In today’s turbulent economic climate, marked by President Trump’s recent tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, concerns about a potential recession are escalating.
As markets react to these developments, investors explore strategies to protect their portfolios.
One such strategy involves inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
What are inverse ETFs?
Inverse ETFs, also known as bear or short ETFs, are designed to move in the opposite direction of a specific index or asset.
For example, if the S&P/TSX 60 Index declines by 2% daily, an inverse ETF tracking this index would aim to increase by approximately 2%.
This mechanism allows investors to hedge against market downturns and presents an opportunity to profit from market dips, instilling a sense of optimism in the face of market challenges.
Benefits of inverse ETFs
Accessibility: Inverse ETFs provide a straightforward way for investors to hedge against market declines. Purchasing an inverse ETF is as simple as buying any other stock or traditional ETF through your brokerage account, giving you the power to protect your investments.
Diversification: These ETFs cover various markets and sectors, enabling investors to target specific areas they anticipate will decline. Whether you’re bearish on the overall market, a particular industry, or even commodities like oil, there’s likely an inverse ETF available.
Risks and considerations
While inverse ETFs can be valuable tools, they come with notable risks:
Short-Term Focus: Inverse ETFs are typically rebalanced daily, aiming to achieve their inverse returns daily. Over more extended periods, due to the effects of compounding, the performance of these ETFs can diverge significantly from the inverse of the target index’s performance. This makes them less suitable for long-term investment strategies.
Higher Costs: Inverse ETFs often have higher expense ratios compared to traditional ETFs, which can erode returns over time.
Understanding inverse ETFs
Suppose you believe the S&P 500 is overvalued and due for a pullback. Instead of shorting individual stocks or buying put options, you could buy an inverse ETF like the ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF (SH). This ETF aims to return the inverse of the daily performance of the S&P 500.
What does this mean? It means if the S&P 500 drops 1% daily, ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF (SH) should rise approximately 1%, which is what we mean by inverse returns. So, for every 1% drop in the S&P 500, ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF (SH) should increase by 1%.
On the flipside, if the S&P 500 rises 1%, ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF (SH) will decline roughly 1%.
For more aggressive traders, leveraged inverse ETFs exist, such as ProShares UltraShort S&P 500 (SDS), offer even greater chances to profit from market downturns, as it seeks twice the inverse return (-2x).
Another way investors hedge against market downturns is through volatility ETFs tied to the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often called the “fear index.” The VIX tends to spike when the market falls, making it a popular hedge.
Instead of shorting the market directly, you could buy an ETF like ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY).
When stocks decline and fear rises, the VIX increases, and VIXY typically rises.
When markets are calm or rising, the VIX drops, and VIXY declines.
However, VIX ETFs come with risks. VIX ETFs like VIXY or HUV do not track the VIX index itself but instead use short-term futures contracts. These are subject to contango, a condition where futures are priced higher than spot levels, leading to potential value decay even when volatility expectations rise.
How can Canadian investors use inverse ETFs?
Canadian interest in inverse and volatility ETFs has grown. According to National Bank Financial report, as of Q1 2024, inverse ETFs represented approximately 6.2% of total ETF trading volume on the TSX, up from 4.1% in 2022. This increase in use among investors indicates a rising demand for downside protection.
Canadian investors looking to hedge market downturns using a Canadian-traded ETF can consider the Horizons BetaPro S&P/TSX 60 Inverse ETF (TSX:HIX) or the Horizons BetaPro S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (TSX:HUV.TO), which offer inverse exposure to Canadian and U.S. markets, respectively.
Find out what trading platform works best for your financial goals.
Key takeaways
Inverse S&P 500 ETFs like SH or SDS or HIX and HUV allow investors to bet against the broader market.
VIX ETFs offer exposure to market volatility but can erode in value due to the structure of futures contracts.
Is investing in inverse ETFs right for you?
Canadian regulators, including the Ontario Securities Commission, caution that inverse and leveraged ETFs are not suitable for most retail investors due to their daily rebalancing and high risk. They’re best used by sophisticated investors or traders with short-term horizons.
Given the complexities and risks associated with inverse ETFs, they may not be suitable for all investors. If you’re considering them as a hedge against potential market downturns, it’s crucial to:
Understand the Product: Ensure you fully comprehend how inverse ETFs work, including their daily rebalancing feature and the implications for longer-term performance. This knowledge will empower you to make informed investment decisions, enhancing your sense of control and confidence.
Assess Your Risk Tolerance: These instruments can be volatile and are generally intended for short-term strategies. Align their use with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Before incorporating inverse ETFs into your portfolio, discuss your plans with a financial advisor to ensure they fit your investment strategy.
While inverse ETFs offer a mechanism to profit from potentially or hedge against market declines, they require careful consideration and understanding. Before proceeding, ensure they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
— with files from Romana King
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Choosing insurance is as much about planning for the future as it is about meeting your needs now.
You choose your car insurance policy based on what car you’re driving and your health insurance according to what type of care you need this year. But there are many types of “what-if” insurance that are just as important, if not even more.
Critical illness insurance is one type of policy you should look into, even if you don’t need it now.
What is critical illness insurance?
Critical illness insurance provides financial protection for policyholders if they are diagnosed with certain medical conditions. Typically, these are life-threatening conditions that tend to require long-term and intensive care.
For example, most policies cover the following:
Cancer
Heart attack
Stroke
Alzheimer’s
Paralysis
Blindness
However, the exact conditions covered depend on the policy you choose and the provider you go with. This is important.
How does it work?
If you do purchase critical illness insurance and end up developing a covered condition, you will receive a lump-sum payout for whatever amount of coverage you paid for. You can use the money however you need to, whether that’s for your mortgage, medical bills, or both.
