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GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has announced that the federal budget will be released on Nov. 4. The Liberals have signalled they intend to cut government operational spending by 7.5 per cent for the 2026-27 fiscal year, 10 per cent the following year and 15 per cent in 2028-29, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying that the deficit "will be bigger than it was last year, when the deficit was announced as $61.9 billion. Carney pointed to a number of factors when explaining the deficit size, including the U.S. tariffs and subsequent federal supports for impacted industries, the government's commitments to boost NATO spending and the federal income tax cut.  Champagne indicated that the budget will focus on lowering operational budgets while boosting capital investments. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals for delaying the budget and called on the government to "reverse this reckless Liberal spending." CBC. 

Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland announced she is stepping down from cabinet and will not run in the next federal election. She will remain as an MP in the interim, and will serve as Canada’s new Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote in a letter posted to social media. Freeland visited Ukraine last week with Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey. Freeland is of Ukrainian descent and lived in both Ukraine and Russia during her two decades as a journalist. An anonymous source familiar with the appointment said Freeland will work directly with Carney as his representative and will work with Ukrainian leaders on a plan to rebuild the Ukrainian economy. She will also work closely with Canadian business leaders, labour leaders, scholars and the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Freeland’s two portfolios are being divided between existing cabinet ministers. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is taking over internal trade, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon is taking transport. CTV News

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has launched Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build affordable housing at scale. Build Canada Homes will transform public-private co-operation and deploy modern methods of construction, as it catalyzes the creation of an entirely new Canadian housing industry. The initiative will leverage public lands, offer flexible financial incentives, attract private capital, facilitate large portfolio projects, and support modern manufacturers to build the homes that Canadians need. The project aims to help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. The project will have an initial capitalization of $13 billion. The launch of Build Canada Homes and its initial investments are part of the Canadian government’s broader effort to double the pace of housing construction over the next decade. HICC

A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued for the Ksi Lisims LNG project, following a joint decision by provincial ministers. Ksi Lisims is being developed in partnership between the  Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership and Western LNG. Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, made their decision after carefully considering the environmental assessment by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). If all other required permits and authorizations are received, the Ksi Lisims LNG project is approved to build and operate two floating liquid natural gas structures at Pearse Island in northwestern B.C. It is expected to employ an average of up to 450 workers during construction and have a permanent workforce of up to 250 people. The EAO’s assessment began in 2021 and involved extensive consultation with technical experts, First Nations, provincial and federal agencies, local governments and the public. The ministers wrote to the federal ministers responsible for the environment, defence, transport and fisheries, urging them to address concerns expressed by First Nations related to marine shipping in making the federal decision. The EAO consulted with 10 First Nations at varying levels. Participating Indigenous Nations were Gitga’at, Gitxaala, Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla, which had the opportunity to provide consent or lack of consent for the project. Gitga’at and Kitselas issued notices of consent for the project, and the EAO participated in dispute resolution with Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla, which did not consent. Kitsumkalum did not consent. Gitxalaa did not provide a notice regarding consent. Throughout the assessment, the EAO also consulted with Nisga’a Lisims Government as a treaty partner, and Haida Nation and Gitanyow and Gitxsan hereditary chiefs. In making their decision, the ministers acknowledged that while not all First Nations’ concerns have been resolved, they are satisfied that the conditions and requirements included as part of the environmental assessment certificate reasonably avoid, minimize and accommodate the potential adverse effects on First Nations and their interests. BC Gov News

The Government of Canada is considering dropping its oil emissions cap on Alberta and Canada’s oil and gas sectors if the province can find alternative methods of lowering its carbon emissions. The emissions cap has not yet been instated, but oil and gas companies have already pushed back, saying that it would hurt their production capabilities. Since his election, Carney has walked back on his environmental promises, with potential for the emissions cap to be scrapped as part of a new “climate competitiveness strategy.” Under the terms of the cap, the federal government would require its oil and gas sector to cut emissions to 137 million metric tons, 37% below 2022 levels, by 2030. Carney had previously promised to make Canada the “world’s leading energy superpower,” promoting clean energy projects while also betting on oil and gas sector competitiveness. Reuters

