Latest news with #Canadian-made
National Observer
4 hours ago
- Business
- National Observer
We're in our nation building era — let's get it right
Canada has a long history of ambitious nation-building projects, from the construction of the transcontinental railway in the 19th century to the development of national infrastructure and programs, such as highways, electrical grids, public universities and public healthcare. These undertakings were designed to unify a vast geography, stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Canadians. Today, as the world rapidly transitions to a very different energy future, Canada's nation-building must evolve. We can still be drawers of water and hewers of wood, but it is no longer sufficient to focus solely on resource extraction, especially that which is carbon-emission intensive. We cannot double-down on the projects of the past and expect to get a better future. Instead, we must prioritize economic transformation to maintain competitiveness, a high quality of life and environmental integrity in an era dominated by the clean energy revolution. The 21st century presents a new global reality where climate change, biodiversity loss, toxic pollution and economic shifts are at the forefront. Canada, blessed with abundant natural resources and an educated, skilled population, has a unique opportunity to lead in this transition. We can, and should, invest in renewable energy systems, including energy storage, the cheapest form of new electricity ever developed. We can use this power to run expanded, electrified public transit and personal electric vehicles. We can use it to power new and renovated homes by replacing furnaces with heat pumps. We can help solve gridlock and increase productivity by moving more people on regional and inter-regional rail. Canada's economic transformation should be about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and securing Canada's long-term prosperity, writes Tim Gray We can make family-sized homes more abundant and affordable by building small multi-unit buildings within our towns and cities using and exporting Canadian-made construction materials like mass-timber and high-insulation windows. We can use our factories and people to build the batteries, components, control systems and software needed to run smart grids and efficient, clean towns and cities. This transformation is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions — though that is an urgent and undeniable imperative — it is also about securing Canada's long-term economic prosperity. The International Energy Agency and numerous global financial institutions (some formerly headed by our new prime minister) have made it clear: the future belongs to those who invest in clean energy and sustainable technologies. Countries that lag behind risk being left with stranded fossil fuel assets, lost competitiveness and weakened energy security. Canada must avoid this fate by channelling public and private investment into industries that will thrive in a world producing and consuming energy more smartly and cleanly. In addition, as Canada shifts its nation-building strategy, it must retain and strengthen the environmental laws that reflect its longstanding commitment to protecting the land, air and water. Beginning in the 1970s, Canada introduced landmark legislation to assess the environmental impact of major projects, limit air, water and land pollution, control the release of toxic substances and protect endangered species. These legal frameworks — such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Impact Assessment Ac t, and the Species at Risk Act — were born out of a recognition that unchecked industrial activity can result in irreversible harm to ecosystems, human health and ecological productivity. Asbestos in schools, DDT, mercury-laden pulp mill pollution, lead in gasoline, decimated fisheries and clear cut old growth forests were just some of the mistakes that we passed legislation to prevent from recurring. These laws are not red tape — they are reflections of Canadian values. They help incorporate Indigenous rights into project development and review, ensure public participation in decision-making, and attempt to safeguard biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. Upholding these principles as Canada transitions to clean energy is critical. The urgency of securing economic independence must not be used as a pretext to shortcut environmental due diligence or marginalize communities. In fact, the clean energy transition offers an opportunity to do better: to build projects that are not only sustainable in terms of emissions, but also socially and ecologically just. For instance, large-scale industrial projects such as pipelines, hydroelectric dams or wind farms, can have significant local, regional or national impacts. Without robust environmental assessments and Indigenous and community consultation and engagement, these projects risk repeating the mistakes of the past — destroying or polluting ecosystems and displacing Indigenous peoples. True nation-building in this new era must, therefore, combine technological progress with a deep respect for the environment and for all communities affected by development. This dual imperative — transforming the economy and preserving environmental safeguards — can be achieved through coordinated national strategies. Canada should develop an industrial policy that aligns federal and provincial efforts to decarbonize the economy, while also embedding strong environmental protections in all infrastructure planning. Public investment must prioritize projects that deliver long-term climate benefits and regulatory bodies must be empowered, not weakened, to enforce environmental standards. Furthermore, education, skills training and job programs must be integrated into this vision. An economic future that supports workers and communities currently dependent on carbon-intensive industries is essential to ensure national unity and social stability. Nation-building today must be inclusive and forward-looking, empowering people from coast to coast to coast to participate in and benefit from the clean energy economy. Canada stands at a pivotal moment. The nation-building projects of the past met the challenges of their time, but the current era demands a strategy that secures economic prosperity while safeguarding the environment. Upholding strong environmental laws is not a barrier to progress; it is a foundation for responsible and resilient development. By aligning its historic values with the demands of the clean energy revolution, Canada can build a future that is both prosperous and sustainable for all its people and generations to come.
