Toronto halts Tesla EV incentives amid trade war
Toronto has ceased offering financial incentives for Tesla vehicles used as taxis or ride-sharing services, effective March 1, 2025. This move is part of the city's broader initiative to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption by reducing licensing and renewal fees for EVs until the end of 2029, aiming to lower emissions.
Toronto has ceased offering financial incentives for Tesla vehicles used as taxis or ride-sharing services, effective March 1, 2025. This move is part of the city's broader initiative to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption by reducing licensing and renewal fees for EVs until the end of 2029, aiming to lower emissions.
Canada should offer more non-market housing
Canada’s housing crisis continues to persist, sparking countless debates on how to resolve it. One proposed solution is expanding non-market housing — housing that is publicly funded, cooperatively owned or offered at below-market rates to ensure affordability. A recent report from the National Housing Council recommends doubling the country’s supply of non-market housing to help address the issue. The report, titled ‘Scaling Up the Non-Market Housing in Canada,’ was submitted to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities earlier this month. “Doing more of what we have been doing for 25 years will not respond to the need. Rather, a well-planned effort that invests in the supply and maintenance of non-market housing will have a ripple effect in the entire housing sector producing a corresponding return that will impact the broader Canadian economy,” Sam Watts, Chair of the Working Group on Scaling-Up Non-Market Housing in Canada, said in a statement. “After all, when people have a permanent place to call home they are typically both healthy and productive."
Canada’s housing crisis continues to persist, sparking countless debates on how to resolve it. One proposed solution is expanding non-market housing — housing that is publicly funded, cooperatively owned or offered at below-market rates to ensure affordability. A recent report from the National Housing Council recommends doubling the country’s supply of non-market housing to help address the issue. The report, titled ‘Scaling Up the Non-Market Housing in Canada,’ was submitted to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities earlier this month. “Doing more of what we have been doing for 25 years will not respond to the need. Rather, a well-planned effort that invests in the supply and maintenance of non-market housing will have a ripple effect in the entire housing sector producing a corresponding return that will impact the broader Canadian economy,” Sam Watts, Chair of the Working Group on Scaling-Up Non-Market Housing in Canada, said in a statement. “After all, when people have a permanent place to call home they are typically both healthy and productive."
The origin of some of your favourite treats
Canada is home to many well-known brands and manufacturers, but some of the foods, drinks and clothing brands you may assume are made here actually come from elsewhere – and vice versa. With globalization and corporate acquisitions, the origin of a product isn’t always obvious, even if the brand has strong Canadian ties (or even has Canada in the name!). Some companies have maintained local production, while others have moved manufacturing abroad for economic reasons. Meanwhile, certain foreign brands have set up shop in Canada, producing goods you might not expect to be made within our borders. With recent trade tensions and tariffs igniting the Buy Canadian movement, many consumers are paying closer attention to where their products come from. If you're looking to support Canadian-made goods or just want to know which brands are truly local, here are some surprising facts about what’s actually produced on Canadian soil — and what isn’t.
Canada is home to many well-known brands and manufacturers, but some of the foods, drinks and clothing brands you may assume are made here actually come from elsewhere – and vice versa. With globalization and corporate acquisitions, the origin of a product isn’t always obvious, even if the brand has strong Canadian ties (or even has Canada in the name!). Some companies have maintained local production, while others have moved manufacturing abroad for economic reasons. Meanwhile, certain foreign brands have set up shop in Canada, producing goods you might not expect to be made within our borders. With recent trade tensions and tariffs igniting the Buy Canadian movement, many consumers are paying closer attention to where their products come from. If you're looking to support Canadian-made goods or just want to know which brands are truly local, here are some surprising facts about what’s actually produced on Canadian soil — and what isn’t.
2024 costliest for commercial insurance losses
Canada faced one of its most expensive years for insured losses in 2024, with severe weather wreaking havoc on both homes and businesses. While homeowners bore the brunt of the damage, commercial properties also suffered massive losses, pushing the total insured damages to over $1.7 billion — the second-highest in the country’s history. "Thousands of businesses felt the impacts of severe weather last year. The historic amount of damage in 2024 underscores the escalating financial risks Canadian businesses face from catastrophic weather events," Liam McGuinty, vice-president of strategy at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), said in a statement. "Canada's insurers have been on the ground since these events took place and continue to assist businesses across the country with financial support and navigating the recovery process. These severe weather events have caused not only physical damage, but have also disrupted business operations, supply chains and the flow of goods and services in the Canadian economy.” The vast majority of commercial losses in 2024 occurred over the course of 24 days during the summer, when wildfires, floods and hail storms ravaged communities across the country.