The Government of Canada was alerted to a cyber incident impacting the application interface of a third-party service provider’s multi-factor authentication (MFA) used for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) user accounts. The provider, 2Keys Corporation, discovered the incident. A routine software update resulted in a vulnerability that allowed a malicious actor to access phone numbers associated with CRA and ESDC accounts and email addresses associated with CBSA accounts of individuals who used the MFA service between August 3 and 15. During this period, the actor sent spam text messages containing a link to a fraudulent phishing website designed to look like a Government of Canada website to some of these phone numbers. There was no impact on CBSA portal users who were accessing their accounts via email. There was no indication that any additional personally identifiable information or sensitive personal data was disclosed. Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission announced that it has set the 2026 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.28 for employers, who pay 1.4 times the employee rate. The 2026 rate is a one-cent decrease from the 2025 rate and a three-cent decrease from the 2024 rate. The rate is set based on the 2026 Actuarial Report on the Employment Insurance Premium Rate and its addendum as well as the Commission’s summary of the reports. Each year, the Commission is responsible for setting the annual premium rate based on a seven-year break-even rate forecast by the EI Senior Actuary. The Senior Actuary’s report on the 2026 EI premium rate, its addendum, and the Commission’s summary of that report are available online to ensure continued transparency and accountability in the rate-setting process. Employment and Social Development Canada

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, chaired a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers to discuss further measures to increase pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine. Russia’s increasingly aggressive stance, including recent bombings in Ukraine and recent violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, as well as its unwillingness to agree to a ceasefire, has prompted this G7 meeting. Canada, as part of its G7 Presidency, remains committed to working closely with G7 allies to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine’s long-term security and recovery. G7 Ministers agreed to accelerate discussions to further use immobilized Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine’s defence, and to explore other mechanisms that would allow further increasing financial support to Ukraine. Prior commitments include supporting Ukraine’s recovery and ensuring that no country, entity, or actor that financed or supplied Russia’s war effort can benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction. Department of Finance Canada

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound wrote to senior bureaucrats responsible for procurement and government services asking for a detailed proposal for such a review within 45 days. "We've asked for a proposal with concrete measures: benchmarking contracts against global prices, integrating international best practices, prioritizing Canadian vendors, opportunities for pooling buying power with provinces and territories, updating procurement policies and more," Champagne said in an X post. The contract review is part of the government's overall spending review. Champagne is set to table a budget this October and Prime Minister Mark Carney has signalled he wants to see a reduction in government expenses. CBC News

Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will co-host the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, on Oct. 30 and 31, 2025. Building on the G7 Summit in Kananaskis — where leaders adopted the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan and the Leaders’ Statement on AI for Prosperity, as well as welcomed the Critical Minerals Production Alliance —energy ministers will engage on energy security and affordability, building resilient supply chains and the role of innovation and emerging technology. Environment ministers will also advance G7 leadership on environmental priorities, such as extreme weather prediction, and preparedness and response, advancing the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter; driving a circular economy for priority and emerging sectors; international freshwater coordination; and conserving and protecting oceans. Information on how to register will be made available in the coming weeks. 

The Province of BC, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is funding nearly $2 million over two years to create a workforce development program for unemployed and underemployed youth from 15-30 years old. CASTL Elevate BC, a two-year program launched by the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), will provide young people, prioritizing those receiving income assistance, with the technical training and hands-on experience required to succeed in the growing biomanufacturing sector. The 10-week program includes six weeks of online learning and in-person lab sessions at CASTL’s Vancouver biomanufacturing training facility, and four-week placements at leading bioscience employers throughout B.C. There, they gain real-world work experience and industry connections in partnership with Life Sciences British Columbia. Participants will enhance their job prospects, while gaining skills and experience to help them in their careers. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as: production technician, lab technician, or process-development technician. The first cohort starts Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, with up to seven cohorts running from September 2025 to March 2027. BC Gov News

RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab has released a new tool called BDLNow, a “nowcast” tool designed to deliver a real-time estimate of Canadian GDP growth. The tool generates an estimate of Canada’s GDP growth rate for the present quarter as well as for the previous quarter, months ahead of Statistics Canada’s official data release. Unlike a forecast, the nowcast is purely model-driven, which makes it dynamic and versatile and provides leading accuracy as new economic data becomes available. Just like a forecast, the GDP nowcast is only a “best attempt” at predicting where the economy is headed. More information on the tool is available here. Canadian Chamber of Commerce

