political

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

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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

Federal, provincial politicians leave door open to foreign workers’ involvement in Honda deal

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Parties to the massive Honda EV investment deal reached this week have tacitly acknowledged that foreign workers will be involved in setting up the proposed auto plants, while attempting to downplay an issue already seized upon by the federal Conservatives. In response to questions throughout the week, federal officials, their provincial counterparts and executives for the … Read more

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

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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

For its next trick, Ottawa must unload the $34B Trans Mountain pipeline. It won’t be easy

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In her budget speech to the House of Commons on Tuesday, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland took a moment to celebrate the finishing touch on expansion of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline. The controversial project has been plagued by delays and massive cost overruns, but Freeland instead focused on its completion, highlighting the: “talented tradespeople and the brilliant … Read more

Quebec employers group worried ‘political’ immigration debate will hurt jobs

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The latest spat between Quebec and Ottawa over immigration is based on politics and not the reality of the labour market, says the head of a major employers group. “In some ways, it’s deplorable,” said Karl Blackburn, president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec. His comments come as Quebec Premier François Legault … Read more

Jarring, visceral and all too plausible, Alex Garland’s Civil War is a must see

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In his filmmaking career, Alex Garland has terrified us with zombies, infectious alien hybrids, murderous men and A.I. run amuck. Civil War, the writer and director’s latest film, is not only his most ambitious entry but also his most plausible. The press notes for Civil War describe the setting as “near-future America,” but it feels like … Read more

Fate of giant carbon capture project still uncertain, but Pathways Alliance hopeful for deal with feds

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Despite growing frustrations and prolonged negotiations with the federal government, a consortium of Canada’s largest oilsands companies is optimistic about having a “line of sight” in securing the certainty it needs from Ottawa to advance its proposed $16.5-billion carbon capture pipeline project. The Pathways Alliance is not expecting any new commitments in the upcoming federal … Read more

When it comes to prisoner exchanges with Russia, silence is golden, says U.S. special envoy

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U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens says he agrees with the Kremlin that silence is essential when it comes to public discussions about prisoner exchanges.  “This might be the one time that I’ll agree with the Russians,” Carstens said during an interview on Rosemary Barton Live broadcast on Sunday. He explained that fact checking every … Read more

Canadian Forces personnel deploy to Jamaica to train troops for Haiti mission

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Approximately 70 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members were deployed to Jamaica on Friday to train military personnel from several Caribbean countries who are bound for Haiti as part of a multinational security force led by Kenya and backed by the United Nations. The Canadian personnel will provide training on core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid to troops … Read more

Canada is still backing the fossil fuel industry with billions, report finds

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A new report says the federal government is providing billions of dollars in financial support for the fossil fuel industry, despite measures announced last year to limit certain types of subsidies for the oil and gas industry. The analysis, released today by the advocacy group Environmental Defence, estimated that Ottawa offered up at least $18.6 … Read more