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Taking the mystery out of how credit scores work can help you boost your rating.

It’s typically recommended that you check your credit score at least once a year to know your standing and also mitigate the risk of identity theft. That being said, many credit card holders don’t really understand how it all works, but having a good understanding of your credit score is crucial as you prepare to make major purchases, apply for a car loan, or get your first mortgage.

Your score ultimately affects what credit and financing you’re eligible for, which means the better your score, the more favourable your rate will be from lenders.

Here, we debunk seven credit score myths in Canada to help you enhance your creditworthiness and ultimately save more money.

1. Checking your credit score hurts it

Keeping an eye on changes in your score or report can help you detect errors, keep track of your spending habits and figure out how to improve your credit — but few Canadians are taking advantage of this.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada reported that half of Canadians have never requested a credit report from Equifax Canada Transunion of Canada.

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

Checking your credit score or report counts as a “soft inquiry” — which means that it won’t affect your score. You can check it for free.

It’s a good idea to monitor your credit score and track your bills regularly to avoid missing any upcoming payments which could mean paying late fees and more interest.

However, when you apply for a loan or a new credit card, a lender will want to check out your credit score to determine whether you’re a reliable borrower. This particular check counts as a “hard inquiry” and will dent your score by a few points, temporarily.

2. You only have one credit score

Contrary to popular belief, you have more than one score and it could waver slightly depending on which credit bureau is providing the information.

When you apply for a credit card or a loan and lenders check your credit score, they could be pulling up any one of your scores. You have no way of knowing which, but checking more than one can give you a better picture of your creditworthiness.

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

The two national credit reporting agencies are Equifax and TransUnion. Typical credit scores range from 300 to 900 and credit bureaus generally consider the same factors — like payment history, utilization rate and how long you’ve had credit for — to determine your score.

However, agencies may use different scoring models and could receive different information when they evaluate your credit.

3. The higher your paycheque, the higher your credit score

Some people believe a wage increase can directly affect their credit scores — after all, a higher income makes you more attractive as a borrower and you’ll have more funds to pay off your debts.

But, is your income actually included in your credit report, and does it impact your score?

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

The answer is no, your income isn’t included on your credit report, nor is it factored into your credit score. Even if the money’s rolling in, you still want to avoid accruing more credit card debt than you need to — that will affect your score, and not in a good way.

That said, if you’re more financially stable and have been able to pay your bills on time in full without adding up on interest and debt, then yes, you’re more likely to have a better credit score.

And lenders will assess your credit score and your income and employment status when you apply for credit products. A good credit score and a steady income are both key to obtaining lower rates on cards and loans.

If you’re thinking about boosting your income with some good investments, but aren’t sure how to get started, consider trying out a beginner-friendly investing service.

4. Carrying a balance on your credit card improves your score

The average credit card balance for Canadians was $4,681 in the last quarter of 2024, according to TransUnion.

The Bank of Canada also says close to half of Canadians with a credit card carry a balance for at least two consecutive months.

Carrying a balance on your credit card ensures that you rack up on interest and owe more money than if you made your payments in full — does that impact your score?

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

With typical credit card interest rates around 20%, paying your monthly bills in full and on time is the best way to maintain a good credit score and potentially save thousands. The general rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization rate below 30% across all your accounts if you can.

When you make the minimum payments instead of paying off your balance in full each month, you’ll accrue interest and increase your debt. If you also keep making purchases, your credit utilization rate — which divides your total credit card balance by your total credit card limit — increases as a result, and that hurts your credit score.

A 0% utilization rate won’t help you either — lenders want to see that you’re using your credit responsibly.

If you find yourself bogged down by interest and credit card debt, consider a debt consolidation loan to fold all of your debts into one loan with a lower interest rate or refinancing your current loan.

5. Closing a credit card helps your score

You might be thinking about cancelling one of your credit cards — maybe you never really use it or you think it’ll make your debts more manageable and boost your credit score.

There are plenty of reasons for and against closing a credit card.

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

Here’s the thing. Your credit score improves when you have more available credit, a long credit history and a lower credit utilization rate.

So, when you close a credit card, particularly a high-limit one, or one you’ve had for a long time, you’re more likely to harm your credit score than help it.

