'Chaos is part of his plan to gain leverage with International partners': Trade lawyer
Trade lawyer John Boscariol discusses Trump's tariffs, Canada's priorities before Aug. 1, and key sectors at risk.
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Canada Standard
20 minutes ago
- Canada Standard
How Eurostack could offer Canada a route to digital independence from the United States
The contemporary internet has been with us since roughly 1995. Its current underlying economic model - surveillance capitalism - began in the early 2000s, when Google and then Facebook realized how much our personal information and online behaviour revealed about us and claimed it for themselves to sell to advertisers. Perhaps because of Canada's proximity to the United States, coupled with its positive shared history with the U.S. and their highly integrated economies, Canada went along for that consumerist ride. The experience was different on the other side of the Atlantic. The Stasi in the former East Germany and the KGB under Josef Stalin maintained files on hundreds of thousands of citizens to identify and prosecute dissidents. Having witnessed this invasion of privacy and its weaponization first-hand, Europe has been far ahead of North America in developing protections. These include the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, with protection of personal data also listed in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. Canada clearly took too much for granted in its relationship with the U.S. Suddenly, Canada is being threatened with tariffs and President Donald Trump's expressed desire to make Canada the 51st American state. This has fuelled the motivation of Canada both internally and in co-operation with western European governments to seek greater independence in trade and military preparedness by diversifying its relationships. Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun promoting "nation-building projects," but little attention has been paid to Canada's digital infrastructure. Read more: How Canadian nationalism is evolving with the times - and will continue to do so Three recent developments suggest Canada would be well-advised to start paying close attention: 1. The current U.S. administration has raised concerns about its reliability as a partner and friend to Canada. Most of the concerns raised in Canada have been economic. However, Curtis McCord, a former national security and technology researcher for the Canadian government, has said the current situation has created vulnerabilities for national security as well: "With Washington becoming an increasingly unreliable ally, Mr. Carney is right to look for ways to diversify away from the U.S. But if Canada wants to maintain its sovereignty and be responsible for its national security, this desire to diversify must extend to the U.S. domination of Canada's digital infrastructure." 2. Silicon Valley is exhibiting a newfound loyalty to Trump. The photo of the "broligarchy" at Trump's inauguration spoke volumes, as their apparent eagerness to appease the president brings the data gathered by the internet's surveillance-based economy under state control. 3. Trump's recent executive order entitled "Stopping waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating information silos" is alarming. The order became operational when the Trump administration contracted with Palantir, a company known for its surveillance software and data analytics in military contexts. Its job? To combine databases from both the state and federal levels into one massive database that includes every American citizen, and potentially any user of the internet. Combining multiple government databases is concerning. Combining them with all the personal data harvested by Silicon Valley and providing them to a government showing all the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime sounds like Big Brother has arrived. Civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation, academics and even former Palantir employees have raised alarms about the possibilities for abuse, including the launch of all the vendettas Trump and his supporters have pledged to undertake. European governments have attempted to rein in Silicon Valley's excesses for years. Trump's re-election and his moves toward potentially weaponizing internet data have further boosted Europe's resolve to move away from the U.S.-led internet. One newer effort is Eurostack. A joint initiative involving academics, policymakers, companies and governments, it envisions an independent digital ecosystem that better reflects European values - democratic, sovereign, inclusive, transparent, respectful of personal privacy and innovation-driven. Spokesperson Francesca Bria explains the "stack" arises from the idea that a digitally sovereign internet needs to have European control from the ground up. That includes the acquisition of raw materials and manufacture and operation of the physical components that comprise computers and servers; the cloud infrastructure that has the processing power and storage to be operational at scale; the operating systems and applications that comprise the user interface; the AI models and algorithms that drive services and its policy and governance framework. Prospective gains to Europe are considerable. They include greater cybersecurity, promoting innovation, keeping high-end creative jobs in Europe, promoting collaboration on equitable terms and creating high-skilled employment opportunities. Canada receives no mention in the Eurostack proposal to date, but the project is still very much in the developmental phase. Investment so far is in the tens of millions instead of the billions it will require. Canada has a lot to offer and to gain from being part of the Eurostack initiative. With the project still taking shape, now is the perfect time to get on board.
Globe and Mail
24 minutes ago
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Okta's Subscription Revenues Accelerate: Which Factors Are Driving it?