The Market Online
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Why Canada Goose stock is a hedge against inflation and recession
When the cost of goods and services, aka inflation, inevitably starts to run up again, whether that's because of US tariffs, a more widespread trend towards deglobalization in the name of national security, or some other exogenous force, the products to do business in are those for which customers will pay a higher price without hesitation. This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Canada Goose Holdings Inc., and is intended for informational purposes only. On the flipside, if consumer demand has been plummeting, unemployment is high, and belt-tightening is increasingly the norm for most people, the products you'd want to do business in are those customers will pay full price for, opting to make their budget cuts elsewhere. In both cases, it's brand power that keeps customers coming back, justifying a buying decision thanks to how a product is perceived and the loyalty it inspires. We can divide brand power any number of ways, but key pillars would include production quality, widespread availability, advertising reach and company values, granting the brand pricing power to strategically look out for its bottom line while meeting customer expectations. A brand is then one of the ultimate hedges for high-risk economies, whether inflation or recession, making the companies that own them, and by association the stocks that track them, evergreen considerations towards a potential investment. Keeping the planet cold and the people on it warm One household name with the right elements to outperform across the economic cycle is Canada Goose Holdings, market capitalization C$1.3 billion, a luxury outerwear, apparel, footwear and accessories brand, beloved for its Canadian-made parkas, that has become synonymous with the intersection of sportiness and style driven by its mission of keeping the planet cold and the people on it warm. The company, founded back in 1957, has had its high and lows, including perceived overreliance on the Chinese market, but has managed to claim an enduring spot in luxury fashion by cultivating an image of elegance, ruggedness and social consciousness, with a focus on community and sustainability, attracting everyone from celebrities to soccer moms to the aura of exclusivity a C$2,000 parka can provide. Canada Goose bounced back from the COVID pandemic and has endured post-reopening inflation with aplomb, increasing revenue every year from C$903.70 million in fiscal 2021 – down only slightly from C$958.1 million in fiscal 2020 – to C$1.348 billion in fiscal 2025, supported by strong average annual net income of C$78.14 million, all while: The company's Q4 2025 was a strong one, generating higher revenue concentrated in North America (C$165.4 million) and the Asia-Pacific region (C$170.4 million), with a meaningful presence in Europe (C$48.8 million), supported by C$27.1 million in net income, up from C$5 million year-over-year. Operations also improved net debt leverage from 2x to 1.3x and direct-to-consumer revenue by 12 per cent to C$314.1 million year-over-year, increasing the potential for higher near-term margins. These encouraging metrics set the tone for a fiscal 2026 during which Dani Reiss, Canada Goose's chief executive officer, expects the company to 'execute bolder marketing initiatives, expand and enhance our product offering and elevate consumer experience,' each priority 'focused, proven and designed to keep driving long-term growth.' While results for Q1 fiscal 2026, slated for July 31, 2025, will be investors' first glimpse into how Trump's tariff regime has affected operational performance, I see any share price pessimism as a deeper discount for the long-term investor who recognizes the company's multiple reasons for conviction. These include: The mote of membership in the zeitgeist, with Canada Goose having long become a luxury status symbol. A demonstrated ability to integrate substantial price increases as part of long-term growth, with parkas going for approximately C$800-US$1300 in 2017 to C$1,300-C$2,200 in 2025, traversing both the COVID recession and ensuing inflation. Management's profitable track record, fortified by the difficult decisions that are sometimes required to respond to the changing economic climate while remaining aligned with shareholder value. These include a 17 per cent layoff in 2024 and eschewing financial guidance for fiscal 2026 given tariff uncertainty, even though the company is for the moment exempt thanks to its products complying with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Despite the choppy waters that may lie ahead, management echoes my optimism about Canada Goose's near-term prospects, stating in the Q4 2025 investor deck that it 'remains confident in the strength of the brand, the company's solid financial position and its ability to adapt to changing conditions.' Investors broadly agree, having lifted Canada Goose stock (TSX:GOOS) by 28.68 per cent year-to-date and by 16.41 per cent year-over-year, though shares remains down by 38.14 per cent since 2020, leaving a considerable runway for a re-rating more in line with the company's proven ability to deliver profitable growth despite elevated macroeconomic uncertainty. Join the discussion: Find out what investors are saying about this resilient luxury retail brand on the Canada Goose Holdings Inc. Bullboard and make sure to explore the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Should Liquid I.V. be on Canadian concertgoers' must-pack list?