This doesn’t mean you should never close a credit card, however. If you haven’t been using it very often and you’re paying high annual fees, there’s little point in keeping it alive. Instead, switching to a card with lower or no fees may be more beneficial.

6. Employers don’t check your credit score

It may come as a surprise to know that employers can check your credit score when you apply for a job.

A bad credit score can affect more than just your loan or credit approval chances — it could prevent you from landing the perfect job, renting a home or even getting a new cellphone with a good plan.

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

A future employer may want to check whether you’re managing your money responsibly, especially if your job involves handling large sums of money or making major business decisions. This check counts as a “soft inquiry” so it won’t damage your score.

The credit report they pull up will show your name, address, SIN number, date of birth, previous employers and information about your debt, like mortgages, credit accounts and student loans — so it is important to prepare and get your finances in order.

However, they can’t go about this without your consent, so don’t worry about them sneaking around behind your back.

7. You and your spouse share the same credit score

When you get married, there are several things you might need to jointly do with your spouse, like applying for a mortgage loan, or splitting household bills like groceries and utilities.

As a result, you might believe your credit scores get merged into one as well.

Fact or fiction?

MYTH

You and your spouse will still receive separate credit reports and credit scores, even when you combine incomes or bank accounts. Don’t concern yourself with a partner’s past bankruptcy ruining your credit as soon as you get hitched.

However, if your partner has poor credit and you apply jointly for a loan or open an account together, that information will affect both your credit reports and you could end up with less-favourable rates costing you more money.

For example, you might be denied a good mortgage rate from a mainstream mortgage provider and pay a higher rate with another lender to account for the greater risk you present as borrowers together.

So, it’s still important to be aware of each other’s credit history and spending habits before you tie the knot or buy a home together.

Sources

1. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Canadians and their Money: Key Findings from the 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey

2. TransUnion: Canadian Consumer Debt Continues to Grow Despite Macroeconomic Relief

3. Bank of Canada: The reliance of Canadians on credit card debt as a predictor of financial stress (July 2024)

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

Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life, so the saying goes. Of course, it’s more complicated than that – anything worth doing in life is going to have its ups and downs. But how happy are Canadian workers really? ADP Canada’s Happiness@Work Index for May labelled the happiness of workers nationwide at a 6.8 out of 10. However, Gen Zs were the lowest-ranked cohort at 6.7.

The index also revealed workers’ values: a respectful workplace (70%), added benefits, extended health coverage such as dental and vision (56%) and flexible work options (42%).

"Workers in Canada are increasingly seeking benefits that support their well-being both on and off the job,” Heather Haslam, ADP Canada’s vice-president of marketing, said in a statement.

"To attract and retain top talent, this month’s Index highlights the ways employers can go beyond the basics to empower their employees to thrive and perform at their best, such as providing extended health coverage or flexible work options.”

The mindset of Canadian workers

The workplace mood across Canada is a mixed bag, but one thing’s clear: Nearly half of workers (47%) say they’re genuinely satisfied with their current roles. What’s driving that sense of contentment? For many, it comes down to one crucial factor — work-life balance. Flexibility is king, and when it’s present, satisfaction tends to follow.

Generationally, the happiest group in the workforce might surprise you. Baby Boomers continue to lead the way with a satisfaction score of 7.5 out of 10, up slightly from April. Millennials and Gen X are neck and neck at 6.8, each inching up by 0.1 this month. And while Gen Z still trails the pack, even they saw a small lift in satisfaction, hinting that things might be turning a corner for the youngest generation on the job.

The numbers may be modest, but the message is growing louder: When work fits life, not the other way around, people feel better about what they do.

Regional differences in happiness

After a dip in recent months, Atlantic Canada is making a comeback. Workers in the region reported a notable jump in job satisfaction this May, climbing 0.6 points to a solid 7.0 out of 10, the highest in the country.

Meanwhile, Alberta and the Prairie provinces (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) find themselves at the other end of the spectrum, tied as the least satisfied regions with an average score of 6.7. It’s a small difference numerically, but one that hints at regional disparities in how people are experiencing work.

