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Computer Modelling Group Announces Year-End Results

Computer Modelling Group Announces Year-End Results

Yahoo22-05-2025

CALGARY, Alberta, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Computer Modelling Group Ltd. ('CMG Group' or the 'Company') announces its financial results for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, and the approval by its Board of Directors (the 'Board') of the payment of a cash dividend of $0.05 per Common Share for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025.
FOURTH QUARTER 2025 CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS
Select financial highlights
Total revenue increased by 4% (13% Organic decline(1) and 17% growth from acquisitions) to $33.7 million;
Recurring revenue(2) increased by 16% (7% Organic decline and 23% growth from acquisitions) to $24.2 million;
Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased by 2% to $10.5 million;
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) was 31%, compared to 32% in the comparative period;
Earnings per share was $0.06, a 33% decrease;
Free Cash Flow(1) decreased by 26% to $7.0 million; Free Cash flow per share decreased to $0.08 from $0.12.
FISCAL 2025 CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS
Select financial highlights
Total revenue increased by 19% (1% Organic decline and 20% growth from acquisitions) to $129.4 million;
Recurring revenue increased by 13% (1% Organic growth and 12% was growth from acquisitions) to $86.8 million;
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% to $44.0 million;
Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 34%, compared to 40% in the comparative period;
Earnings per share was $0.27, a 16% decrease;
Free Cash Flow decreased by 22% to $27.6 million; Free Cash flow per share decreased to $0.33 from $0.44.
(1) Organic growth/decline, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Free Cash Flow are not standardized financial measures and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers. For more description see under 'Non-IFRS Financial and Supplementary Financial Measures' heading. (2) Recurring revenue includes Annuity/maintenance licenses and Annuity license fee, and excludes Perpetual licenses and Professional Services.
OVERVIEW
Macroeconomic factors and political instability, combined with a low oil price environment, resulted in challenged organic growth this year, particularly in reservoir and production solutions, where lengthened deal cycles and cautious customer spending prevailed. Despite these challenges, we continued to execute on our strategic M&A roadmap, and revenue growth during the quarter and year-to-date, was supported by meaningful contributions from acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA increases during the quarter and year-to-date were also supported by growth from acquisitions. Free Cash Flow decreased during the quarter and year-to-date due to pressures on top-line-growth, however, during the prior year period, Free Cash Flow also benefited from the tax deduction of approximately $4.6 million as a result of the acquisition of intellectual property. We generated $27.6 million of Free Cash Flow during fiscal 2025, maintaining our strong liquidity position and enabling us to invest in strategic acquisitions.
As we look forward to fiscal 2026, excluding any impact from future acquisitions, we anticipate a reduction of between $6 - $7 million in professional services revenue compared to fiscal 2025 which may make it challenging to demonstrate total revenue growth. It is a goal of the company to shift the revenue mix towards a higher percentage of software revenue and the reduction in professional services is a natural part of the shift. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin may also show limited growth due to anticipated delays in cost-saving measures in taking effect, but this impact is expected to be limited to fiscal 2026.
To ensure long-term resilience, we remain committed to evolving our business model through carefully targeted strategic acquisitions. Our acquisitions to date position us well by expanding our capabilities and helping to support long-term growth by complementing our core offering.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Three months ended March 31,
Year ended March 31,
($ thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
% change
2025
2024
% change
Annuity/maintenance licenses
19,436
19,661
(1
%)
77,525
71,530
8
%
Annuity license fee
4,728
1,142
314
%
9,280
5,146
80
%
Recurring revenue(1) (2)
24,164
20,803
16
%
86,805
76,676
13
%
Perpetual licenses
554
2,130
(74
%)
5,617
5,739
(2
%)
Total software license revenue
24,718
22,933
8
%
92,422
82,415
12
%
Professional services
8,965
9,358
(4
%)
37,024
26,264
41
%
Total revenue
33,683
32,291
4
%
129,446
108,679
19
%
Cost of revenue
6,749
6,470
4
%
24,940
17,224
45
%
Operating expenses
Sales & marketing
5,094
4,361
17
%
18,617
14,957
24
%
Research and development
8,129
7,607
7
%
30,142
23,679
27
%
General & administrative
4,876
5,576
(13
%)
21,599
18,835
15
%
Operating expenses
18,099
17,544
3
%
70,358
57,471
22
%
Operating profit
8,835
8,277
7
%
34,148
33,984
-
%
Net income
5,104
7,229
(29
%)
22,437
26,259
(15
%)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
10,500
10,295
2
%
44,009
43,345
2
%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1)32%
40%
Earnings per share – basic & diluted
0.06
0.09
(33
%)
0.27
0.32
(16
%)
Funds flow from operations per share - basic
0.10
0.13
(23
%)
0.38
0.47
(19
%)
Free Cash Flow per share – basic (1)
0.08
0.12
(33
%)
0.33
0.44
(25
%)
(1) Non-IFRS financial measures are defined in the 'Non-IFRS Financial Measures' section. (2) Included in the number is a reduction of $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, respectively ($0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2024, respectively), attributed to the amortization of a deferred revenue fair value reduction recognized on acquisition.
Q4 2025 Dividend
Computer Modelling Group's Board approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per Common Share. The dividend will be paid on June 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2025.