UK-based life sciences firm LGC Group announced the opening of a new Organic Chemistry Synthesis Centre of Excellence in Vaughan, Ontario, on Sept. 10. With an investment of CAD $100 million, the 203,000 ft² (17,200 m²) facility is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It reinforces Canada’s role as a hub for global scientific innovation and manufacturing. The new facility expands the capabilities of Toronto Research Chemicals (TRC), an organization founded at the University of Toronto more than 40 years ago and acquired by LGC Group in 2019. TRC specializes in synthesizing complex organic molecules. These molecules underpin drug discovery pipelines, forensic testing, food and environmental safety, and industrial innovation, giving customers reliable access to critical building blocks for science. “This investment reflects our confidence in Ontario and Canada as a centre of scientific talent and innovation,” said Joydeep Goswami, CEO of LGC Group. “From Vaughan, our scientists supply the world with critical tools that enable breakthroughs in drug discovery, public health, food safety, and environmental protection.” LGC Group

Food in Canada recently held a poll to determine how the tariffs are impacting Canadian readers’ businesses. Fifty per cent of the respondents said the tariffs are having a significant impact on their businesses by disrupting supply chains, increasing input costs and/or limiting orders. Thirty per cent of the respondents were experiencing a moderate impact that’s forcing them to adjust sourcing and pricing strategies. Around 20 per cent of the respondents had minimal impact. Food in Canada notes that CUSMA-compliant products aren’t being subjected to tariffs by the U.S. However, non-CUSMA-compliant products are still facing steep tariffs,  increasing the risk of shutting down Canadian companies that largely depend on the U.S. market. This has also made diversification a top priority. The federal government has launched the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), which will provide $1 billion over three years to support SMEs impacted by tariffs. The initiative seeks to help SMEs boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets. Food in Canada

1,200 Lion Electric school buses were pulled from roads on Monday after a school bus caught on fire in Montreal last week. None of the children on board were harmed, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. Buses were set to undergo a preventative inspection over the weekend, with ministers insisting that the situation was being monitored. The English Montreal School Board has since confirmed that some buses would require ongoing inspections, with several other school boards awaiting further instructions before resuming service. Montreal Fire Department Chief Martin Guilbault said the cause of the fire remains unknown, but confirmed it was not due to the electric battery. CTV News

Canada is putting together a new coalition of financial institutions, telecoms, tech companies and others to tackle the increasingly pervasive problem of scams. The Canadian Anti-Scam Coalition, which also includes government and law-enforcement agencies, is preparing to launch a national scam awareness campaign next month and has several other initiatives underway, including a pilot project exploring how companies across sectors can better share information to stop scammers in their tracks. The cross-sector group was brought together by Anthony Ostler, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Bankers Association, who started approaching Canadian organizations in the spring of 2024 because he was concerned about the increasing prevalence of scams. Armed with new digital tools such as deepfakes generated using artificial intelligence, scammers are siphoning increasingly large sums of money out of the Canadian economy each year. Fraud victims reported a total of $647 million in losses to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre last year, up from $577 million in 2023. According to the agency, those figures represent just five per cent to 10 per cent of all fraud. The CBA, which uses data from the anti-fraud centre as well as the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, estimates that Canadians lost between $6-billion and $12-billion to scams last year. The Stand Against Scams campaign, which is slated to launch in early October, aims to educate Canadians to prevent them from falling victim to scams. The ads, which will run across various platforms, will be paid for by coalition members, Mr. Ostler said. Globe and Mail

OpenAI pushed for its copyright lawsuit from Canadian news publishers to be moved to a U.S-based courtroom from Ontario. Publishing giants, including The Canadian Press, Torstar, The Globe and Mail, Postmedia and CBC/Radio-Canada, are suing OpenAI for using stolen news content to train its ChatGPT large-language model, profiting off of the content without compensating the original publishers and without asking for consent. OpenAI argued that since the company is headquartered in San Francisco, it is not under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Superior Court. OpenAI’s main claim is that "the alleged conduct — namely, the training of AI models and the automated crawling of web content — occurred entirely outside Ontario." The company claimed that the Copyright Act does not encompass dealings occurring outside of Canada. The fact that the plaintiffs are located in Canada or that some of their websites are hosted on servers in Canada is immaterial to the extraterritorial conduct alleged." Publishers have rebutted OpenAI’s claims, saying, "Aside from being wrong in law, adopting OpenAI’s arguments and defining digital jurisdiction based solely on what they say is their lack of physical presence in the jurisdiction would mean Canada giving up jurisdiction over a large part of its digital economy.” The lawsuit, which was launched last year, is the first Canadian case to address the practice of using copyrighted content to train generative AI systems. The Canadian Press