Elsewhere across the country, satisfaction scores saw more modest shifts:

• Québec edged up slightly to 6.9 (+0.1)
• British Columbia rose to 6.8 (+0.2)
• Ontario followed closely behind at 6.8 (+0.1)

While the numbers don’t swing dramatically, they paint a clear picture that where you work in Canada can still shape how you feel about work itself.

"As respect, transparency, and flexibility, continue to shape employee expectations, employers should strive to cultivate workplace cultures that reflect these values,” Haslam said.

“This means enabling open communication, that are not just top-down messages but integrate feedback loops, providing intentional support, and embracing the human experience at work. When benefits and policies align with these priorities, employers create a strong foundation for trust, well-being, and sustained employee engagement."

Survey methodology

The Happiness@Work Index is measured monthly through a survey fielded by Harris Poll Canada on behalf of ADP Canada Co. The survey is run in the first week of each reported month for consistency purposes and asks over 1,200 randomly selected employed Canadian adults (including both employees and self-employed individuals) who are Maru Voice Canada online panelists to rate workplace factors on a scale from 1 to 10.

Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding.

The results are weighted by education, age, gender and region (and in Québec, language) to match the population, according to Census data.

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

Like it or not, the reality is that tipping is an important part of how service workers are able to earn enough money to try to make ends meet in Canada. While an H&R Block survey reveals strong support for tipping culture, there is not only a sense of fatigue among Canadians, the survey reveals 47% don’t know that tips are taxable income.

"It’s important to emphasize that tips are considered taxable income, by law, even if your employer does not include any tip amount on your T4 slip. But the good news is there are many ways to make your tips work in your favour when it comes to filing your taxes," Yannick Lemay, H&R Block Canada tax expert, said in a statement.

"Not only are there numerous deductions, benefits and credits you can leverage, there are tax-friendly ways to use your tips to invest in your professional growth and well-being and bolster your savings."

The survey also revealed that nearly one in three Canadians have worked a service job at some point.

The tax implications of tips

Most Canadians know that tips count as taxable income — but not everyone is on the same page.

A recent survey found that 84% of Canadians understand that tips, whether given in cash, by credit card or through other payment methods, must be declared for tax purposes. However, 16% were unaware that tips need to be reported as income.

Despite this, many Canadians still assume cash tips can fly under the radar. Nearly half say they prefer to tip in cash, believing it spares the recipient from having to pay taxes on it.

There’s also confusion about where tip money actually ends up. Half of Canadians think their tip goes straight to the worker, while the other half believe it lands in the employer’s hands instead.

With tipping culture evolving and digital payments becoming the norm, it seems Canadians still have some uncertainty about how their gratuities are handled.

Are Canadians getting tired of tipping?

Using digital means to pay a bill brings about its own frustrations for customers. A colossal 94% of Canadians say they’re annoyed by card payment machines prompting tip options for services that tips or gratuities weren’t previously expected, for example, at the convenience store. Their frustration is exacerbated by their sense of responsibility when faced with that tip option, with more than half of Canadians reporting they feel awkward skipping the tap prompt, and tend to leave a tip anyway.

Overall, 53% of Canadians consider themselves to frugal tippers, typically opting for the lower tip option and/or only tipping for exceptional service. This compares to 39% who say they’re generous tippers and tend to opt for the higher tip amount or tip most services.

Bottom line

Tipping culture in Canada is clearly evolving, bringing with it a mix of confusion, frustration and financial responsibility. While many Canadians support tipping, there’s a growing weariness around digital tip prompts and uncertainty about how tips are taxed and distributed. At the same time, service workers rely on gratuities as a crucial part of their income, making it essential for them to understand their tax obligations.

Whether you’re a customer navigating tipping fatigue or a worker ensuring compliance at tax time, staying informed can help make the process smoother for everyone.

Survey methodology

The survey was conducted online in English and French between February 12 and 13 among 1,790 representative Canadians.

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

Credit card welcome offers are powerful incentives used by issuers to attract new customers. These offers — often referred to as welcome bonuses or new cardholder perks — can include everything from elevated cashback rates and travel rewards points to waived annual fees and exclusive access to premium experiences. But how do these offers work, and how can you make the most of them?

What are welcome offers and how do they work?

