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In a world dominated by imports and fast consumerism, one Reddit user set out to answer a simple question: Can I live my daily life using mostly Canadian-made products?

The results were not only surprising, they sparked a groundswell of enthusiasm among others trying to do the same.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much when I started this ‘buy Canadian’ experiment,” wrote Redditor u/Conscious-Ad-1409 in a post titled How I built a mini ‘Made-in-Canada’ home setup using only Canadian brands that quickly gained traction. “At first, I figured it would be impossible to replace most of the everyday stuff I use.”

But after starting small — swapping a few everyday items like notebooks and coffee — the experiment snowballed. Today, they estimate that 70% of the products they use day-to-day are now made in Canada.

“It’s not perfect — and some things cost more — but I’ve been surprised at how far I’ve come.”

A home transformed, one item at a time

Here’s a sample of u/Conscious-Ad-1409’s new Canadian lineup:

• Desk chair from Boutique Made in Canada (Quebec): Sturdy and no-frills.
• Notebooks from Canadian National Notebook (Ontario): “I actually prefer them now.”
• Pens from Karst (Toronto): Sleek and long-lasting.
• Coffee from Pilot Coffee Roasters (Toronto) and Just Us! Coffee (Nova Scotia): “Tastes better, even if it’s pricier.”
• Cleaning supplies from The Unscented Company (Montreal): Minimal, effective, no artificial scents.
• Towels and bedding from Maison Tess. (Montreal): “Probably the nicest sheets I’ve ever owned.”
• Snacks like Hardbite Chips (BC), Maple Leaf Snacks (NB), and Nuts To You (Ontario): "Hardbite Chips have become a problem in my house," they said, adding " “My pantry is looking very Canadian these days."
• Socks from Kotn (Toronto): High quality, sustainably made.
• Cookware from Paderno (PEI): A trusted Canadian staple.

While it may sound like a curated brand haul, the deeper story is about intention and the surprise that these alternatives weren’t just good enough, but often better.

Not just about products — it’s a mindset shift

What began as a curiosity turned into something more meaningful: a daily reminder of the value of local craftsmanship, small businesses and sustainability. And others are catching on.

“My biggest switch was from US pet food to Canadian pet food,” shared u/ProgrammerAvailable6 in the comments. “About $250 a month to Canadian products.”

u/kathmhughes added, “My protein shake is Good Protein from Montreal.”

But it wasn’t just about nutritional choices or household basics. For many, it was the discovery that local products could match, or even exceed expectations that kept them coming back.

“Not a single one [of the Canadian-made products] hasn’t been an upgrade,” wrote u/The_Nice_Marmot. “I’m truly impressed… the Canadian products are superior. I won’t be going back.”

The challenge of cost and the case for value

Cost is the biggest barrier. A Paderno saucepan or organic cotton Kotn tee can easily cost double their big-box counterparts. For many Canadians dealing with tight budgets and inflation, buying local can feel like a luxury.

“I think one of the biggest challenges of buying made-in-Canada stuff is cost,” noted u/HueyBluey. “Many are struggling to get by and can’t afford to be selective… I certainly try my best and will often wait for a sale.”

That said, there’s growing consensus that Canadian-made goods offer better long-term value, with higher durability, ethical sourcing and reduced environmental impact.

“I’d rather a Made in Canada product be renowned for quality and workmanship,” u/HueyBluey continued, echoing a common sentiment among consumers looking for substance over price tags.

Taste of home and a bit of fun

Interestingly, snacks became a sort of patriotic indulgence for many commenters.

“I 100% agree on the Hard Bites problem!” wrote u/LlawEreint. “Partly out of curiosity… and partly out of patriotism. At least, that’s how I’ve been justifying my indulgences ;)”

u/The_Nice_Marmot added with a laugh: “I may have put on about 2 kilos from La Cocina Fiesta Flavour since this Canada thing started.”

A growing movement

The “buy local” movement isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction as Canadians reassess their spending habits in the face of economic uncertainty and global instability.

According to a 2023 BDC report, over 80% of Canadians say they prefer to buy local when possible, but fewer actually do — mainly due to price, availability and convenience. But that was also two years ago, before trade tensions with our neighbours to the south inspired us to pull up our sleeves and get our elbows up and prioritize buying Canadian.

The good news? Stories like u/Conscious-Ad-1409’s show that shifting even part of your household spending can make a meaningful difference to your home, your health and Canadian businesses.

And it doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Try switching out one or two staples, like your morning coffee, your socks or your notebook, and go from there.

Where to start: A quick beginner’s guide, per Redditors

Here are a few Canadian brands to try, as recommended by Redditors:

• Karst (Toronto) – Innovative pens and notebooks made from stone paper
• Paderno (PEI) – Trusted Canadian cookware since 1979
• The Unscented Company (Montreal) – Natural home and body products
• Kotn (Toronto) – Certified B Corp for ethical everyday basics
• Maison Tess. (Montreal) – Premium home textiles
• Pilot Coffee Roasters & Just Us! Coffee – Direct-trade, roasted in Canada
• Hardbite Chips (BC) – Crispy, Canadian-grown, dangerously addictive
• Good Protein (Montreal) – Plant-based shakes made for Canadians

More than just a trend

What this growing community of conscious consumers reveals is more than a preference for local goods, it’s a shift in values. In an era marked by global uncertainty and economic pressures, choosing Canadian-made products is a way to support resilient businesses, nurture sustainable practices and reclaim a sense of connection to the country we call home.