Toronto-based Purpose Investments Inc. announced that it will vigorously contest the greenwashing allegations brought by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) against the company and CEO Som Seif for how Purpose communicated its approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration between 2019-2022. Rather than creating separate ESG-specific funds while leaving the rest of the existing funds business unchanged, Purpose claims it took the approach that “had the goal of embedding ESG data and considerations as an investment process input factor.” The company said it “struggles to understand how a proceeding alleging no investor harm, no prospectus misrepresentation, and no disclosure deficiencies in core documents aligns with the OSC’s stated focus on serious matters requiring urgent regulatory attention. Put simply, it is hard not to see this proceeding as anything but a misallocation of the OSC’s limited resources that could be better employed to tackle issues resulting in direct financial harm to the investing public.” The OSC allegations include that Purpose was not actually taking ESG considerations into its funds, with no sufficient documentation indicating ESG procedures employed by the firm. “We are struggling to understand how the OSC is seeing this as a topic for enforcement action against Purpose, and even more specifically against me.” Seif said. The CEO affirmed his positive relationship with the OSC, adding that he remains “deeply committed to making the financial industry better for all Canadians. I will always continue to support the OSC and the broader Canadian Securities Administrators in their important work.” Purpose expects the tribunal process to reveal the transparency of its ESG methodology. An initial hearing will take place on Oct. 6. Purpose, Investment Executive

The 2025 SSHRC Impact Awards Ceremony is set to take place on Nov. 24, 2025, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The ceremony celebrates excellence in social sciences and humanities research, as well as the important work of scholars who are making significant contributions and innovations to Canadian society. 

The four distinct award categories and their 2025 finalists are presented as follows:

Talent - recognizing outstanding achievement by an individual who maintains academic excellence, has a talent for research and knowledge mobilization, and has demonstrated clear potential to be a future leader within and/or outside the academic sector.

• Madison Brockbank, McMaster University.
• Joshua Steckley, Carleton University.
• Lucas Wilson, University of Toronto.

Insight - recognizing outstanding achievement arising from a single or multiple SSHRC-funded initiative(s).

• Kamari Clarke, University of Toronto.
• Maite Taboada, Simon Fraser University.
• Anna Triandafyllidou, Toronto Metropolitan University.

Connection - recognizing an outstanding SSHRC-funded initiative that facilitates the flow and exchange of research knowledge within and/or beyond the social sciences and humanities research community.

• Megan Bailey, Dalhousie University
• Tara McGee, University of Alberta, and Amy Cardinal Christianson, Indigenous Leadership Initiative, for the First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership
• Amy Parent, Simon Fraser University.

Partnership - recognizing a SSHRC‑funded formal partnership for its outstanding achievement in advancing research, research training or knowledge mobilization, or developing a new partnership approach to research and/or related activities.

• Jason Lewis, Concordia University, principal investigator of the Initiative for Indigenous Futures (IIF).
• James Milner, Carleton University, project director of the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN).
• Dilip Soman, University of Toronto, project director of Behaviourally Informed Organizations Partnership (BiOrg).

The Gold Medal recipient will also be announced on Nov. 24. SSHRC

VC, PRIVATE INVESTMENT & ACQUISITIONS

Oakville, Ont.-based Iovate Health Sciences International has filed for bankruptcy protection, with KSV Restructuring Inc. appointed as the Insolvency Trustee. Iovate affirmed that the filing is only meant to create stability for company restructuring to take place, and that the company is bankrupt. Iovate is a developer of nutritional and weight loss supplements that include popular ingredients like whey protein and collagen. The company employs 165 people in Canada. KVS

Toronto-based Electra Battery Materials Corporation announced US$30 million financing in connection with its ongoing financial restructuring. Financing was led by Cantor Fitzgerald Canada, ECM Capital Advisors Ltd., Independent Trading Group Inc., and Kernaghan & Partners Ltd. This financing forms a key part of Electra’s comprehensive plan to strengthen its capital structure and secure funding to advance the commissioning of North America’s first battery-grade cobalt sulphate refinery, located in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario. Net proceeds are set to advance the completion of Electra’s cobalt refinery and advance the company’s black mass recycling program. Electra

Montréal-based startup LocusX has successfully raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by venture builder Diagram Ventures and entertainment tech-focused Triptyq Capital. The funding aims to advance LocusX’s AI-powered debugging software, designed to improve the ‘fix rate’ of programming bugs in video game development. Founded by CEO François Pelland and CTO Yan Côté, LocusX has developed an ‘issue resolution engine’ that identifies and proposes fixes for bugs, though final bug resolution decisions are left to developers. The startup plans to enhance its product and expand its team with the new funds. LocusX, a product of a venture studio model by Diagram and Triptyq, seeks to address industry challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, including employment declines and changes in Québec’s multimedia tax credit. While currently focusing on gaming, LocusX also sees future applications in augmented and virtual reality programming.  Startup Ecosystem Canada