Article content I love small indoor venues with regulated temperatures and assigned seats, but Kesha, Barenaked Ladies, Cyndi Lauper, Our Lady Peace and many other headliners this summer are at the very popular outdoor Budweiser Stage, located in Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. Article content Toronto is having a very hot summer, so I appreciate Liquid I.V. 's messaging around proper hydration. The popular electrolyte drink mix (available on Amazon) first came to Canada in the summer of 2023 and went after the concertgoer and fitness community across the country. Article content Article content Article content I see two angles for consuming Liquid I.V. First, it's important to replenish electrolytes in hot and/or sweaty environments, and it's easy to do so with convenient packets of powder. Secondly, it's more fun to drink water when it tastes like a delicious treat. However, know what's in the packets before consuming them. Article content Article content Liquid I.V. offers sugar-free and sugar-full variations (learn more about the sugar options); however, the former have yet to make it to Canada (Organika, a Canadian-made electrolytes powder, has a sugar-free option). Article content In terms of use and cost, Liquid I.V. packets are not cheap, but also not small. At over $2 per pack, the cost of the drink mix can add up if used frequently. However, it can also be a more affordable option compared to drinks at a concert venue. Just bring an empty reusable plastic bottle (some venues, including Budweiser Stage, often don't allow metal containers), Liquid I.V. and find a water fountain. Also, it's recommended to mix one pack of Liquid I.V. with two cups of water, but I prefer a more diluted taste and only use half the pack for two cups (the packets are easy to fold to save for later). Article content Article content With a reusable plastic water bottle and a pack of Liquid I.V. in hand, I headed to the Kesha concert. Article content (If you completely want to stay out of the sun, check out VEEPS, a new streaming service in Canada, where you can watch live concerts.) Article content There was a Liquid I.V. pop-up at Budweiser, handing out samples. I've now tried most of the flavours and my favourite is the strawberry. As mentioned, I can appreciate the added benefits of Liquid I.V. compared to straight water, but would save it for super hot days (like the Kesha-concert day) or days when I'm exerting a lot of energy (like going for a long summer run or bike ride). I enjoyed having Liquid I.V. during the Kesha concert, as it was hot, crowded and sweaty, and I needed every excuse to stay hydrated so I could focus on the music. Article content
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canadian small businesses show resilience amid economic challenges: CIBC Poll Français
Survey highlights optimism over the long-term, while near-term worries remain TORONTO, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - A new CIBC poll finds that a majority of Canadian small business leaders are cautiously optimistic about the current and future state of their businesses, with 71% saying they are currently doing great or 'okay', and a further 78% expressing optimism about the longer-term future of their business amidst a challenging economic landscape. "Canadian small businesses are the backbone of our economy and their resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainty demonstrates remarkable determination, adaptability, and commitment to their ambitions," said Andrew Antoniadis, Senior Vice-President, Business Banking and Cash Management, CIBC. "By building a strong financial foundation, small businesses are better equipped to navigate short-term challenges, while also achieving long-term success." Small business leaders determined to grow their businesses Most small business owners or leaders (75%) have ambitions to implement new strategies and spur business growth in the next year. These plans include growth strategies (58%) such as plans to expand into new markets (including digital), offer new services or products, partner with other organizations, and capitalize on 'buy local' sentiment. Managing costs (43%) is the second most frequently mentioned type of change, including cutting costs and streamlining operations. Despite optimism, near-term worries remain Although most small business leaders are optimistic in the long-term, over half of respondents (56%) expressed immediate concerns regarding the potential impact of shifting trade dynamics on their business's supplier or vendor relationships, highlighting anxieties about disruptions to supply chains and sourcing. Top current concerns among Canadian small businesses include: Business viability and growth (56%): Chief concerns in this area are attracting customers and growing competition. Financial management (55%): Managing higher costs, cash flow management and the potential for higher