Even if you think your regular health insurance policy does a pretty good job covering your everyday medical needs and helps out with emergencies too, chances are that developing a serious illness would drastically affect your financial situation even with these policies. You can think of this type of insurance as another layer of protection.
Who needs critical illness insurance?
It’s difficult to predict what might happen to you later on in life. And we get it, thinking about having these illnesses is unpleasant. But you might want to protect yourself with critical illness insurance if:
You don’t have any savings (or enough to full cover six months’ worth of living expenses)
Your other insurance policies do not cover critical illness care or you’re uninsured
You have dependents or others counting on you for financial support
You are at an increased risk of certain covered illnesses
Not everyone needs this type of policy, but if you meet any of the descriptions above, it might be a good idea to look into it.
If you have an emergency fund that will keep you covered for six months or more and your family would financially stay afloat without your income if you were to get sick, you might not need critical illness insurance. You also may not need it if you’re well-covered by your health and life insurance.
How much coverage should you have?
For most Canadians, critical illness coverage for six months or more of living expenses is highly recommended. This includes your housing payments, food spending, child care, utilities – that sort of thing.
Think bills and necessities. This is the minimum your policy should cover but you may decide to add more coverage if you have a lot of debt, a larger mortgage payment, etc.
What is the best critical illness insurance provider in Canada?
Like other types of insurance, not all critical illness policies are the same.
There are a number of great providers offering critical illness insurance, but the best option for many Canadians is going to be PolicyMe. This insurance provider has excellent term life insurance policies as well as above-average critical illness insurance.
If you’re going to pay for peace of mind, you should be getting more of it. PolicyMe understands that Canadians searching for this type of coverage are planning for the worst-case scenario and provides a long list of fully- and partially-covered conditions, including many not covered by other policies.
Most Canadian insurance companies cover around 30 different conditions. PolicyMe covers 44.
Plus, PolicyMe policies are flexible and come with benefits like:
30-day grace period for missed payments
Fixed rates
Optional conversion to a longer policy within the first five years
One-on-one quote support
100% online application process with instant decisions
How to apply for critical illness insurance
The easiest way to apply for critical illness coverage is online. Many providers offer fully digital applications that don’t require you to make an appointment, submit documents, or even wait for a decision. This includes PolicyMe.
To apply for a policy with PolicyMe, you can go to the website and select “Get Started” from the home page. First, you’ll answer questions about the people in your household and then provide your date of birth.
You can either get a quote just for yourself or get one for your partner too, a feature not included in many applications. From there, you’ll indicate your nicotine/tobacco habits in the past twelve months and your gender.
That’s all you have to do to get a quote.
Source: PolicyMe
Next, you’ll see if you’re actually eligible for coverage. And if you’re approved, you can decide how much coverage you want and start setting up your policy right away.
Is critical illness insurance worth it?
Whether or not critical illness insurance is worth it for you depends on your financial and medical situation. If you can qualify for a low rate and the coverage makes you feel safer and less anxious, that might be worth paying for. Hopefully, you never have to cash out. But if you do, you won’t regret having it.
If there’s a little room in your budget, more insurance is a worthy expense for many.
The bottom line
Thinking about getting sick is uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable. But it gets a little less distressing when you know you’re protected. After all, no one would argue against the age-old saying: It’s better to be safe than sorry.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Canada is about to host one of the biggest events on the planet and the economic playbook looks like a winner. With Vancouver and Toronto set to welcome fans from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, economists and tourism officials alike are bullish on the potential windfall.
According to a joint report from Deloitte and FIFA, the tournament is expected to kick nearly $3.8 billion into Canada’s economy between now and 2026, generating $2 billion in GDP, creating or maintaining 24,000 jobs, and racking up $700 million in government revenue along the way. Every dollar spent is expected to produce $1.09 in GDP — not a bad return for playing the long game.
Vancouver in position to lead the table
With seven matches scheduled at BC Place, Vancouver will be Canada’s top host city, and B.C. is poised to see a major upside. Provincial projections estimate the tournament’s total economic output in B.C. at $1.7 billion, including $980 million in GDP, $610 million in labour income and $120 million in tax revenue. Officials say it could support more than 13,000 jobs over three years.
That momentum won’t vanish when the final whistle blows. The province is banking on over 1 million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, spending an estimated $1.05 billion and supporting an additional 18,000 jobs. For a sector still rebounding from pandemic-era losses, this is more than a morale boost — It’s a money-maker.
The cost of the game
Of course, no major tournament comes without financial challenges. With less than a year to go, the province released updated estimates for hosting seven matches at BC Place, putting the gross hosting cost between $532 million and $624 million. Estimated revenues are forecasted between $448 million and $478 million, resulting in a net hosting cost of between $85 million and $145 million.
As Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert told CTV News, “If you’re spending between $85 million and $145 million in net core cost to host World Cup, and then that leads to a billion in investment in the province through increased tourism, that obviously makes sense. And I think that’s what we are doing here.”
Yet, not everyone sees it as a winning play. Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation told CTV she sees the government’s economic benefits as “a lot of hot air,” warning that taxpayers may be left “with the bill” without seeing the promised returns. A Leger poll commissioned by the federation found 55% of British Columbians with an opinion believe hosting the games isn’t worth the cost.
Despite criticism, the province remains confident. Minister Chandra Herbert has even floated the idea of Vancouver hosting more matches, telling CTV, “We made that offer. If there are other cities hosting World Cup who aren’t able to host as many matches or they’re not able to do what they said they’d do, we said to the World Cup, ‘We are here, we are happy to host more.’”
Not just about the scoreboard
Hosting the World Cup is a catalyst for long-needed infrastructure upgrades. Vancouver’s transit expansions, like the Broadway subway line, and venue improvements at BC Place aren’t just FIFA preparations. They’re investments for commuters, event organizers and future visitors.