Tricentris, the Quebec-based cooperative in sustainable waste management, announced the acquisition of Bo, a start-up specializing in reusable food packaging, the very first acquisition of this type in Canada. The acquisition of Bo aligns with Tricentris' new strategic direction initiated in 2024, transforming the company from an expert in sorting recyclable materials to an organization fully committed to the principles of the circular economy. The cooperative, which is now diversifying its services in sustainable waste management, will now be able to offer its members, representing 190 municipalities in Quebec, a concrete solution for waste reduction by implementing a system of returnable containers for ICI (industries, businesses, institutions) and for municipalities that wish to offer a reduction solution in their communities. Bo, a Montreal-based company founded in 2021, develops and operates reusable packaging systems for restaurants and institutions, replacing disposable packaging. With a return rate of over 90%, the company uses an app to track and manage container logistics, as well as return deposits to consumers. Its industrial washing facility, LavaBo, has already processed more than 3.3 million containers for over 240 partners. Tricentris

Singapore-based GIC Pte is in talks to sell its stake in US landlord Yes! Communities Inc. to Brookfield Asset Management in what could be one of the biggest exits for the sovereign wealth fund in years. The entire portfolio could be valued at more than $10 billion, according to an anonymous source who asked not to be identified, discussing private negotiations. Talks are ongoing, and there is no guarantee of a deal. “If materialized at the mentioned price, this would be the largest ever commercial exit of a SWF,” said Diego Lopez, Global SWF managing director. “For GIC, it would provide significant liquidity and an opportunity to reduce dependency on the US real estate market.” Bloomberg

UK-based Anglo American plc and Vancouver-based Teck Resources Limited announced a merger forming the Anglo Teck group (“Anglo Teck”), a global critical minerals firm and copper producer, headquartered in Canada and expected to offer investors more than 70% exposure to copper. Bringing together the strengths of both companies, Anglo Teck will leverage proven capabilities in technical and operational excellence, sustainability, product marketing and project execution to deliver significant, value-accretive growth through the cycle. Anglo Teck will hold an industry-leading portfolio of producing operations, including six world-class copper assets, alongside high-quality premium iron ore and zinc businesses. It will be one of the world’s largest copper producers. The merger is expected to deliver USD $800 million in annual revenue by the end of its fourth year. Anglo Teck will be a global mining leader with its global headquarters located in Vancouver and corporate offices to support the global group in London and Johannesburg. Anglo American

Real estate executives from the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) and Alberta Investment Management Corp. (AIMCo), members of Canada’s Maple Eight with close to $300 billion in assets between them at year-end, told a real estate conference run by NAIOP, known as the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, that they are taking a cautious approach on further investment in U.S. real estate. Sarah Esler, managing director and head of mortgage investments at AIMCo, said her group has been surprised to see construction costs only rise one per cent to three per cent, but they see those numbers growing. “We are still waiting to see what happens over the next little bit. It has shifted a little bit of our investment strategy in the near term, where we are putting less dollars in new financings today,” she said during a panel discussion on tariffs. The Alberta pension fund executive said labour is something that could impact construction costs, noting undocumented workers constitute 15 per cent of workers in the United States. Esler emphasized that AIMCo has been an investor in the United States since the global financial crisis, but that currently, money is moving back to Canada and facing a more competitive environment. Eric Plesman, global head of real estate with HOOPP, said the uncertainty caused by tariffs has caused the pension fund to derisk its portfolio. Plesman said Canada looks like a better place to invest and the same is true for Europe and Asia. Financial Post

REPORTS AND POLICIES 

Health-care costs for typical Canadian family to exceed $19,000 in 2025: Fraser Institute 

Canada’s reputation for “free healthcare” and lack of direct health expenses for use of the health care system mean that Canadians often misunderstand the true cost of Canada’s public health care. The Fraser Institute’s research bulletin, titled The Price of Public Health Care Insurance, 2025, crunches the health insurance numbers for 2025. Written by Nadeem Esmail, Milagros Palacios and Nathaniel Li, the bulletin’s preliminary estimates show that Canadian families could pay between $5,213 and $19,060 for public health care insurance in 2025.

