Fewer fields, higher prices: The challenge facing Canadian agriculture
Canada’s farmland is under growing pressure from urban expansion and steeply rising rental rates, squeezing farmers and threatening the nation’s agricultural base. With fewer acres available and some left unused, experts highlight that farmland represents only about 7% of Canada’s land mass, making it increasingly critical to safeguard what's left to maintain food production and rural livelihoods. AlbertaFarmerExpress.com
Canada’s job market softens as unemployment hits nine-year high
In May 2025, Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 7.0%, the highest since September 2016, with roughly 1.6 million people without jobs. Employment barely budged—only 8,800 positions added—as full-time gains were offset by declines in part-time and public sector work, while private-sector hiring showed modest strength . Job hunting is taking longer (average duration now 21.8 weeks vs. 18.4 a year ago), and youth—especially students—are struggling, with student unemployment hitting around 20%. Wage growth holds steady at about 3.4%. Sluggish hiring amid population growth suggests softer demand rather than a wave of layoffs. CBC News
G7 nations are gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta June 15 - 17, 2025
Leaders of the G7 nations are gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta, starting Sunday for high-level talks on global economic and security challenges. Canada is expected to focus on resolving ongoing trade tensions with the United States, strengthening international security partnerships, and advancing more reliable energy supply chains.
Canadians are looking at an upfront cost to taxpayers of about $45 million, with total summit-related expenses likely to exceed $300 million, mainly driven by security measures and infrastructure of the event.
Another startup lost: Canada’s struggle to grow its own giants
One of Canada’s most promising tech startups is winding down after failing to secure further funding, in a move that underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to scale homegrown innovation.
Toronto-based chipmaker Untether AI has agreed to an “acqui-hire” deal with U.S. tech giant Advanced Micro Devices, transferring its staff but not its intellectual property or products.
The deal, reportedly worth around $100 million, follows a year in which the company—despite strong performance benchmarks—could not raise new capital.
Industry watchers say Untether’s closure highlights a persistent weakness in Canada’s startup ecosystem: early success, but limited long-term support.
More than 95 per cent of Canadian startups land seed funding, but fewer than nine per cent reach a second round—the lowest among peer countries.
With a cautious investment climate and a lack of large-scale venture capital, Canadian firms continue to be absorbed by U.S. players rather than growing into global contenders at home.