encourage

Open banking could spur competition, but fintechs say Canada’s moving too slowly

by

Federal efforts to bring “open banking” to Canada are being welcomed by players in the industry — but there’s also criticism that, after years of waiting, any changes may not come fast enough to encourage innovation or allow smaller financial players compete with larger institutions. Open banking lets consumers or business customers share personal and financial information between approved banks and other … Read more

The end of the world is trending. Why are we so obsessed with the apocalypse?

by

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and Jay Baruchel feels fine. On the second season of his Crave series We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel), which launched last week, the host and namesake explores several possible apocalyptic scenarios, from insect extinction to a world ruled by artificial intelligence. “I think we are all understandably … Read more

Feds give financial boost to biofuel sector amid growing U.S. competition

by

Canada’s biofuel industry is welcoming a proposed multi-billion dollar package of financial support from the federal government, although concerns remain about whether it will be enough to compete with lucrative subsidies south of the border and reverse the growing dependence on U.S. imports to meet clean fuel regulations. The federal government is committing $1.27 billion toward … Read more

Even gardens have a carbon footprint. Here’s how to reduce the climate impact of urban farming

by

Urban gardening might seem fairly innocuous when it comes to its overall carbon footprint, but when compared to conventional agriculture, a study released earlier this year would suggest otherwise.  The study, published in January in the science journal Nature, found the carbon footprint of food from urban agriculture is six times greater than conventional agriculture. But there are … Read more

Are you renting with no plans to buy? Here’s what the federal budget has for you

by

The federal government tabled its annual budget on Tuesday with a promise to open the door to homeownership for millennial and Gen Z renters. You’ll have to read the fine print to find measures for young renters who can’t buy a home — or just don’t want to. In her budget document, Finance Minister Chrystia … Read more

Hundreds of Canadian artists denounce ‘alarming’ anti-trans legislation in open letter

by

More than 400 Canadian artists from the worlds of music, film and literature are denouncing what they describe as “alarming and destructive” anti-trans legislation in an open letter released Sunday by music superstars Tegan and Sara. The list of stars who signed the letter includes actor Elliot Page, Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle, actress … Read more

With American aid to Ukraine stuck in limbo, defence minister says others must step up

by

Defence Minister Bill Blair says NATO countries like Canada must ramp up their aid to Ukraine as support from the United States languishes in a legislative quagmire. In an interview that aired Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Blair expressed optimism that the U.S. would eventually pass a significant aid bill to provide billions of dollars worth … Read more

AI chatbots are sparking romance (with the chatbot, that is)

by

A few months ago, Derek Carrier started seeing someone and became infatuated. He experienced a “ton” of romantic feelings but he also knew it was an illusion. That’s because his girlfriend was generated by artificial intelligence. Carrier wasn’t looking to develop a relationship with something that wasn’t real, nor did he want to become the … Read more

TikTok may lose Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and more as licensing dispute grows

by

Universal Music Group, which represents artists including Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, says that it will no longer allow its music on TikTok now that a licensing deal between the two parties has expired. UMG said it had not agreed to terms of a new deal with TikTok, and plans to … Read more

Bank of Canada says government efforts to curb housing crisis will help ‘gradually’

by

The Bank of Canada says record levels of immigration are driving up the cost of housing and recent government efforts to cut the number of non-permanent residents and encourage home building will help lower housing costs, but “only gradually.”  “In the short term any increase in population, particularly in an environment of constrained supply, is going … Read more