Many of the physician and hospital services covered by tax-funded health care insurance are free at the point of use, leading people seeking health care services to believe they are accessing the care they need for free, ignoring the taxpayer-funded cost of the system.

Because health care in Canada is financed through general government revenues rather than through a dedicated tax, the true dollar cost of the service is not easily accessible. 

Canadians cannot easily work out precisely what they pay to government each year for health care because there are many different sources of government revenues that may contribute to funding health care, including income taxes, Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums, property taxes, profit taxes, sales taxes, taxes on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and import duties, among others. Canadians may also assume that health insurance costs are covered through employer contributions. 

Health care cost data is also aggregated, making it difficult to understand where the numbers are coming from. The report notes that according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 241.3 billion in tax dollars were spent on publicly funded health care in 2024. Measuring the cost of the health care system in per capita dollars, the $241.3 billion spent equates

to approximately $5,844 per Canadian in 2024. However, since Canadians do not contribute equally to taxes, this is not an accurate representation of the true cost of public health insurance for Canadians. 

In order to estimate the cost of public health care insurance per the average family in Canada in 2025, the report calculates the average amount of tax paid by a family and the percentage of the tax that is allocated to paying for health insurance. In 2025/26, an estimated 23.8 percent of tax revenues (income) will be spent on health care, according to Statistics Canada and the report authors’ calculations.  

Research bulletin findings show that in 2025, the average unattached (single) individual, earning an average income of $60,032, will pay approximately $5,703 for public health care insurance. An average Canadian family consisting of two adults and two children (earning approximately $188,691) will pay about $19,060 for public health care insurance. 

The bulletin also examines the percentage increase of the cost of health care insurance since 1997:

• 87.6% for the average family consisting of 2 adults and no children (from $9,244 to $17,338);
• 99.3% for the average family consisting of 2 parents and 1 child (from $9,200 to $18,336);
•  94.8% for the average family consisting of 2 parents and 2 children (from $9,782 to $19,060);
•  123.5% for the average unattached individual (from $2,551 to $5,703);
• 157.6% for the average family consisting of 1 parent and 1 child (from $2,304 to $5,934);
• 112.8% for the average family consisting of 1 parent and 2 children (from $2,450 to $5,213).

From 2015 to 2025, the cost of health care insurance per family type has increased by:

•  2.7% for the average family consisting of 2 adults and no children (from $16,879 to $17,338);
• 10.9% for the average family consisting of 2 parents and 1 child (from $16,537 to $18,336);
•  11.0% for the average family consisting of 2 parents and 2 children (from $17,173 to $19,060);
•  9.0% for the average unattached individual (from $5,234 to $5,703);
• 15.3% for the average family consisting of 1 parent and 1 child (from $5,147 to $5,934);
• 6.3% for the average family consisting of 1 parent and 2 children (from $4,905 to $5,213).

The COVID-19 pandemic had a measurable impact on the costs of public health insurance for families in 2020, with costs rising 7.9 to 21,3 per cent compared to 2019 before falling between 2.8 to 6.6 per cent compared to 2021. Preliminary estimates of the cost of public health care insurance remain higher in 2025 than prior to the pandemic. The report also notes the financial burden of health care insurance on Canadian families as compared to the cost of basic necessities. Between 1997 and 2025, the average Canadian household’s cash income increased by 159.0 per cent.

 At the same time, spending on shelter increased by 161.1 percent, spending on food increased by 115.8 percent, and expenditures on clothing rose by 17.9 percent, which in part reflects a decline in expenditures on clothing in recent years. By contrast, since 1997, the cost of health care insurance for the average Canadian family (all family types) increased by 256.4 percent. In other words, the report notes that the cost of public health insurance for the average Canadian family grew 1.6 times faster than average income between 1997 and 2025. Since 1997, the cost of public health care insurance has increased 2.2 times faster than the cost of food and 1.6 times faster than the cost of shelter. 

In the last 10 years alone, the cost of health care insurance for the average Canadian household increased by 35 per cent. This increase is lower than the percentage increase in the average Canadian family’s cash income (41.2 per cent), food spending (36.9 per cent), and shelter spending (37 per cent). Clothing spending for the average Canadian family decreased by 31.4 per cent over the last 10 years. 

Report authors highlight the disparity between the growth rate of income and the growth rate of public health insurance as an important measure of the impact of changes in the cost of health care for Canadians. 

“Our hope is that these figures will enable Canadians to more clearly understand just how much they pay for public health care insurance, and how that amount is changing. With a more precise estimate of what they really pay, Canadians will be in a better position to decide whether they are getting a good return on the money they spend on health care.” Fraser Institute.

