By Craig Wong
As we begin 2026, international trade will continue to be critically important. But Canada also faces big changes as the government plans to reshape the economy.
Here are five trends that will impact the canadian business world in 2026:
Trade
2025 was marked by tariffs from Donald Trump. This trend is highly likely to continue in 2026 as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is reviewed.
The United States wants greater access to the Canadian market for its dairy products. Canada is also facing pressure to change the Online Streaming Act and the Online News Act, and to remove provincial limits on selling American alcohol.
katherine Judge, an economist at CIBC, believes Trump understands the benefits of the trade deal. She thinks he may talk tough, but won’t cancel the agreement.
“We might see some tariffs stay in place in areas like cars and lumber, but President Trump sees value in the deal,” she said.
Ms.Judge also believes Trump wants to finish trade talks before the U.S. midterm elections. American tariffs are starting to increase prices for consumers.
big projects
Mark Carney has announced many enterprising national projects. 2026 will show if he can make them happen.
The federal government has made two key agreements: one with Alberta to build a new pipeline, and another with Ontario to develop critical minerals in the Ring of Fire.
In 2026, the government needs to start these projects and follow through on its promise to make the Canadian economy less dependent on the United States.
Markets
Th