
Highest payout online casinos in Canada for 2025
Find the highest payout online casinos in Canada, with more information on choosing an operator with a great payout. Compare Return to Player (RTP) percentages and flexible betting limits while exploring top-paying casino games for Canadian players.
Best Payout Online Casinos in Canada
Use the following chart to learn more about our curated picks for the best payout online casinos, alongside our rating and staple features for each operator.
Online Casino Visit Site Rating Features
1. Royal Panda Visit Site 5/5
Popular roulette and blackjack variants
Royal Panda+ incentives
Progressive jackpots
2. 888casino Visit Site 4.9/5
Top-rated mobile apps
Exclusive high payout casino games
30+ daily jackpots
3. JackpotCity Visit Site 4.8/5
Popular blackjack variations
100+ live dealer tables
Fast payout procedures
4. BetVictor Visit Site 4.9/5
25+ RNG roulette variations
User-friendly mobile site version
24/7 support center
5. CasinoDays Visit Site 4.7/5
1,000 Play'n GO slots
40+ software providers
High-paying roulette games
6. Casumo Visit Site 4.7/5
20+ Bonus buy games
15+ Instant win propositions
Over 2000 slots
7. LeoVegas Visit Site 4.6/5
LeoVegas exclusive live blackjack
56+ Real dealer roulette tables
46+ live game shows
8. Spinz Visit Site 4.6/5
Secure local payment methods
Attractive streaming feature
Game of the Day incentives
9. TonyBet Visit Site 4.6/5
130+ Crash games
64+ Drops & Wins
Good live blackjack betting limits
10. Spin Casino Visit Site 4.5/5
Attractive slot tournaments
Fast deposit and withdrawals
High-paying baccarat games
Our selection process is based on thoroughly analyzing various components related to online gambling sites' services, with payout percentages being some of the main factors we considered during the tests. Here is our unbiased ranking of the top-payout casinos in Canada:
Royal Panda: Best Legit Online Casino for High Payouts in Canada
888casino: Exclusive Progressive Jackpots
Jackpot City: High-Paying Blackjack Variations
BetVictor: Popular Online Roulette Versions
CasinoDays: High-Rated Slots by Play'n GO
Casumo: Extended Slots Selection
LeoVegas: Exclusive Real Dealer Games
Spinz: Convenient Local Payment Methods
TonyBet: High Betting Limits on Live Tables
Spin Casino: High-Paying Baccarat Games
Other criteria considered include attractive game catalogues, payment methods allowing quick cashouts, and we checked the quality of the software providers.
Reviews of the Top Best High-Payout Online Casinos
To give Canadian players a better perspective of the top high-paying casinos, we have prepared brief reviews outlining the main advantages of every operator in our selection.
1. Royal Panda: Top-Rated High Payout Online Casino in Canada
Contributed
Royal Panda ranks as the leader among the best-paying online casino sites in Canada since it offers a wide selection of games with attractive RTPs.
Here, you can find online slot games like Sweet Bonanza, with great payouts.
Pros
Attractive slots selection
Royal Panda+ incentives
Top progressive jackpots
Cons
Slower customer support responses
Longer verification
2. 888casino: Exclusive Progressive Jackpots
Contributed
888casino is a market-leading brand known for its excellent mobile compatibility. The operator has dedicated apps for Android and iOS.
The average casino payout percentage is around 96.6 per cent, which shows this operator offers a good payout potential. This is why it ranks in the top positions in our charts.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
888casino also offers various exclusive games, including jackpot slots.
Pros
Convenient mobile applications
High payout exclusive casino games
30+ daily jackpot games
Cons
Outdated website design
Limited RNG blackjack propositions
3. JackpotCity: Top High RTP Blackjack Games
Contributed
JackpotCity is for fans of casino table games, as this is one of the top payout casinos offering some of the most popular blackjack games.
The variations you can find here include European Blackjack, Premier Blackjack with Side Bets, which has an RTP of 99.57 per cent, and Multihand Blackjack, which also has an RTP of 99.56 per cent.
You can also find attractive high-payout RNG roulette games like Extreme Multifire Roulette with an RTP of 97.3 per cent.
