The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce have partnered with the Regina Pats for the 2023-24 Western Hockey League season. Like the Chamber, the Pats have a long history with the storied franchise significantly contributing to the fabric of the city.

For many people making the transition from an educational setting to a business setting or making a career change, they are motivated by finding the passion that would lead to a successful career. Scott Stirrett, founder and chief executive of Venture for Canada and a columnist for the Globe & Mail, believes this strategy is flawed.

Thursday’s announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the repayment deadline for loans under the Canada Emergency Business Account program would be extended appears to be a good news, bad news scenario.

The Bank of Canada announced this morning that is maintaining its interest rate of five per cent. As announced by BOC governor Tiff Macklem, the overnight lending rate is at its highest level in 22 years.

Economists are predicting that the rise of the inflation rate in July will make it difficult for the Bank of Canada not to intervene. Canada’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.8 per cent in June — landing within the Bank of Canada’s target range of one to three per cent. But the inflation rate rose to 3.3 per cent in July and economists are predicting the Bank of Canada may have to become involved in dealing with inflation.

Small business are feeling the pressure as the deadline for repayment of Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)  loans is quickly approaching. CEBA loans enabled small businesses and not-for-profits to acquire interest-free loans up to $60,000 during the pandemic. The original deadline for repayment of these loans was extended last year to Dec. 31, 2023 in a bid to assist businesses that were still recovering from the pandemic.