt's government for multibillion-dollar budget deficits, deteriorating health care access, poor public education outcomes, high cost of living and public safety concerns.
And he announced plans for a party policy convention in early 2027 to work out a platform for the next general election scheduled for October 2028.
"We will show you a better plan for a stronger New Brunswick," he told hundreds of party members at a convention hall in downtown Fredericton.
"I need you with me because it's time to think big."
Allain, who does not have a seat in the legislature, replaces former premier Blaine Higgs who quit after the party lost its majority government to the Liberals in the 2024 election.
After serving four years as a city councillor for francophone-majority Dieppe, N.B., Allain was elected to the provincial legislature in 2020 and appointed local government minister by Higgs.
He was kicked from cabinet three years later when he voted with opposition parties to request a review of the Higgs government's changes to a school policy on LGBTQ students.
Allain told reporters the party will have a "robust discussion" on the topic as the party firms up its election platform ahead of the next election scheduled for October 2028.
But he added the party has chosen a leader that believes in a "socially progressive party and a fiscally conservative party."
Allain won the leadership with 58.5 per cent of the ballots over his competitor Don Monahan, a rookie legislator who was elected to the New Brunswick's legislative assembly two years ago.
Some party members said their new leader worked a tireless ground game for the last two years to get the support he did, after he decided not to run in the 2024 provincial election.
For his part, Monahan said he supported Allain's leadership and called for a unified party. He added it was up to Allain to chose a house leader that would serve as the leader of the official Opposition.
Allain said he didn't need a seat in the legislative assembly as he leads an effort to rebuild the party. He pointed out former PC premier Bernard Lord and current Premier Susan Holt did not have seats when they were elected leader.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservatives will turn their attention to the legislature with the fall session set to begin Tuesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2026.
By Eli Ridder | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Ces navettes t'emmènent dans des parcs au Québec et il y a même des trajets gratuits
Pas d'auto? Pas d'excuse pour ne pas découvrir les plus beaux paysages!
Si tu as envie de partir le temps d'une journée à l'aventure, mais que tu ne peux te déplacer hors de la ville, sache que l'entreprise Navette Nature offre aux citadin.es l'opportunité de se rendre dans les plus beaux parcs nationaux du Québec tout près de Montréal. Une belle façon de prendre une grande bouffée d'air frais, de sortir du tumulte de la métropole et d'admirer des horizons à couper le souffle, et ce, même si tu ne conduis pas ou ne possèdes pas de voiture.
À bord d'un sympathique autobus jaune, tu peux partir à la découverte des parcs nationaux de la Yamaska, du Mont-Tremblant, de la Mauricie, d'Oka et de trois parcs-nature de Montréal. Plusieurs endroits magnifiques que tu pourras enfin cocher sur ta bucket list.
Sur les lieux, tu décides vraiment de comment se déroulera ta journée. Tu peux donc naviguer sur l'eau en canot, kayak, paddleboard, faire de la randonnée pédestre pour atteindre de jolis points de vue ou simplement te reposer sur une plage un livre à la main. C'est l'occasion de décrocher et de se ressourcer.
Le départ se fait à partir de la gare d'autocars de Berri-UQUAM tôt le matin et le retour en fin d'après-midi afin que tu puisses bien profiter de ta journée.
Le prix d'un billet comprend le transport et l'accès au parc. Aucune activité n'est payée, tu dois donc débourser à tes frais si tu veux louer des vélos, embarcations ou autres.
Si tu souhaites visiter les parcs-nature de Montréal, tu peux maintenant le faire, et ce, gratuitement grâce à un partenariat avec la Ville de Montréal. Tu pourras explorer les berges du Cap-Saint-Jacques, te promener dans la forêt dense du Bois de Liesse ou observer la faune et la flore à La Pointe-aux-Prairies.
À noter que la Navette Nature roulera bientôt sur les routes environnantes de la Capitale-Nationale puisque des départs de Québec s'ajouteront bientôt à l'offre.
Navette Nature
Coût : entre 43,05 $ et 61,50 $ et gratuit pour les parcs-nature de Montréal
Adresse : Gare d'autocars de Berri-UQAM, Montréal, QC
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