Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week
Written by The Canadian Press on October 18, 2026
TORONTO — 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)
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