Pros
Popular RNG blackjack games
Over 100 live casino games
High payout RNG roulette versions
Cons
Fewer baccarat variations
Clumsy site navigation
4. BetVictor: Recommended for High Paying Roulette Variants
Contributed
At BetVictor, roulette fans can find popular variations that attract both newbies and experienced gamblers with their high return-to-player rates. Some popular propositions include European Roulette and French roulette with RTPs of 97.3 per cent.
Although there are few available payment methods, this operator ranks among the leading instant withdrawal casinos. This is because transactions are often processed within 24 hours, especially using popular e-Wallets.
Pros
Over 25 online roulette games
Variety of ongoing incentives
Helpful support centre
Cons
Fewer live blackjack tables
Limited payment methods
5. CasinoDays: Popular High Payout Slots by Play'n GO
Contributed
CasinoDays satisfies fans of online slots because the operator offers hundreds of titles powered by reputable software providers. This is because the gambling site offers many of the top-ranked titles by Play'n GO.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Some of the online slots you can enjoy include 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes (96.2 per cent RTP), Piggy Blitz Disco Gold (96.29 per cent RTP), Oasis of Dead (96.58 per cent RTP), and more.
In addition to Play'n GO, the gambling site collaborates with numerous other popular developers, such as Red Tiger, 1x2 Gaming, Wazdan, and more.
Pros
More than 1000+ Play'n Go Slots
Over 40 software brands
User-friendly platform design
Cons
Fewer fiat payments
Limited RNG table games
6. Casumo: Extensive Slot Selection
Contributed
Casumo's library exceeds 2,000 propositions, which attracts many gamblers who prefer high online casino payouts and also want to explore more online slots.
You can also find popular progressive jackpot games like Queen of Alexandria, Temple Tumble 2, Mega Moolah Absolutely Mad, and other games with a reputation for high payouts. Some game developers also offer special rewards.
Pros
Software specific rewards
Extended selection of slots
17+ Megaways
Cons
Fewer live casino blackjack propositions
Limited live baccarat games
7. LeoVegas: Attractive Selection of Exclusive Real Dealer Games
Contributed
LeoVegas provides value to players looking for exclusive gameplay and unique game offerings, as this operator boasts a variety of proprietary online casino games, including real dealer tables.
Some exclusive game propositions are LeoVegas Diamond Rush Roulette, LeoVegas Exclusive Speed Blackjack, and LeoVegas Magestic Wheelshow. To top it off, many of the real-dealer exclusive games here have progressive jackpots.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Pros
Exclusive real dealer games
Attractive jackpots available
Top software quality
Cons
Fewer RNG table games
No phone support
8. Spinz: Convenient Local Payment Methods
Contributed
Spinz is one of the real-money gambling sites with high-paying games that offer convenient payment methods.
It supports local money processors like Interac, which allow fast and secure deposits and withdrawals in Canadian dollars.
However, you can also use bank transfers and secure payment methods like Payz, MiFinity, or InstaBebit. Thus, Spinz ranks as one of the best-paying casinos offering swift money transactions.
Pros
Convenient local payment methods
Fast deposit and withdrawal procedures
Attractive streaming service
Cons
No phone support
Pages load slowly
9. TonyBet: Attractive Betting Limits
Contributed
At TonyBet, Canadians can find slots, roulette, and blackjack with attractive betting limits.
We recommend this platform for those who want to play high-stakes games, as there are more than enough popular variations.
Besides, the highest betting limits for many of them range between $5,000 and $10,000. High RTP slots are also available at this licensed online casino, making it suitable for gamblers with various preferences looking for fair games.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Pros
High betting limits
64+ drops and wins
130+ crash games
Cons
Slower support service
Longer additional verifications
10. Spin Casino: Recommended for High Payout Baccarat Games
Contributed
Spin Casino is an online casino with a well-managed selection of baccarat games and relatively high payout rates.
Some of the versions you can enjoy here include Punto Banco (RTP 98.94 per cent), Baccarat Banque (RTP 98.4 per cent), and No Commission Baccarat (RTP 98.94 per cent).
