Rising cost of living affecting Canadians’ dating
Just over half (56%) of Canadians say the rising cost of living is affecting their ability to date, with many going on fewer dates or planning less expensive dating activities. This is according to a Valentine’s Day-themed report from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index. "While the inflation rate has normalized in Canada, consumer prices are still, on average, 17% higher than four years ago, and food costs are 22% more expensive," Sal Guatieri, BMO’s senior economist, said in a statement. "Although wages are also rising and borrowing costs are coming down, many Canadians continue to struggle with the high cost of living, forcing some to cut back on discretionary expenditures such as dating." Also revealed in the survey, 42% of single Canadians admitted to adjusting their plans for a date for financial reasons.
Just over half (56%) of Canadians say the rising cost of living is affecting their ability to date, with many going on fewer dates or planning less expensive dating activities. This is according to a Valentine’s Day-themed report from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index. "While the inflation rate has normalized in Canada, consumer prices are still, on average, 17% higher than four years ago, and food costs are 22% more expensive," Sal Guatieri, BMO’s senior economist, said in a statement. "Although wages are also rising and borrowing costs are coming down, many Canadians continue to struggle with the high cost of living, forcing some to cut back on discretionary expenditures such as dating." Also revealed in the survey, 42% of single Canadians admitted to adjusting their plans for a date for financial reasons.
Canadian companies using AI to manage finances
According to KPMG’s AI in finance survey, more than eight in 10 (82%) of Canadian respondents said their organizations are using or piloting AI in a finance function, compared to 71% globally. KPMG surveyed 2,900 organizations across 23 countries – including 100 from Canada. "Canadian organizations are increasingly weaving AI into the DNA of their finance functions because they want better data-enabled decision making, the ability to more accurately predict trends and increased data accuracy and reliability," Chris Moore, partner and national leader of finance transformation at KPMG Canada, said in a statement. The majority of Canadians are also using AI in tax operations, at 63% compared to 34% of global organizations.
According to KPMG’s AI in finance survey, more than eight in 10 (82%) of Canadian respondents said their organizations are using or piloting AI in a finance function, compared to 71% globally. KPMG surveyed 2,900 organizations across 23 countries – including 100 from Canada. "Canadian organizations are increasingly weaving AI into the DNA of their finance functions because they want better data-enabled decision making, the ability to more accurately predict trends and increased data accuracy and reliability," Chris Moore, partner and national leader of finance transformation at KPMG Canada, said in a statement. The majority of Canadians are also using AI in tax operations, at 63% compared to 34% of global organizations.
Krista Ford-Haynes' GoFundMe sparks backlash
The daughter of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Krista Ford-Haynes, recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $100,000 for her husband’s legal defence. Her husband, Toronto Police Service (TPS) Staff Sergeant Dave Haynes, is facing misconduct charges for refusing to comply with the force’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2021. The fundraising effort ignited widespread debate, with many questioning why the daughter of a wealthy premier is soliciting public donations. Build an emergency fund with EQ Bank Savings Accountat eqbank.ca Ford-Haynes made her appeal to her 40,000 Instagram followers, citing a lack of financial support from the Toronto Police Association (TPA) and arguing that her husband deserves independent legal representation.
The daughter of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Krista Ford-Haynes, recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $100,000 for her husband’s legal defence. Her husband, Toronto Police Service (TPS) Staff Sergeant Dave Haynes, is facing misconduct charges for refusing to comply with the force’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2021. The fundraising effort ignited widespread debate, with many questioning why the daughter of a wealthy premier is soliciting public donations. Build an emergency fund with EQ Bank Savings Accountat eqbank.ca Ford-Haynes made her appeal to her 40,000 Instagram followers, citing a lack of financial support from the Toronto Police Association (TPA) and arguing that her husband deserves independent legal representation.
New Canadians face unique financial challenges
New Canadians – regardless of their citizenship status – may face unique challenges in comparison to longer-term residents, according to a new survey from the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). "These insights reveal the unique financial challenges faced by new Canadians, highlighting the critical role of tailored financial services that cater specifically to their needs," Jeff Guthrie, CCUA president and CEO, said. These disparities between newer and older residents often come down to financial stability and planning.
New Canadians – regardless of their citizenship status – may face unique challenges in comparison to longer-term residents, according to a new survey from the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). "These insights reveal the unique financial challenges faced by new Canadians, highlighting the critical role of tailored financial services that cater specifically to their needs," Jeff Guthrie, CCUA president and CEO, said. These disparities between newer and older residents often come down to financial stability and planning.
