This week’s key statistical reports are scheduled for Friday when Canadian and U.S. jobs data for March will be released.

On Monday, the Conference Board of Canada hosts the 2006 Western Corporate Governance Conference: Compliance, Culture and Performance, at the Westin Hotel, Calgary.

On Tuesday, Bank of Canada deputy governor Pierre Duguay delivers address on The Conduct of Monetary Policy: Dealing with Changes in the Terms of Trade, in Kelowna, B.C.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits for February. Economists expect an increase of 0.4%, comapred with a decline of 19.4% the previous month.

Also, the Purchasing Management Association of Canada and the Richard Ivey School of Management release their purchasing managers index for March. Economists expect a reading of 60, up from 59.5 the previous month.

South of the border

On Monday, the U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for March. Economists expect a reading of 57.5, up from 56.7 the previous month.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on construction spending for February. Economists expect an increase of 0.5%, compared with an increase of 0.2% the previous month.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its service index for March. Economists expect a reading of 59, down from 60.1 the previous month.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department’s initial jobless claims for the week of April 1 is expected to come in at 305,000, up from 302,000 the previous week.

Overseas, the Bank of England announces interest rate decision. Economists expect the rates to remain unchanged at 4.5%.

The European Central Bank announces interest rate decision. Economists expect eurozone borrowing costs to remain unchanged at 2.5%.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases the Labor Force Survey for March. Economists expect the unemployment rate was 6.4%, unchanged from February.

On Friday, the U.S. Labor Department issues its employment report for March. Economists expect the unemployment rate to remain flat at 4.8%. Non-farm payrolls are expected to grow by 190,000 jobs, compared with 243,000 the previous month.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department reports wholesale inventories for March. Economists expect an increase of 0.5%, compared with a gain of 0.1% the previous month.

Also, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board releases consumer credit data for February. Economists expect an increase of US$2.9-billion, down from US$3.9 billion the previous month.

In earnings news, Research In Motion Ltd. reports fourth-quarter results, as does, Constellation Brands Inc.

Laidlaw International Inc. reports second-quarter, 2006, results.