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Europe must take action to boost competitiveness and retain talent, reduce dependence on other countries:  European Commission

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered an hour-and-a-half long speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg as part of her Annual State of the European Union Address, arguing that “Europe's independence will depend on its ability to compete in today’s turbulent times.” Von der Leyen emphasized competitiveness, research and innovation in her address, saying that massive investments in digital and clean technologies are necessary to ensure Europe does not have to rely on dependencies.

Von der Leyen pointed to the Commission’s next budget proposal for a new Competitiveness Fund and a plan to double the budget of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme, as key pillars of the strategy to strengthen Europe’s independence. 

She also underlined work-in-progress to address key bottlenecks identified by the Draghi report, from energy to capital, from investment to simplification, noting that the Commission’s plan to cut red tape could save European companies €8 billion each year. 

After her speech, members of the European Parliament backed a resolution building on the Draghi report that urges stronger action to boost Europe’s global competitiveness, warning that without reforms, the EU risks falling behind in a context of geopolitical instability.

Von der Leyen noted completing the Single Market to secure a united Europe as an essential part of the Commission’s agenda, announcing that the Commission will present a “Single Market roadmap to 2028,” targeting long-standing barriers in finance, energy and telecommunications, and introducing a new “fifth freedom” for knowledge and innovation. Von der Leyen also said the Commission will launch a multi-billion-euro Scaleup Europe Fund to provide the necessary risk capital for European start-ups in quantum, AI and biotech spaces. This capital is often sought outside of Europe, leading to lost jobs, wealth and tech sovereignty, she said.

Artificial Intelligence was a central pillar in the Commission’s ongoing strategy: “A European AI is essential for our future independence. It will help power our industries and our societies, from healthcare to defence,” von der Leyen said. The Commission is investing in AI gigafactories to support start-ups, while European business leaders are expected to present a declaration soon pledging fresh investment in Europe’s technological sovereignty, she added.

Von der Leyen also brought forth the proposed Choose Europe package, which is set to provide €500 million to attract and retain scientists and researchers. 

She also called for an end to Europe’s reliance on Russia for fossil fuels and scale-up of renewables. The Commission aims to support a transition away from Russia by modernizing infrastructure, fast-tracking permitting, as well as new “energy highways” targeting bottlenecks in European energy networks. 

Beyond competitiveness, von der Leyen announced the launch of a new Global Health Resilience Initiative, warning that “we are on the brink – or even at the start – of another global health crisis” and urging Europe to take the lead on preparedness.

The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities and the League of European Research Universities (LERU), two of the most prominent research lobbies in Brussels, welcomed von der Leyen’s emphasis on research and innovation.

Kurt Deketelaere, secretary general of LERU, saw reassuring points in the speech, stressing her broader call for unity across EU institutions. “Without unity, Europe is in a dead-end street,” he said in a statement.  Science|Business

GRAPEVINE -  News about people, institutions and communities

Toronto-based Q4 Inc., provider of AI-driven IR Ops software, announced that Lewis Black, a seasoned technology executive with deep experience in software, communications and finance, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Black brings more than two decades of leadership in CEO, CFO and COO roles, having successfully scaled multiple software companies through periods of rapid growth and transformation. He joins Q4 following leadership positions at SolarWinds, Actian, Vonage’s Nexmo division, Citrix and AT&T. Founder Darrell Heaps, who has served as CEO since founding Q4, will transition into the role of Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer. In this new capacity, Heaps will focus on corporate strategy, product innovation, including AI leadership in the capital markets, strategic partnerships, and M&A. Heaps will remain actively involved in strategic direction, innovation and corporate development initiatives. Q4

Vancouver-based InBC Investment Corp. a provincial Crown corporation and strategic investment fund, announced that Jill Earthy will be transitioning from her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. InBC thanked Earthy for her four years of leadership and remarkable contributions during her tenure. Within the past three years, InBC has invested nearly $200 million into 36 B.C. companies, comprising 15 direct company investments and 9 venture funds that invest in B.C. These investments have grown to represent close to $100 million in B.C. company revenues, 2,000 B.C. jobs, and over $200 million in research and development spending. Dr. Daniel Muzyka, member of InBC’s Board of Directors, has been appointed as Acting CEO of InBC. Dr. Muzyka is the former Dean of the UBC Sauder School of Business and Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship. He has held leadership roles and served on numerous boards and commissions. Dr. Muzyka will provide leadership and continuity during the transition period and will be an excellent steward for the day-to-day operations of InBC, while the Board of Directors launch a competitive process to appoint the new CEO. InBC

