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This article highlights key players in Canada's cleantech industry who are shaping the country's efforts to reach net-zero emissions. It emphasizes the importance of clean technologies beyond renewables and biofuels, such as carbon removal, carbon capture, and carbon trading. The article profiles individuals and companies making significant contributions in various areas, including carbon capture and storage (Entropy), carbon credits (Shopify), solar energy (Canadian Solar), Indigenous partnerships (Project Reconciliation), concrete carbon storage (CarbonCure), cleantech investing (BDC Climate Tech Fund and ArcTern Ventures), carbon capture development (Deep Sky), and ocean research (Dalhousie University). The article also mentions the role of the federal Environment Minister in shaping clean electricity regulations. [Extracted from the article]

The wildfire protection industry is rapidly growing in response to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada. Wildland fire-suppression costs have been rising, prompting governments and investors to seek new defense systems. Companies are developing technologies such as artificial intelligence, night-vision helicopters, and image-gathering drones to improve wildfire responses. Vancouver imaging company Spexi is an example of a company using drones and AI to assess forest density and identify fire hazards. The industry is expected to be worth around US$20 billion by 2031. [Extracted from the article]

According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey of public confidence in institutions and professionals, Canadians have lower levels of trust in innovative technologies like gene-based medicines and artificial intelligence (AI) compared to other countries. Specifically, only 31% of Canadian respondents trusted AI, which was 19 percentage points lower than the global average. Trust in genetically modified foods was even lower at 28%, while gene-based medicines had a neutral trust level of 50%. The survey also found that 54% of Canadian respondents rejected AI, while only 17% embraced it. This skepticism towards AI aligns with concerns raised by prominent AI researchers in Canada, who have warned about the potential risks of rapid AI advancement. The association of AI with job loss and the perception that current AI technology is repetitive or faulty may contribute to these anxieties. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential implications of a new Donald Trump presidency on the Canadian economy, focusing on trade, industrial policy, autos, energy, security, and immigration. It highlights concerns about tariffs, mass deportations, changes to trade agreements, and the impact on various sectors such as autos and energy. The article also mentions the uncertainty surrounding high-skilled immigration policies and the potential influx of migrants seeking asylum in Canada. Overall, the return of Trump to the White House is expected to bring challenges and disruptions to Canada's economic and security relationships with the United States. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Logic Inc. discusses Ottawa's plans to implement regulations that would require Canadian oil and gas producers to reduce emissions by 35% below 2019 levels by 2032. Companies failing to meet targets will need to purchase credits from other firms under a cap-and-trade system. The proposed regulations have sparked mixed reactions, with some groups criticizing the cap as discriminatory and costly, while others view it as a necessary step to address environmental concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Ultra Safe Nuclear, the company slated to construct a small nuclear reactor at the Global First Power project in Chalk River, Ontario, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Delaware court. The project, a collaboration between Global First Power and Ontario Power Generation, aimed to showcase Ultra Safe Nuclear's micro modular reactor (MMR) technology, which could offer emissions-free power in a more cost-effective and adaptable manner than traditional reactors. However, regulatory setbacks and the company's bankruptcy filing have cast uncertainty on the future of the Chalk River project and Canada's nuclear aspirations. [Extracted from the article]

KKR and Energy Capital Partners are teaming up to invest $50 billion in power projects and artificial intelligence to meet the growing global demand for AI and cloud computing. This partnership highlights the significant investments needed to scale AI technology, especially in energy infrastructure for data centers. According to ECP founder Doug Kimmelman, natural gas will play a key role in powering AI-driven energy expansion as Big Tech companies seek zero-emissions power sources. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey by Pollara Strategic Insights found that one in four Canadian employees are experiencing burnout, with symptoms including fatigue, low motivation, and declining efficiency. Factors contributing to this rise in burnout include technological advancements, working from home, and Canada's affordability crisis. Experts warn that high burnout rates could have far-reaching consequences on Canada's productivity and workforce efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