Okta 's OKTA subscription business is booming, driven by strong customer demand and continued product innovation. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, subscription revenues grew 12% year over year to $673 million, representing 98% of the company's total revenues. Backing this growth is a 21% year-over-year increase in remaining performance obligations (RPO), with current RPO (cRPO) up 14%, highlighting a solid pipeline of future subscription revenues already under contract. Several strategic moves are fueling this momentum. Okta has expanded its identity platform with high-impact modules such as Identity Governance, Privileged Access and Device Access, broadening its relevance in zero-trust security environments. These new offerings accounted for 15% of new bookings in first-quarter fiscal 2026. Meanwhile, Okta's sales organization has been restructured to better serve distinct customer segments, with separate teams focused on Workforce Identity and Customer Identity (Auth0). This targeted approach is translating into results, as the number of customers generating over $1 million in annual contract value (ACV) climbed 20% year over year. Okta's strong financial performance, with a 27% non-GAAP operating margin and 35% free cash flow, enables continued investment in product development and market entry initiatives. This positions its subscription business as a catalyst for sustainable growth. Okta Faces Rising Pressure in Security Race Microsoft MSFT continues to dominate enterprise IT with Entra ID's deep integration into Azure and Microsoft 365, offering seamless identity and access management. Microsoft's expanding data and AI portfolio, including PostgreSQL, Microsoft Fabric and Azure, fuels strong cloud adoption. With breakthroughs like its Majorana quantum chip, Microsoft is advancing future tech while sustaining robust growth, making it a cornerstone of scalable, secure, and innovative enterprise infrastructure. CrowdStrike CRWD is strengthening its cybersecurity edge with AI-driven innovations and product expansion. Its Falcon platform now boasts 29 modules, including the new Falcon Data Protection tool, enhancing data loss prevention and compliance. These upgrades, alongside rising demand for threat protection, position CrowdStrike as a leader in identity security. CrowdStrike's sustained innovation and platform growth continue to attract customers seeking robust, all-in-one cybersecurity solutions. OKTA's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates Shares of Okta have appreciated 16.2% year to date compared with the Zacks Security industry's return of 17%. OKTA's YTD Price Return Performance Okta currently trades at a premium with a forward Price/Cash Flow ratio of 21.56, slightly higher than the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 21.5X. OKTA has a Value Score of D. OKTA Forward 12-Month Price/CF Ratio The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKTA's second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at 84 cents per share, up by 5 cents over the past 60 days, indicating 16.67% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $3.28 per share, which increased 2.8% over the past 60 days. The earnings figure suggests 16.73% growth over the figure reported in fiscal 2025. OKTA currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%. Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report Okta, Inc. (OKTA): Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike (CRWD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
24 minutes ago
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Bigfoot Crane Company Earns Second Consecutive Safety Award from the CCRA
Bigfoot Crane Company is recognized for outstanding safety practices and industry leadership in crane operations. Abbotsford, BC - July 14, 2025 - Bigfoot Crane Company is honored to announce that it has been awarded the Safety Award by the Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA), marking its second consecutive year of recognition for exemplary health and safety standards across its operations. The award was presented during the CCRA's Annual Conference held June 4–5, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta. The Safety Award showcases organizations that consistently demonstrate rigorous safety protocols and a proactive approach to risk mitigation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding workers, equipment, and the communities they serve. 'This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the safety culture we've built together. We are grateful to the CCRA for recognizing the hard work and high standards that keep our people and partners safe,' said Jonathan Domke, General Manager of Bigfoot Crane Company. Since 2014, Bigfoot Crane Company has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for lifting solutions throughout Western Canada. Headquartered in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the company specializes in the sale and rental of self-erecting cranes, tower cranes, construction hoists, and a full line of underhook accessories. With a fleet designed to meet the diverse demands of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, Bigfoot offers solutions tailored to fit each site's unique challenges. Its reach extends throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and surrounding provinces, serving contractors and builders who value not only high-quality equipment but also dependable service and expertise. Bigfoot's inventory, meanwhile, features some of the most advanced crane technologies available, including Liebherr self-erecting cranes that offer remarkable efficiency and flexibility for compact job sites and robust tower cranes suited to complex, large-scale builds. What distinguishes Bigfoot Crane Company is its customer-first approach and emphasis on teamwork. Every rental or sale is backed by thorough inspections, jobsite consultations, and responsive maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. The company's Legendary Service model means clients can expect a seamless experience from consultation to project completion, with knowledgeable support always on hand. A key element of its earning accolades also lies in the Bigfoot Training Academy, a specialized training division designed to educate and certify crane operators and riggers. The Academy offers programs covering topics like rigging safety, fall protection, crane operation, and compliance with Canadian standards. By equipping the next generation of operators with the skills and confidence they need, the Academy strengthens the industry's safety culture while supporting client success. Receiving the Safety Award from the Canadian Crane Rental Association for the second year highlights the impact of these efforts. The CCRA serves as a national voice for crane rental companies, manufacturers, and service providers, advancing the industry through education, advocacy, and the promotion of safety and professionalism. Looking ahead, Bigfoot Crane Company continues to raise the standard for safe, reliable crane services. Whether it's supplying advanced equipment, training qualified operators, or delivering on-site support, Bigfoot remains a trusted partner to contractors who demand both quality and care. Learn more about Bigfoot Crane Company by visiting the website at About Bigfoot Crane Company Bigfoot Crane Company provides premier crane solutions and training throughout Western Canada, offering sales, rentals, maintenance, and certification programs that help clients achieve safer, more efficient projects. Media Contact Bigfoot Crane Company Address: 2170 Carpenter St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6B4 Phone: (877) 852-2192 Website: Media Contact Company Name: Bigfoot Crane Company Contact Person: Ryan Burton Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website:
