Antonia Ann

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Quebec

Quebec’s Housing Market Outperforms National Trends

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As of mid-2025, Quebec’s housing market is clearly emerging as one of the strongest in the country, and in my opinion, this isn’t just a short-term blip—it’s a reflection of deeper structural advantages and socio-economic decisions that are now bearing fruit. Compared to the overheated markets of Ontario and British Columbia, Quebec has charted a more balanced and stable path, and that’s becoming increasingly attractive to both local residents and external investors.

Why Quebec Is Outperforming

Relative Affordability Is a Game-Changer

One of the biggest reasons Quebec’s housing market is outperforming is comparative affordability. For years, prospective homeowners have been priced out of markets like Toronto and Vancouver. In contrast, Quebec’s major cities—like Montreal, Quebec City, and even secondary towns like Sherbrooke or Gatineau—still offer quality homes at prices that are realistic for middle-class families.

That affordability draws not just first-time buyers, but also retirees, remote workers, and immigrants who find themselves priced out of other provinces. This inflow of demand has pushed up sales volumes and helped maintain price growth—without the dangerous speculation we’ve seen elsewhere.

A Well-Functioning Urban Planning Strategy

Unlike regions that allowed explosive, unregulated growth, many Quebec municipalities (particularly Montreal and Quebec City) have invested in thoughtful zoning policies, public transportation infrastructure, and mixed-use urban planning. These policies have helped maintain the balance between supply and demand. This means that while prices have risen, it hasn’t been the boom-and-bust cycle we’ve seen in Toronto, where limited land and speculation caused both housing shortages and affordability crises.

Supportive Provincial Programs and Political Stability

Quebec’s government has historically taken a more interventionist role in its housing sector. From subsidies for first-time buyers to tax incentives and regulated rent increases, the province has used public policy as a lever to encourage homeownership and housing supply without overheating the market. Political stability and a strong social safety net also foster buyer confidence—important ingredients in any healthy market.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

If you’re a buyer, particularly from outside Quebec, this is the time to take a closer look. Unlike Ontario or B.C., Quebec still offers homes that match average household incomes, with strong long-term appreciation potential. For sellers, especially in Montreal or Quebec City, it’s a sweet spot—rising demand and growing market visibility are pushing values higher, but not so fast that buyers are scared off.

Challenges to Watch

Of course, no market is without risk. While Quebec looks strong now, external economic pressures—such as interest rate volatility, federal housing policy shifts, or national economic slowdowns—could cool momentum. Also, as more out-of-province buyers enter the market, there’s a risk of repeating the mistakes made in Toronto: investor-driven price spikes that eventually erode affordability.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Quebec is currently Canada’s most balanced and opportunity-rich housing market. It combines economic stability, relative affordability, smart planning, and rising national relevance. If policymakers stay the course—encouraging growth while protecting accessibility—Quebec could serve as a model for sustainable urban development in Canada.

For Canadians frustrated with their local markets, Quebec is no longer just an alternative. It’s a blueprint.

Real Estate

Housing Starts Surge 30% in April, CMHC Reports

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April 2025 saw a significant 30% increase in Canadian housing starts compared to March, indicating a boost in residential construction activity.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the seasonally adjusted annualized rate of new home construction rose to 278,606 units in April, up from 214,205 units in March. This surge surpasses economists’ expectations and suggests a response to ongoing housing demand and affordability concerns.

Key Highlights:

  • Urban vs. Rural Starts: Urban housing starts climbed 28% to an annual rate of 259,788 units, while rural starts were estimated at 18,818 units. Actual urban housing starts in April totaled 21,720 units, up 17% from 18,539 units in April 2024

  • Regional Variations:

    • Increases: Quebec and the Prairie provinces led the surge. Montreal saw a 64% year-over-year increase in housing starts, primarily driven by multi-unit projects. Saskatchewan’s year-to-date starts rose by 94%, Quebec by 55%, and Newfoundland by 47% 

    • Declines: Ontario and British Columbia experienced declines. Toronto’s housing starts fell by 25% year-over-year, while Ontario and BC saw decreases of 10% and 3%, respectively 

  • Six-Month Trend: The six-month moving average of the overall SAAR of housing starts increased by 2.4% in April to 240,905 units, indicating a positive trend in new housing supply 

Implications:

The substantial increase in housing starts suggests a potential easing of housing supply constraints in certain regions. However, the declines in key markets like Ontario and BC highlight ongoing challenges in addressing housing affordability and availability. CMHC’s Deputy Chief Economist, Kevin Hughes, noted that economic uncertainties could impact the supply and demand dynamics of new housing in the coming months .