Other advantages of Spin Casino include regular slot tournaments, which allow players to enjoy top-rated slots and compete for attractive rewards.
Pros
High RTP baccarat games
Attractive slow tournaments
Fast transaction procedures
Cons
Limited game selection on the app
Outdated website design
What is a Return to Player (RTP) Percentage?
Return to Player (RTP) refers to the percentage of all wagered money a particular game is programmed to return to players over time.
RTP is calculated by analyzing the total amount wagered and the total amount paid out, typically over millions of spins or hands. It gives players an idea of the game's payout potential, but it doesn't guarantee individual results.
However, RTP is not an immediate indicator of winnings. It reflects long-term payouts so that session results may vary.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
How to Pick the Highest Payout Online Casinos
When selecting an online casino with high payouts, players must evaluate several key factors to guarantee they make an informed choice. Understanding these details can significantly impact your overall gaming experience.
Below are some helpful tips for helping online casino patrons in Canada choose games at the highest-paying casino sites.
1. Check for Licensing and Regulation
Check if the casino is licensed by iGaming Ontario. This will indicate that they adhere to strict security standards and responsible gambling practices. A regulated casino is legally bound to provide fair payouts and guarantee protection for players.
2. Assess the Casino's Reputation
Research online reviews and player feedback to find reputable casinos with a record of fair play and timely payouts. Trusted casinos with good reputations provide fair payouts and adhere to licensing regulations.
3. Evaluate the Available Payment Methods
Check if the casino supports multiple secure payment methods, such as e-wallets, bank transfers, and debit cards. Fast and secure payment methods will allow you to access your winnings efficiently.
Also, check if the casino site offers local payment methods like Interac, as operators provide more flexibility regarding deposit and withdrawal options.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
4. Examine Withdrawal Times
Choose a casino with fast and reliable withdrawal options. Online casinos typically offer quick payouts, usually within 24 to 48 hours. This improves the gaming experience by avoiding lengthy delays between winnings and cashouts.
The cashout speed depends not only on the payment method you choose but also on the casino's withdrawal policies. So, check the casino's terms and conditions carefully.
5. Check the RTP (Return to Player) Percentages
Look for casinos that offer games with high RTP percentages, usually above 95 per cent. These are games like RNG roulette, blackjack, and their real dealer variations. Some online slots may also have higher-than-average payout rates, so this is yet another factor to consider.
Best Paying Online Casino Games
Different types of online casino games offer good payout potential. The RTP percentage can differ significantly across game categories, giving players different chances of long-term returns.
Below, we have outlined some of the most popular types of the best casino games that offer attractive payouts suitable for players in Canada.
1. Online Slots: High RTPs and Big Payout Potential
Slots are among the most popular online casino games, offering various themes and bonus features.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Popular slots like Mega Moolah or Starburst boast average RTPs ranging from 95 per cent to 98 per cent, with some progressive jackpot slots offering great payouts.
RTP percentages can vary depending on the game type, with classic slots typically offering higher RTPs.
2. Blackjack: Skill-Based Game with High RTP
Blackjack is a table game known for its relatively high RTP, often around 99 per cent. Some variations, such as Atlantic City Blackjack, have slightly different RTPs and rule sets.
Blackjack games allow players to use strategies to influence the outcome and improve payout potential.
3. Video Poker: Strategic Play with Higher Returns
Video poker games have excellent payout potential. Some of the most popular titles include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
The exact RTP depends on the variation and the strategy used, as optimal play can improve a player's returns.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
4. Live Dealer Games: Real-Time Action with Attractive Payouts
Live dealer games, including Live Blackjack and Live Roulette, offer real-time gaming with payouts ranging from 95 per cent to 98 per cent.
Since these games are played with real dealers and streamed in real time, they maintain the authenticity of land-based casinos while offering high RTP opportunities for players.
5. Online Roulette: A High Payout Game with Flexible Betting Limits
Roulette is a classic casino game with varying RTPs depending on the variant.
European Roulette has an RTP of 97.3 per cent with its single zero, whereas American Roulette, with its double zero, has a lower RTP of 94.7 per cent. The differences in RTP come from the number of pockets on the wheel.
