Waterloo femtech startup gets funding boost
A groundbreaking startup founded by University of Waterloo grads is challenging decades of outdated gynecological tools with a pad. CELLECT Laboratories Inc., a women-led health-tech company based in Waterloo, has received $44,420 in national funding for its innovative cervical cancer screening product: A menstrual pad that doubles as a diagnostic tool. The grant, awarded through the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch competition in Vancouver, is another step forward in the team’s mission to make cervical and HPV screening easier, less painful and far more accessible.
A groundbreaking startup founded by University of Waterloo grads is challenging decades of outdated gynecological tools with a pad. CELLECT Laboratories Inc., a women-led health-tech company based in Waterloo, has received $44,420 in national funding for its innovative cervical cancer screening product: A menstrual pad that doubles as a diagnostic tool. The grant, awarded through the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch competition in Vancouver, is another step forward in the team’s mission to make cervical and HPV screening easier, less painful and far more accessible.
Calgary announces $30.7M housing boost
Calgary is taking a major step forward in addressing its housing crisis with a $30.7 million investment through its Housing Capital Initiative (HCI). The funding will support the creation of around 480 non-market homes, offering a range of unit sizes — from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes — spread across various communities in the city. “With an estimated investment of $30.7M in this round, the Housing Capital Initiative (HCI) will support the delivery of approximately 480 non-market homes for Calgarians comprising a range of project types,” the City of Calgary stated in a news release. These developments are designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, including seniors, families and Indigenous people. The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to make housing more accessible to those most in need.
Calgary is taking a major step forward in addressing its housing crisis with a $30.7 million investment through its Housing Capital Initiative (HCI). The funding will support the creation of around 480 non-market homes, offering a range of unit sizes — from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes — spread across various communities in the city. “With an estimated investment of $30.7M in this round, the Housing Capital Initiative (HCI) will support the delivery of approximately 480 non-market homes for Calgarians comprising a range of project types,” the City of Calgary stated in a news release. These developments are designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, including seniors, families and Indigenous people. The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to make housing more accessible to those most in need.
Loblaw warns of widespread price hikes
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has issued a stark warning to Canadian consumers: The price of everyday grocery items is set to rise sharply in the coming weeks. The retailer, which operates chains such as Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, announced this week that the number of products marked with a "T" symbol — indicating tariff-related price increases — will soar from nearly 1,000 to over 6,000 by mid-July. CEO Per Bank explained in a LinkedIn post that while current inventories purchased before the tariffs remain unaffected, the impact will soon be felt across a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, natural foods and health and beauty products. "While the tariff situation might be improving between the U.S. and other countries, that’s not yet the case here in Canada. In fact, we’ll be facing a large wave of tariff-related increases in the weeks ahead,” he said. He noted that the "T" symbol will help customers identify which items are directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs. This surge in prices comes as Canada continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the trade dispute with the U.S., which has led to increased costs for Canadian businesses and concerns about potential job losses. While some relief has been offered to other countries, Canada has not seen significant reductions in tariffs.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has issued a stark warning to Canadian consumers: The price of everyday grocery items is set to rise sharply in the coming weeks. The retailer, which operates chains such as Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, announced this week that the number of products marked with a "T" symbol — indicating tariff-related price increases — will soar from nearly 1,000 to over 6,000 by mid-July. CEO Per Bank explained in a LinkedIn post that while current inventories purchased before the tariffs remain unaffected, the impact will soon be felt across a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, natural foods and health and beauty products. "While the tariff situation might be improving between the U.S. and other countries, that’s not yet the case here in Canada. In fact, we’ll be facing a large wave of tariff-related increases in the weeks ahead,” he said. He noted that the "T" symbol will help customers identify which items are directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs. This surge in prices comes as Canada continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the trade dispute with the U.S., which has led to increased costs for Canadian businesses and concerns about potential job losses. While some relief has been offered to other countries, Canada has not seen significant reductions in tariffs.