This surge in housing starts may influence policy decisions and market strategies aimed at balancing housing supply across Canada.

Conservative Party

Young Canadian Men Gravitate Towards Conservative Values

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Recent analyses indicate a significant shift among young Canadian men, who are increasingly aligning with conservative principles, driven by concerns over economic opportunities and personal freedoms.

A notable trend has emerged among young Canadian men, who are showing growing support for conservative ideologies. This demographic shift is attributed to a desire for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and the protection of individual liberties.

Conservative leaders are recognizing this momentum and tailoring their messages to address the aspirations and concerns of younger voters. The emphasis on fiscal responsibility, entrepreneurship, and limited government resonates with a generation seeking stability and opportunity in uncertain times.

Ferry
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B.C. Ferries Sees Surge in Bookings for Victoria Day

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The City of Toronto has announced a new pilot program promoting green roofs on commercial and residential buildings in high-temperature zones, part of a broader strategy to mitigate urban heat effects.

Toronto’s downtown core is about to get greener—literally. The city unveiled a $10 million “Cool City” initiative this afternoon aimed at combating urban heat islands through widespread adoption of green roofs.

Mayor Olivia Chow stated that the initiative will focus on converting concrete rooftops into living ecosystems that cool buildings, reduce energy use, and absorb rainwater. The pilot will begin in neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Liberty Village, and St. James Town.

The move follows alarming data showing that certain urban zones in Toronto are up to 6°C hotter than surrounding areas during heatwaves. By covering buildings with vegetation, the city hopes to reduce the need for air conditioning and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Grants will cover up to 80% of installation costs for approved projects. If successful, the pilot could expand citywide by 2027.

Thunderstorms Disrupt Power in Ontario Ahead of Long Weekend
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Thunderstorms Disrupt Power in Ontario Ahead of Long Weekend

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Severe thunderstorms swept across central and southern Ontario this afternoon, knocking out power to over 50,000 residents. Hydro One crews are working through challenging conditions to restore electricity before the Victoria Day long weekend.

As Canadians gear up for the holiday weekend, unexpected severe weather has dampened spirits across parts of Ontario. A fast-moving thunderstorm system hit Simcoe County, Durham Region, and parts of the Greater Toronto Area around 2 p.m., bringing intense lightning, heavy rainfall, and wind gusts up to 90 km/h.

Hydro One reported over 300 active outages at its peak, citing downed power lines and fallen trees. Emergency services responded to dozens of calls related to blocked roads, minor injuries, and fire hazards caused by electrical sparks.

Environment Canada had issued a special weather statement earlier in the day, warning of “widespread thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.” Despite this, many residents were caught unprepared.

Ontario’s Ministry of Energy has activated its response protocol and is in close contact with utilities to ensure timely restoration of power. Residents are advised to charge devices, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.

Real Assets
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The Rise of Real Asset Investing – Why Canadians Are Looking Beyond Stocks in 2025

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For decades, Canadian retail investors were told to stick to the basics: equities, bonds, mutual funds. But in 2025, a new investment mindset is taking root — one that’s pushing everyday Canadians toward real assets like infrastructure funds, farmland, private credit, and even fractional real estate.

As volatility continues to plague stock markets, and bonds underperform in inflationary cycles, investors are looking for tangible, long-duration assets that offer both inflation hedging and consistent income. This marks a significant shift in the national investment psychology — from growth-at-all-costs to durability-first portfolios.

What Are Real Assets?

Real assets are physical or infrastructure-based investments that hold intrinsic value. These include:

  • Farmland

  • Energy infrastructure (pipelines, renewables)

  • Toll roads and ports

  • Private real estate (commercial, multifamily)

  • Commodities like timber and water rights

Many are now accessible through retail-focused investment platforms, REIT alternatives, and new private market funds designed for accredited and near-accredited investors.

Platforms like Harvest ETFs, Addy, and Fundscraper are democratizing access to projects that were once the exclusive domain of pension funds and family offices.

Why the Shift Now?

Several factors are driving the pivot toward real assets in Canada:

  • Persistent inflation is eroding fixed-income purchasing power.

  • Interest rate uncertainty is making traditional 60/40 portfolios unreliable.

  • Geopolitical risk is making physical control of resources and infrastructure more attractive.

  • Diversification pressure is pushing investors to reduce equity market correlation.

In short: people want stability with upside — and real assets provide that blend better than most financial instruments today.

“I’m not looking to beat the market,” says Vancouver-based engineer Jasbir Chahal, who recently invested in a renewable energy income trust. “I want returns I can see and understand — something that’s not vapor.”

Institutional Backing, Retail Acceleration

Large institutions have already validated the real asset thesis. Canada’s own CPP Investments has over $150 billion in real assets globally, and pension funds like OMERS and PSP Investments are increasing allocations to infrastructure and logistics platforms.

Retail investors are following — cautiously, but persistently. In 2025 alone, Canadian retail participation in real asset funds grew by 27%, according to the Financial Planning Standards Council.

Some products offer monthly income; others, equity participation. Many are RRSP- and TFSA-eligible, giving them a tax-advantaged edge over foreign alternatives.

Risks and Realities

Real asset investing is not risk-free. Liquidity is a major concern — unlike stocks, you can’t instantly sell your stake in a farmland co-op or a toll-road lease. Valuations may be opaque, and many products require minimum holds of 3–5 years.

Moreover, due diligence is critical. With the rise in demand, not all offerings are vetted equally. Investors must assess not only the asset class but also the operator, the cash flow model, and the exit mechanism.

“There’s a difference between owning a piece of a wind farm and being trapped in an illiquid, overpriced green fund,” warns Lara Desjardins, an alternative investment analyst in Montreal. “Smart real asset investing is about underwriting the operator as much as the asset.”

A Generational Perspective

What makes 2025 different is that younger Canadians are participating in real asset strategies. Millennials and Gen Z professionals — long priced out of homeownership and skeptical of market volatility — see fractional ownership and income-yielding physical assets as a way to reclaim financial agency.

For them, it’s not about beating the S&P. It’s about owning something real in a digital, inflated world.

Conclusion: From Charts to Concrete

In a financial era defined by complexity, real assets offer clarity. You can see them, touch them, and map their value to real-world utility. For Canadians navigating economic fog, that tangibility is becoming priceless.

Real assets may not be flashy, but they are foundational — and in 2025, that foundation is becoming a core part of Canada’s investment story.

Beyond Paycheque
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Beyond Paycheques – How Canadians Are Building Passive Income Streams in an Era of Economic Uncertainty

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In 2025, the phrase “side hustle” has evolved. No longer synonymous with driving for Uber or selling on Etsy, a growing number of Canadians are now turning to passive income strategies as a means of regaining control over their financial futures. From REITs and dividends to high-yield savings automation and digital product royalties, the modern middle-class investor is building “micro-portfolios” of income — even without substantial capital to begin with.

This shift is not driven by greed — but by necessity.

With inflation lingering above wage growth, interest rates staying elevated, and job security feeling fragile across many sectors, passive income has transformed from a financial bonus into a survival strategy.

The Quiet Revolution of Everyday Investors

According to a recent Scotiabank poll, 41% of Canadians aged 30 to 55 say they are actively working toward building passive income. The top motivations? Supplementing unpredictable wages, offsetting rising housing costs, and preparing for early retirement or a potential career pivot.

What’s notable is that these investors aren’t waiting for windfalls. They’re starting small, using automation, compound interest, and modern platforms that enable fractional investing.

Dividend investing is leading the charge. Through apps like Wealthsimple and Questrade, Canadians are building positions in high-yield blue-chip stocks — often reinvesting dividends into new shares and leveraging DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plans). It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Others are venturing into real estate crowdfunding platforms, such as Addy or Willow, which allow Canadians to invest in commercial or residential properties for as little as $250 — generating monthly rent-based dividends with little to no management responsibility.