All dividends paid by Computer Modelling Group Ltd. to holders of Common Shares in the capital of the Company will be treated as eligible dividends within the meaning of such term in section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), unless otherwise indicated.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS MEASURES
Free Cash Flow Reconciliation to Funds Flow from Operations
Free cash flow is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated as funds flow from operations less capital expenditures and repayment of lease liabilities. Free Cash Flow per share is calculated by dividing free cash flow by the number of weighted average outstanding shares during the period. Management believes that this measure provides useful supplemental information about operating performance and liquidity, as it represents cash generated during the period, regardless of the timing of collection of receivables and payment of payables, which may reduce comparability between periods. Management uses free cash flow and free cash flow per share to help measure the capacity of the Company to pay dividends and invest in business growth opportunities.
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2025
($ thousands, unless otherwise stated)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Funds flow from operations
7,920
11,491
8,477
10,367
6,515
7,101
9,937
8,227
Capital expenditures
(45
)
(51
)
(459
)
(95
)
(93
)
(236
)
(432
)
(661
)
Repayment of lease liabilities
(412
)
(412
)
(728
)
(803
)
(743
)
(769
)
(689
)
(549
)
Free Cash Flow
7,463
11,028
7,290
9,469
5,679
6,096
8,816
7,017
Weighted average shares – basic (thousands)
80,685
80,834
81,067
81,314
81,476
81,887
82,753
83,064
Free Cash Flow per share - basic
0.09
0.14
0.09
0.12
0.07
0.07
0.11
0.08
Funds flow from operations per share- basic
0.10
0.14
0.10
0.13
0.08
0.09
0.12
0.10
Free Cash Flow decreased by 26% and 22%, respectively, for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025 from the same periods of the previous fiscal year. These decreases are primarily due to lower funds flow from operations, higher capital expenditures, and increased repayment of lease liabilities as a result of office leases in acquired entities. During year ended March 31, 2024, Free Cash Flow benefited from the tax deduction of approximately $4.6 million as a result of the acquisition of the BHV intellectual property.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Three months ended March 31,
Year ended March 31,
($ thousands)
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net income (loss)
5,104
7,229
22,437
26,259
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization
2,368
2,151
8,465
5,688
Acquisition costs
216
186
2,567
1,456
Stock-based compensation
(435
)
922
2,625
6,292
Loss on contingent consideration
88
-
2,151
-
Deferred revenue amortization on acquisition fair value reduction
535
76
845
188
Income and other tax expense
2,154
1,935
10,448
8,963
Interest income
(313
)
(658
)
(2,605
)
(3,096
)
Interest expense
189
-
189
-
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
1,143
(743
)
(363
)
(50
)
Repayment of lease liabilities
(549
)
(803
)
(2,750
)
(2,355
)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
10,500
10,295
44,009
43,345
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1)
32
%
40
%
(1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to definition of the measures above.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, of which 20% was growth from acquisitions, partially offset by an Organic decline of 18%, primarily attributable to lower revenue in the quarter partially offset by lower expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, of which 3% of the increase was due to growth from acquisitions, partially offset by a 1% Organic decline due to higher expenses.
Organic Growth
Organic growth is not a standardized financial measure and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers. The Company measures Organic growth on a quarterly and year-to-date basis at the revenue and Adjusted EBITDA levels and includes revenue and Adjusted EBITDA under CMG Group's ownership for a year or longer, beginning from the first full quarter of CMG Group's ownership in the current and comparative period(s). For example, BHV was acquired on September 25, 2023 (Q2 2024). September 25, 2024, marked one full year of ownership under CMG Group and on October 1, 2024 (Q3 2025), which is the first full quarter under CMG Group's ownership in the current and comparative period, started being tracked under Organic growth. Any revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generated by BHV prior to October 1, 2024, would not be included in Organic growth. Sharp was acquired on November 12, 2025 (Q3 2025) and will start contributing to Organic growth on January 1, 2026 (Q4 2026).
For further clarity, current statements include Organic growth from the following:
CMG revenue and Adjusted EBITDA; and
BHV revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generated beginning on October 1, 2024.
Recurring Revenue Recurring revenue represents the revenue recognized during the period from contracts that are recurring in nature and includes revenue recognized as 'Annuity/maintenance licenses' and 'Annuity license fee'. We believe that Recurring revenue is an indicator of business expansion and provides management with visibility into our ability to generate predictable cash flows.
The table below reconciles Recurring revenue to total revenue for the periods indicated.
Three months ended March 31,
Year ended March 31,
2025
2024
% change
2025
2024
% change
($ thousands)
Annuity/maintenance licenses
19,436
19,661
(1%
)
77,525
71,530
8
%
Annuity license fee
4,728
1,142
314
%
9,280
5,146
80
%
Recurring revenue(1) (2)
24,164
20,803
16
%
86,805
76,676
13
%
Perpetual licenses
554
2,130
(74
%)
5,617
5,739
(2
%)
Total software license revenue
24,718
22,933
8
%
92,422
82,415
12
%
Professional services
8,965
9,358
(4
%)
37,024
26,264
41
%
Total revenue
33,683
32,291
4
%
129,446
108,679
19
%