Reactiv, a mobile commerce startup based in Toronto, recently closed a $5M seed round led by Bonfire Ventures, with other investors including Anthemis, Foxe Capital, Daher Capital, and Alumni Ventures. The company, founded by former Shopify employees Ross Correia and Zack Elias, offers an AI-driven platform to help brands launch mobile apps for direct customer engagement. Small retailers like Fragrance Buy and My Patriot Supply are already using Reactiv to connect with customers through push notifications about new products and deals. [Extracted from the article]

Brookfield, a Toronto-based asset manager, is considering expanding its clean energy contracts following a significant deal with Microsoft to supply emissions-free power. With around $1 trillion in assets, Brookfield is a major player in renewable energy, boasting nearly 34 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity. Chief investment officer Jeh Vevaina mentioned the growing global demand for clean energy, driven in part by AI data centers, and hinted at potential future power purchase agreements in regions beyond the U.S. and Europe. [Extracted from the article]

Industry lobby groups representing steel, renewables, cement, and chemicals sectors are urging provincial environment ministers to harmonize their industrial carbon tax policies. The groups argue that the current patchwork of nine provincial regimes restricts trade activity and hinders the effectiveness of carbon markets. Recommendations include removing interprovincial trade barriers and increasing transparency by publicizing market data. The call for integration comes from a diverse group of companies, including Enhance Energy, Lafarge, and Heidelberg Materials. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Logic Inc. titled "Seizing the means of productivity" reports on a recent summit in Calgary where economists, business lobbyists, and policymakers gathered to address Canada's productivity crisis. Attendees discussed the country's lagging economic output compared to its peers and explored the reasons behind this trend. The summit highlighted the lack of efficient wealth production and flatlining investment levels as key factors contributing to Canada's productivity challenges. Former federal cabinet minister John Manley was among the panellists at the event. [Extracted from the article]

Wyvern, an Edmonton-based satellite-imaging startup, recently secured $8.2 million in funding from Squadra Ventures and the University of Alberta's Innovation Fund. The company's technology allows for high-resolution satellite data collection, enabling users to identify various features such as vegetation types or hidden military infrastructure. This technology has applications across industries like energy and agriculture. Wyvern is the fifth investment by the U of A Innovation Fund, which has previously supported startups like PulseMedica and RL Core Technologies. [Extracted from the article]

Northvolt, a struggling Swedish battery-maker, is making progress in rescue talks by ensuring it can meet its October payroll and pay necessary taxes. The company, seeking emergency financing of around US$218 million, faces financial challenges as it scales back expansion plans. The future of Northvolt's $7-billion battery-manufacturing plant in Quebec is uncertain, pending the company's ability to secure funding amidst financial difficulties. [Extracted from the article]

Svante, a carbon-capture company based in Burnaby, B.C., is constructing a $165 million manufacturing plant to produce carbon filters on a large scale. The plant is expected to be operational in the first half of next year and will play a crucial role in advancing the carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry. Svante's technology uses nanomaterials to separate carbon dioxide from other gases, and the company claims that its process is cheaper and ready for commercial-scale installations. While Svante initially targets direct air-capture projects, it has gained traction in the sector and has received significant funding and support from major players such as Chevron, 3M, and Temasek. [Extracted from the article]

Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL) has announced its plans to acquire Chevron's remaining 20% stake in the Athabasca Oil Sands Project in Alberta. The deal, valued at US$6.5 billion, will include equity positions in two oilsands mines, a refinery, and the Quest carbon-capture project near Edmonton. This acquisition is part of a trend of consolidation in Canada's oilsands, with foreign companies divesting their Canadian heavy oil assets and selling them to the country's largest oilsands producers. CNRL has secured a $4 billion loan facility to finance the acquisition and currently holds around $6.2 billion in liquidity. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon is hiring 9,000 employees in Canada for full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions to meet the demands of sorting, packing, and shipping at its warehouses. The company is also opening five new delivery stations in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. This hiring spree is seen as an indication of the e-commerce sector's expectations for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Last year, Amazon hired 6,000 employees in Canada, and this year's increase is part of a larger plan to bring on 250,000 new workers across its U.S. operations. Deloitte predicts a 2.3% increase in consumer spending this year, which may contribute to Amazon's hiring plans. It is worth noting that earlier this year, a union was permitted to represent 200 of Amazon's employees in Canada, marking a significant development. [Extracted from the article]