CIBC offers new banking option for tradespeople
Skilled trades make the nation's economic engine purr but that doesn't always mean they've been provided opportunities or advantages within the financial sectors. CIBC wants to change that with the introduction of a new bank account with an aim to support apprentices in the skilled trades. The CIBC Skilled Trades Banking solution will offer all apprentices in approved programs the opportunity for no-fee banking using the CIBC Smart Account. "CIBC recognizes the increasing importance that professionals in the skilled trades are bringing to the country and economy, and also understands that it takes an investment of time and money to become certified in a trade," said Jeff Smith, CIBC’s senior vice-president of client segmentation and franchising. "The Skilled Trades Banking solutions are unique and will help make career ambitions of skilled tradespeople more attainable – especially at a time when skilled trades workers are needed across the country." According to the CIBC press release, the Skilled Trades Banking solution is the first of its kind in Canada.
Skilled trades make the nation's economic engine purr but that doesn't always mean they've been provided opportunities or advantages within the financial sectors. CIBC wants to change that with the introduction of a new bank account with an aim to support apprentices in the skilled trades. The CIBC Skilled Trades Banking solution will offer all apprentices in approved programs the opportunity for no-fee banking using the CIBC Smart Account. "CIBC recognizes the increasing importance that professionals in the skilled trades are bringing to the country and economy, and also understands that it takes an investment of time and money to become certified in a trade," said Jeff Smith, CIBC’s senior vice-president of client segmentation and franchising. "The Skilled Trades Banking solutions are unique and will help make career ambitions of skilled tradespeople more attainable – especially at a time when skilled trades workers are needed across the country." According to the CIBC press release, the Skilled Trades Banking solution is the first of its kind in Canada.
What is a tariff?
During his 2024 presidential campaign trail, then nominee Donald Trump was threatening to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on all goods imported from both Mexico and Canada. According to Trump, this was a necessary step in order to establish manufacturing and production independence within the USA. His aim was to make America a dynamic and self-sufficient powerhouse, once again. After officially assuming the position of the 47th President of the United States, Trump has stuck to his guns and rolled out 25% tariffs on all goods coming in from Canada and Mexico — political action that will have broad economic ramifications on North American trade and policy. Many Canadian politicians, business leaders and investing professionals have sounded the alarm of how these acerbic tariffs will put the Canadian economy into a precarious position — and also hurt the US economcy, given the interdependence of the two nations on both imports and exports. With all this talk of tariffs and their potential drawbacks, it is important to understand what a tariff is, why this type of surtax is used, how tariffs can ultimately benefit or act as a detriment to Canada’s economy, and what it all means for the average Canadian consumer, investor or business owner.
During his 2024 presidential campaign trail, then nominee Donald Trump was threatening to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on all goods imported from both Mexico and Canada. According to Trump, this was a necessary step in order to establish manufacturing and production independence within the USA. His aim was to make America a dynamic and self-sufficient powerhouse, once again. After officially assuming the position of the 47th President of the United States, Trump has stuck to his guns and rolled out 25% tariffs on all goods coming in from Canada and Mexico — political action that will have broad economic ramifications on North American trade and policy. Many Canadian politicians, business leaders and investing professionals have sounded the alarm of how these acerbic tariffs will put the Canadian economy into a precarious position — and also hurt the US economcy, given the interdependence of the two nations on both imports and exports. With all this talk of tariffs and their potential drawbacks, it is important to understand what a tariff is, why this type of surtax is used, how tariffs can ultimately benefit or act as a detriment to Canada’s economy, and what it all means for the average Canadian consumer, investor or business owner.
Share of Canadians looking to job switch is down
A new report from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half revealed over a third (38%) of workers have started or are planning to start looking for a new job in the first half of the year. That figure is down from half in July 2024. "While many professionals right now are still interested in pursuing new roles, the decrease in active job seeking may lead to increasing hiring challenges for the nearly half of businesses planning to expand their workforce in 2025," Koula Vasilopoulos, Robert Half Canada’s senior managing director, said in a statement. "Employers will need to focus on strategies that help them find the right talent, promote a smooth hiring process and attract skilled workers to new roles." An additional 39% say they are open to a new role if the right opportunity arises.