6. Online Baccarat: Simple Gameplay and Rules
Baccarat offers some of the best RTP in casino games, with a banker bet RTP of around 98.94 per cent. Popular variants like Punto Banco or Mini Baccarat have similar RTPs.
Baccarat is a game of chance, but choosing the right betting strategy can maximize long-term returns.
Safe Gambling Tips for Canadians
Playing at high payout casinos offers the potential advantage of maximizing your long-term returns, as these casinos tend to have better RTPs, faster withdrawals, and a solid reputation.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Set a Budget Before Playing: Establish a fixed amount for each session to avoid chasing losses and to maintain control over your spending.
Choose Games with High RTPs: Focus on higher RTP percentages, as they offer better odds for long-term payouts.
Understand the Rules of Each Game: Knowing the rules of a game helps you make informed decisions and develop a strategy.
Take Breaks Regularly: Avoid extended gaming sessions. Breaks can help maintain a clear mind and prevent impulsive decisions.
Always Use Trusted Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like e-wallets to guarantee safe transactions and faster withdrawals.
Additionally, following specific guides can help improve your gaming sessions, making them more enjoyable and secure. Implementing a strategic approach can enhance your chances of winning and the overall experience.
Resources for Gambling Addiction
Responsible gaming is crucial to ensure that gambling remains a fun and controlled activity. It encourages players to balance entertainment and financial responsibility, preventing harmful behaviour like chasing losses or gambling beyond one's means. Staying aware of time and money spent while gambling is essential for minimizing risk and avoiding addiction.
The recommended licensed casinos prioritize safer gambling practices, offering tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion to help players stay in control. These casinos work with responsible gambling organizations to ensure players have access to the support they need.
Many of the operators in our selection collaborate with reputable organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council. It provides players with help on gambling addiction topics and offers valuable resources for those struggling with gambling issues.
FAQs: Highest Payout Online Casinos in Canada
Are high payout casinos safe for Canadians?
Yes, the high-payout casinos in Canada are safe because they meet high standards in terms of security and player protection. The casinos in our list are licensed by iGaming Ontario.
What is the highest payout online casino in Canada?
There are many online casinos in Canada that attract players with higher payout rates. The average payout percentage of most online casinos is between 95.00 per cent and 96.8 per cent. Some of the top gambling sites offer faster payout speed than other casino sites you can find on the Canadian market.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
What is the best-paying online casino game?
Not every online casino game offers high payout rates. There are slots that boast high RTPs that can go over 97 per cent. However, table games like RNG roulette and blackjack have really high return-to-player rates. Some blackjack variants, like Multihand Blackjack, can have average RTPs of 99.56 per cent.
How can I trust the RTP listed on casino sites?
The legit online casinos in our rankings are licensed and adhere to strict player protection measures. Moreover, reputable game testing agencies like eCOGRA have certified their games fairly. These certifications guarantee that the game RTPs are fair and cannot be manipulated.
Are online casino winnings taxed in Canada?
In Canada, players do not have to pay taxes on their gambling winnings as long as they play for fun. However, according to the country's current gambling laws and regulations, licensed operators may need to pay taxes on revenues generated from gambling activities.
Correction – July 4, 2025.