Alberta's Innovation Minister, Nate Glubish, has been visiting California to promote the province as an energy source for Silicon Valley's artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Glubish has met with major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft to discuss the potential for building computing hubs in Alberta that would require massive amounts of power and investment. While tech companies prefer renewable energy, they are open to using natural gas in the short term to remain competitive. Alberta's abundance of cheap energy and existing infrastructure make it an attractive option for powering AI data centers. [Extracted from the article]

Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.2% in July, surpassing analysts' expectations. This growth was attributed to increased output from sectors such as finance, insurance, retail trade, and the public sector. July marked the fourth consecutive month of GDP gains in Canada, with the economy growing in six out of the last seven months. However, the data still fell below the Bank of Canada's forecasts for the third quarter, and further cuts are expected. Despite this, recent gains contradict the prevailing pessimism towards the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Canada is considering banning Chinese and Russian-made "smartcar" technology from its automotive supply chain, following the lead of the United States. The ban would affect components that enable features like autonomous and assisted driving, as officials believe software and hardware from these countries pose a national security risk. However, transitioning away from Chinese tech providers would be a complex and time-consuming process for Canadian automakers, as China is deeply integrated into the Canadian supply chain. Additionally, Canadian suppliers could be exposed if Chinese authorities respond in kind. Despite these challenges, there is a possibility that Chinese manufacturers may open plants in North America to bypass trade barriers in the future. [Extracted from the article]

According to a former Canadian diplomat, China is becoming increasingly "uninvestable" due to its geopolitical risks outweighing potential financial benefits. The diplomat, who was detained in China for three years, stated that China's Communist Party has prioritized national security over economic interests. Investors have already shown a decreased interest in China due to these risks. In response, Chinese authorities have implemented measures to stimulate their struggling economy. [Extracted from the article]

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced in a press conference that the Canadian government is taking steps to match the proposed ban by the Biden administration on key automotive software and hardware components from China. While Freeland did not provide a specific timeline for when Canada might introduce its own ban, cybersecurity is already a concern in the country's consultations on Chinese automotives. The U.S. ban targets China and Russia and aims to block imports of technologies that pose national security risks, such as those used for autonomous driving and vehicle surveillance. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed a ban on the import of specific software and hardware used in smart cars from China and Russia. The department is concerned about the potential security risks posed by these technologies, as hackers could potentially access and exploit the data collected by these systems. The ban would take effect in 2027 for software and 2030 for hardware. This move reflects the increasing concerns about cybersecurity as vehicles become more connected and autonomous. [Extracted from the article]

Constellation Energy, based in Baltimore, has announced a power-purchase agreement with Microsoft. As part of the agreement, Constellation will restart a segment of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania and sell most of the electricity exclusively to Microsoft for their data servers. This deal is the largest power-purchase agreement in Constellation's history and highlights the growing trend of tech companies seeking emissions-free power sources to meet their artificial intelligence needs. Pending regulatory approval, Constellation will reactivate the Unit 1 reactor of the plant, which was shut down in 2019 for economic reasons. The adjacent Unit 2 reactor closed in 1979 due to a malfunction and partial core meltdown. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian National Bank CEO, Laurent Ferreira, expects the bank's $5 billion acquisition of Canadian Western Bank (CWB) to be completed earlier than originally anticipated. Discussions with regulators are progressing faster than expected, although Ferreira did not provide a specific timeline for the deal's closure. The proposed transaction, which was announced in June, would value CWB shares at $52.24, representing a significant 110% premium. National Bank views the takeover as a diversification strategy to expand its lending portfolio outside of Quebec by 37%. Additionally, the bank recently unveiled its new head office in Montreal, a 40-storey tower called National Bank Place, costing approximately $500 million. [Extracted from the article]

