The annual increase was the fastest pace in 39 years
Even before the new variant, only about one-third of small businesses were back to normal sales
Surging prices are haunting consumers and confounding economic planners
Weak demand and supply chain disruptions also weigh on growth
New tax revenues give the government $38.5 billion in extra spending room
The government could provide details on tax proposals for luxury vehicles and foreign-owned vacant homes
The highest inflation in a generation is heightening financial pressures
The rate is reviewed twice per year and is tied to the reserves of Canada's largest banks
The Labor Department also reported Friday that prices rose 0.8% from October to November
The bank maintained its guidance that rates aren't expected to rise until sometime between April and September