Whether motivated by quality, patriotism or a desire to make more mindful spending choices, Canadians are discovering that buying local is not just feasible, it’s rewarding. As more people experiment with small changes in their everyday shopping, this movement could reshape how we think about consumption, community and economy, one thoughtful purchase at a time.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to try swapping out even one item for a Canadian alternative, this is it. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of economy and country you want to help build. And who knows? You might just find your new favourite brand along the way.

Sources

1. Reddit: r/BuyCanadian: How I built a mini ‘Made-in-Canada’ home setup using only Canadian brands (June 3, 2025)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

If you plan on retiring and rely primarily on the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) you may have heard you will end up being perpetually cash-strapped. So, does that mean you should stay at your job? Learn to survive on noodles? Or work more to build up savings?

To help you decide, you first need to understand how your CPP is calculated and what you can expect in your retirement years.

As of January 2025, the maximum monthly amount you can get, if you started collecting CPP at age 65 is $1,433.00. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but it gets worse. Turns out most Canadians don’t even get the maximum amount of monthly CPP income. For instance, in October 2024, the average monthly CPP payment to anyone aged 65 and just starting their retirement payments was $808.14.

Living on less than $1,000 — put another way, living on CPP alone — is no easy feat, especially when inflation continues to drive living costs upward.

And yet so many Canadians rely on CPP as their primary income source in retirement. According to an Ontario Securities Commision survey, 85% of Canadians rely on the federal Canada Pension Plan (CPP) as the vital foundation for their retirement income. Additionally, a 2024 Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan survey found that almost half (49%) of unretired adults have saved nothing for retirement in the last year, while all Canadians continue to worry about having enough money in retirement (58%).

For those young enough, this should be a wake up call: To start saving for the non-earning years.

For others, it’s a reminder: It’s possible to live on CPP, along, but to make it work, you’ll need to make some sacrifices. To help, here are three suggestions.

Delay your CPP claim for a larger monthly benefit

You can sign up for CPP once you reach age 60, but delaying it for a few years — say until age 65 — allows you to collect your full-CPP monthly benefit (rather than a reduced rate, based on the extra years you are collecting the income). By delaying your CPP claim until age 65, you get your complete monthly benefit based on your individual earnings history.

You also get credits for delaying your CPP claim — a credit for each year past age 60 that you delay. This translates into an 8.4% increase in your monthly benefit, per year, up to a maximum of 42% if you wait to collect CPP at age 70.

By delaying CPP payments, continuing to work and finding smart cost-saving strategies, you could end up in a position where the CPP benefit you collect starting at age 70 is sufficient to live on, without additional savings.

If you can’t wait until 70, try to hold off until 65 to avoid a significant reduction to your monthly benefit.

Scale back your living costs and stick to a tight budget

Only a third of Canadians (33%) currently have a financial plan and 59% do not have a household budget for the year.

If your retirement plan is to live on CPP alone, you must be prepared to budget carefully and limit your spending on non-essential items. That could mean doing most or all of your cooking at home instead of dining out, and limiting yourself to free hobbies such as hiking or community events.

That said, staying busy without spending money by spending time with like-minded people is possible. With the right company, you can enjoy hiking, gardening or discussing your latest library finds over coffee rather than doing activities that force you to open your wallet.

Reduce your housing costs by downsizing

Housing costs account for about 30% of expenses among Canadians across all provinces, according to Advanis.

If you’re forced to rely solely on CPP during retirement, you may need to take steps to reduce your housing costs, and downsizing could be a great solution.

Downsizing could do more than just save you money (as it should allow you the option to pay less rent or reduce those mortgage payments). If you’re a homeowner, downsizing could mean cheaper property taxes and lower maintenance expenses. It also typically costs less to heat and cool a smaller home than a larger one, so there could be some significant savings there, too.

Sources

1. Government of Canada: CPP Retirement pension: How much you could receive

2. Ontario Securities Commission: Profiles of Retirement (Jan 10, 2024)

3. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan: New research from HOOPP and Abacus Data finds half of Canadian women have less than $5,000 in savings; most Canadians feel unprepared for retirement (Jun 20, 2024)

4. BMO: One-third of Canadians expect to curtail their spending in 2025 (Dec 17, 2024)

5. Advanis: Housing affordability across Canada (Jun 26, 2024)

This article I’m 65, tired of working and have very little savings — is it possible to live off CPP alone? Yes, but you’ll need to make these 3 big sacrifices originally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

One of the keys to building wealth is understanding the relationship between risk and reward. Canadians are always on the lookout for low-risk investments, but you must understand that free lunches do not exist. A risk-free investment (like a GIC) has a lower expected return than a high-risk investment (like an individual stock).

As an investor, your goal should be to balance the trade-off between risk and reward and find investments to suit your risk tolerance. Here are four low-risk investment options to consider, plus one really terrible low-risk option and one option that was so bad it’s no longer available.

High-interest savings accounts

We should all keep some cash savings on hand in case of emergencies. The standard rule for emergency funds is to have three to six months of expenses in cash. Still, no one wants their cash sitting idly by earning nothing. That’s where a high-interest savings account comes into play.