Canada faced one of its most expensive years for insured losses in 2024, with severe weather wreaking havoc on both homes and businesses. While homeowners bore the brunt of the damage, commercial properties also suffered massive losses, pushing the total insured damages to over $1.7 billion — the second-highest in the country’s history. "Thousands of businesses felt the impacts of severe weather last year. The historic amount of damage in 2024 underscores the escalating financial risks Canadian businesses face from catastrophic weather events," Liam McGuinty, vice-president of strategy at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), said in a statement. "Canada's insurers have been on the ground since these events took place and continue to assist businesses across the country with financial support and navigating the recovery process. These severe weather events have caused not only physical damage, but have also disrupted business operations, supply chains and the flow of goods and services in the Canadian economy.” The vast majority of commercial losses in 2024 occurred over the course of 24 days during the summer, when wildfires, floods and hail storms ravaged communities across the country.
Safeguarding your finances due to tariff impacts
*Updated March 6, 2025: This article was originally published March 4, 2025. The article was updated due to ongoing US policy changes. President Donald Trump’s long-touted 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, as well as 10% tariffs on energy, which went into effect at midnight on March 4, have now been paused under a North American trade pact, per reporting by Reuters. This exemption will expire on April 2 and covers both of the two largest US trading partners, Mexico and Canada. Trump had earlier mentioned an exemption for only Mexico, but the amendment he signed to his order for 25% levies on imports from both countries - which went into effect on Tuesday - includes Canada as well. However, an anonymous White House source told the press that this tariff reprieve would only apply to Canadian exports that are compliant with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) — and not goods that are sold into the US outside of that trade deal. The Associated Press reported that roughly 62% of imports from Canada would likely still face the 25% tariffs as they're not "USMCA compliant." A spokesperson for Doug Ford, Ontario's Premier, said that despite the pause, the province will keep American alcohol off the shelves of the LCBO while also charging a 25% surcharge on electricity sent to the US, starting Monday. These tariffs initally came as the Bank of Canada is poised to make the next prime rate annoucement on March 12. After a series of consecutive drops, predictions are that the BoC will hold rates steady at the current rate of 5.20%. This rate is a relief from where it was this past summer, before rates started to decline, after peaking at 7.20%. While a lowered interest rate may have provided some financial relief to Canadians struggling with an increased cost of living owed to high inflation, many will be rightfully anxious about how tit-for-tat tariffs and unpredictable trade policy will exacerbate inflationary pricing, as well as create employment concerns if business takes a hit.
*Updated March 6, 2025: This article was originally published March 4, 2025. The article was updated due to ongoing US policy changes. President Donald Trump’s long-touted 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, as well as 10% tariffs on energy, which went into effect at midnight on March 4, have now been paused under a North American trade pact, per reporting by Reuters. This exemption will expire on April 2 and covers both of the two largest US trading partners, Mexico and Canada. Trump had earlier mentioned an exemption for only Mexico, but the amendment he signed to his order for 25% levies on imports from both countries - which went into effect on Tuesday - includes Canada as well. However, an anonymous White House source told the press that this tariff reprieve would only apply to Canadian exports that are compliant with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) — and not goods that are sold into the US outside of that trade deal. The Associated Press reported that roughly 62% of imports from Canada would likely still face the 25% tariffs as they're not "USMCA compliant." A spokesperson for Doug Ford, Ontario's Premier, said that despite the pause, the province will keep American alcohol off the shelves of the LCBO while also charging a 25% surcharge on electricity sent to the US, starting Monday. These tariffs initally came as the Bank of Canada is poised to make the next prime rate annoucement on March 12. After a series of consecutive drops, predictions are that the BoC will hold rates steady at the current rate of 5.20%. This rate is a relief from where it was this past summer, before rates started to decline, after peaking at 7.20%. While a lowered interest rate may have provided some financial relief to Canadians struggling with an increased cost of living owed to high inflation, many will be rightfully anxious about how tit-for-tat tariffs and unpredictable trade policy will exacerbate inflationary pricing, as well as create employment concerns if business takes a hit.
Reddit unites to champion Indigenous businesses
Elbows up, Canada! Canadians from coast to coast are coming together in solidarity to fight back against the trade war US President Donald Trump started and continues to escalate. From where we buy to what we buy, we as a nation are seeking ways to ensure the products we are buying are homegrown. The ‘Buy Canada’ movement has been gaining momentum and Reddit users are using the opportunity to crowd source the ability to take this movement one step further, and encouraging and inspiring fellow citizens to support Indigenous-owned businesses.
Elbows up, Canada! Canadians from coast to coast are coming together in solidarity to fight back against the trade war US President Donald Trump started and continues to escalate. From where we buy to what we buy, we as a nation are seeking ways to ensure the products we are buying are homegrown. The ‘Buy Canada’ movement has been gaining momentum and Reddit users are using the opportunity to crowd source the ability to take this movement one step further, and encouraging and inspiring fellow citizens to support Indigenous-owned businesses.
Chapman's Ice Cream freezes prices despite tariffs
Chapman's Ice Cream has been a staple in grocers' freezers for almost a half a century and the Ontario-based creamery has stayed proud of and true to their origins as one of the favourite ice creams of Canadian families. The recent trade war with the US is no exception. In response to US tariffs on Canadian dairy products, Chapman's Ice Cream has chosen to absorb the increased costs rather than pass them on to their loyal consumers, underscoring the company's dedication to providing affordable products despite economic challenges.