On the cultural front, organizers are working closely with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to weave Indigenous culture into the fabric of the games. This partnership adds an important dimension to the event, ensuring it’s not only about soccer but also about celebrating the region’s rich heritage.
Scoring big for business and tourism
Destination Vancouver estimates the city’s visitor economy to be a $9.6 billion industry supporting more than 63,000 jobs. Hosting World Cup matches could supercharge that with a new wave of spending, attention and return visits.
Local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to ride-share drivers and retailers, are gearing up for a boom. Real estate, infrastructure and hospitality sectors, especially in Vancouver’s downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods, are positioned to benefit from the tournament’s global spotlight.
The final whistle
Hosting part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be one of the best plays Canada makes this decade. Yes, it comes with a price tag. But with billions in economic output, tens of thousands of jobs, a huge boost to tourism and a long list of infrastructure improvements, the tournament is shaping up to be more than just a game.
It’s a rare chance for Canada, and especially B.C, to step onto the global stage. If the economic forecasts and government projections hold true, Canada might just come out ahead on both the scoreboard and the balance sheet.
Sources
1. CTV News: Province releases new cost and revenue estimates for hosting FIFA World Cup games at BC Place (June 24, 2025)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Browsing the internet or social media will bring about many first-hand accounts of dating and marriage horror stories that would render even the most hopeless romantic a cynic. Here’s one such story.
Christina MacCrimmon of Ottawa claims she was the victim of ‘love bombing’, that left her nearly $300,000 in debt.
"It’s just unimaginable to think that somebody can honestly do what he has done and still be able to live with themselves the next day," MacCrimmon told CBC News.
How the nightmare unfolded
In the CBC report, MacCrimmon described a whirlwind, two-month romance in which she married Francis Charron, the man she now alleges manipulated her to gain access to her money.
CBC said it has discovered that Charron has also been accused of fraud by multiple people and is facing a number of civil and small claims lawsuits concerning his contracting business.
"He portrayed himself to be that perfect. He found out exactly what I wanted in somebody and then behaved and was that perfect man," MacCrimmon told CBC about falling head over heels for Charron in November, 2023.
But then her world would unravel. He told her that he likely had brain cancer. They married just two months later on January 21, 2024.
MacCrimmon remembers how she would dance in the kitchen with the supposed love of her life.
"He called it ‘Romance Fridays’ and he’d send me these love songs," MacCrimmon recalled. "He treated me with such love and devotion, he just had me on this pedestal."
She alleges he manipulated her into loaning him money by "love bombing" her with affection and compliments, but also by making her feel sorry for him because of his own financial hardships.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, love bombing is a form of psychological and emotional abuse that involves a person going above and beyond for a partner as a manipulation tactic. It looks different for every person, but it usually involves some form of excessive flattery and praise, over-communication of their feelings for you, showering you with unneeded/unwanted gifts, as well as early and intense talks about your future together.
Over the course of their brief two-month relationship, MacCrimmon said she loaned Charron money from her line of credit, allowed him to use her credit card and eventually added him as a supplementary card holder.
"He took everything. This is my whole life, this is my savings. I’m going to be struggling to even retire now," MacCrimmon explained.
Even worse, she is left with no money to hire an attorney to help her navigate the situation she has ended up in, while police also admit that it will take a long time to investigate this particular scenario.
The financial toll of being tricked by love bombing
Falling prey to a love bomber can be costly for victims who may have lost money, assets and perhaps gained additional debt.
According to Women’s Wealth, there are several financial warning signs potential victims should pay close attention to in order to prevent a nightmare from unfolding in their lives. Over-the-top gifts may be the first signal, as someone pours out lavish generosity and expects matching generosity in return.
Rushing into making big financial decisions is another huge red flag, especially if a potential victim starts feeling the pressure to share their bank accounts and investments.
Scammers can also start criticizing a victim’s financial independence, with the goal of introducing thoughts into their heads that weaken their financial autonomy. With that comes guilt tripping, as the scammer places doubts on the victim’s spending habits and suggests they are selfish with their money.
If you’re feeling pressured when it comes to anything financial in your relationship, consider why as this may be a red flag. Financial health is highly dependent on the trust you have with the people who have access to your money.
When it comes to finances, having eyes wide open is the best way to protect yourself. Falling prey to anyone who pretends to have feelings for you when they don’t opens the door to a host of risks, from emotional impact to personal and financial safety. Go into any relationship wisely — but especially a financial one.
Invest, save and then invest some more. This is the advice many Canadians receive when seeking a financial plan – the specifics of the investments and savings notwithstanding. But current market volatility may be putting somewhat of a damper on those thoughts of financial independence. Almost half (48%) of all respondents in the annual RBC Financial Independence Poll agreed their key investing concern is market volatility and investment performance.
"We’re having conversations with investors who have a lot of questions amidst all the uncertainty right now. While it can be difficult to provide clear answers, our advisors have experienced decades of supporting clients during market ups and downs and one thing remains constant: the value of having – and sticking to – a good financial plan with a long-term approach, to help get through any periods of turmoil," Craig Bannon, RBC director of regional financial planning support, said in a statement.
Canadians estimate they will need approximately $846,437 to ensure an independent financial future.
Investing across the provinces
The figures required for financial independence are notably higher for respondents living in Alberta ($928,179), Saskatchewan and Manitoba ($958,535) and Ontario ($916,714), as well as for Gen X ($1,128,990) and Millennials ($945,748) across the country.
In BC, this figure is slightly less at $877,503. The lowest is Quebec at $616,954.
Interestingly, Quebec respondents were the least concerned about the aforementioned market volatility at only 43%. BC was the most concerned at 12 percentage points higher.
