**Bank of Canada Expected to Announce Interest Rate Cut** The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday morning. This will be the second-to-last decision for 2025. Economists anticipate that the central bank will lower its key interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 2.25 percent from the current 2.5 percent.

The expected cut comes amid rising inflation, which increased to 2.4 percent in September. However, many experts believe that the underlying inflation rates remain stable enough to justify a reduction. Desjardins economist Royce Mendes noted, "The reality is that the economy is in need of support. Outside of the pandemic, the unemployment rate is standing at its highest level since 2016."

The announcement is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. and will be followed by a press conference featuring Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem and Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers. Additionally, the bank will release its quarterly report, which will include updated projections for inflation and growth in the Canadian economy, as well as an assessment of economic risks.

In other news, a First Nation in Quebec has filed a title claim in the Superior Court for extensive territories in the western part of the province. Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg stated that his community needs a say in managing local water, wildlife, and forestry resources. The claim covers eight areas, including parts of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Park. Whiteduck clarified that the lawsuit does not aim to displace private landowners but focuses on lands owned or managed by governments.

Meanwhile, the steel industry is looking to the upcoming federal budget for potential "Buy Canadian" provisions. Steel fabricators are facing significant challenges due to U.S. tariffs, which have led to canceled contracts and halted projects. Véronique Roy, president of Logiciel Magnus, expressed frustration, saying, "It’s really hard having a neighbor downstairs that is kind of going with his impulses."

In Alberta, over 740,000 students are returning to school after a provincewide teachers' strike. Classes are resuming after Premier Danielle Smith's government invoked the notwithstanding clause to mandate that 51,000 teachers return to work. The strike lasted more than three weeks, and while school boards expect classes to resume, there may be delays and changes to diploma exams and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the Zellers brand is set for another relaunch this week at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. The discount retailer, which has undergone several revivals since its inception in 1928, will focus on affordable family offerings while reducing the variety of merchandise sold. The new stores will occupy smaller spaces and will offer clothing, home goods, and seasonal items, but will not include toys or pharmaceuticals.

In sports, the Toronto Blue Jays evened the World Series at two games apiece with a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed a two-run homer, and Shane Bieber pitched 5 1/3 strong innings. Blue Jays manager John Schneider remarked, "I get that it's easy to write Ohtani versus Guerrero. To us, it's Toronto versus Los Angeles. But that swing was huge." The Blue Jays are now just two wins away from their first World Series title in 32 years.