The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada offer rates that keep up with inflation, but you’ll likely need to stray from the big banks to find them. Plus, it’s a safe bet to park your money in a HISA: savings deposits at most banks and credit unions are insured by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000 in case of bank failure. Investments don’t get much more low risk than that.

Guaranteed investment certificates (GICs)

One step above a savings account, GICs are another low-risk investment option that can pay slightly higher interest depending on the length of your term. Most GICs come in terms of one to five years — the longer the term, the higher the interest rate.

Know that with a GIC you’re locking in your money for the length of the term. A steep penalty may apply if you withdraw your funds before the term expires. That’s why GICs make the most sense when you have a specific goal you’re saving for, such as a new car or a down payment on a house in three years.

Money market funds

Money market funds were once the go-to place for investors to park cash on the sidelines. It is a mutual fund that invests only in cash or cash-like instruments to provide investors with a safe and liquid place to hold onto their money.

Today, most money market funds fail to keep up with inflation so investors looking for a low-risk investment option are better off with a high-interest savings account or GIC.

To make matters worse, money market mutual funds come with a management expense ratio (MER) that further eats into the already low rate of return.

Low-volatility fund

The goal of many investors is to maximize return and minimize risk. But how can you achieve this goal when your funds are invested in the stock market? Answer: A low-volatility fund.

ZLB, BMO’s low-volatility ETF, is an enticing option as a low-risk/high-return investment. Choosing low-volatility investments is a proven strategy: Lower-risk stocks tend to outperform higher-risk ones across a longer time period.

ZLB is a five-star Morningstar-rated fund, has the best risk-adjusted return in the Canadian Equity category, and is the top-performing Canadian Equity Fund for over five years.

Investors looking to add market exposure through a low-volatility ETF like ZLB can do so by opening a discount brokerage account at Questrade and purchasing the ETF through their self-directed platform.

Annuities

An annuity is a contract designed to provide you with a guaranteed income stream. Typically used during retirement, annuities are sold by an annuity provider, such as a life insurance company.

You purchase an annuity with a lump sum and then receive payments for a fixed period or the remainder of your life. The payments are a mix of interest income and return of capital (i.e. paying back some of your own money).

The amount of money you receive depends on your gender, age, health, the amount of money you invest and the type of annuity you purchase. Other variables include whether you want payments to continue to your beneficiary after you die, the length of time you want to receive payments and the rate of interest at the time you buy your annuity.

Buying an annuity late in retirement can be a great way to protect yourself from longevity risk (the risk that you outlive your money) by transferring risk from your personal savings to the insurance company.

Canada savings bonds (no longer available)

Once a staple of low-risk investments for Canadian families, the Canadian federal government decided to stop issuing Canada Savings Bonds as of November 1, 2017. Still, existing Canada Savings Bonds and Canada Premium Bonds will continue to earn interest until maturity or redemption. Once a certified CSB or CPB matures, it no longer earns interest and should be redeemed by presenting the certificate at any financial institution in Canada. These savings bonds paid out a solid 4.75% as recently as 2000, but the interest rate fell to a pitiful 0.5% in their final years of issuance.

When to buy low-risk investments

Some investors are naturally risk-averse and cannot stand the idea of losing money. For these people, it’s great to know there are so many low-risk investment options available. But risk avoiders should understand there are no safe investments with high returns. The best risk-free investments will simply tread water with inflation (currently hovering around 2%).

Low-risk investments are also ideal for short-term savers. The fact is, if you need to access your money for a major purchase in five years or less, then you shouldn’t invest that money in the market. It’s perfectly reasonable to stash your cash in a high-interest savings account or GIC and earn a healthy return on your cash.

When to take additional risks

If you don’t need to access your money within five years, you should consider some exposure to the stock market. The key is to add bonds to the mix. There’s a reason why bonds exist – to smooth out the volatility of stock returns.

A risk-averse investor could also look to a reputable robo-advisor like Wealthsimple to construct a conservative portfolio that can give their savings a chance at higher returns.

Wealthsimple’s conservative portfolio is made up of 35% equities and 65% fixed income (bonds). It uses ETFs with low-volatility characteristics to get exposure to international and emerging markets, plus a small mix of core Canadian and U.S. equity ETFs to round out the portfolio.

This conservative portfolio would have declined only 10% during the horrendous financial crisis of 2008. Other stocks saw declines of up to 60% that year.

Are there safe investments with high returns?

Ultimately, there are no low-risk, high-return investments. But there are a number of places for risk-averse investors to park their savings and still keep up with, or beat, inflation.

That means looking beyond the big banks for better rates on high-interest savings accounts and GICs. It means avoiding costly money market funds and considering low-volatility funds, either purchased on your own through a self-directed investing platform or as part of a portfolio constructed for you by a robo-advisor.

It also means considering annuities in your retirement to protect your nest egg from longevity risk. All are solid options for you to build wealth and meet your financial goals.

This article Best low-risk investmentsoriginally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

There’s no denying that using one bank is more efficient, convenient and streamlined than storing your money in multiple banks. But is centralizing all of your wealth in one place truly the best way to manage it?

As with most decisions, there are benefits and drawbacks to this common financial practice. Here, we break down all the pros and cons of using one bank while also highlighting some other options for Canadians looking to diversify where they keep their money stored.