10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa
Canada’s capital city has a lot going for it. Ottawa is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis that showcases some of the country’s best museums, iconic landmarks, an exciting dining scene and acclaimed cultural events and festivals. Those looking to move to the city will find a bevy of incredible neighborhoods to choose from — each with its own unique personality, amenities and sense of community — where everyone can find a welcoming place to call home. Here are our picks for the 10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Canada’s capital city has a lot going for it. Ottawa is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis that showcases some of the country’s best museums, iconic landmarks, an exciting dining scene and acclaimed cultural events and festivals. Those looking to move to the city will find a bevy of incredible neighborhoods to choose from — each with its own unique personality, amenities and sense of community — where everyone can find a welcoming place to call home. Here are our picks for the 10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Hudson’s Bay art auction: Impact on investors
As the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC ) — North America’s oldest retailer — undergoes an historic wind-down, its extensive collection of over 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts is headed for the auction block. This liquidation includes irreplaceable pieces such as the 1670 Royal Charter from King Charles II, a cornerstone document in Canadian history, and a wide array of art chronicling the company's colonial legacy. The Ontario Superior Court greenlit the massive sell-off of Hudson’s Bay Company art, with the auction to be managed by Heffel Gallery, a Vancouver-based art auction house. However, there is a caveat: HBC must consult with governmental and Indigenous stakeholders before finalizing the sale plan of their extensive art collection.
As the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC ) — North America’s oldest retailer — undergoes an historic wind-down, its extensive collection of over 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts is headed for the auction block. This liquidation includes irreplaceable pieces such as the 1670 Royal Charter from King Charles II, a cornerstone document in Canadian history, and a wide array of art chronicling the company's colonial legacy. The Ontario Superior Court greenlit the massive sell-off of Hudson’s Bay Company art, with the auction to be managed by Heffel Gallery, a Vancouver-based art auction house. However, there is a caveat: HBC must consult with governmental and Indigenous stakeholders before finalizing the sale plan of their extensive art collection.
Winnipeg micro-distillery wins global acclaim
Tucked away in Winnipeg’s storied Exchange District, a small-batch distillery is quietly turning heads on the world stage. With just one barrel of whisky crafted each week, compared to the industrial scale of global giants, Patent 5 Distillery has achieved what many in the craft spirits world only dream of: Striking gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its Sixth Anniversary Whisky and Estate Grown Three Grain Whisky both earned scores above 90 at the prestigious event, catapulting the six-year-old micro-distillery into the international spotlight and affirming its place among Canada’s rising stars in the premium spirits market.
Tucked away in Winnipeg’s storied Exchange District, a small-batch distillery is quietly turning heads on the world stage. With just one barrel of whisky crafted each week, compared to the industrial scale of global giants, Patent 5 Distillery has achieved what many in the craft spirits world only dream of: Striking gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its Sixth Anniversary Whisky and Estate Grown Three Grain Whisky both earned scores above 90 at the prestigious event, catapulting the six-year-old micro-distillery into the international spotlight and affirming its place among Canada’s rising stars in the premium spirits market.
Canadian Tire buys Hudson’s Bay stripes
Canadian Tire’s $30-million acquisition of the iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes and other brand assets isn’t just a business deal — it’s a cultural moment. In purchasing one of the country’s most enduring symbols, Canadian Tire is staking a claim on national identity and nostalgia — a move that appears to be in step with the current shift in consumer loyalty.
Canadian Tire’s $30-million acquisition of the iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes and other brand assets isn’t just a business deal — it’s a cultural moment. In purchasing one of the country’s most enduring symbols, Canadian Tire is staking a claim on national identity and nostalgia — a move that appears to be in step with the current shift in consumer loyalty.
Canada’s life sciences are also an economic engine
Canada’s life sciences aren’t just working to improve the lives of the country’s citizens, it turns out the industry is also an economic driver. According to new data from Statistics Canada, The industry contributed $18.4 billion in 2022 in total economic activity, marking a nearly 15% increase over 2021. "Canada's life sciences are an economic engine. In an increasingly complex and volatile global economy, that engine needs to be firing on all cylinders," Bettina Hamelin, president of Innovative Medicines Canada, said in a statement. "Canada's pharmaceutical innovators are helping deliver both life-changing treatments and the kind of growth that strengthens our economic resilience as a country."
Canada’s life sciences aren’t just working to improve the lives of the country’s citizens, it turns out the industry is also an economic driver. According to new data from Statistics Canada, The industry contributed $18.4 billion in 2022 in total economic activity, marking a nearly 15% increase over 2021. "Canada's life sciences are an economic engine. In an increasingly complex and volatile global economy, that engine needs to be firing on all cylinders," Bettina Hamelin, president of Innovative Medicines Canada, said in a statement. "Canada's pharmaceutical innovators are helping deliver both life-changing treatments and the kind of growth that strengthens our economic resilience as a country."