Toronto-based Wittington Ventures has appointed Zeeshan Ali, former leader of the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF), as a partner to spearhead its cleantech and healthtech innovation fund. Ali, who served as interim managing director at MaRS IAF and as a senior investment director, is set to launch and lead the Wittington Innovation Fund. The fund aims to support early-stage deep tech startups in healthcare and climate sectors by providing catalytic capital to bridge the gap between breakthrough science and commercialization. Ali will collaborate with Leah Perry, another former MaRS executive, in his new role. The fund, backed by the billionaire Weston family, plans to focus on Canadian startups or foreign firms licensing intellectual property from Canadian institutions. Wittington Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like GoConfirm, Odaia, and Grey Matter, and it has plans for a more focused approach to supporting Canadian innovation. Startup Ecosystem Canada

Calgary-based Exro Technologies Inc. announced the resignation of Sue Ozdemir as Chief Executive Officer. Ozdemir will continue to serve as a director of Exro. The company thanked Ozdemir for her service and looks forward to her ongoing involvement with the company as a member of its Board of Directors. Exro's Board of Directors is actively seeking an interim CEO. The Board has appointed Exro's Strategic Advisor, Chris Rankin, as Chief Restructuring Officer, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. Exro

More than 10,000 support staff from Ontario’s college system are now officially on strike after the College Employer Council (CEC) and Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) failed to reach an agreement. Classes are expected to go ahead as scheduled, but the job action may affect labs and essential services. The Canadian Press reports that OPSEU is seeking improved wages, benefits, and job security; the Toronto Star reports that CEC’s final offer included a $145 million boost to wages and benefits, some job security guarantees, paid leave for members dealing with domestic and sexual violence, and improved severance payments for laid-off workers. Toronto Star, The Canadian Press

The National Post and Toronto Sun reported that an associate professor at the University of Toronto is now on leave after she made a social media post after the death of Charlie Kirk. In a written statement, the university asserted that it took “immediate action upon learning of the concerning social media posts of a University of Toronto professor” and added that it will not comment further while the matter is being investigated. Nolan Quinn, Government of Ontario Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, stated on X that he told the university to act, as the professor’s comments were opposed to the role of universities and faculty in “foster[ing] critical thought, respectful debate, and be[ing] safe learning environments.” National Post, Toronto Sun

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education has released the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index, celebrating postsecondary institutions from around the world for their innovation in environmental sustainability. Canada had the highest average scores in the index, with numerous institutions securing a top position for individual sustainability factors. Université de Sherbrooke took the top Canadian Doctoral Institutions ranking with a score of 92.73. At the Master’s level, Thompson Rivers University took the top spot with a score of 86.17. In the Associate Institutions category, Dawson College secured the highest ranking with a score of 86.18. Across all categories, Canada achieved the highest overall average scores in the index. The full report is available here. AASHE

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law has received an $80M donation from former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Henry N. R. Jackman. The faculty — now named the Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law in honour of Jackman — plans to use the donation for several initiatives, including the Jackman Scholarship Fund, a Dean’s Strategic Initiatives Fund, expanding the faculty’s Future of Law lab, and the creation of four new chairs. “[The donation] will expand support for our talented students, enable groundbreaking national and international collaborations, and create new chairs in pivotal fields of law, ultimately securing our place among the world’s best and most forward-thinking law schools,” said U of T Law Dean Jutta Brunnée. UofT

The University of Regina and the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) have signed a Citizenship Agreement to verify citizenship for individuals accessing Métis-specific opportunities at the university. The agreement affirms MN–S as the recognized Métis government in Saskatchewan and establishes secure, consent-based verification processes to ensure fairness and accountability. “I look forward to the mutual benefits and opportunities that this agreement will create in our province, at our university, and for the Métis people who are such an important part of Saskatchewan’s historical, cultural, economic, and educational fabric,” said URegina President Jeff Keshen. URegina

A joint statement by the Canadian Medical Association, the provincial and territorial medical associations, the Association of Faculties of Medicine, and others attempts to address common health misinformation issues. The statement points to the growing trend of “clearly false health information” being normalized and emphasizes the harm it does to the public, communities, and general health policy. The co-signatories assert that they are standing in solidarity with global clinical and scientific entities against the politicization and normalization of health misinformation, and against the undermining of the body of evidence used to inform clinical and health policy decisions. Read the full statement here. UAlberta

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