Keeping your money in one bank

There are a few reasons that make keeping all your money in one bank seem like a no-brainer. On the flip side, while it might seem easier, there are some other benefits you might be missing out on. Let’s take a look:

Pro: Easier to manage your money

It’s always nice to simplify and streamline where possible, and banking is no exception. Dealing with only one bank will mean you’ll have a better, intuitive grasp on your transactions and expenditures, as it’s easier to remember chequeing and savings amounts for one account as opposed to multiple accounts across different institutions. A quick visit to your bank, or an online statement provided by the bank, will immediately (and conveniently) reveal all of your financial activity such as deposits, withdrawals and expenses for any given period of time.

Pro: Personalized service

If you’re a loyal customer of only one bank, you may enjoy certain perks or rewards — one of them simply being that the longer you work with a bank, the more of a relationship you develop with the institution. As a result, you may enjoy more personalized attention and service than you would if you were to spread your cash across multiple banks. Forming a good relationship with your bank can be helpful if you need to apply for a mortgage or another type of loan.

Pro: Enhanced security

Security is one of the biggest reasons for choosing to deal with one bank rather than multiple. Of course, your money is only as secure as the financial institution in which it’s stored, so it’s important to have some idea of the strength of your bank’s security measures. Customer ID, password, secret questions and 2-step verification are all examples of measures your bank may employ to protect your cash. In addition, terms such as withdrawal limits, account confidentiality and receiving alerts on major account activity can all help keep your funds safe. When spread across multiple banks, these security measures may simply become too much of a hassle.

Con: You might be missing out on better deals.

If you’re limiting yourself to only one bank, you may miss out on more favourable terms and conditions you’d get elsewhere. For example, if you use an online bank, you may enjoy better interest rates on loans. Some banks also offer cash rewards for opening accounts, so it’s good to keep an eye out for new and worthwhile offers.

Con: Mitigate your risk of loss

If someone were to gain access to your account and sweep it clean, it could be detrimental. If you’re only using one bank and storing all of your money there, you risk losing everything you own in the event of hacking or theft. If the money’s spread out, then a loss is still painful to absorb, but at least you have backup accounts.

Spreading your money out over several banks

Spreading your money over multiple accounts may seem complicated, but it actually has a few good benefits you should consider. However, there are also some things you should consider that can end up costing you extra if you spread your money over multiple banks.

Pro: Take advantage of good terms and deals

If multiple local banks are offering cash bonuses, you could easily collect hundreds of dollars just from opening a new account or two. Of course, these bonuses are usually accompanied by conditions, such as depositing a minimum amount or setting up direct deposit.

Pro: Easier separation of funds

If you’ve been saving for multiple life events, like college, a new car, summer vacation, or a down payment on a house, having different bank accounts can help you better organize and allot your cash to save for a particular goal.

Pro: Increased protection against theft or bank failure

The thing about tying up all of your money in one bank is that you’re trusting it will be safe. In the event of identity theft, where someone might gain access to one account, you can take steps to secure your personal information. For starters, ensure that your accounts at other banks have different user IDs, passwords and security questions to protect against additional losses. Also, if your bank were to have a security breach or go under, it could take time before you see your money again, even with insurance. Keeping your money in multiple bank accounts means that you’ll always have funds when you need them.

Con: It’s harder to stay financially organized.

If you find it difficult to stay on top of your finances when they’re streamlined and in one location, distributing your cash across multiple banks may prove more complicated. If it would be a bigger struggle for you to keep track of your cash in more than one location, you’re better off using just one bank.

Con: Potentially higher fees

While there are certainly options that don’t charge account fees, opening a new bank account with a specific bank may cost you. If your goal is to save rather than to spend, stick to banks that pay you to open an account, or you might be better off just sticking with your current bank.

Con: Lost interest

Some banks will offer a high rate of interest on the savings in your account. Of course, the more money that’s deposited, the more money you’ll be paid in interest. If you have more than one bank account and your money is distributed fairly evenly, you may miss out on some decent interest payments.

Con: Minimum balance requirements

It’s important to know the terms of a bank account prior to opening one. Some banks will require you to keep a minimum account balance at all times or require you to deposit a certain amount upon opening. If this doesn’t work for you or causes financial stress, select banks with no minimum balance requirement, or stick to your current bank.

What if you don’t want to just use a bank?

If you’d like to keep your money places other than a traditional bank account, you’ve got options. Here are some other ways to store your money aside from opening multiple savings or chequing accounts.

Investment accounts

An investment account is more than just a location to store your money. Instead, you can expect quicker growth when you start investing than you would with just a savings account. Individual brokerage accounts and robo-advisors are all examples of investment accounts where you can expect to receive returns. Of course, with an investment account comes the risk of market crashes, during which you can lose your money. A good rule of thumb is to allot no more than 10-15% of your annual income to investments.

TFSA accounts

A TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) is a tax-advantaged account available to Canadian citizens 18 years or older. These accounts allow you to save on taxes and can even hold certain investments (e.g. mutual funds, bonds, and cash).

Online banks

Many Canadians currently use or have used online banking. Online banks allow you to hold transferred money from existing accounts, as well as making transfers to other accounts (either yours or other people’s). This method of banking is becoming incredibly common due to its convenience, efficiency, while in some circumstances, offering lower fees compared to traditional banks.