This article has been updated to reflect that iGaming.com Ltd is associated with this article, not iGaming Ontario, as stated incorrectly in a previous version.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

National Observer
an hour ago
- National Observer
How Bill C-5 adopted the language of Canada's Conservatives
In June, as Bill C-5 wound through parliament and talk of nation-building projects rose to national prominence, so did the voices of Indigenous leaders concerned by the lack of consultation. By no coincidence, June also marked a record spike in mentions of one particular term in Canadian news: 'economic reconciliation.' It's a loaded term with a range of implications, depending on the speaker. For proponents of C-5, 'economic reconciliation' encompasses Indigenous consultation, partnership and a share in the jobs and profits generated by new industrial projects under the new bill. 'Indigenous peoples are not just participants in our economy. They are rights holders. They are the original stewards of this land,' Energy Minister Tim Hodgson told the Toronto Regional Board of Trade on June 25, the day before C-5 received Royal Assent. 'If we are serious about retooling our economy, then economic reconciliation must be front and centre.' But for critics, 'economic reconciliation' is a dangerous twist on a familiar term, deployed by politicians and industry to justify a power grab. 'Economic reconciliation stalls true reconciliation,' ran the June 17 headline of an emblematic critique by Melissa Dupuis, an Innu activist and campaigner for the David Suzuki no doubt be hearing less about reconciliation and more about economic reconciliation,' Dupuis wrote,'the same threat that for years has translated to, 'Either you sign and you'll get money, or you don't sign, you get nothing, and we'll do it anyway.'' In the eye of the beholder For all its volatility, the term seems irresistible to some politicians. Conservatives — both provincial and federal — have taken a particular shine to it. For proponents of Bill C-5, "economic reconciliation" encompasses Indigenous consultation. But critics see it as a dangerous twist on a familiar term, to be deployed by politicians and industry to justify a power grab, Arno Kopecky writes. In 2018, Andrew Scheer — then leader of the federal Conservatives — began invoking 'economic reconciliation' on a regular basis, and it made it into subsequent leader Erin O'Toole's 2019 election platform. In BC's 2024 election, Conservative leader John Rustad's platform didn't mention 'reconciliation' on its own — just 'economic reconciliation.' The same was true of Pierre Poilievre's platform in this year's federal election. Since then, Doug Ford has repeatedly emphasized the importance of economic reconciliation in his efforts to gain First Nations support for mining in Ontario's Ring of Fire region. Mark Carney and his officials are also happy to invoke 'economic reconciliation.' But while Carney's election platform did mention it twice, it also discussed reconciliation five other times without that modifier. In the Liberals' platform, reconciliation means everything from funding Indigenous-led conservation and supporting the search for unmarked graves at residential schools to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. That's a far more holistic view of reconciliation than Conservatives tend to articulate. But when it comes to Bill C-5 and the current push for nation-building projects, that word 'economic' has an undeniable bipartisan appeal. By the time the bill passed at the end of June, Carney's Liberal government appeared to realize the risk it was running in alienating Indigenous leaders. It was then that Mandy Gull-Masty, the Cree Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, told reporters the prime minister would host an 'engagement session' with First Nations leaders from across the country in July. Striking a conciliatory note, Gull-Masty said it was up to Indigenous communities to set the terms. The government, she said, wanted to know: 'What does economic reconciliation mean to you?' 'Looks like marketing' Unsurprisingly, it depends who you ask. 'The concern with this focus on economic reconciliation is that it's reductive. It reduces [reconciliation] to a matter of dollars and cents,' says Bruce McIvor, a Metís lawyer and partner at First Peoples Law LLP. There are times when the consequences of a particular industrial proposal outweigh the benefits. 'It's not just about the money — it's about protecting the water and lands for future generations,' he says. Framing a proposal entirely in financial terms 'has the real potential to lead to a consequence where the government says: 'First Nation, we offered you economic reconciliation, you turned down the equity deal, so now you're just being obstructionist. You're standing in the way of the national interest, and we're going to push this project through. … I think a lot of non-Indigenous people will be receptive to that or to that argument.' That concern is shared by chief Joe and many other Indigenous leaders across Canada who have been promoting 'economic reconciliation' for years. 