Higher operating costs seen as the main obstacle to growth
'Surprisingly good' results driven by a March surge in exports and industrial production ahead of U.S. tariffs
Sales slump in metals and energy while furniture sales rise: Statistics Canada
Province proposes increasing tax credit rate to 15% from 10%
Manufacturing activity drops to a 16-month low, with export orders falling sharply
Getting workers back into low-paid, low-productivity jobs would not be a win: CIBC
Six-month tariff holiday for U.S. imported goods used in Canadian manufacturing also announced
Gains in sales of primary metals and chemicals offset petroleum decline
Positive figures cover period ahead of the escalating trade war with the U.S.
Newfound focus on bilateral trade may reshape global practices