(1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure. (2) Included in the number is a reduction of $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, respectively ($0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2024, respectively), attributed to the amortization of a deferred revenue fair value reduction recognized on acquisition.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
March 31, 2025
March 31, 2024
April 1, 2023
(thousands of Canadian $)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash
43,884
63,083
66,850
Restricted cash
362
142
-
Trade and other receivables
41,457
36,550
23,910
Prepaid expenses
2,572
2,321
1,060
Prepaid income taxes
1,641
3,841
444
89,916
105,937
92,264
Intangible assets
59,955
23,683
1,321
Right-of-use assets
28,443
29,072
30,733
Property and equipment
10,157
9,877
10,366
Goodwill
15,814
4,399
-
Deferred tax asset
471
-
2,444
Total assets
204,756
172,968
137,128
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
18,452
18,551
11,126
Income taxes payable
2,667
2,136
33
Acquisition holdback payable
188
2,292
-
Acquisition earnout
3,864
-
-
Deferred revenue
40,276
41,120
34,797
Lease liabilities
2,278
2,566
1,829
Government loan
310
-
-
68,035
66,665
47,785
Lease liabilities
34,668
34,395
36,151
Stock-based compensation liabilities
256
624
742
Government loan
1,319
-
-
Acquisition earnout
-
1,503
-
Acquisition holdback payable
1,257
-
-
Other long-term liabilities
212
305
-
Deferred tax liabilities
13,102
1,661
-
Total liabilities
118,849
105,153
84,678
Shareholders' equity:
Share capital
94,849
87,304
81,820
Contributed surplus
15,460
15,667
15,471
Cumulative translation adjustment
4,326
(367
)
-
Deficit
(28,728
)
(34,789
)
(44,841
)
Total shareholders' equity
85,907
67,815
52,450
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
204,756
172,968
137,128
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Years ended March 31, (thousands of Canadian $ except per share amounts)
2025
2024
Revenue
129,446
108,679
Cost of revenue
24,940
17,224
Gross profit
104,506
91,455
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing
18,617
14,957
Research and development
30,142
23,679
General and administrative
21,599
18,835
70,358
57,471
Operating profit
34,148
33,984
Finance income
2,968
3,146
Finance costs
(2,080
)
(1,908
)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
(2,151
)
-
Profit before income and other taxes
32,885
35,222
Income and other taxes
10,448
8,963
Net income
22,437
26,259
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
4,693
(367
)
Other comprehensive income
4,693
(367
)
Total comprehensive income
27,130
25,892
Net income per share – basic
0.27
0.32
Net income per share – diluted
0.27
0.32
Dividend per share
0.20
0.20
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended March 31, (thousands of Canadian $)
2025
2024
Operating activities
Net income
22,437
26,259
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, right-of use assets
4,756
4,187
Amortization of intangible assets
3,709
1,501
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
(776
)
3,518
Stock-based compensation
(1,297
)
2,795
Foreign exchange and other non-cash items
800
(5
)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
2,151
-
Funds flow from operations
31,780
38,255
Movement in non-cash working capital:
Trade and other receivables
(527
)
(6,697
)
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
(818
)
2,618
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(169
)
(1,183
)
Income taxes receivable (payable)
2,421
(1,826
)
Deferred revenue
(2,770
)
4,910
Change in non-cash working capital
(1,863
)
(2,178
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
29,917
36,077
Financing activities
Repayment of acquired line of credit
-
(2,012
)
Repayment of government loan
(141
)
-
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
5,597
4,193
Repayment of lease liabilities
(2,750
)
(2,355
)
Dividends paid
(16,376
)
(16,207
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(13,670
)
(16,381
)
Investing activities
Corporate acquisition, net of cash acquired
(27,292
)
(22,814
)
Repayment of acquisition holdback payable
(9,247
)
-
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals
(1,422
)
(650
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(37,961
)
(23,464
)
Decrease in cash
(21,714
)
(3,768
)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash
2,515
1
Cash, beginning of year
63,083
66,850
Cash, end of year
43,884
63,083
Supplementary cash flow information
Interest received
2,605
3,096
Interest paid
1,891
1,908
Income taxes paid
11,370
7,201
CORPORATE PROFILE
CMG Group (TSX:CMG) is a global software and consulting company that combines science and technology with deep industry expertise to solve complex subsurface and surface challenges for the new energy industry around the world. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, AB, with offices in Houston, Oslo, Stavanger, Kaiserslautern, Oxford, Dubai, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Bengaluru, and Kuala Lumpur. For more information, please visit www.cmgl.ca.
ANNUAL FILINGS AND RELATED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management's Discussion and Analysis ('MD&A') and consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended March 31, 2025, can be obtained from our website www.cmgl.ca. The documents will also be available under CMG Group's SEDAR profile www.sedarplus.ca.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "seek", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "should", "will", and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the benefits of the acquired technology, the ongoing development thereof; and the ability of data analytics to improve efficiency, cut costs and reduce risks.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are detailed in the companies' public filings.
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Pramod Jain Chief Executive Officer (403) 531-1300 pramod.jain@cmgl.ca or Sandra Balic Vice President, Finance & CFO (403) 531-1300 sandra.balic@cmgl.ca For investor inquiries, please contact: Kim MacEachern Director, Investor Relations cmg-investors@cmgl.ca For media inquiries, please contact: marketing@cmgl.ca