Final word

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to keep your money in one bank account entirely depends on your savings goals and financial habits. If your goal is to have your bank pay interest on your total balance, one bank account might be the way to go. If you feel more secure having your money in more than one place, two or more bank accounts may make the most sense. Take some time to think about which savings goals are priorities to make a decision that works for you.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Air Canada (TOR:AC.TO) is buying back up to C$500 million worth of its own stock through a substantial issuer bid, a type of buyback that gives shareholders a chance to sell their shares directly back to the company at a premium. The deadline to participate is June 20, 2025.

If you’re a shareholder, you now face a choice: sell some (or all) of your shares back to the company, or hold on and wait to see what happens after the buyback.

Here’s what it means, in simple terms — with real investor input, and a breakdown of risks and strategies.

Air Canada’s share buyback offer

Air Canada (TOR:AC.TO) has launched a substantial issuer bid to repurchase up to C$500 million worth of its own shares, using a modified Dutch auction format. The offer opened on May 16, 2025, and will remain active until June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Under the terms of the buyback, shareholders can tender their shares for sale at any price within a specified range of C$18.50 to C$21.00 per share. The final price Air Canada (TOR:AC.TO) will pay will be determined based on the bids received, and all accepted tenders will be paid at that single final price — regardless of the individual bid amounts submitted, so long as they’re at or below the final price.

Why is Air Canada (TOR:AC.TO) doing this? The repurchase could reduce Air Canada’s total outstanding shares by approximately 7.4% to 8.4%, and potentially up to 10%, depending on how many shares are tendered and at what prices. The buyback is fully funded with cash on hand, meaning no additional debt will be used. According to the company, the primary objectives of the offer are to counteract dilution from pandemic-era financing, enhance earnings per share (EPS) by reducing the share count, and signal to the market that management views the current stock price as undervalued.

What is a modified Dutch auction?

A modified Dutch auction is a pricing mechanism where an issuer (like a company) allows investors to indicate how many shares they’re willing to sell and at what price within a specified range. The issuer then determines the lowest price that will allow it to purchase the desired amount of shares (or a smaller amount if not all are tendered). This price is the "clearing price," and all accepted shares are purchased at this price, even if tendered at a lower price within the range. A Dutch auction offers a bidding process to help determine a fair price in a share buyback.

Here’s how it works:

1. Shareholders decide what price they’re willing to sell their shares for—within a stated range (here, C$18.50 to C$21.00).
2. Air Canada (TOR:AC.TO) reviews all the bids and picks the lowest price that lets them buy back the full C$500 million worth of shares.
3. All accepted shares are bought at that one final price—even if you bid lower.

Using this pricing strategy encourages shareholders to offer a realistic price rather than shooting for the top.

Synopsis: What’s happening with Air Canada share buyback

Pros of participating

Sell Above Market Price: Right now, AC shares are trading around C$18.50 to C$19.00. If the final buyback price is higher, you could get a premium.

No Open Market Hassle: This is a direct offer from the company, no need to time the market or use a broker to sell.

Shareholder Value Boost: Buying back shares means fewer outstanding shares. This lifts earnings per share (EPS), which can improve long-term stock performance.

Risks and drawbacks

Proration: If too many people want to sell, not all your shares may be accepted. For example, if you offer 1,000 shares, the company may only buy 400.

You Could Miss Gains: If Air Canada’s stock rises later this year, those who sold might regret selling too early.

Taxable Event: Selling your shares may trigger capital gains tax, depending on your purchase price.

What investors are saying

On Reddit’s r/CanadianInvestor forum, the response to Air Canada’s buyback offer has been mixed, with a range of perspectives from retail investors. Some users are optimistic, noting that the reduction in outstanding shares should lead to an increase in earnings per share (EPS), which could, in turn, support a higher stock price over time. They view the move as a vote of confidence from management and a positive signal that the company sees its shares as undervalued.

Others are more skeptical, questioning the structure and intent of the modified Dutch auction format. One user pointed out that this method is more complex and costly to execute compared to a standard open-market repurchase, and wondered whether it’s primarily being used to artificially create short-term demand for the stock. There’s also a practical, cautionary tone among some investors, who emphasize the importance of bidding carefully. They stress that because the final purchase price will be based on all the offers submitted, shareholders need to strike a balance—bidding too high might price them out, while bidding too low could leave money on the table.

Overall, the conversation reflects a thoughtful divide between those looking for a calculated exit and those considering the long-term benefits of holding onto their shares.

Strategy tips

A. Tender your shares (sell in the auction)

• Best for: Short-term holders or cautious investors wanting a clean exit.
• Tip: Bid closer to C$18.50 to increase chances of being accepted.
• Downside: May get partial fill due to proration.

B. Hold your shares (don’t participate)

• Best for: Long-term investors who believe in the company’s rebound.
• Benefit: Enjoy EPS growth and stock appreciation over time.
• Risk: Short-term volatility could return once the buyback ends.

Deadline: June 20, 2025

• You must decide by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 20, 2025. After that, shares go back to normal trading, and the buyback window closes.

Bottom line

This isn’t just corporate housekeeping — it’s a direct offer to investors. If you’re looking to reduce risk, lock in gains, or exit your position, this buyback provides a structured and potentially profitable way to do so. But if you believe in Air Canada’s longer-term upside, the share reduction could actually work in your favour by boosting per-share performance going forward.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Former computer scientist and professor, Julia Johnson (72), was used to creating plans and executing them, and retirement was no different. But her plans went awry when her mother unexpectedly passed away.