Why Warren Buffett loves stock downturns
The stock market’s ups and downs can rattle even the steadiest investor. While everyone hopes for gains, losses are inevitable. But legendary investor Warren Buffett once offered a refreshing perspective on how to handle those downturns. “I love it when the things we buy go down. I get euphoric — you know the stocks are down today and I'm buying more of something I was buying yesterday — I'm buying it cheaper,” he said during an October 2014 interview with Fortune Magazine. Buffett’s approach offers a different way to view those unsettling red numbers in your brokerage account. He likened it to grocery shopping, where finding items at a reduced price is seen as a win. Yet, when it comes to stocks, most investors don’t apply the same bargain-hunting mindset. “They think that the stock knows more than they do, so that when the stock goes down, they say the stock is telling them something … they take it as kind of a referendum on themselves, me versus the stock: ‘If it ever gets back to what I paid, I'm going to sell it,’” he observed. A drop in stock prices, for Buffett, signals the chance to get more for his money.
The stock market’s ups and downs can rattle even the steadiest investor. While everyone hopes for gains, losses are inevitable. But legendary investor Warren Buffett once offered a refreshing perspective on how to handle those downturns. “I love it when the things we buy go down. I get euphoric — you know the stocks are down today and I'm buying more of something I was buying yesterday — I'm buying it cheaper,” he said during an October 2014 interview with Fortune Magazine. Buffett’s approach offers a different way to view those unsettling red numbers in your brokerage account. He likened it to grocery shopping, where finding items at a reduced price is seen as a win. Yet, when it comes to stocks, most investors don’t apply the same bargain-hunting mindset. “They think that the stock knows more than they do, so that when the stock goes down, they say the stock is telling them something … they take it as kind of a referendum on themselves, me versus the stock: ‘If it ever gets back to what I paid, I'm going to sell it,’” he observed. A drop in stock prices, for Buffett, signals the chance to get more for his money.
Will Canadian Snowbird Act help U.S. tourism?
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to extend the stay period for eligible Canadian snowbirds, potentially boosting cross-border tourism and local economies. The proposed legislation would affect Canadian citizens aged 50 and older. Known as the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, the bill would increase the maximum permitted stay from 182 days to 240 days annually, allowing Canadians to spend approximately eight months in the United States without requiring a visa.
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to extend the stay period for eligible Canadian snowbirds, potentially boosting cross-border tourism and local economies. The proposed legislation would affect Canadian citizens aged 50 and older. Known as the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, the bill would increase the maximum permitted stay from 182 days to 240 days annually, allowing Canadians to spend approximately eight months in the United States without requiring a visa.
My husband controls our money: Where is it going?
When you get married, it might feel like a relief to pass off all financial duties to your spouse. But choosing to offload your financial responsibility can come at a cost. Take, for example, the following scenario: A wife recently checked into her household finances and discovered that there was $31,000 in credit card debt. With her husband controlling every cent, she doesn’t have clear insight on where the money went. The debt is shocking to her, especially because she earns $120,000 per year. Now, she wants to learn how to protect herself financially, especially in the event the couple gets divorced. Although the average household with credit card debt carries a credit card balance of $4,562, the high interest rates typically associated with credit cards can make it difficult to climb out of this hole. But the real problem doesn’t lie only with credit card balances. After all, financial infidelity isn’t just about secret spending. This couple is likely also dealing with a lack of financial literacy. According to a 2022 study, nearly 30% of Canadians believe they are financially illiterate. Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to get a household’s financial situation under control, even without the added complications of a controlling spouse.
When you get married, it might feel like a relief to pass off all financial duties to your spouse. But choosing to offload your financial responsibility can come at a cost. Take, for example, the following scenario: A wife recently checked into her household finances and discovered that there was $31,000 in credit card debt. With her husband controlling every cent, she doesn’t have clear insight on where the money went. The debt is shocking to her, especially because she earns $120,000 per year. Now, she wants to learn how to protect herself financially, especially in the event the couple gets divorced. Although the average household with credit card debt carries a credit card balance of $4,562, the high interest rates typically associated with credit cards can make it difficult to climb out of this hole. But the real problem doesn’t lie only with credit card balances. After all, financial infidelity isn’t just about secret spending. This couple is likely also dealing with a lack of financial literacy. According to a 2022 study, nearly 30% of Canadians believe they are financially illiterate. Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to get a household’s financial situation under control, even without the added complications of a controlling spouse.
Where do you get the most bang for your buck?
For many Canadians, spending in a foreign currency can be extremely costly, especially with the unfavourable currency exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. There was a time when C$1 CAD was worth US$0.94, but today, that conversion is closer to US$0.70 (as of mid-May, one Canadian dollar converted to US$0.73). This makes travelling to nearby destinations, like in the U.S., even more expensive, with many Canadians holding out until the dollar strengthens. Luckily, there are many places where the Canadian dollar can go further, and these destinations can be equally fantastic!
