The province of Alberta posted a surprise government surplus and will use it all to pay down debt. Home price declines may have hit a plateau, as Toronto average home prices rose in August and are still above year-ago levels in Vancouver and Calgary. A federal tax is now in effect on luxury cars and yachts. Airport and other government service delays are improving but are far from perfect, government admits.

<p>The province of Alberta posted a surprise government surplus and will use it all to pay down debt. Home price declines may have hit a plateau, as Toronto average home prices rose in August and are still above year-ago levels in Vancouver and Calgary. A federal tax is now in effect on luxury cars and yachts. Airport and other government service delays are improving but are far from perfect, government admits.</p>

A weekly series spotlighting the biggest and most significant news stories affecting the world of business and the economy. Taking Stock with Amanda Lang brings business stories from the global stage to Canadians every week and explains why they matter.

<p>A weekly series spotlighting the biggest and most significant news stories affecting the world of business and the economy. Taking Stock with Amanda Lang brings business stories from the global stage to Canadians every week and explains why they matter.</p>

Advertisement