interest rates. Operational challenges (31%): Implementing new technologies, and managing inventory and the supply chain are key issues here. To help navigate the uncertain environment and trade tensions with the U.S., small business leaders are primarily focused on internal strategies and risk mitigation, such as exploring cost-saving measures and building cash reserves (26%) and emphasizing the "Canadian-made" aspect of their products and services (25%), with 55% optimistic that "buy local" initiatives will help. "At CIBC, we understand the unique challenges that small businesses face in today's economic environment," added Mr. Antoniadis. "We are committed to empowering small business owners with the resources, insights, and advice they need to overcome near-term obstacles, seize opportunities and achieve their long-term ambitions." Disclaimer The findings are from an Ipsos poll conducted between June 2 and 12, 2025, on behalf of CIBC. For this survey, a sample of 500 Canadian small business owners/ executives were interviewed online. Sample was sourced from the Ipsos panel. Respondents were screened to include only decision makers (a sole proprietor/ decision maker, partner, owner or executive that is part of the management or decision-making process) in a company with 0 to 100 employees, and with gross annual revenue of $25,000 or more. About CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Discover unique summer escapes in Ontario: Donkeys, lavender fields — and a vibrant Bollywood party
Ontario has vibrant summer events happening soon — and plenty of unique destinations to put on your travel list. From breathtaking views and camping spots, to unique outdoor experiences, here's a guide to help you plan your next getaway. This week's roundup is filled with fun ideas for your staycation, day trip or road trip — whether it's a donkey sanctuary in Puslinch, craft brewery tour through Simcoe County, or a Bollywood street party in Mississauga. If you are enamoured with donkeys, then a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Puslinch is in order. There are more than 100 animals at the farm, who have arrived because they need special care, were abused or neglected, or they are outliving their owners. The beautiful 200-acre farm is a must-see for folks who love animals and want to learn more about donkeys. Visit with the social animals and learn more about donkeys, mules and hinnys. Ontario has several lavender fields, and the flowers are now in bloom. Many areas are hosting picnics, and even fireside nights , to enjoy the sight and smell of fresh lavender. From lotions, teas and baked goods, there are many goods to buy fresh from the farm with lavender. From whitewater rafting to play farms, there are things to experience with the family. Plan a day of mini putt, or visit a log home to learn a bit about the history of the area. There are also several provincial parks to go hiking or cycling. Check out our list of five things the whole family can do. Take a drive around Simcoe County to sample several craft breweries. Whether it's enjoying a beverage on a sunny patio overlooking a field of hops, or inside a taproom, they are great destinations to enjoy with a friend. Find a new Canadian-made favourite brew to enjoy at home. Here are some breweries worth a day trip. Find gemstones and even pan for gold in the Ontario community of Bancroft . Bancroft's 60th anniversary Rockhound Gemboree runs from July 31 to Aug. 3, and is Canada's largest gem and mineral show. Learn geological facts, and take in some sodalite — not a pop, but a blue mineral that once captured royal attention. With promises of interactive cricket games, a bubble show, and music and dance performances, the #Bollywood Monster Mashup sounds like a fun community gathering. The Mississauga event is marking its 15th anniversary, and will also feature popular attractions like face painting, inflatables, circus acts and photo spots. What's cosy for some may be spooky for others, but an underground wine cellar tour can delight the crowd. Located in Pelee Island, the Vin Villa Behind the Gates Tour and Tasting is a gentle walking tour with some incredible secret rooms — including a medieval looking wine cellar and lounge. The site was established in 1866 and you can learn about the vineyard and its history, and get some spectacular photos of your tour. Do you have a favourite Ontario road trip route, camping spot, restaurant or foodie spot everyone should check out? What about the stops along the way for a great day-trip adventure? Let us know. TRAVEL ONTARIO: Tell us the best road trips, day trips, hidden gems, and foodie spots we can't miss Whether it's a patio with the best views, a unique or unusual experience, or a quirky shop in cottage country with the cutest finds, tell us where you go to escape the daily grind. Take our reader survey to help us help you make the best summer travel memories possible.