For many Canadians, spending in a foreign currency can be extremely costly, especially with the unfavourable currency exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. There was a time when C$1 CAD was worth US$0.94, but today, that conversion is closer to US$0.70 (as of mid-May, one Canadian dollar converted to US$0.73). This makes travelling to nearby destinations, like in the U.S., even more expensive, with many Canadians holding out until the dollar strengthens. Luckily, there are many places where the Canadian dollar can go further, and these destinations can be equally fantastic!
Here's the net worth you need to join Canada's 1%
To be a top 1% earner in Canada, you need to make at least $586,900, according to data released in 2024 by Statistics Canada. The wealthiest households accounted for almost two-thirds (64.8%) of Canada’s total net worth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an average of $3.3 million in earnings per household. For contrast, the least wealthy earned an average of $84,600 per year, according to Statistics Canada. Whatever the size of your portfolio, there are potential benefits to following the wealth-building strategies of the rich. Here’s how you can work to grow your wealth like the top 1%.
To be a top 1% earner in Canada, you need to make at least $586,900, according to data released in 2024 by Statistics Canada. The wealthiest households accounted for almost two-thirds (64.8%) of Canada’s total net worth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an average of $3.3 million in earnings per household. For contrast, the least wealthy earned an average of $84,600 per year, according to Statistics Canada. Whatever the size of your portfolio, there are potential benefits to following the wealth-building strategies of the rich. Here’s how you can work to grow your wealth like the top 1%.
Trump’s tariffs and the rise of inverse ETFs
In today's turbulent economic climate, marked by President Trump's recent tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, concerns about a potential recession are escalating. As markets react to these developments, investors explore strategies to protect their portfolios. One such strategy involves inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
In today's turbulent economic climate, marked by President Trump's recent tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, concerns about a potential recession are escalating. As markets react to these developments, investors explore strategies to protect their portfolios. One such strategy involves inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Stop overpaying for these 3 things ASAP
The price of almost everything – from a carton of eggs to a pound of steak – remains stubbornly high. A Canadian family of four is expected to spend $16,833.67 on food in 2025 — an increase of more than $800 from 2024 grocery costs, according to Canada’s Food Price Report produced by several Canadian universities. Most of us can’t control the price of necessities, but there are three things in your monthly budget you may be overpaying for – and three strategies to help you cut back.
The price of almost everything – from a carton of eggs to a pound of steak – remains stubbornly high. A Canadian family of four is expected to spend $16,833.67 on food in 2025 — an increase of more than $800 from 2024 grocery costs, according to Canada’s Food Price Report produced by several Canadian universities. Most of us can’t control the price of necessities, but there are three things in your monthly budget you may be overpaying for – and three strategies to help you cut back.
How to put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action
Breaking out of the debt cycle isn’t easy. According to Equifax, the total consumer debt across Canada hit $2.56 trillion in Q4 of 2024 — a 4.6% increase compared to the same period from the previous year. So, how do you beat debt and build wealth if you’re living paycheque to paycheque? One option is to follow Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps. The American radio host and personal finance personality popularized this step-by-step guide as a way for North Americans to take control of their money. "It's not a fairy tale. Anyone can do it, and the plan works every single time,” explains Ramsey. “Many people have used the plan to ditch debt, increase wealth, and live and give like no one else.” Whether it’s high-yield chequing accounts or low-fee investment options, here are tools that can help you put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action.
Breaking out of the debt cycle isn’t easy. According to Equifax, the total consumer debt across Canada hit $2.56 trillion in Q4 of 2024 — a 4.6% increase compared to the same period from the previous year. So, how do you beat debt and build wealth if you’re living paycheque to paycheque? One option is to follow Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps. The American radio host and personal finance personality popularized this step-by-step guide as a way for North Americans to take control of their money. "It's not a fairy tale. Anyone can do it, and the plan works every single time,” explains Ramsey. “Many people have used the plan to ditch debt, increase wealth, and live and give like no one else.” Whether it’s high-yield chequing accounts or low-fee investment options, here are tools that can help you put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action.
BlackRock opens private equity to the mass market
Just when people are more worried than ever about their investments, even to the point of cashing them out, BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink says it’s time to go all in. But he has a specific investment in mind: private equity, also known as alternative investments. BlackRock (BLK) has long been known for its low-cost stock index funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but Fink sees a big future in higher-fee private assets that aren’t listed on the stock markets. “The solution isn't to abandon markets,” he wrote in his annual letter to investors. “It's to expand them, to finish the market democratization that began 400 years ago and let more people own a meaningful stake in the growth happening around them.” Fink has overseen BlackRock’s rise to the world’s largest money management firm with more than US$10 trillion in assets. He also serves on the board of the World Economic Forum, and believes opening up private-equity markets will help reduce the gap between rich and poor.