Still most Canadians were confident in achieving their financial independence despite these concerns with anywhere from 47% (Atlantic Canada) to 55% (BC) believing so.
Generational differences in Canadian investors
To help themselves get there, 49% of all respondents invested during 2024, including 49% of Gen X and 46% of Millennials. As well, 54% of Millennials and 46% of Gen X share the same worries around market volatility.
Across the generations, most invested in mutual funds, then stocks, GICs, pension plans and ETFs. Cryptocurrencies were at the bottom of the list, although 8% of Millennials reported investing in them.
The poll findings also indicated that just over half (51%) of Canadians now have a financial plan (formal or informal). This includes 50% of Millennials and 44% of Gen X, who responded that having this plan made them feel ‘confident’ (42% and 38% respectively) and ‘reassured’ (30% and 35%).
Survey methodology
The 34th annual RBC Financial Independence Poll was conducted by Ipsos through online interviews with 2,000 Canadians aged 18 and above between October 4 to 11, 2024.
Sources
1. Cision: Investing in ourselves: Canadians’ quest for financial independence – RBC poll (March 19, 2025)
If you’ve ever tried and failed to stick to a budget, the problem may not be with you but with your budgeting strategy. Different forms of financial management suit some personalities better than others — select the wrong one and you could find it difficult to stay on track.
The different money personality types
To help you create a budget that works for you, we’ve outlined the five most common money personality types — Spender, Saver, Earner, Ostrich and Sharer — and suggested the ideal budgeting technique for each.
#1. Best budget for the Spender personality type
If you’re a big believer in “YOLO” and shopping therapy, you may be a Spender. Other signs are:
Money burns a hole in your pocket; you spend it as soon as you have it
Buying stuff makes you feel great
You put current wants ahead of future needs
You may continue to spend even if it lands you in debt
You don’t have much in savings or investments
Objective
Your spendthrift ways leave you vulnerable for the future, so you need a system that prioritizes long-term savings (and debt repayment, if necessary) and gives you a strict spending limit.
Best personal budget for you: Pay yourself first
Pay yourself first, also known as a reverse budget, is a good option because it takes savings out of your bank account as soon as you’re paid – before you have a chance to spend it.
By scheduling automated transfers to an emergency fund, RRSP or credit account (if you’re trying to pay off debt), you make savings a top priority. Then you can use the rest of your income for bills and other spending.
Bonus budgeting tip
You could also consider using an investment app such as Moka, which allows you to set small weekly investments into the best money compounding market, the S&P 500.
#2. Best budget for the Saver personality type
If you think a dollar saved is better than a dollar earned, you may be a Saver. You may also:
Have more than enough set aside to meet both short- and long-term goals, but continue to save beyond that
Find it painful to part with money
Avoid paying full price on necessities and reject discretionary spending of any kind
Need the security of a large nest egg to feel safe
Don’t like to carry debt; you might even pay off your mortgage early
Objective
There is such a thing as too much saving. Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself. You need a system that will help you feel secure, but also encourage more spending where appropriate.
Best personal budget for you: 50/30/20 budget
Try the 50/30/20 budget, which divides your net income into three areas: 50% goes toward needs (any fixed expense, such as groceries, housing, transportation, insurance and other living expenses), 30% goes toward wants (e.g., variable expenses, such as restaurant meals, entertainment, vacations, tech toys, etc.) and 20% is for savings and debt repayment (such as credit card debt, student loan repayment).
Clearly, you’ve got that 20% covered. This budget will show you exactly how much more income you could be spending on your needs and wants, so you can hopefully be coaxed into enjoying your money without feeling guilty that you aren’t saving enough.
Bonus budgeting tip
A cash back app like Avion rewards might also help you feel better about spending, as it automatically rewards you with cash back for eligible purchases.
#3. Best budget for the Earner personality type
If you measure success by income level, you could be an Earner. You may also:
Get satisfaction from the amount of money you earn, regardless of whether you spend or save it
Have a plan for career advancement and financial achievement
Be a workaholic
Take pleasure in knowing that your income is higher than that of your peers
Monitor your investment accounts closely because you enjoy watching your assets grow
Objective
While you know exactly how much money you’ve got coming in, you may not pay much attention to what’s going out. So, you need a comprehensive system that not only shows you where all those hard-earned dollars are going but also ensures you’re devoting enough resources (including time) to non-work pursuits.
Best personal budget for you: The zero-based budget
The zero-based budget is right on the money because it accounts for all your income earnings. Use a budget spreadsheet or a budgeting tool, such as YNAB, to log amounts for all your expenses, debt payment, purchases, savings, investments and charitable contributions.
Properly done, every dollar of your income will have a designated purpose, without any money left over at the end of the month. You’ll see whether you’re on track for retirement and any other savings goals, and what areas of your life you might be ignoring, say, like vacation spending.
#4. Best budget for the Ostrich personality type
If you typically ignore your finances because it stresses you out, you could be an Ostrich. You might also:
Leave pay stubs and account statements unopened
Miss payments or go into overdraft/debt because you’re not paying attention
Disregard prices when shopping
Think money management is too hard to learn
Tell yourself you’ll save “eventually”
Objective
You need a simple strategy that will force you to consider what things cost and if you can afford them.
Best personal budget for you: The envelope budget
Try the envelope budget, which takes a cash-based approach to money management. It’s easy to follow; at the beginning of the month (after your rent/mortgage payment comes out of your account) you withdraw cash and divide it into separate envelopes for various categories such as groceries, gas, entertainment, debt repayment and savings. When an envelope is empty, that’s it-you can’t spend any more in that category until the next month.
Bonus budgeting tip
Obviously, you’ll need to put away your credit cards if you want this budget to work. Better yet, use a prepaid card like KOHO, which lets you transfer money onto a Prepaid Mastercard® that you can use for purchases in person or online without any chance of overspending. Spending and transaction insights and budgeting tools are also available with KOHO.