Monetizing Knowledge and Creativity

Another major passive income channel is digital product creation. Teachers are earning royalties on education PDFs sold on marketplaces like Teachers Pay Teachers. Hobbyists are publishing niche ebooks or print-on-demand journals via Amazon KDP. Musicians and podcasters are uploading royalty-bearing content on platforms like Spotify and Patreon.

The pandemic, for all its disruption, democratized digital tools — and 2025 is proving that Canadians are still leveraging those tools to create monetizable content.

Freelancers and professionals are also pre-building evergreen online courses on platforms like Teachable and Thinkific — earning income every time someone enrolls. While not entirely passive in the setup stage, these projects offer long-tail revenue that can scale with little maintenance.

Caution: Scams, Taxes, and Unrealistic Expectations

The rise of passive income culture has also brought pitfalls. YouTube is full of “$10,000 a month” passive income claims, many of which oversell the simplicity and understate the time investment. Financial advisors are urging Canadians to separate marketing from reality and to understand risk before diving into affiliate programs, crypto staking, or drop-shipping.

Moreover, the tax implications of passive income are often misunderstood. Rental and dividend income are taxed differently than wages. Capital gains have their own set of rules. With the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) increasing audits of gig and side income, transparency and good bookkeeping are essential.

“We’re seeing a rise in side income, but not always in side accounting,” warns Ayesha Taggar, a Toronto-based tax lawyer. “People assume if it’s digital, it’s invisible. It’s not.”

A Cultural Shift Toward Autonomy

What unites this movement is mindset. Canadians are no longer relying on a single employer, pension, or RRSP to carry them through retirement. Instead, they are assembling personal financial ecosystems — a mix of recurring cash flows, smart tax planning, and digital monetization.

This is not about quitting jobs, but reclaiming leverage in a system where living costs are outpacing traditional incomes. It’s about diversifying not just assets — but opportunity.

Conclusion: Passive Income, Active Strategy

Passive income may sound effortless, but it requires planning, research, and long-term thinking. It’s not a get-rich-quick route — it’s a path to stability in an unpredictable economy.

As more Canadians explore this avenue, the conversation around work, money, and freedom will continue to evolve — quietly, steadily, and with purpose.

Mortgage
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Canada’s Mortgage Cliff – Are Households Ready for the Great Renewal Wave of 2025–2027?

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Over the next 24 months, nearly 47% of Canadian mortgages are scheduled for renewal. For many homeowners, this transition won’t just be a line on a bank statement — it will be a financial reckoning. Rates that were locked in at historic lows during the 2020-2021 pandemic period are now maturing into a reality shaped by persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and declining real wage growth.

This upcoming “mortgage cliff” has already become a focal point for economists, policymakers, and financial planners. And while some Canadians are preparing for the transition, a significant portion remain under-informed, under-saved, and financially exposed.

The Numbers Behind the Shock

During the pandemic, the Bank of Canada slashed interest rates to just 0.25%, prompting a home-buying frenzy fueled by variable-rate mortgages and five-year fixed terms with rates under 2%. Today, those same borrowers are facing renewal offers at rates between 5.2% and 6.1%, depending on credit score and amortization choices.

For a household that borrowed $600,000 at 1.8% in 2020, monthly payments could jump by $1,000 to $1,200 at renewal — a 40% to 50% increase in housing costs. In urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto, where average mortgages easily exceed $700,000, the pain could be sharper.

A recent RBC analysis found that 29% of mortgage holders would face affordability stress without major lifestyle changes, additional income, or debt consolidation.

Variable-Rate Vulnerabilities

Variable-rate mortgage holders are feeling the pressure first. Many are already hitting their “trigger rate” — the point at which monthly payments no longer cover interest, let alone principal. In some cases, banks have extended amortization periods to 60 or even 70 years to avoid defaults, but this only postpones the problem.

Homeowners in this position are facing a tough decision: renew at a fixed rate and lock in higher payments, or continue variable exposure with the hope that rates will drop — a risky gamble if inflation rebounds or the Bank of Canada tightens again.

Government and Industry Response

The federal government has taken notice. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has initiated a review of lender stress test rules and floated the idea of introducing a temporary mortgage relief tax credit for households whose interest payments exceed a defined percentage of net income.