Just when people are more worried than ever about their investments, even to the point of cashing them out, BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink says it’s time to go all in. But he has a specific investment in mind: private equity, also known as alternative investments. BlackRock (BLK) has long been known for its low-cost stock index funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but Fink sees a big future in higher-fee private assets that aren’t listed on the stock markets. “The solution isn't to abandon markets,” he wrote in his annual letter to investors. “It's to expand them, to finish the market democratization that began 400 years ago and let more people own a meaningful stake in the growth happening around them.” Fink has overseen BlackRock’s rise to the world’s largest money management firm with more than US$10 trillion in assets. He also serves on the board of the World Economic Forum, and believes opening up private-equity markets will help reduce the gap between rich and poor.
5 ways to recession-proof your portfolio
You check your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), and your heart drops. One day it’s up, the next day it’s free-falling. All because of a Trump trade comment or another rate warning. The economy’s flashing warning signs, and most Canadians are feeling it. A recent survey by FP Canada found that 38% of Canadians say money is their biggest source of stress. It’s no wonder, with inflation lingering, interest rates still high and a continuing trade war. Market volatility isn’t going anywhere. So, if we head towards a recession, what can Canadian investors do to recession-proof their portfolios?
You check your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), and your heart drops. One day it’s up, the next day it’s free-falling. All because of a Trump trade comment or another rate warning. The economy’s flashing warning signs, and most Canadians are feeling it. A recent survey by FP Canada found that 38% of Canadians say money is their biggest source of stress. It’s no wonder, with inflation lingering, interest rates still high and a continuing trade war. Market volatility isn’t going anywhere. So, if we head towards a recession, what can Canadian investors do to recession-proof their portfolios?
St. Lawrence cruises boost Quebec's economy
At any one of Quebec’s nine ports of call, international passengers are able to step out to enjoy what the province has to offer. Turns out, they enjoy a lot of it. According to Quebec-based consultancy Aviseo Conseil, cruise passengers spent an average of $364 a day in 2024. "The cruise industry acts as a powerful lever for economic development in a number of Québec regions. Overall economic impact detailed in the study substantiates the structuring effect of the industry, not only with respect to port investments and regional job creation, but also with regard to enhanced tourism appeal during off-peak periods,” Marie-Andrée Blanchet, Cruise the Saint Lawrence president, said in a statement. “International cruises provide us with a unique opportunity to enhance market exposure for our regions, our culture and our know-how with curious international visitors in search of authenticity.”
At any one of Quebec’s nine ports of call, international passengers are able to step out to enjoy what the province has to offer. Turns out, they enjoy a lot of it. According to Quebec-based consultancy Aviseo Conseil, cruise passengers spent an average of $364 a day in 2024. "The cruise industry acts as a powerful lever for economic development in a number of Québec regions. Overall economic impact detailed in the study substantiates the structuring effect of the industry, not only with respect to port investments and regional job creation, but also with regard to enhanced tourism appeal during off-peak periods,” Marie-Andrée Blanchet, Cruise the Saint Lawrence president, said in a statement. “International cruises provide us with a unique opportunity to enhance market exposure for our regions, our culture and our know-how with curious international visitors in search of authenticity.”
He lost 109K in an investment scheme
It probably seemed like a great opportunity at the time. A Leamington resident was approached with what looked like a solid investment offer — high returns, low risk and even some early payouts that made the whole thing feel legit. The kind of pitch that sounds almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it was. According to Ontario Provincial Police, the man ended up losing $109,000 in a Ponzi-style scheme. After sending money and seeing small returns at first, things went south fast. When he tried to withdraw his funds, the person on the other end ghosted him completely. His money? Gone. He’s not alone. OPP say others across southwestern Ontario have recently lost tens of thousands to similar scams , including a $70,000 loss in Tecumseh and over $150,000 in Central Elgin.
It probably seemed like a great opportunity at the time. A Leamington resident was approached with what looked like a solid investment offer — high returns, low risk and even some early payouts that made the whole thing feel legit. The kind of pitch that sounds almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it was. According to Ontario Provincial Police, the man ended up losing $109,000 in a Ponzi-style scheme. After sending money and seeing small returns at first, things went south fast. When he tried to withdraw his funds, the person on the other end ghosted him completely. His money? Gone. He’s not alone. OPP say others across southwestern Ontario have recently lost tens of thousands to similar scams , including a $70,000 loss in Tecumseh and over $150,000 in Central Elgin.
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