If you think it’s better to give than to receive-but also put giving ahead of saving and spending on yourself-you’re probably a Sharer. You might also:
Value others’ financial health above your own
Offer loans or financial gifts to help friends or family, even if it means you go without
Rarely shop for yourself
Put all your extra money and time into helping others, including charities and community groups
Have little in savings, because you give so much away
Objective
You need to take care of yourself if you hope to be there for others in the future. That means putting away enough for retirement savings and emergencies first; then you can give to your heart’s content.
Best personal budget for you: The values-based budget
The values-based budget is perfect for anyone who finds joy through a specific use of money – whether that be travel, a hobby or helping others. It’s similar to the pay-yourself-first strategy, in that you start by making sure you’re putting enough away in an emergency fund and retirement savings and you’ve got your living expenses covered.
Then look at what’s left over, how you’re spending it and whether that makes you happy. Any costs that “don’t matter” to you should instead be used to pay for what you value.
Find the right budget for you
The above budgets aren’t mutually exclusive — feel free to mix and match as appropriate. After all, you may find that you are a hybrid model of the above money personalities: a “Saver-Earner,” for example, may want to use the 50-30-20 budget as well as a budgeting app to keep them on track. Whatever works for you is the way to go.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
An 86-year-old New Brunswick man is facing a hefty fine for an accident he has no memory of — an incident that took place 65 years ago in Toronto.
Ossie Gildart was shocked to learn that his driver’s licence had been suspended due to an uninsured accident from 1960, after a recent fender-bender led him to Service New Brunswick in Bathurst, according to CBC News.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t remember having an accident that I wasn’t insured with,” Gildart told CBC. “[The representative] said, ‘Mr. Gildart, I’m sorry, you can’t take the test, your licence has been suspended.’”
The fine amounts to $4,661.91, which Gildart is expected to pay before his licence can be reinstated. The charge stems from Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund, which is used to help individuals recover damages from accidents involving uninsured drivers. However, Gildart is certain he was insured during his time in Ontario.
Long history of licence renewals with no issues
While living in Ontario, Gildart worked as a service technician, a position that required him to have insurance. He was also required to renew his driver’s license annually. After moving to New Brunswick in 1971, he received his Class 1 license and drove trucks for CN Rail. He has never encountered any issues related to the alleged 1960 accident during his years of licence renewals, in Ontario or New Brunswick.
“I was never notified by anybody, for anything. I was never suspended. I never had a problem. I just can’t believe they do this to a senior,” he told CBC.
How New Brunswick enforces old suspensions
Geoffery Downey, a spokesperson for New Brunswick’s Department of Public Safety, explained the situation to CBC News. He said that Service New Brunswick conducts a Canada-wide search for licence suspensions in other provinces. With that said, something popping up on the search doesn’t necessarily mean anyting will come of it. There is, Downey explained, descretion.
“If our investigation proves the reason for suspension is a court-ordered [judgment] more than 10 years old, we have no obligation to another province to suspend or collect the outstanding amount,” Downey said in an email obtained by CBC.
Gildart’s licence has since been reinstated, and his driver’s test was rebooked. However, the $4,600 fine still stands, and he is now required to pay it back in monthly installments of $200.
The Ontario Ministry of Public Business and Service Delivery has noted that individuals facing claims through the program have options to contest the charges. "If an individual is sued and disagrees, they may defend the action that has been commenced against them," said spokesperson Jeffery Stinson in the CBC story. “If a judgment has been issued, they may seek legal advice to move to have the judgment set aside.”
Recourse and possible steps to rectify the situation
Request for documentation: One of Gildart’s first steps should be to formally request any documentation related to the alleged 1960 accident from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. This will include any accident reports, evidence of an uninsured driver and court judgments. Gildart can then examine this material with legal counsel to assess whether there are discrepancies or mistakes in the records.
Legal action to set sside the judgment: If the claim has led to a court judgment, Gildart may have grounds to seek the judgment be set aside. Legal experts suggest that individuals in similar situations should consult a lawyer to ensure the judgment was legally obtained and whether there is a possibility of challenging it. This may involve showing that Gildart was insured or that the claim was incorrectly assigned to him
Debt payment negotiation: While Gildart’s licence has been reinstated, the fine still stands, and he must now pay $200 per month. If Gildart cannot afford these payments, he may be able to negotiate a reduction or extension. Debt relief services or legal counsel can also help negotiate with the Ministry of Public Business and Service Delivery on payment terms that are more manageable, depending on his financial situation.
Investigating any statute of limitations: Gildart should also investigate whether there is any statute of limitations that could bar the claim from being enforced after so many years. In Ontario, the limitation period for many civil claims is typically two years, but this may differ depending on the type of claim or whether the case falls under an exception. Legal advice on whether the claim is valid after more than six decades could be crucial.
Consult with an insurance company: They can confirm the history of insurance or if there were penalties related to a lapse in coverage.
Sources
1. CBC: New Brunswick driver gets a $4,600 fine — for an accident that happened 65 years ago (Feb 19, 2025)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Chapman’s Ice Cream has been a staple in grocers’ freezers for almost a half a century and the Ontario-based creamery has stayed proud of and true to their origins as one of the favourite ice creams of Canadian families. The recent trade war with the U.S. is no exception.
In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian dairy products, Chapman’s Ice Cream has chosen to absorb the increased costs rather than pass on potential extra costs to their loyal consumers, underscoring the company’s dedication to providing affordable products despite economic challenges.
A history of resilience
Founded in 1973 by David and Penny Chapman in Markdale, Ontario, Chapman’s began with just four employees and two trucks. Over the decades, it has grown into Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer, offering over 280 frozen treats, including premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and novelties, like ice cream cones and sandwiches.