Banks, too, are adapting. BMO and CIBC have launched “renewal resilience” outreach campaigns, offering personalized pre-renewal assessments, blended-rate options, and access to financial advisors specializing in debt restructuring.

But critics argue this is not enough. Advocacy groups like the Canadian Mortgage Federation are calling for a national registry of high-risk mortgages and mandatory pre-renewal financial literacy modules — especially for first-time buyers.

The Wealth Gap Widens

While middle-income households struggle with rising mortgage costs, wealthier Canadians are reaping the benefits of higher interest on savings, diversified portfolios, and cash-flow flexibility. This dynamic is widening the wealth divide, as lower-income groups dedicate more of their paycheck to housing while higher-income families build equity and passive returns.

Real estate investors, flush with equity and liquidity, are also preparing to scoop up distressed properties that may hit the market — further consolidating property ownership into fewer hands.

“We’re moving into an era where housing no longer guarantees wealth. It now tests financial literacy and market timing,” says Dr. Sanya Ried, a behavioral economist at Western University.

A Test of Resilience

The next two years will serve as a litmus test for Canada’s financial system and its citizens’ financial literacy. Will lenders act in good faith? Will borrowers adapt in time? Will policymakers step in with meaningful protections before defaults rise?

One thing is certain: the mortgage renewal wave is no longer on the horizon — it’s here. And how Canada handles it could define the financial well-being of millions for the next decade.

Made In Canada
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The Resurgence of Domestic Manufacturing – Why ‘Made in Canada’ is More Than a Slogan in 2025

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In 2025, a quiet renaissance is unfolding across Canada’s industrial landscape. From Hamilton’s steel corridors to Saint-Hyacinthe’s food processing plants and Edmonton’s machinery yards, domestic manufacturing is making a comeback. It’s not just patriotic branding — it’s a structural economic pivot driven by global insecurity, disrupted supply chains, and a new federal industrial strategy that favors local over offshore.

What was once dismissed as a sunset sector is now viewed as a cornerstone of national resilience — and policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs are taking notice.

From Globalization to Strategic Repatriation

The 2020s have revealed the vulnerabilities of hyper-globalized supply chains. COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing shipping disruptions have made foreign dependency a liability, not just an inefficiency. For Canadian businesses, the calculus is changing: reliability is now more valuable than razor-thin margins.

Responding to these trends, the Carney government has introduced a “Strategic Reshoring Program” offering targeted tax breaks, equipment subsidies, and fast-track permitting for companies that repatriate manufacturing functions — particularly in critical sectors like medical devices, energy tech, clean materials, and semiconductors.

The results are beginning to show. In 2024, Canada’s manufacturing GDP grew by 4.2% — the highest in over a decade. Job postings in the sector rose by 12%, with notable demand for robotics technicians, materials scientists, and logistics managers.

Case Studies: Local Roots, Global Reach

In Cambridge, Ontario, a former auto parts plant has been transformed into a battery casing fabrication center for EVs, serving both Canadian and American automakers. In Winnipeg, a small firm that used to assemble consumer electronics now 3D prints precision components for wind turbines and exports them to Germany.

And in Moncton, New Brunswick, a dairy cooperative has installed Canada’s first solar-powered cold-chain processing facility, drastically reducing energy costs and providing a model for carbon-conscious food manufacturing.

These are not outliers. They are the vanguard of a larger movement toward regional industrial clusters that combine digital infrastructure, local talent, and government-backed supply chain integration.

Tech-Enabled, Labor-Responsive

What differentiates this new wave of manufacturing from its 20th-century predecessor is technology. These facilities aren’t smoky plants with conveyor belts — they’re clean, smart, and efficient. Robotics, AI-driven quality control, and digital twins are becoming standard.

At the same time, there’s renewed attention to labor. Unions are negotiating stronger upskilling provisions, while governments are funding vocational retraining programs for displaced workers. In Quebec, a pilot apprenticeship program blends high school trades education with paid internships at clean-tech firms — a model that could soon roll out nationally.

Still, challenges persist. Labor shortages in skilled trades, inconsistent regional zoning laws, and outdated logistics infrastructure (especially rail intermodality) remain barriers to faster growth. But the momentum is undeniable.