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We're pleased with his development. I think, to his own admission, I think a bit of a slow start from last year. But certainly picked it up and played well in the playoffs as well.' Staios and the Senators also continue to monitor a developing free-agent pool, and Staios indicated he'd like to see his team have some more salary-cap flexibility. 'We'll take a look at everything,' Staios said. 'I think it's hard to tell, because a lot of these players might not make it to free agency and get re-signed by their teams. 'You're always trying to improve your team, and this is an opportunity to improve our team through the offseason and around the draft. But it's only one opportunity. I'll be prepared to do things. But you just don't want to force it. You want to make sure that it's right. So, we're going through that process.' The Senators currently have over $15 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia. The Athletic published its free-agent big board this week, led by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Staios revealed 34-year-old defenceman Nick Jensen is recovering from a hip injury, but wouldn't get into specifics. Jensen played through his first season in Ottawa with Thomas Chabot as his partner, but was plagued by a lower-body injury for most of the second half of the season. Jensen told the media last month he was 'hopeful' to return in time for training camp this fall. Advertisement 'He's been doing very well,' Staios said. 'It is a period of time that he'll be out for. Not sure (how long). Knowing Nick in the way he's going to attack his rehab, can he expedite his return to play? Most likely with him. I don't really have a timeline on it. But (it's) certainly something that I think we were hoping that he (could get through). Once we revealed exactly what it was, we knew that it was something that needed to get taken care of. And full credit to him playing through what he did and to play at the level that he did.' A handful of defencemen could potentially hit the free-agent market next month, including Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad, who told the media on Friday he hopes to re-sign in Florida. The Senators will keep their first-round pick for this month's upcoming draft, meaning they'll be forced to forfeit next year's first-round pick for their role in a 2022 nullified Evgenii Dadonov trade involving the Vegas Golden Knights. Andlauer told the media in April he was hoping for 'some kind of forgiveness' from league commissioner Gary Bettman and mentioned it again on Friday. 'Did I say I was hopeful?' Andlauer said. 'No, I think I said I was going to go on my knees and plead for forgiveness, is what I was going to say. Even though it was never on my watch and I'll keep reiterating that. Would I be hopeful? I would love it. At the end of the day, just be a good citizen and do what's right for our club, but do what's right for the NHL.' So, that leaves the Senators with the No. 21 pick in this month's draft and a handful of possibilities available. Staios said he's 'pretty much open to anything' when asked if he'd consider trading it, but the Senators seem intrigued about who they could draft. 'We're sitting at 21, and as we look at the list and watch the players that could potentially be there, we're growing more excited about the pick,' Staios said. The Athletic's draft gurus, Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman, have projected defenceman Blake Fiddler, goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen and centre Jack Nesbitt to the Senators in recent mock drafts. Youngsters Malcolm Spence, Ben Kindel and Ivan Ryabkin are also possibilities. Senators head scout Don Boyd told The Athletic last month that their strategy is picking the 'best player available' when it's their turn. 'We feel that there will be a player, at least one and probably a few more, that could be picked in that area that are going to be NHL players,' Boyd said. (Top photo of Claude Giroux and Drake Batherson: Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)