At their core, welcome offers are bonuses designed to entice you to apply for a specific credit card. For cashback cards, the promotion may temporarily boost the rate at which you earn rewards. Travel cards may award you a lump sum of points, airport lounge passes or even companion flight vouchers. Most promotions also waive the annual fee for the first year — an added incentive for prospective cardholders.

While some offers are awarded automatically, the most lucrative deals often come with conditions. You may need to spend a certain amount within the first few months or make a qualifying purchase. Some promotions are capped, offering the bonus only up to a spending limit, and many are available for a limited time.

Notably, these time-sensitive promotions don’t always get extended. A prime example occurred in 2017, when TD Bank ended its Aeroplan card promotion due to shifting partnerships. If you come across a compelling offer, don’t wait too long. Act quickly before it disappears.

Though the term “sign-up bonus” is sometimes used, it can be misleading. Rarely do you receive the bonus for simply signing up. Most often, it’s contingent on meeting a spending threshold shortly after receiving the card. That’s why terms like “welcome offer” or “new cardholder bonus” are now more widely used.

Real-world example: CIBC Cashback welcome offer

To understand the real value of a welcome bonus, consider the CIBC Cashback credit card:

• Offer: 10% cashback on all purchases for the first four months (up to $2,500 in spending)
• Annual fee: $120, waived for the first year
• Post-promo rates: 4% on gas/groceries, 2% on dining/transit, 1% on all other purchases

The breakdown:

• Enhanced cashback: $2,500 × 10% = $250
• Annual fee waived: $120
• Total first-year value: $370

Compare this to the standard reward:

• $1,500 in groceries × 4% = $60
• $1,000 in other spending × 1% = $10
• Standard cashback: $70

Conclusion: The welcome offer provides a 428% increase in value over regular spending. For those spending at least $625/month, this is effectively $420 in your pocket — free money with minimal effort.

The information for the CIBC Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertising partners.

Types of credit card welcome offers in Canada

Not all promotions are created equal. Here’s how to evaluate them:

Cashback

Cash back cards offer money back on purchases, typically with a promotional rate on specific categories for a limited time.

Look for:

• Elevated cashback rates (up to 10%)
• Waived annual fees
• Bonus statement credits

✈️ Travel and rewards

Travel credit cards reward spending with points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels and more. Bonuses typically require meeting a spending milestone.

Top features:

• Bulk travel/rewards points
• Bonus points with partner purchases
• Fee waivers and companion travel vouchers

📉 Balance transfer

Balance transfer cards are deal for debt management, these cards offer low or 0% interest on transferred balances for a fixed time.

Watch for:

• Introductory 0% interest for 12 to 24 months
• Low or no balance transfer fees
• Promotional low rates on new purchases

💎 Premium cards

With higher fees come luxury perks, but ensure the card’s long-term value justifies its cost after the promo ends.

Perks include:

• High-value point bonuses
• Companion vouchers and travel credits
• Waived first-year fee
• Elite benefits (insurance, lounge access, etc.)

Why do credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses?

Credit card companies use welcome offers to stand out in a competitive market. While premium cards typically offer the most generous bonuses, savvy consumers can also find excellent value among no-fee or mid-tier cards.

Many Canadians leverage these offers to maximize rewards; some even engage in "churning," where they switch cards frequently to take advantage of multiple sign-up bonuses. This can be rewarding, but comes with risks: Frequent applications may affect your credit score, and annual fees or high-interest rates can eat into your gains if not managed wisely.

Evaluating the fine print after the promo ends

Before committing to a card, consider these key post-promo terms:

• APR (Annual Percentage Rate): Lower is better if you carry a balance.
• Cash advance APR: Often higher than standard APR, sometimes applies immediately.
• Grace period: Time before interest accrues — critical if you occasionally pay late.
• Annual fee: Understand whether the perks justify the long-term cost.

Your goal should be to choose a card that fits your needs both during and after the promotional period.

Getting the best offer

Canadian issuers frequently update or discontinue welcome offers. If you see a compelling promotion, act. You can always switch later if a better deal emerges. Reddit forums and financial communities are full of Canadians who’ve used these bonuses to fund vacations, build rewards balances and save on interest. Just remember: Your credit health comes first.

