News of the day: Population growth slows, Canadian dollar falls, TFSA contribution rules, Cineplex eyes sale, KD soda and more

It’s Wednesday, Sept. 23. Here are the top stories we’re following today.

Canada’s population growth slows to lowest level in 80 years

Canada’s annual population growth has slowed to its lowest level in more than 80 years due to lower immigration, says Statistics Canada. The population is estimated to have added 189,425 people from July 2025 to July 2026, which is the lowest annual growth since 1944-1945, when the population increased by 126,000 people, the agency said on Wednesday. The population’s growth of 0.5 per cent in the past year is the lowest since the 0.3 per cent increase in 1915-1916.

Canadian dollar falls below 71 cents U.S. on widening rate differentials as headwinds loom for loonie

The Canadian dollar is down 1.7 per cent this month and fell below 71 cents U.S. in early trading on Wednesday for the first time since July as rising bets for more stateside interest rate hikes put pressure on the loonie.

A Canadian who lived abroad thought she followed TFSA contribution rules, but CRA surprised her with a penalty tax

The 2026 tax-free savings account dollar limit is $7,000, but the amount you can contribute is based not only on the current year’s limit but on prior years’ limits, contributions and withdrawals. However, there’s a catch: To accumulate annual contribution room for a particular calendar year, you must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes in that calendar year.

Cineplex names ex-Landmark Cinemas head as CEO, considers sale

Cineplex Inc. has named Bill Walker, former Landmark Cinemas Canada lead, as its new chief executive, taking over the role from Ellis Jacob, as the company considers a potential sale.

KD launches mac n’ cheese flavoured soda in Canada

Kraft Heinz Co. has teamed up with a Canadian soda brand for a limited-edition beverage that tastes like its Kraft Dinner mac n’ cheese, and it will only be available in Canada.