Though the company has never left Markdale, Chapman’s faced a real threat to his future in 2009 when a fire destroyed its production facility. In response, Chapman’s opted to rebuild in Markdale with a state-of-the-art facility, aptly named Phoenix. The new facility is nearly double the size of the original plant, and still serving the community in which Chapman’s was founded.
Supporting employees during COVID-19
The trade war facing Canada isn’t the first giant hurdle the Chapman’s business has had to navigate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chapman’s prioritized employee well-being over their bottom line. In March 2020, they implemented a $2 per hour pandemic pay increase for production and distribution workers. This increase was meant to be temporary but in true Chapman’s form, they once again chose their employees over money.
By October 2020, the temporary pay boost became permanent, setting the starting wage for production employees at $18 per hour. Additional benefits included a comprehensive health package, a company-sponsored pension plan and a subsidized cafeteria.
While the private company doesn’t report earnings, it’s fair to assume that, given that they are still a staple in the grocery store and are opting to absorb the hits they are expecting to come from the tariffs, clearly prioritizing employees didn’t translate to bad business news for the company.
Celebrating 50 years
In 2023, Chapman’s marked its 50th anniversary by launching the Super Premium Plus line, the world’s first allergy-friendly super premium ice cream. This new product line is peanut-free, nut-free, and egg-free, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
Indeed, Chapman’s has a lot to celebrate. Much more than putting smiles on Canadians’ faces with their ice cream, Chapman’s has always been deeply involved in community initiatives. They donated $1 million towards the construction of a new hospital in Markdale and contributed to various local infrastructure projects, showcasing their dedication to giving back to the community that supported their growth.
They are a truly Canadian company, who loves their community and loves their country and all of the people in it. That they have chosen to forgo passing on the tariffs to Canadians is, for lack of a better phrase, on brand.
Looking ahead
As Chapman’s continues to navigate economic challenges and industry changes, their focus remains on remaining in Canadians’ freezers. By absorbing tariff-related costs, they once again show their commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction, ensuring that their ice cream remains a staple in households across the country.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
While traditional stocks remain a staple for many investors, today’s market volatility has inspired a search for alternatives that offer both financial growth and a tangible connection to passions.
Enter collectible investments: a diverse asset class where fine art, vintage wines, rare trading cards and even classic comic books hold the potential to yield big returns. For investors seeking a unique blend of diversification, personal enjoyment and potential market-beating gains, collectible assets might be the ideal choice.
Ready to expand beyond stocks? Here’s your guide to eight collectible investments that can add excitement — and value — to your portfolio.
Most popular collectible investments
Curious about alternatives to the ups and downs of the stock market? Explore the world of collectible investments — from art and rare cards to fine wines — and learn how these unique assets could boost your financial strategy.
Investing in collectibles isn’t for the novice trader or those focused on building up their retirement fund. However, investing in collectibles can be a great way to turn your passion into profit. If you want to shake up your portfolio consider the following eight type of collectible investments.
1. Artwork investment as an alternative
People have been creating and collecting artwork before there was a way to buy and sell stock. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that art investments are one of the most popular alternative assets in the current investor marketplace.
For high-net-worth (HNW) investors, purchasing and displaying fine art may be the goal. The thrill of gazing upon a multi-million dollar sculpture would be exhilerating.
However, for most investors the purchase and display of high-value art is out of reach. That doesn’t mean Main Street investors can’t add fine art to their investment portfolio. Artwork investing platforms, like Masterworks, reduces the financial barrier to investing in fine art. Like crowdfunding platforms, artwork investing platforms allow investors to buy and sell shares in the value of fine art. When the value in the piece increases, so do the value of the shares. Investors can then opt to hold their stake in the art or sell using the secondary marketplace created by these artwork investment platforms.
So what’s the upside? Art investments have the potential to outperform the stock market, while providing some downside protection when equity markets stumble. To illustrate, Masterworks compared data on the performance of contemporary artwork compared to the performance of the S&P 500 (SPX:INDEX), U.S. real estate and gold:
Masterworks
According to the Citi Global Art Market Chart 2023, contemporary art has delivered an annualized return of 14% from 1995 to 2020, outperforming the S&P 500 (9.5%), gold (6.5%), and U.S. housing (4.3%).
This doesn’t mean there aren’t risks, even with artwork investing platforms. Art as an investment is a lot like real estate. In general, these are illiquid, meaning it can take longer to sell, and there are typically higher costs to completing a transaction. Also, investors can’t earn income from art. Instead they must rely on appreciation and an eventual sale to get your return. Still, artwork investing platforms can help reduce some of these risks — creating a shorter secondary marketplace for art investments, using an equity-based strategy for investors and reducing the target holding period required before crystallizing profit.
2. Trading cards as an alternative investment
In 2022, a 1 PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu was bought by YouTube influencer Logan Paul for approximately US$5.275 million. In that same hear, a PSA 10 Gem Mint grading Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard Pokemon card sold for an astonishing $420,000. And if you don’t know what all that jargon means, don’t worry. In simpler terms, someone just paid the equivalent of a nice house (or big mansion) for a child’s collectible playing card. According to a PSA Market Report, the PSA-graded trading card market has grown by 700% since 2020, fueled by demand for sports and pop culture collectibles.
Investing in trading cards isn’t anything new, and people have been buying and selling trading and sports cards for decades at this point. But in recent years, there’s been a surge in certain trading card niches like Pokemon. According to Grand View Research, the trading card industry was valued at US$44 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$98 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. This rise in interest has been largely fueled by people picking up new hobbies during the pandemic and card collecting becoming more mainstream with celebrities getting involved.