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), US real estate and gold:

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 US 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, like Masterworks 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 USD$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 USD$44 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD$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.

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 USD$15 billion and is expected to grow to USD$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 USD$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 USD$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.

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)

3. PSA: PSA Market Report

4. Hagerty: Inflation is accelerating past classic car appreciation (July 22, 2022)

This article Beyond stocks: Discover lucrative collectible investments for a diverse portfolio 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.

Alberta will begin collecting an annual $200 tax on electric vehicles (EVs) starting Feb. 13, 2025. The new tax applies to all fully electric vehicles at the time of registration, while hybrid vehicles remain exempt.

EV owners will be slapped with the $200 tax when they go to register their EV — after the initial purchase of the vehicle, as well as annually when they go to renew their license and registration. Registration completed online through My Alberta eService will also be subject to this new tax.

The provincial government introduced the tax as part of its 2024 budget, and was passed into legislature last fall.

Reason behind Alberta’s new EV tax

Finance Minister and Treasury Board President, Nate Horner, defended the move, stating the fee is comparable to what a gasoline-powered vehicle owner would pay in fuel taxes annually.

“This is a fair way for all drivers to contribute to public services, and to help keep roads and highways safe and smooth,” Horner said in a statement.

“Alberta is joining a growing number of places across North America introducing this tax. (It’s) so drivers of both electric and gas vehicles are treated the same.”

Furthermore, politicians who support the the tax see it as an avenue to meaningfully contribute to provincial upkeep for all Albertan drivers.

The Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, says EV owners use the same roads as Albertans who drive gas and diesel counterparts, and so it’s only fair that they should contribute to public services, including those that make sure roads and upkept and safe.

Criticism from EV advocates

The Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has criticized the tax, arguing that it unfairly penalizes low-mileage drivers and owners of lighter EVs, which generally cause less wear on roads than larger gas-powered vehicles.

The association also noted the timing of the tax is problematic, as other jurisdictions are offering incentives to encourage EV adoption rather than imposing new fees.

Policy implications of Alberta’s new EV tax

The tax places Alberta among the few jurisdictions in Canada implementing specific EV fees. Saskatchewan became the first province to require EV owners to pay a new annual road-use fee of $150.

However, William York, Edmonton-based president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta, believes this tax won’t dissuade potential EV customers due to the savings they will gain by not having to pay for gas or oil changes.

While Alberta and Saskatchewan are introducing fees, other jurisdictions are also considering how to get EV vehicle-owners to pay for public services, such as road building and transportation maintenance. Last month, the federal government put a pause on rebates for personal electric vehicles through their Incentive for Zero Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program, as they examined current ecomic conditions.

Businesses can still qualify for the Incentives under the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program. This program provides up to $200,000 in rebates on the purchase or lease of medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles.

This article Alberta implements a $200 EV tax. What does this mean for the future of electric vehicles? 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.

For many Canadians, the weight of past financial mistakes is proving to be more than just a temporary burden — it is actively reshaping their long-term future, particularly when it comes to retirement.

A recent study from Money.ca highlights how financial missteps, from overspending to inadequate savings, are delaying critical milestones and forcing individuals to rethink their financial strategies.

Delayed retirement dreams

Retirement is supposed to be the golden phase of life — a time to reap the rewards of decades of hard work. However, for a growing number of Canadians, financial regrets are making that dream seem increasingly out of reach.

According to Money.ca, nearly half of surveyed Canadians (46.4%) say past financial mistakes have made saving difficult, while 37% struggle with lingering debt.

Millennials, in particular, are feeling the brunt of these financial setbacks with more than a third (41%) of Canadians aged 30 to 44 reporting that their past financial decisions have delayed key life events such as paying off debt or making major purchases, such as buying a home or paying down student or car loan debt. These delays have a domino effect, often pushing retirement goals further into the future.

Biggest regret: Not saving enough

While some might assume that risky investments or poor stock market choices are the primary financial regrets, research found that the biggest financial misstep is much simpler: Not saving enough. Nearly 45% of Canadians admitted that failing to build adequate savings was their greatest financial regret. This shortfall in savings means many Canadians are unprepared for unexpected financial emergencies, let alone the costs associated with retirement.