Chapman's Ice Cream has been a staple in grocers' freezers for almost a half a century and the Ontario-based creamery has stayed proud of and true to their origins as one of the favourite ice creams of Canadian families. The recent trade war with the US is no exception. In response to US tariffs on Canadian dairy products, Chapman's Ice Cream has chosen to absorb the increased costs rather than pass them on to their loyal consumers, underscoring the company's dedication to providing affordable products despite economic challenges.
Canadians unaware of the realities of tipping
Like it or not, the reality is that tipping is an important part of how service workers are able to earn enough money to try to make ends meet in Canada. While an H&R Block survey reveals strong support for tipping culture, there is not only a sense of fatigue among Canadians, the survey reveals 47% don’t know that tips are taxable income. "It's important to emphasize that tips are considered taxable income, by law, even if your employer does not include any tip amount on your T4 slip. But the good news is there are many ways to make your tips work in your favour when it comes to filing your taxes," Yannick Lemay, H&R Block Canada tax expert, said in a statement. "Not only are there numerous deductions, benefits and credits you can leverage, there are tax-friendly ways to use your tips to invest in your professional growth and well-being and bolster your savings." The survey also revealed that nearly one in three Canadians have worked a service job at some point.
Like it or not, the reality is that tipping is an important part of how service workers are able to earn enough money to try to make ends meet in Canada. While an H&R Block survey reveals strong support for tipping culture, there is not only a sense of fatigue among Canadians, the survey reveals 47% don’t know that tips are taxable income. "It's important to emphasize that tips are considered taxable income, by law, even if your employer does not include any tip amount on your T4 slip. But the good news is there are many ways to make your tips work in your favour when it comes to filing your taxes," Yannick Lemay, H&R Block Canada tax expert, said in a statement. "Not only are there numerous deductions, benefits and credits you can leverage, there are tax-friendly ways to use your tips to invest in your professional growth and well-being and bolster your savings." The survey also revealed that nearly one in three Canadians have worked a service job at some point.
Victims lose $1.8 million due to GIC scams
In a time when financial insecurity is high and many are looking for ways to safeguard their money or increase their wealth, fraudsters are taking advantage of that vulnerability. Recently, three Canadians fell victim to a fraudulent scheme involving fake Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), losing a combined $1.8 million. The scam, which has been gaining traction in recent months, has left the victims financially devastated. Walter Yamca of Oakville, ON and Samantha Barnes, of Calgary, AB, lost $750,000 and $233,000, respectively, while an anonymous victim from Kitchener, ON, claims to have lost a staggering $900,000. The individuals have since come forward to CTV News, and detailed how they spoofed into trusting too-good-to-be-true interest rates for GICs, warning others to be more vigilant of predatory actions online.
In a time when financial insecurity is high and many are looking for ways to safeguard their money or increase their wealth, fraudsters are taking advantage of that vulnerability. Recently, three Canadians fell victim to a fraudulent scheme involving fake Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), losing a combined $1.8 million. The scam, which has been gaining traction in recent months, has left the victims financially devastated. Walter Yamca of Oakville, ON and Samantha Barnes, of Calgary, AB, lost $750,000 and $233,000, respectively, while an anonymous victim from Kitchener, ON, claims to have lost a staggering $900,000. The individuals have since come forward to CTV News, and detailed how they spoofed into trusting too-good-to-be-true interest rates for GICs, warning others to be more vigilant of predatory actions online.
Canadians experiencing ‘fraud fatigue’
Have you ever nearly been convinced by an email, text or phone call that you needed to click a link or share private information? The deluge of messages, virtual or otherwise, that Canadians receive can sometimes make it easy to slip in our vigilance against fraud. A new RBC poll finds 98% of respondents have seen more targeted and sophisticated scams. "With the increase in volume and sophistication of scams, it's understandable that Canadians are finding it challenging to always have their guard up when it comes to fraud. Criminals are using the latest technology to gather information, build trust, create urgency and prey on people's needs and fears," Vanja Gorazi, RBC’s vice-president of fraud management, said in a statement. "This has led to a wave of investment, romance, senior and other scams. It has never been more important to stay alert." Nearly nine out of 10 (89%) noted a rise in scam attempts more than ever before, up significantly from 2023.
Have you ever nearly been convinced by an email, text or phone call that you needed to click a link or share private information? The deluge of messages, virtual or otherwise, that Canadians receive can sometimes make it easy to slip in our vigilance against fraud. A new RBC poll finds 98% of respondents have seen more targeted and sophisticated scams. "With the increase in volume and sophistication of scams, it's understandable that Canadians are finding it challenging to always have their guard up when it comes to fraud. Criminals are using the latest technology to gather information, build trust, create urgency and prey on people's needs and fears," Vanja Gorazi, RBC’s vice-president of fraud management, said in a statement. "This has led to a wave of investment, romance, senior and other scams. It has never been more important to stay alert." Nearly nine out of 10 (89%) noted a rise in scam attempts more than ever before, up significantly from 2023.
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