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Canada pledges funding for artificial intelligence, global health, and distance learning initiatives at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Last week, Canada met with Commonwealth countries in Rwanda, where world leaders discussed global health, educ…
Companies and investors “protecting their capital” amid heightened risk of prolonged economic downturn High interest rates, inflation, and the risk of a prolonged economic downturn are putting increased pressure on investors and investor-backed companies to “…
Canadian GDP up 0.8% in first quarter of 2022, marking three consecutive quarters of GDP growthCanadian GDP grew by 0.7% in March 2022 and 0.8% in the first quarter of 2022, marking three consecutive quarters of GDP growth. Growth over the past nine months wa…
Government of Canada continues to announce policy changes aimed at improving economic immigration streamsIn May, this included an announcement about expanding settlement services across the prairies, a move which will help regionalize immigration of skilled w…
Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner tables series of environmental auditsCanada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development tabled five audits last month about Canada’s environmental commitments. The just transition audit fo…
Government of Canada wants to make it easier for Canadians to switch to electric vehicles (EVs)The Government of Canada announced steps to meet its zero-emission goals by investing in and helping Canadians make the move to EVs. Key measures include investment…
The new Canadian federal budget, released yesterday, has made headlines for its commitment to improve housing supply, provide a national dental care program, and bring defense spending closer to NATO targets. It also promises additional funding for housing, a…
Government of Canada introduces first green bonds totaling $5 billionThe Government of Canada introduced its first green bonds this week, a measure suggested by ICTC in 2020 in its Economic Resiliency in the Face of Adversity white paper. The earnings from gr…
Big tech emerges as a central player in Russian invasion of UkraineTechnology permeates all aspects of the modern world, including war: Russia’s use of social media to conduct misinformation campaigns has lead Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter…
British Columbia releases economic plan for 2022The Government of British Columbia published its economic plan earlier this month. The Stronger B.C. Economic Plan seeks to foster inclusive economic growth by expanding opportunities for education and training,…
Government of Alberta launches tech-focused immigration pathwayThe Government of Alberta has launched a new immigration pathway to attract digitally skilled newcomers to Alberta from around the world (18 NOC codes will be eligible under the program). Accordin…
Canadian VC investment for 2021 surpasses previous annual investment recordAccording to the Canadian Venture Capital Association, as of Q3 2021, $11.8 billion worth of venture capital funding was invested in Canadian startups in 2021. The $11.8 billion repres…
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister tables fall economic updateThe federal government tabled its first fall economic and fiscal update on Tuesday, which focused on continuing the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response and strengthening Canada’s econom…
Technology industry sees low representation of women on boards and in executive positionsAccording to a review by the Canadian Securities Administrators, in 2020-2021, among 599 issuers: 22% of board seats were held by women, 6% of board chairs were women, an…
Amazon Web Services announces new infrastructure region in Alberta, $4 billion investmentAmazon Web Services (AWS) announced last week that it will be opening a second Canadian infrastructure region, located in Alberta. According to an economic impact study c…
Prime Minister announces Cabinet Ministers, attends COP26The Prime Minister introduced the new federal Cabinet last week, which includes 38 federal Cabinet Ministers. Parliament is set to reconvene on November 22nd, which will be followed by the Government’s …
Parliament of Canada to resume November 22nd, Cabinet to be sworn in October 26thThe Prime Minister’s Office announced on Friday that the federal Cabinet ministers will be sworn in on October 26th and that Parliament will reconvene on November 22nd. The annou…
Québec passes modern privacy legislationThe Québec National Assembly has passed new privacy legislation for the province of Québec. The Act became law on September 22nd and will be phased in over a three-year period until September 22, 2023. It brings Québec’…
Government of Ontario publishes plan for digital ID projectsThe Government of Ontario recently published new information about its approach to future digital ID projects. Included in the plan is the Ontario government’s digital ID vision, key principles that …
KPMG publishes new labour market pollKPMG published the results of its Business Outlook Poll on Tuesday, finding that 79% of businesses say they need more workers with digital skills. Further, 68% are having a hard time hiring people with the skills they need…