This sort of sudden interest presents a lot of opportunity for flippers and collectible investors to turn a profit. It’s almost similar to crypto in some regards since when a lot of new money piles into an industry, the early adopters can usually cash out on the wave of popularity. Personally, I wouldn’t dabble in trading card investing unless you’re very familiar with a particular trading card game or sport and know how to spot a deal. But if you just want to dabble in this collectible investment, you can use platforms like Collectable to buy fractional shares of rare sports cards and other sought-after merchandise.
3. Wine as an alternative investment
Like artwork, wine is another collectible investment that can help diversify your portfolio. Wine also helps provide downside protection since wine prices don’t usually correlate too strongly to the equity market. And the great news is that you don’t need a million-dollar wine cellar to add wine to your portfolio.
According to Liv-ex Fine Wine Market Report, the Liv-ex 1000 Fine Wine Index returned an average of 10.6% annually since 2006, outperforming the S&P 500 in multiple years. As an asset, fine wine experienced a 60% growth in value over the past decade and, according to a Vinovest report, Bordeaux and Burgundy remain the best-performing wine regions, accounting for 62% of total wine investment sales.
Platforms like Vint and Vinovest let you invest in fine wine from around the world starting with $25 and $1,000 respectively. With Vint, you buy shares of wine collections, and you don’t need to be an accredited investor or even know much about wine to get started. Unfortunately, it’s only available to American investors. As for Vinovest, it’s similar to a robo-advisor and provides automated wine investing for a variety of portfolios.
Both Vint and Vinovest handle storage and wine insurance as well, so it’s a passive investment.
So why bother invest in wine? Because of the potential for higher-than-average returns. For instance, data that tracks Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 — the indice used to track the value of the 1,000 wines from across the world — wine, as an investment, has outperformed the S&P 500 since 2006.
Vin + Yahoo Finance
Keep in mind, the Liv-Ex Fine Wine 1000 indice was developed by the London International Vintners Exchange, Liv-ex for short, as a business-to-business fine wine trading platform. Once the demand from retail investors was realized, the indice and wine investing platforms began to pop up.
Like many other collectible investments, a lack of income generation is a downside of wine investing, as is liquidity since you can’t usually sell off your wine portfolio in a single day like you can with stocks. However, as platforms like Vint and Vinovest pop up, the barriers to entry for wine investing are only getting smaller.
4. Comic books as an alternative investment
Like trading cards, certain comic book series and characters have incredibly loyal fans. This can make old, rare comic books immensely valuable in the eyes of collectors. By investing in comic books and holding them for the long-run, you’re banking on this interest to continue and for your books to appreciate.
That’s the theory behind comic book investing anyways, although for some investors, owning a 1977 Star Wars #1 comic book that’s in pristine condition might just be for pure nostalgia. For others — looking to match interest with returns — comic book investing has grown over the last few years. According to a Comic Books Report, in 2023 the comic book market was valued at US$15 billion and is expected to grow to US$25 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.3%.
According to Heritage Auctions, the most expensive comic book in the world was a mint-condition Action Comics #1 (first Superman appearance) which sold for US$3.25 million in 2021, setting a new record.
If you want to invest in comic books, platforms like Rally Rd. let you buy shares of rare comic books starting at just $1 per share. This means you can be a part-owner of comics like a 1940 Batman #1, or a 1963 X-Men #1, without having to spend upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the entire book.
5. Classic cars as an alternative investment
Classic cars are another popular collectible investment, and they’re actually an asset with utility unlike many collectibles. According to a Knight Frank Wealth Report, classic cars have returned an average of 8.8% per year over the past decade and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% by 2028.
Whether you drive your classic car around town on a sunny day or keep it locked up in a showroom is entirely up to you. Once again, platforms like Rally Rd. let you invest in shares of classic cars like a 1955 Porsche 365 Speedster or an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Oscar India. This is ideal if you’re investing a small amount of money or don’t want to spend enough to own a classic car outright.
However, according to a report from Hagerty, inflation is now outpacing classic car appreciation. Hagerty tracks data like auction volume for classic cars, and this news isn’t ideal if you’re a serious motorhead who was hoping to beat inflation by investing in cars. For those with their eye on the most expensive classic cars in the market, the most expensive classic car sale was a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which sold for US$143 million in 2022.
6. Historical artefacts and antiques as alternative investments
Growing up, I watched a lot of the History Channel show called Pawn Stars. If you haven’t seen it before, it follows a famous Las Vegas family-run pawn shop and the antics that ensue each day. As the viewer, you get to watch people attempt to pawn or sell all sorts of collectibles, ranging from ancient coin collections to famous artwork.
The category of historical artefacts (the plural of artifact) is probably the most popular on the entire show; pretty much every episode features some sort of old, collectible antique. This includes artefacts from ancient Egypt to the Second World War, and everything in between.
As an investment, antiques and historical artefacts are too niche to really generalise. For example, the market for investing in ancient coins is probably very different from the market for antique firearms. But for any antique or historical artefact, spotting frauds and authenticating your potential investment is incredibly important.
7. Figurines and toys as alternative investmentments
In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Research in International Business and Finance, researchers argued that Lego actually outperforms large stocks, bonds and gold. The researchers analyzed secondary marketplace prices for Lego with a sample time period of 1987 to 2015 and found that the average return is about 11% annually. Believe it or not, this is a higher return than the return on stocks, bonds and gold. Some rare Lego sets, like the Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon, have appreciated by 8,000% since their release.
Returns of Lego Indices | Real Clear Science
This makes some sense if you think about it. After all, Lego is an old company, so sets produced a decade or two ago might fetch much higher prices for nostalgic investors than the original MSRP. Other toys, including Funko Pops and action figures, can follow similar patterns.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should liquidate your portfolio and go all-in on Lego as a collectible investment. However, if you’re very knowledgeable and passionate about a certain franchise or period of time, you might find toy investing brings both a sweet sense of nostalgia and the potential for returns.