Right before retiring in 2020, Johnson had taken an exit sabbatical so she could have time to move from Ontario to Edmonton, Alberta to care for her mother battling cancer. Though helping an ill parent is no small feat, Johnson was prepared. “I had mapped out a life in which I would care for my mother for about five years,” she tells the Globe and Mail. However, her mother died only a few months following her move.

With no kids, no job and no mother to care for, Johnson felt lost — her plans had not gone as she had, well, planned. “Suddenly I had no mother and no job,” she says.

Taking her retirement back, financially and emotionally

Even though her mother’s death drastically shifted her retirement plans, Johnson was vigilant in making sure she would stay occupied and use her time well.

She is actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and currently works as Editor of its central office newsletter in Edmonton. She takes advantage of Edmonton’s rolling hills, rushing rivers, deep ravines and beautiful scenery by hiking outside often. She also makes use of a local gym in the city. “I am in way better physical shape than when I was working,” she explained.

On top of managing her physical health, Johnson has also taken steps throughout her life to prepare her for retirement. By working in the public education sector, she has a healthy university pension saved away — she also started receiving her Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits immediately upon retiring.

Johnson also has self-managed assets, including investments and real estate properties. And, she’s forthright in saying they haven’t done as well as they could have. That said, they’re improving. “I have modest investments in my self-directed investment account and, after making some initial poor stock choices, my investments are increasing slowly,” she says.

In addition to managing her investments, Johnson is prudent about her expenses. She notes that since moving in with her sister in 2023, she has been able to, “live more modestly than I used to.” She’s also made the decision to not travel as much in retirement, helping her save more or use her money in more local ways.

Advice for retirees or those nearing retirement

Johnson’s story of recovering from a retirement setback may sound like an unattainable ideal, especially when many Canadians are worried about their retirement savings. A survey from CPP Investments found that 61% of Canadians fear running out retirement savings. How can Canadians plan correctly to be able to weather unpredictable events in retirement?

Looking at Johnson’s choices more closely, we can see other patterns emerging that have contributed to her retirement success. For example, Johnson indicated that she has self-managed investments, a pension fund and property investments in addition to her CPP benefits. By diversifying her investments and sources of income, Johnson was able to not let a setback in one area cripple her investments totally.

However, though retirement is a financially-driven decision, other factors need to be taken into account as well. Retirement can be an isolating time, and making a lifestyle change can feel overwhelming. Indeed, research from Statistics Canada found that 19% of seniors (those aged 65 and up) reported feelings of loneliness. Making connections in your local community can help you feel more relationally grounded and give you like-minded people to share life with.

Case in point: Johnson made time to volunteer with multiple organizations such as the Wikimedia Foundation.

As someone who successfully navigated a tragedy during retirement, Johnson shares some salient wisdom that all retirees should heed.

“My advice to others considering retirement is to avoid making the decision because of pressure from family, unexpected events such as the pandemic or emotional issues related to relationships. Please make sure your head is on straight when making such a significant life decision.”

Johnson’s story reminds us that while financial preparation is crucial for success in retirement, emotional resilience and clarity of purpose are just as essential.

Sources

1. The Globe and Mail: This former professor’s retirement plan was upended by her mother’s unexpected death, by Julia Johnson (May 1, 2025)

2. CPP Investments: Nearly 2 in 3 Canadians worry about retirement savings: survey (Oct 30, 2024)

3. Statistics Canada: A look at loneliness among seniors (Nov 6, 2023)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

As talk of a Canada Post strike heats up, many Canadians — especially seniors — are wondering what it means for their monthly income. For those relying on government programs like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the fear of missing a payment can cause real anxiety.

But there’s good news: You can safeguard your retirement income by making a few smart moves today.

Why the mail matters (or doesn’t)

While many Canadians now receive their government benefits via direct deposit, a significant portion — particularly older, rural, or less tech-savvy individuals — still receive paper cheques in the mail. If postal workers walk off the job, it could delay those payments indefinitely.

During previous strikes, contingency plans have been put in place to prioritize the delivery of government cheques. However, delays are still possible, and local distribution points may change or require in-person pickup — a barrier for anyone with mobility issues.

How to protect your income flow

Sign Up for Direct Deposit Immediately

The Government of Canada offers direct deposit for all benefits. You can register:

• Online: Through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
• By phone: Call 1-800-277-9914
• At your bank: Most Canadian financial institutions can help set this up in person or online

Verify Your Information

Even if you’re enrolled in direct deposit, double-check your:

• Banking information
• Mailing address
• Contact details in your MSCA

Watch for CRA or Service Canada Notices

Sometimes, important requests (e.g., proof of income for GIS) are mailed. A delay in replying due to a strike could interrupt your payments.

Risks of waiting (until there is a full-blown strike)

As of June 10, 2025, the only strike action taken by striking Canada Post workers is to ban overtime. Right now, talks continue between CUPW, the union representing Canada Post workers, and the Crown corporation.

If talks breakdown, there could be further strike action, including a complete stoppage of all mail delivery. For retirees, a postal strike won’t just delay cheques — it could:

• Cause late payments for prescription drug coverage or rent
• Interrupt GIS payments if required documents aren’t received by the CRA
• Create financial hardship for seniors living on a fixed income

Going digital can help you beyond the strike

One way to alleviate some or all problems that may arise from a full-blown postal strike is to switch to digital. This means getting correspondence and money through digital messages, such as email or secure mail servers.