Rogers, a telecom company, has acquired Bell's 37.5% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and other sports franchises, for $4.7 billion. This deal, subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in mid-2025, would increase Rogers's stake in MLSE to 75%, effectively giving chair Edward Rogers a monopoly on Toronto sports organizations. Analysts suggest that this acquisition would allow Rogers to improve efficiency through consolidation, such as cross-selling tickets between sports leagues. [Extracted from the article]

Telus, a Vancouver-based telecommunications company, has launched a software service called SmartEnergy to help customers reduce their home energy bills. The service connects to devices like thermostats and electrical outlets, providing real-time insights on energy consumption and ways to lower costs. Telus plans to develop an all-in-one app for managing various home services, including energy-saving, home security, and electric vehicle charging. While the smart-home market is competitive, Telus aims to leverage its existing customer base and integrate its AI assistant, named "Jarvis," to provide personalized tips and assistance. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a reduction in the number of international students allowed into the country. The 2025 target has been lowered from 485,000 to 437,000. This follows a previous cut to Canada's 2024 target for international study permits. The government is reducing immigration rates due to concerns about housing shortages, despite the positive impact of high immigration on the private sector. [Extracted from the article]

Finance Canada has announced that it will relax some mortgage rules in an effort to improve housing affordability. The price cap on insured mortgages will be increased from $1 million to $1.5 million, and eligibility for 30-year mortgages will be expanded to include first-time homebuyers and those purchasing newly built homes. These changes will take effect on December 15. The government hopes that these reforms will address the affordability crisis caused by high housing costs, particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce have called on the Canadian government to take action to prevent a potential shutdown of Air Canada. The airline is currently in labor negotiations with its pilots, and if an agreement is not reached by Sunday, a strike notice could be issued, leading to a complete shutdown of operations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that the government will not intervene unless it becomes clear that negotiations are not progressing. A shutdown would have significant economic consequences, potentially costing the Canadian economy up to $1.4 billion. [Extracted from the article]

Air Canada, the largest airline in Canada, has reportedly asked the federal government to use a rarely used section of the Labour Code to prevent a pilot strike. The airline is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) over salary disagreements, and if an agreement is not reached by September 15, Air Canada has threatened to shut down its operations. The federal government previously used this section to end a rail strike last month, but it would be unusual for them to intervene preemptively in this case. [Extracted from the article]

During a presidential debate, Vice-President Kamala Harris criticized former president Donald Trump for exporting high-end chips to China, arguing that the U.S. should invest in American-based technology to lead in AI and quantum computing. Trump countered by stating that the U.S. relies on foreign-made chips and that Chinese tech companies prefer chips from Taiwan. Both Trump and the Biden administration have implemented trade restrictions on China, including on semiconductors and quantum computing. Following the debate, investors showed support for stocks that would benefit from a Harris victory, with solar stocks rallying and healthcare shares declining. [Extracted from the article]

Toronto asset manager Brookfield has agreed to invest up to $1.1 billion in sustainable aviation fuel company Infinium. The investment includes $200 million directly in Infinium and its aviation fuel plant, Project Roadrunner, which is being developed in West Texas. Brookfield will also invest up to $850 million in other Infinium projects globally. This marks Brookfield's first investment in sustainable aviation fuel, and the company will lead Infinium's Series C stock offering. Project Roadrunner aims to produce lower-emissions aviation fuel using renewable power and waste CO2, as well as low-carbon diesel for the trucking industry. [Extracted from the article]

TC Energy, formerly known as TransCanada, has delayed its plan to sell a minority equity stake in the NGTL pipeline system to a consortium of First Nations due to a "transaction structuring issue." Energy companies have been seeking to sell equity stakes to First Nations groups in order to gain public approval, and have been requesting government assistance in financing these transactions. However, TC Energy's delay highlights the challenges of reaching agreements with multiple individual communities simultaneously. The proposed sale involved a 5.34% stake in the 24,000-kilometer natural gas pipeline network, which is crucial for energy companies in British Columbia and Alberta. [Extracted from the article]