Compounding this issue is the rising cost of living and homeownership. With housing prices expected to increase by 4.7% this year, those who have yet to enter the market are finding it even harder to accumulate wealth and establish financial security. For those hoping to retire comfortably, a lack of assets such as home equity and personal savings can lead to prolonged working years or a significant reduction in post-retirement lifestyle quality.

Path to financial recovery

Despite the daunting reality of financial regrets, many Canadians are taking proactive steps to regain control. The Money.ca study revealed that 52.4% of millennials are adjusting their budgets and implementing financial strategies to recover from past mistakes. Additionally, women are more likely to cut discretionary spending (40.5%), while men are more inclined to alter their investment strategies (17%).

Another key approach to recovery is seeking professional financial guidance. While only about 20% of respondents currently seek advice from financial professionals, experts stress that financial literacy programs, budgeting workshops, and retirement planning services can play a pivotal role in helping individuals make informed decisions and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Is recovery possible?

While the road to financial stability after past mistakes may be long, it is not impossible, although confidence in recovery is not universal. Just over 1 in 5 Canadians (21%) express doubt about their ability to rebound from financial setbacks, with 6.1% feeling extremely uncertain about their financial future.

Financial experts recommend a multipronged approach for those looking to turn their situation around: automating savings contributions, setting clear retirement goals, and leveraging financial planning tools such as high-interest savings accounts and robo-advisors. By taking control of their financial future today, Canadians can work toward a more stable and fulfilling retirement, despite past missteps.

Bottom line

Financial regrets are a common burden, but they do not have to define one’s future. Whether it’s restructuring budgets, seeking professional financial advice, or making strategic investment adjustments, Canadians can take steps to mitigate the long-term impact of their past money mistakes. The key is to act early, stay disciplined, and prioritize savings to ensure that retirement dreams are not permanently derailed by financial missteps of the past.

Sources

1. Money.ca: Canadians’ biggest financial regret: How past mistakes affect life milestones (Feb 20, 2025)

2. CREA: CREA Updates Resale Housing Market Forecast for 2025 and 2026 (Jan 15, 2025)

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.

As the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC ) — North America’s oldest retailer — undergoes an historic wind-down, its extensive collection of over 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts is headed for the auction block.

This liquidation includes irreplaceable pieces such as the 1670 Royal Charter from King Charles II, a cornerstone document in Canadian history, and a wide array of art chronicling the company’s colonial legacy.

The Ontario Superior Court greenlit the massive sell-off of Hudson’s Bay Company art, with the auction to be managed by Heffel Gallery, a Vancouver-based art auction house.

However, there is a caveat: HBC must consult with governmental and Indigenous stakeholders before finalizing the sale plan of their extensive art collection.

Criticism of the Hudson’s Bay Company art auction

The HBC art collection sell off has drawn intense scrutiny — especially from Indigenous groups concerned about culturally sensitive items being lost to private hands.

The auction is also one of the largest sell-offs in art history — representing a seismic shift in the art market. This sell-off is an opportunity for art investors, including art investing firms like Masterworks, as it offers a unique opportunity to acquire a number of sought after pieces — pieces coveted by private collectors — in a relatively short period of time.

Art collectors are excited at the opportunity

Art collectors, especially those with an eye for historical and institutional provenance, will recognize the HBC liquidation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. These aren’t just decorative oil paintings or colonial curios. This is institutional-grade material with direct ties to the formation of modern Canada.

For collectors, especially those focused on North American or colonial history, works from the HBC trove come with built-in prestige. They also carry with them the possibility of long-term value appreciation, particularly if public institutions fail to secure these items due to chronic underfunding.

That failure is likely. Canadian museums, as reported by Castanet, are struggling with limited budgets, making them unlikely to compete at scale. As a result, the path is cleared for private entities — whether high-net-worth individuals or group investing platforms, like Masterworks — to swoop in and claim major pieces of national history.

Will art investment firms invest in HBC artwork?

For art investment firms like Masterworks, which allow everyday investors to buy fractional shares in blue-chip artwork, the HBC sale opens the door to an unusual category: historically loaded institutional art with strong public interest and media attention.

