The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that BMO and National Bank are cautioning that businesses and consumers need greater certainty on trade negotiations and major project investments. The Globe's Stefanie Marotta writes that chief executive officer Darryl White said the Canadian economy must contend with modest GDP growth, persistent inflation and unemployment. Clarity on USMCA negotiations and infrastructure investments would boost growth in both Canada and the United States, he said. Business clients have been advocating for greater regulatory competitiveness in Canada, and recent measures by the federal government, including speeding up project reviews and improving trade relationships, are a "good start," Mr. White said. "Businesses operate across multiple jurisdictions, and meaningful growth will depend on a co-ordinated approach and alignment across governments to drive a more competitive environment for business investments in Canada," he told analysts during a call. National Bank CEO Laurent Ferreira said the war in Iran will continue to disrupt supply chains, driving inflation and higher rates. He also said continuing trade issues and unemployment are causing "commercial tensions" in Canada.