Canada, China Agree to ‘Regularize' High-Level Talks After Carney's First Official Call With Beijing
Canada, China Agree to ‘Regularize' High-Level Talks After Carney's First Official Call With Beijing

Epoch Times

time18 minutes ago

  • Epoch Times

Canada, China Agree to ‘Regularize' High-Level Talks After Carney's First Official Call With Beijing

Canada and China have agreed to 'regularize' high-level talks between the two countries following a call between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 5, the prime minister's office said. 'The leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, including the importance of engagement, and agreed to regularize channels of communication between Canada and China,' says a During the conversation, Carney and Li also discussed trade between the two countries, and 'committed their governments' to cooperating to address the fentanyl crisis, according to the PMO's statement. It also says Carney raised 'trade irritants' affecting agricultural and food products, referring to tariffs Beijing recently imposed on Canada. The statement also says Carney raised 'other issues,' without providing further details. The PMO confirmed to the media this was the first conversation Carney held with Beijing since becoming prime minister. Speaking further about the call, Carney said on June 6 that the discussion was 'the start of a process of recalibrating the relationship with China.' Related Stories 5/23/2025 5/3/2024 'They are our second-largest trading partner, the second-largest trading partner for Canada,' Carney said. 'We have a number of trade disputes with China. Farmers across this country, fishers across this country are being affected by Chinese tariffs. People across this country have been affected by fentanyl and its precursors. Those are issues I raised directly, and we spoke at length about our concerns there, and have initiated processes, including ministerial-level dialogue on trade and other issues. So there are important issues with China that we need to address.' Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew have asked Ottawa to engage Beijing to end its tariffs on canola products. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has in turn Canada-China Relations Ottawa-Beijing relations, already strained in recent years, have further deteriorated amid renewed trade tensions. China earlier this year Ottawa Beijing's latest measures include a 100 percent tariff on Canadian canola oil, oil cakes, and pea imports, as well as 25 percent levies on Canadian seafood and pork. Beijing says its tariffs on Canada U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said recently that the United States wants Canada to align with its policies on China. 'The President has made it very, very clear. The No. 1 challenge to America's security, to its safety and prosperity is China,' he said in an interview with The Globe and Mail. 'We're looking for, for people who will confront the challenges with China with us.' U.S. officials have previously Beijing-Ottawa relations began to deteriorate in 2018, when China Tensions rose further after intelligence leaks were reported by Canadian media outlets starting in late 2022 about extensive interference by Beijing in Canada's democracy. This prompted a public inquiry into the matter, which ultimately identified China as 'the most active perpetrator of foreign interference targeting Canada's democratic institutions,' according to the Foreign Interference Commission's final report published earlier this year. Omid Ghoreishi and Isaac Teo contributed to this report.

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