And making the switch to digital isn’t just a short-term fix — it’s a long-term upgrade:

• Faster access to your money
• Fewer risks of lost or stolen cheques
• Easier access to notices and updates from government programs

For those uncomfortable with online tools, many community centres, libraries, and banks now offer help with digital banking and government services.

For caregivers: Step in now

If you’re helping an aging parent or relative, now is the time to act:

• Ask if they still receive mailed cheques
• Help them set up direct deposit or access online accounts
• Watch their accounts during the strike period for payment irregularities

Bottom line

A Canada Post strike could delay essential income for thousands of seniors — but it doesn’t have to. Switching to direct deposit, verifying your information, and staying informed can ensure your payments arrive on time, every time. The sooner you act, the better protected you’ll be — not just during a strike, but long after.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

With digital banking a ubiquitous norm for almost all Canadians, we can access our finances at the click of a button. Unfortunately, so can thieves and bad actors — if they have the right information.

On May 15, Diane and Michael Betts found their Manulife line of credit missing $30,000 and a $500 charge on their Mastercard, both of which they were not aware of.

Upon finding the money missing, Diane immediately called Manulife, who informed her that their account was accessed the day before by someone claiming to be her with all the relevant information on hand. They were stupefied.

“We were in absolute shock,” Diane told CTV News, adding, “We’ve never been in debt — and suddenly we owe $30,000. It wasn’t our mistake.”

They had no idea how the money had left their account, until they received a letter from Nova Scotia Power — their utility company — that gave them new information.

Connecting the dots

On May 23, the couple received a letter from Nova Scotia Power indicating their data was stolen in a cybersecurity breach. Recently, the utility provider told CTV that over 280,000 customers were affected by a data breach that occurred on or around March 19, and that they notified the public on April 28.

The Betts were frustrated they didn’t receive notice sooner, as they could have prepared for the attack well in advance. “If we had gotten that letter in early April, we would have taken immediate steps, added alerts, changed our passwords,” Diane said. “Instead, we spent the entire long weekend in May not knowing what had happened.”

Manulife has launched an investigation and their investigator told the Betts their account would be reset this week. But, the couple haven’t seen any changes yet, and aren’t sure if they will be reimbursed at all. The financial attack is a major burden on their finances, as they are both retired, with Michael only working part-time.

In response to the attack, Nova Scotia Power has issued a free, two-year credit monitoring service to all impacted users and is urging them to be careful about any suspicious communication from anyone claiming to be representatives of the utility company.

Furthermore, Manulife launched an investigation and their investigator told the Betts their account would be reset this week. The organization did follow through, refunding the Betts in full as CTV News reported in a follow-up piece. In fact, a representative from Manulife confirmed with Money.ca that the Betts were refunded within 24 hours of their story being published.

What are your first steps after an attack?

Cybersecurity attacks on businesses are in decline, but the numbers are still significant according to a report from Statistics Canada. One out of six businesses (~16%) experienced a cyber security attack in 2023, the organization found.

If a business that contains your personal information has been subject to a cybersecurity attack, what should you do first?

Keep an eye on your emails and other communications:

Nova Scotia Power informed the public about the cyber breach on April 28, well before the Betts’ back account was hit. Keeping an eye on any news or emails from companies you do business with can help you stay informed so you can act quickly.

Take steps to protect your accounts:

As soon as you are aware of a data breach, you should take immediate action to protect your accounts. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recommends the following actions:

• Change your passwords
• Review your bank accounts and credit card statements
• Check for unauthorized transactions
• Order/access your credit report for suspicious activity

Take advantage of free credit monitoring:

Typically in business breach scenarios, the affected business offers free credit monitoring services to the affected parties so they can keep tabs on their credit accounts. Using this service can greatly increase the chance you catch an unauthorized transaction before it’s too late.

What if I’ve been hacked?

If you’ve lost money from a cybersecurity attack on a business, the steps you take look a little different.

Experts note that the best chance of someone getting their funds back requires quick action — 24 to 72 hours to be precise. As soon as you notice money missing from your account, let your bank know so they can freeze your accounts and investigate. Also be sure to alert your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you’re out of funds and you haven’t noticed for quite some time, recovering your money can be a bit trickier. Businesses impacted by a personal data breach may have cyber crime insurance that will pay out some of the affected individuals, though it’s uncommon for them to have high policy limits.

So, can you take a business to court if you’re out a lot of money from a cyber breach? Yes, but don’t expect it to be simple. The rule used to determine who is at fault (i.e. liable) for the breach is whoever was in the best position to prevent the fraud, says Cameron Shilling, director, litigation pepartment and chair of cybersecurity and Privacy Group with law firm McLane Middleton. This isn’t easy to show in a court of law, with the blame being a placed on a mix of involved parties, such as the business, you or your bank.

As the Betts’ story highlights, the best course of action when dealing with a potential financial cybercrime is quick action and alerting your bank as soon as possible.