Air Canada, the largest airline in the country, is preparing for a potential shutdown as contract negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reach an impasse. The two parties are currently far apart in their discussions, with the airline criticizing the union's "excessive wage demands." If an agreement is not reached by the September 15 deadline, the union may trigger a 72-hour lockout notice. This could result in the cancellation of numerous flights within Canada and to international destinations. Air Canada has already begun offering rebooking options to affected passengers. [Extracted from the article]

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has submitted a recommendation to the federal government regarding the new Competition Act changes. CAPP suggests that the law's accuracy and truthfulness requirements should also apply to advocacy groups, similar to how they apply to the industry. This recommendation is in response to new anti-greenwashing provisions that require companies to prove the validity of their environmental claims. CAPP argues that climate advocacy groups should be held to the same standards in their own communications and representations. [Extracted from the article]

The Eckert family farm in Alberta is challenging the agriculture industry's reliance on carbon-intensive synthetic fertilizers by adopting a new biological farming method. The farm uses a closed-loop system developed by Bio-Agtive Emissions Farming, which captures exhaust fumes from tractors and converts them into a carbon-based vapor that is sprayed onto the crops. Since adopting this technology, the Eckerts have seen higher yields and lower production costs, and their main buyer, Molson Coors, has approved of the new system. While some farmers are shifting away from synthetic fertilizers due to rising costs and environmental concerns, others remain hesitant to try alternative methods. [Extracted from the article]

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and FTQ, Énergir's largest shareholder, are providing additional funding to the natural gas distributor in an effort to decarbonize its operations. This is the second time the CDPQ and FTQ have invested in the company, with the previous investment giving them majority ownership of the parent company. Énergir plans to use the funding to develop renewable energy and natural gas projects. The company currently operates a large natural gas network in Quebec and distributes the majority of the gas consumed in the province. [Extracted from the article]

Air Canada, the largest air carrier in Canada, is reportedly proposing a 30% pay increase for its 5,000 pilots over a three-year period in an effort to avoid a labor strike. The company has been in contract negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) for over a year, as their previous 10-year contract is coming to an end. The pilots have voted in favor of a strike if a deal is not reached by the mid-September deadline, with the goal of closing the wage gap between Canadian and U.S. pilots. [Extracted from the article]

China is investigating Canadian canola imports due to a significant increase in imports and a subsequent decline in prices. The Chinese commerce ministry claims that this unfair competition from Canada has caused domestic rapeseed-related industries to lose money. This investigation is seen as retaliation for Canada's recent 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. This is part of a pattern of tit-for-tat trade actions between the two countries, with China previously banning other Canadian agricultural imports. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian job postings mentioning generative AI have increased significantly since mid-2023, according to data from Indeed. While the hiring frenzy seen in Silicon Valley has not reached the same scale in Canada, AI companies in the country still face challenges in hiring due to a wider labor shortage and a lack of engineers with applied AI experience. Spellbook, a Newfoundland-based platform that uses AI to improve legal documents, is looking to double its workforce to about 80 employees this year. The race for AI talent in Canada is on the rise, with 2.4% of job postings at the end of March 2024 including references to AI, up from 1.9% the previous year. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: Jesse Snyder The wave of off-lease vehicles due to hit the used market in 2018 is the biggest -- and most truck-heavy -- yet, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges [...]

Byline: James B. Treece and Jesse Snyder Auctions such as Manheim and Ally's SmartAuction are expanding their assurances to buyers that if something goes wrong, they will be made right. [...]

Byline: Jesse Snyder After robust September sales, automakers started October with just slightly higher vehicle supply than normal. Automakers and U.S. dealers had a 65-day supply to start the month, [...]

Paladin, an Australian uranium miner, has postponed a shareholder vote on its proposed acquisition of Fission, a Canadian uranium miner. The vote has been delayed until September 9th to allow more time for shareholders to submit their proxies. While a majority of votes received so far are in favor of the deal, half of eligible shareholders have yet to participate. The acquisition would have solidified Paladin's position as a leading global uranium producer. [Extracted from the article]