This week's must-read business stories

This week’s business digest highlights major developments across transportation, infrastructure, monetary policy, labor negotiations, and wildfire disruptions in Canada and the U.S. Wildfires in Northern Ontario forced evacuations, blocked rail traffic, and halted forestry operations, with Canadian National Railway stopping freight services in affected areas. The mainline north of Lake Superior closed since Monday, and transcontinental trains were rerouted, while Via Rail cancelled Toronto–Winnipeg service until July 19. The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit is scheduled to open July 27 after a Canada-U.S. deal on toll revenue-sharing, funded jointly and expected to send 50% of profits for 15 years to an economic development fund in Michigan, though public details remain limited. The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark rate at 2.25% for a sixth straight time, citing expected falling inflation but emphasizing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and U.S. trade policy. Lastly, WestJet flight attendants voted overwhelmingly for a strike over ground pay negotiations, with possible action as early as Aug. 2.