A new report from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half revealed over a third (38%) of workers have started or are planning to start looking for a new job in the first half of the year. That figure is down from half in July 2024. "While many professionals right now are still interested in pursuing new roles, the decrease in active job seeking may lead to increasing hiring challenges for the nearly half of businesses planning to expand their workforce in 2025," Koula Vasilopoulos, Robert Half Canada’s senior managing director, said in a statement. "Employers will need to focus on strategies that help them find the right talent, promote a smooth hiring process and attract skilled workers to new roles." An additional 39% say they are open to a new role if the right opportunity arises.
Canadian live music contributes over $10B to GDP
The Canadian live music industry contributed $10.92 billion to the nation’s annual GDP in 2023. This is according to a new report from the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), ‘Here and Now: understanding the economic power and potential of Canada's live music industry,‘ commissioned by Nordicity. "Here and Now' is the first economic study to quantify the contributions of the live music industry — and its massive supply chain across Canada — that connect artists with their fans," Erin Benjamin, CLMA president and CEO, said in a statement. "Understanding and harnessing the live music ecosystem creates a significant and scalable competitive advantage for Canada." The GDP contribution comes from the combined impact of live music and tourism spending.
The Canadian live music industry contributed $10.92 billion to the nation’s annual GDP in 2023. This is according to a new report from the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), ‘Here and Now: understanding the economic power and potential of Canada's live music industry,‘ commissioned by Nordicity. "Here and Now' is the first economic study to quantify the contributions of the live music industry — and its massive supply chain across Canada — that connect artists with their fans," Erin Benjamin, CLMA president and CEO, said in a statement. "Understanding and harnessing the live music ecosystem creates a significant and scalable competitive advantage for Canada." The GDP contribution comes from the combined impact of live music and tourism spending.
Trump says USA doesn't need Canadian imports
Days after saying that the United States will impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day pause. A welcome reprieve and opportunity for negotiation, the announcement also serves to prolong the threat and uncertainty of economic disruption for industries that are reliant on cross-border trade, as well as the investors who support them. President Donald Trump’s address to the World Economic Forum in Davos last week sent shockwaves throughout Canada’s economic and investment communities, further fueling the economic uncertainty that has been a defining feature of his return to the Oval Office. Trump, who appeared via video conference, remarked how the US doesn’t need Canadian oil, gas, autos or lumber. These comments reignited concerns about the future of Canada/US trade relations — one of the world’s most interconnected and interdependent trade relationships.
Days after saying that the United States will impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day pause. A welcome reprieve and opportunity for negotiation, the announcement also serves to prolong the threat and uncertainty of economic disruption for industries that are reliant on cross-border trade, as well as the investors who support them. President Donald Trump’s address to the World Economic Forum in Davos last week sent shockwaves throughout Canada’s economic and investment communities, further fueling the economic uncertainty that has been a defining feature of his return to the Oval Office. Trump, who appeared via video conference, remarked how the US doesn’t need Canadian oil, gas, autos or lumber. These comments reignited concerns about the future of Canada/US trade relations — one of the world’s most interconnected and interdependent trade relationships.
Discover Canadian wine: Alternatives to US wine
With ongoing trade tensions and tariff discussions involving US President Donald Trump, many Canadians are considering shifting their purchasing habits in favour of local alternatives. This presents the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to explore the diverse and high-quality offerings of Canada's wine industry. From the rolling vineyards of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley to the renowned terroirs of Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula and Prince Edward County, Canadian winemakers produce world-class wines that stand toe-to-toe with their American counterparts. Whether you’re a fan of California’s bold Cabernet Sauvignons, Oregon’s refined Pinot Noirs or Washington’s smooth Merlots, there are exceptional Canadian wines ready to fill the gap on your dinner table. To help, here’s a sample of some of Canada’s best wines — excellent substitutes for popular American selections — that allow you to enjoy premium quality wine while supporting local vintners.
With ongoing trade tensions and tariff discussions involving US President Donald Trump, many Canadians are considering shifting their purchasing habits in favour of local alternatives. This presents the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to explore the diverse and high-quality offerings of Canada's wine industry. From the rolling vineyards of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley to the renowned terroirs of Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula and Prince Edward County, Canadian winemakers produce world-class wines that stand toe-to-toe with their American counterparts. Whether you’re a fan of California’s bold Cabernet Sauvignons, Oregon’s refined Pinot Noirs or Washington’s smooth Merlots, there are exceptional Canadian wines ready to fill the gap on your dinner table. To help, here’s a sample of some of Canada’s best wines — excellent substitutes for popular American selections — that allow you to enjoy premium quality wine while supporting local vintners.