TORONTO -- Here are five things to look for in Canadian business this week:
Housing data: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. releases data Monday on the number of housing starts in the country for December. The figures will be scrutinized by policy-makers following what has been a robust year for the real estate sector.
The economy, stupid: The Bank of Canada releases results from its latest business outlook survey on Monday summarizing the views of senior managers of about 100 Canadian corporations on where the economy is headed.
Banking conference: The CEOs of Canada's biggest banks are expected to discuss the economy and challenges facing their industry at a conference Tuesday in Toronto. Last year, the banks cashed in record profits, but they have aired concerns about the falling price of crude harming their bottom line in 2016.
Oil and gas: The Conference Board of Canada hosts a two-day oil and gas summit beginning Monday in Calgary that features, among others, Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips, whose NDP government has vowed to see the industry clean up its reputation on pollution.
Help for the middle class: Ah, the middle class -- that highly courted segment of the population will be one of the highlights in a speech Tuesday in Montreal by federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Last month, the House of Commons voted to approve a package of tax changes that will cut taxes for middle-income earners while raising them for those in top earnings rackets. Morneau is also expected to outline Canada's economic situation.