8. Sneakers as an alternative investment
One very popular collectible investment are sneakers. Sneakerheads, which is the term for sneaker collectors and investors, generally buy rare, mint condition sneakers and then flip them for a profit or hold onto them with the hopes of appreciation.
What’s interesting about sneakers as a collectible investment is that there’s overlap between investors and everyday consumers who just want the latest pair of Jordans to walk around in. This is why some sneakerheads try to buy sneakers that are part of an exclusive drop, and then immediately flip them. This could involve buying limited edition Nikes, Jordans and other luxury sneaker brands and then quickly reselling them for a profit.
Overall, sneaker investing is a mix of a flipping side hustle and collectible investing. But if you want to dabble in collectibles that are potentially faster to liquidate, sneakers are a good option.
Why you should consider collectible investments
Before diving into some of the most popular collectible investments, be sure to understand the motive of the investor (or yourself). This is particularly important as some collectible investments can take along time to sell — and that means holding on to these assets for a longer-than-anticipated time.
Passion projects: For many investors, dabbling in collectibles begins as a passion project that’s mixed with the desire to invest. For example, someone who invests in rare Pokemon cards or baseball cards probably has an affinity to either one, or at least enjoys researching the space.
Portfolio diversification: Another reason to invest in collectibles is to diversify your portfolio. Collectibles are as far removed from securities like stocks, bonds and ETFs as you can get, and some investors view them as excellent stores of value or appreciating assets.
Inflation hedging: Some investors argue that investments like artwork, wine and gold and silver can serve as excellent inflation hedges. Historically, assets like gold have been, which is why more investors have been turning to alternatives as markets dip and the dollar loses value.
Beat the market: Collectible investments are often high-risk, high-reward. For example, if you invest in a classic car, it doesn’t usually generate income, and it’s difficult to know if it will appreciate. But if you enter at the right price and things go your way, there’s the potential to outperform the market, and by quite a margin.
Enjoyment factor: A piece of artwork can bring someone genuine pleasure. Same goes for an iconic action figurine, or an old comic book. In contrast, the stocks and ETFs in your online broker don’t have the same “enjoyment factor” as collectibles.
Pros and cons of investing in collectibles
Pros of collectibles as alternative investments
Collectible investments can help diversify your portfolio
Fractional investing has made it easier to get started without much capital
Some collectibles provide downside protection and can even be inflation hedges
Potential for outsized returns
Cons of collectibles as alternative investments
Collectible investments don’t usually produce fixed-income
Most collectible investments are illiquid
Fraudulent collectibles pose a serious risk to investors
The barrier to entry can be high for some collectibles
Generally, successful investing in collectibles requires a lot of knowledge and research, so it’s less passive than you might think
Do collectible investments belong in your portfolio?
When it comes to alternative investments like collectibles, there’s no cookie-cutter answer for deciding if they belong in your portfolio.
Many investors stick with a cap — limiting how much of their investment portfolio goes into collectible investing or alternative investments, in general. Typically, this cap is between 5% to 10% of your overall portfolio. This means if you have $100,000 to invest, no more than $10,000 should be allocated to collectibles or alternative investments.
— with files from Romana King
Sources
1. CNN: This Pokémon card just sold for $420,000 at auction (March 26, 2022)
2. TCG Player: The 20 Most Expensive Pokémon Cards Ever (July 1, 2024)
Canada faced one of its most expensive years for insured losses in 2024, with severe weather wreaking havoc on both homes and businesses. While homeowners bore the brunt of the damage, commercial properties also suffered massive losses, pushing the total insured damages to over $1.7 billion — the second-highest in the country’s history.
"Thousands of businesses felt the impacts of severe weather last year. The historic amount of damage in 2024 underscores the escalating financial risks Canadian businesses face from catastrophic weather events," Liam McGuinty, vice-president of strategy at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), said in a statement.
"Canada’s insurers have been on the ground since these events took place and continue to assist businesses across the country with financial support and navigating the recovery process. These severe weather events have caused not only physical damage, but have also disrupted business operations, supply chains and the flow of goods and services in the Canadian economy.”
The vast majority of commercial losses in 2024 occurred over the course of 24 days during the summer, when wildfires, floods and hail storms ravaged communities across the country.
The costliest events of 2024
The costliest weather event in 2024 for commercial insurance was the wildfires in Jasper, Alta., standing at $650 million. The municipality was hit the hardest and accounted for nearly 40% of extreme weather losses to commercial property in 2024.
Next was the remnants of Hurricane Debby across Eastern Canada at $360 million, the Calgary hail storm at $280 million and the Ontario and Greater Toronto Area flash floods at $190 million.
Since 2010, over 132,000 businesses in Canada have suffered damage and filed insurance claims due to extreme weather events, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification.
History of commercial insurance losses in Canada
Last year, 2024, is only behind 2016 as the costliest year for commercial insurance, thanks to the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta which totalled $1,918,420 in losses. 2013 is third, with $1,720,028 in losses primarily thanks to the Southern Alberta floods and GTA floods.
Rounding out the top five is 2022, with $945,632 in damages attributed to Hurricane Fiona and the derecho in Ontario and Quebec; and 2020, in which Prairie hail storms caused $782,183 in commercial losses.
"Canadian governments must move swiftly to make targeted investments in infrastructure that defends against floods, improve land-use planning rules that ensure homes and businesses are not built on flood plains and that FireSmart best practices are followed in communities in high-risk wildfire zones,” said McGuinty.
“These actions would not only protect the physical assets of the businesses that are at highest risk, but would also safeguard the broader community, contributing to a competitive, responsive and resilient commercial insurance market that provides solutions for businesses.”