'I get cringy when it looks performative, it looks like marketing,' says John Desjarlais, the Métis director of the Indigenous Resource Network [IRN]. The IRN is a pro-industry group that advocates for Indigenous involvement in resource extraction, and Desjarlais has come out in support of Bill C-5. But in conversation with Canada's National Observer, he tempered that support with a cautionary note that acknowledged the tricky position Indigenous leaders across Canada now find themselves in: wanting to advance development and create wealth for their communities, yet wary of industry taking advantage of the general haste to cut unfair deals and evade environmental oversight. 'We knew we're going to be walking a tough line,' Desjarlais said. 'Expediency is possible, if there's a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. But the flip side of that is, if there is a nation that has done their due diligence and they say no, we need to respect that.' Dawn Leach, chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, agrees. The board has produced multiple reports advocating for economic reconciliation; according to Leach, the term grew out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call To Action #92, on Business and Reconciliation, which 'call(s) upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework.' Leach has dedicated much of her career to improving economic conditions for Indigenous communities, but she's wary of efforts to do so that bypass Indigenous involvement — like the crafting of Bbill C-5.. 'They want to expedite the process, and we do too,' Leach told Canada's National Observer. 'But we need to be brought in at the beginning of the process. After the election, everything took place without our people at the table.' Leach is skeptical of proponents of Bill C-5 who invoke economic reconciliation — 'it's something that's in place now to appease us' — but she doesn't feel it's too late for Carney to correct course. 'I think we can get back on track, but it's got to be really meaningful going forward from here. You can't have meetings without us.' Should that happen, Leach warned, 'that's where all the problems start. That's where all the court cases will happen.' A best case scenario? If you ask Leanne Joe, a hereditary chief with the Squamish nation, there are as many interpretations of 'economic reconciliation' as there are Indigenous communities. Chief Joe is a co-author of ' Step Into The River: A Framework for Economic Reconciliation,' a 180-page guide to this concept, published by Simon Fraser University in 2022. 'To me, it is decolonizing well-being and wealth, and looking at it from an Indigenous world view,' she said. 'My son is not wealthy because he has one dollar more in his bank account than you or I. He is wealthy because he can get out on the land, he can hunt, he can fish, he can gather, he understands place names, he understands landmarks, he understands his origin stories.' Chief Joe doesn't deny that money plays a huge role in First Nations' well-being, but even here she challenges the notion that politicians can simply cut Indigenous communities into the profits. 'It's not just about having a seat at the economic table,' she says. 'We already have that. I need to transform the table.' Asked what exactly she means by that, she doesn't hesitate: 'Let's go with the obvious: Land back, cash back. Let's begin there.' One standout example she cites is Sen̓áḵw, a huge development project in the heart of Vancouver owned by the Squamish nation. Sen̓áḵw was the original name of a seaside village the Squamish nation occupied long before Europeans arrived; in 1913, the BC government burned the village to the ground and forced its inhabitants onto a barge that was set adrift at sea. Almost a century later, in 2003, the Squamish won a decades-long legal battle that returned four hectares of the original site to the nation. In 2022, backed by a $1.4 billion loan from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — the largest in that organization's history — construction began on an 11-tower, 6,000-unit housing complex. Chief Joe is quick to acknowledge her nation's unique circumstances. 'Squamish Nation happens to be in a place that is unprecedented for our nation,' she says. 'We have gone from a state of dependency, in less than three generations, to a nation that will thrive financially.' But for all the importance of financial restitution, Chief Joe emphasizes that well-being — and reconciliation — involves far more than money. 'That's not going to solve the amount of [Indigenous] children that continue to be in care. It's not going to solve the amount of injustices in the justice system. It is not going to solve the increasing amount of Indigenous women, girls, LGBTQS+ individuals that go missing and murdered in this country.' Chief Joe doesn't remember exactly when 'economic reconciliation' entered the vernacular. The term was used in South Africa during the post-apartheid years, but it wasn't until after Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission published its report in 2015 that it started popping up here. 'It was a term that people were starting to glom onto,' she recalls. 'It's like 'reconciliation.' It's a term that just managed to land with settler Canadians, so you run with it.'


Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Rising prices, growing hunger
Opinion A trip to the grocery store is getting more expensive all the time. Food prices are expected to rise by three to five per cent in Canada this year alone, with meat and vegetables leading the way. Buying cheaper food brings its own risks, as poor nutrition can lead to other health problems and a notable drop in school performance for children. As Canadians struggle with rising food prices, we can empathize with people in other countries where prices are rising more than twice as fast, as revealed in this year's State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, published Monday by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Across Africa as a whole, where hunger is growing the fastest, people had to pay an average of 37 per cent more for a healthy diet in 2024 than in 2019. The rising cost of food is due to factors beyond the control of individual families, with the biggest causes being changes in climate, government policies, and geopolitical conflicts. In many African countries, a large percentage of the population work in the agriculture and food system — growing, processing, transporting, and selling food. Most farmers have less than five hectares of land to grow food for their families, hoping to produce enough extra food to sell for income. One failed rainy season, or a fuel shortage making food transport difficult, means less food at home, and more expensive food in the market. Families struggling financially might cope by cutting back on expensive foods like vegetables and meat, instead eating more rice or porridge — filling the belly, but lacking nourishment for growing minds. Mothers often skip meals so their kids can eat, and when desperation hits, families sell their land or assets to buy food, putting their future livelihood at risk. Canada and other industrial countries aim to reduce global hunger by providing food assistance in crisis situations and investing in agriculture and food systems to reduce hunger over the long term. But with countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other nations making significant cuts to their international aid budgets this year, there will be fewer resources to meet increasing needs. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank, with support from the Canadian government and thousands of Canadians across the country, helps over one million people in 37 countries to eat better each year. In contexts of crisis, such as in Gaza, this looks like emergency food assistance baskets provided for 143,000 people with support from two Foodgrains Bank members. 'I walked more than five kilometres to receive this package because it came at a critical time… I didn't know what I would feed my children today,' says project participant Nasim (a pseudonym used for security reasons). Our work also includes provision of longer-term agriculture and livelihood support to improve food security in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 'I no longer go to (the) market for vegetables … I am walking on the path to food security,' says project participant Hélène, who built her own kitchen garden and influenced many others in her community to adopt conservation agriculture farming techniques. While several partners supported by Foodgrains Bank members were impacted by the USAID cuts earlier this year — including Church World Service Africa, which lost over 500 staff in Kenya — we're inspired by their continued commitment to serving the most vulnerable. Canada has long stood at the forefront of the fight against hunger, driving lasting change and fostering stability and prosperity around the world. As others step back, Canada must step forward to fill critical gaps emerging in humanitarian and development funding. By prioritizing support for small-scale farmers and delivering food aid where it's needed most, Canada can help ensure no one is left behind in the mission to build a more secure, equitable world — one where food is affordable and accessible for all. Paul Hagerman is the Director of Public Policy at Canadian Foodgrains Bank. He joined in 2007 and now oversees advocacy work on food security issues within the organization. Prior to his work with the Foodgrains Bank, Paul worked in agriculture for over 20 years in Canada, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.


Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Source: Toronto FC close to acquiring playmaker Djordje Mihailovic from Colorado
TORONTO – Toronto FC is close to acquiring attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from the Colorado Rapids in a cash deal, according to a source. The transfer is not yet finalized, according to the source granted anonymity because they are not authorized to comment on the negotiations. TFC, without a designated player since buying out the contracts of Italians Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi in early July, has been looking for some star power. And Toronto, which sits 12th in the Eastern Conference at 5-13-6, needs help in attack. With 25 goals in 24 games, it ranks 26th in the league on offence. Canadian international Theo Corbeanu leads the team with five goals while Honduran Deybi Flores, a defensive-minded midfielder, tops the team with two assists. The 26-year-old Mihailovic has nine goals and seven assists in 24 regular-season outings for Colorado this season. He is making $1.775 million (all figures in U.S. dollars) with the Rapids this season, a bargain compared to the $15.4 million Toronto was paying Insigne and the $6.295 million Bernardeschi was earning. Toronto marks the fifth career team for Mihailovic and his second in Canada. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. He spent the 2021 and '22 seasons with CF Montreal, playing 61 regular-season games, including 57 starts. In 2021, he recorded 16 assists, erasing the previous club record of 13 set by Ignacio Piatti in 2018. Montreal had acquired Mihailovic from the Chicago Fire in exchange for $800,000 in general allocation money. Signed as a homegrown player from the Fire academy in January 2017, he played 73 regular-season games for the Fire, including 45 starts, with seven goals and 15 assists. After the 2022 MLS season, Mihailovic joined AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. He had two goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch side before leaving to join Colorado in January 2024, signing on as a designated player on a four-year contract through 2027 with a club option through 2028. Mihailovic has one goal in 11 appearances for the U.S., scoring against Panama in a January 2019 friendly. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2025.