Typically, Masterworks focuses on post-war and contemporary names like Basquiat, Banksy, or Kusama. But this auction presents a new value proposition: artifacts and artworks with strong cultural narratives that may not be as liquid but carry unique appreciation potential due to rarity, historical resonance, and limited access.

From a business perspective, acquiring a high-profile HBC piece could serve both as a diversification move and a brand-building moment. Masterworks could position itself not just as a platform democratizing access to blue-chip art but as a steward of historical artifacts — something that could broaden its investor base and deepen trust.

If Masterworks or its competitors were to secure a Royal Charter or a major painting from HBC’s archive, they wouldn’t just be acquiring a physical object — they’d be buying a cultural stake in a piece of Canadian identity. That has long-term public relations and asset-value upside, especially if those items appreciate in significance as public institutions continue to falter.

The most famous art pieces in the HBC collection

The Hudson’s Bay Company amassed a significant collection of art and artifacts over its 350-year history. As the company undergoes liquidation, many of these culturally and historically significant items are slated for auction. Here are some of the most notable pieces from HBC’s collection:

• 1670 Royal Charter: A foundational document granted by King Charles II, establishing HBC’s trading rights in North America. This charter is considered one of the most important corporate documents in Canadian history.
• Historical Paintings of the Hudson’s Bay Company: A commemorative set of fourteen full-colour reproductions of HBC calendar paintings, printed in 1970 for the company’s tercentenary. These paintings depict significant events and figures in HBC’s history and were created by well-known Canadian and British artists.
• Murals by Tappan Adney and Adam Sheriff Scott: Two large murals, "Nonsuch at Fort Charles" and "The Pioneer at Fort Garry," originally displayed in the Winnipeg HBC store. These works depict early scenes from HBC’s history and have been donated to the Manitoba Museum.
• Hudson’s Bay Point Blankets: Iconic wool blankets traded by HBC since the 18th century, characterized by their distinct multicoloured stripes. These blankets became a symbol of HBC’s trading legacy and are highly collectible.
• Artworks by Frances Anne Hopkins: An English painter known for her detailed depictions of Canadian voyageurs and landscapes during the 19th century. Her works provide valuable insights into the fur trade era and are part of HBC’s art collection.
• Artworks by Paul Kane: An Irish-Canadian painter who documented Indigenous peoples and landscapes in the Canadian Northwest during the mid-19th century. His paintings are significant records of early Canadian history and are included in HBC’s collection.
• Artworks by Peter Rindisbacher: A Swiss-born artist who created some of the earliest visual records of life in the Canadian West in the early 19th century. His works are valuable for their historical and ethnographic content and are part of HBC’s holdings.

These pieces collectively represent a rich tapestry of Canada’s colonial past, the fur trade, and the interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. As HBC proceeds with its auction plans, there is significant interest from museums, historians, and the public to preserve these artifacts within Canada to maintain their accessibility and cultural heritage.

The ethical dilemma and PR tightrope

That said, firms entering this space must tread carefully. The controversy surrounding Indigenous artifacts is real and rising. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has already issued formal objections, calling for the return or preservation of certain cultural pieces. Any investor or firm seen as exploiting these circumstances could face reputational backlash.

For collectors and art funds, the safest bets will be works and items clearly unrelated to Indigenous heritage — portraits, maps, and institutional memorabilia with no contested provenance. Art investing firms, which thrive on public goodwill and transparency, will need to conduct rigorous due diligence and potentially partner with cultural stakeholders to avoid crossing ethical lines.

What to expect

The auction’s timing remains fluid, pending stakeholder consultations and court review, but the signal is clear: the gates are about to open on a flood of historically significant artwork, much of which will likely leave public hands forever.

For private collectors, it’s an open season to acquire rare institutional artifacts.

For group investing firms, it’s a moment to rethink portfolio strategy and possibly step into a role traditionally occupied by museums. But amid the gold rush, a tension remains: How do you capitalize on the availability of national treasures without eroding the public trust — or history itself?

The answer, for serious players, will come down to strategy, sensitivity, and whether they see this moment as a mere acquisition — or a responsibility.

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.