Sources

1. CTV News: N.S. couple loses $30K, believes it’s due to power utility’s cybersecurity breach, by Hafsa Arif (May 27, 2025)

2. CTV News: Nova Scotia Power says it was victim of ‘sophisticated ransomware attack’, by Andrea Jerrett (May 23, 2025)

3. Statistics Canada: Impact of cybercrime on Canadian businesses, 2023 (Oct 21, 2024)

4. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Protecting your financial information in the event of a data breach

5. McLane Middleton: Who Is Liable for Lost Money in a Cyber Scam?, by Cameron G. Shilling (Feb 29, 2024)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It looks like elbows are still up as Canadians continue to boycott the U.S through economic means. According to the latest Statistics Canada report, there was a significant decline in Canadian road trips to the United States last month — data shows a 38% decrease in May 2025 compared to the same period last year, affecting what traditionally represents the largest segment of Canadian visitors to the U.S.

Both U.S. road trips and air travel down

According to this StatsCan data, Canadian motorists making return trips to the U.S. saw significant declines in both April and May of 2025. Last month, approximately 1.3 million Canadians drove back from the U.S., representing a 38.1% decrease from the previous year.

The downward trend was also evident in April, when 1.2 million return trips were recorded, showing a 35.2% reduction compared to the same time period in 2024.

As well, air travel experienced a significant downturn in May, with Canadian return trips decreasing by 24.2% compared to May 2024.

The decline in air travel was more pronounced than the previous month, as April saw a 19.9% year-over-year reduction in Canadian return air travelers.

Airlines have experienced a significant impact from the decline, leading several carriers to adjust their U.S.-bound flight schedules to match reduced passenger demand.

Several major Canadian airlines implemented service reductions in March, with Air Canada cutting flights by 10% to popular destinations such as Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona. Other carriers including WestJet, Flair Airlines and Air Transat followed suit with similar schedule adjustments.

Downward trends go both ways

There’s also a decline in American travel to Canada, with automobile trips decreasing by 8.4% — that’s down from the 1,044,700 trips taken the previous year.

Meanwhile, air travel from the United States to Canada experienced a minor decrease of 0.3% from 2024 levels.

Sources

1. Statistics Canada: Leading indicator of international arrivals to Canada, May 2025

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In a time when financial insecurity is high and many are looking for ways to safeguard their money or increase their wealth, fraudsters are taking advantage of that vulnerability.

Recently, three Canadians fell victim to a fraudulent scheme involving fake Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), losing a combined $1.8 million. The scam, which has been gaining traction in recent months, has left the victims financially devastated.

Walter Yamca of Oakville, ON and Samantha Barnes, of Calgary, AB, lost $750,000 and $233,000, respectively, while an anonymous victim from Kitchener, ON, claims to have lost a staggering $900,000.

The individuals have since come forward to CTV News, and detailed how they spoofed into trusting too-good-to-be-true interest rates for GICs, warning others to be more vigilant of predatory actions online.

Falling victim to fraudulent internet search results

Last fall, Yamca took to Google in hopes of finding the "best GIC rates," and clicked on a website that purported to be PC Financial and called its number. He eventually asked his bank to transfer over $750,000, but the website ended up being fake, with Yamca being scammed the total amount he transferred over.

“The banks should confirm the receivers that they’re legitimate,” he told CTV.

Having heard about Yamca’s story on the news, Barnes also reached out to CTV to elaborate on her similar situation. She too had performed a similar internet search and also came across a legitimate-looking PC Financial page, but raised concerns once she realized her $233,000 had been transferred to a BMO account instead of a PC Financial one, with her bank wiring the funds anyway.

"I feel the banks really could have done a whole lot more to prevent this from happening.”

Speaking with the news outlet, Duff Conacher, a director at Democracy Watch, said banks should refund the customer’s money if they don’t catch the scam.

“The Bank Act should be changed to say unless a bank can prove that it went through the full process of due diligence, you’re paying the customer back,” he said.

Scammers are getting better at tricking citizens

These scams are becoming more sophisticated, with fraudsters using increasingly convincing tactics to manipulate victims.

These bad faith actors often use official-looking emails, fake websites and even pose as financial advisors to gain the trust of their targets.

As a result, experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of any offers through official bank channels before committing any funds, while also suggesting that consumers use established, reputable investment options and avoiding deals that seem suspiciously profitable.

This latest wave of scams serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of financial fraud and the importance of safeguarding personal savings.

Protecting Yourself from Fake Bank GIC Scams

To safeguard your investments and personal information, recognize the following red flags:

Unsolicited contact: Be wary of unexpected calls, emails or messages offering investment opportunities, especially if they pressure you to act quickly Too-good-to-be-true returns: High or guaranteed returns with little to no risk are classic signs of fraudulent schemes Suspicious communication: Watch for generic greetings, urgent language or requests for personal information Unusual payment methods: Be cautious if asked to transfer funds to unfamiliar accounts or via unconventional methods

With scammers looking to take advantage of vulnerable consumers, adopting better cyber hygeine online can help thwart future incidents of financial loss, this includes:

Verifying legitimacy: Contact the financial institution directly using official contact information to confirm any investment offers Securing personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive data like Social Insurance Numbers, account details or passwords over unsecured channels Use multi-factor authentication: Enable additional security layers on your financial accounts to prevent unauthorized access Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Treat unsolicited investment opportunities with caution, especially those promising high returns Monitor financial statements: Regularly review bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions

Be sure to report any suspected fraud

If you suspect you’ve encountered a fraudulent investment opportunity, be sure to contact your financial institution or financial advisor right away to secure your accounts. You should file a complaint with local law enforcement and national fraud reporting agencies. Additionally, it is crucial to to consult consumer protection agencies, such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for guidance and support.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.