Policy Backing and Political Consensus

Unusually, domestic manufacturing has found support across the political spectrum. Conservatives view it as a path to energy sovereignty and rural job creation. Liberals frame it as economic modernization aligned with climate goals. Even the NDP has pushed for equity-focused frameworks ensuring First Nations and marginalized communities benefit from industrial policy gains.

The federal government’s upcoming Made-in-Canada Supply Chain Act, expected this fall, will mandate domestic sourcing for 30% of federal procurement contracts by 2026 and create a cross-provincial data portal to track supply chain resilience in real time.

Industry leaders say it’s a long-overdue modernization of Canada’s industrial backbone.

Conclusion: The Factory Reimagined

The 2025 Canadian factory is not a throwback — it’s a leap forward. Clean, smart, and resilient, domestic manufacturing is being rebranded as the strategic heart of the national economy.

The “Made in Canada” label no longer represents nostalgia. It represents security, innovation, and the future — made not just for Canadians, but by them.

Canada Financial Stability
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Canada’s Hidden Champions – Why Mid-Market Firms Are the Country’s Untapped Economic Engine

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In the shadow of Canada’s corporate giants — think Shopify, RBC, or Enbridge — lies a largely overlooked powerhouse: the mid-market business sector. Comprising companies with revenues between $10 million and $500 million, these firms employ over 2 million Canadians and contribute nearly 12% of GDP. Yet they remain underrepresented in policy debates, investment narratives, and even the media spotlight.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new administration is now signaling a shift in focus. As Canada navigates economic headwinds from global volatility, domestic inflation pressures, and slowing foreign investment, mid-sized companies are increasingly viewed as the backbone of a more resilient economy — agile enough to pivot during crises, large enough to scale rapidly, and local enough to anchor rural and regional job markets.

The Quiet Growth Story

Unlike startups, which often chase rapid scale, or large corporations entrenched in legacy systems, mid-sized firms — often family-owned or regionally rooted — tend to take a long-term view. They are more likely to reinvest profits locally, maintain stable employment, and build relationships with domestic suppliers.

During the pandemic, many of these firms demonstrated remarkable adaptability. A Montreal-based chemical manufacturer retooled its operations to produce medical-grade sanitizer; a Vancouver logistics provider shifted to intermodal delivery when port congestion struck. These stories didn’t make headlines — but they kept the economy moving.

“Mid-sized companies are Canada’s quiet champions,” says Dr. Karina Hall, senior economist at the Fraser Institute. “They’re not flashy, but they’re durable. And in a volatile world, that’s what matters.”

Policy Gaps and Financial Barriers

Despite their importance, Canada’s mid-market firms face systemic disadvantages. Access to capital is a recurring issue. While major corporations have no shortage of suitors, and startups often benefit from government grants and VC funding, mid-tier businesses are stuck in a financing gap — too big for seed funds, too small for public markets.

Regulatory red tape is another burden. Many firms struggle with compliance costs that are scaled for multinational giants. “We spend more time filling out government paperwork than innovating,” says Julie Bernard, CEO of a Saskatoon-based agri-tech firm. “We’re not asking for handouts — just for policy that fits our size.”

To address this, the federal government is considering a Mid-Market Investment Catalyst Fund — a hybrid public-private vehicle designed to provide growth capital, succession financing, and R&D incentives tailored to firms in the $20–250 million range.

Regional Revitalization and National Strategy

Mid-market firms are also key to revitalizing Canada’s struggling regional economies. In Nova Scotia, a Halifax-based seafood exporter has expanded to Europe using sustainable cold-chain shipping. In Alberta, a family-owned software firm has quietly become a global leader in oilfield automation — exporting its product to 42 countries.

Yet these companies rarely get the same trade mission invitations, branding support, or media exposure as their corporate counterparts.

“We talk a lot about ‘Made in Canada,’” says David Liu, a policy strategist with the Economic Council of Canada. “But the government’s export strategy is still designed for giants. We need a ‘Middleweight Trade Strategy’ — one that focuses on firms with fewer than 500 employees but global ambition.”

The federal Innovation Ministry is expected to release a white paper this summer on “Next-Gen Economic Engines,” which sources say will focus heavily on mid-sized firms in cleantech, digital manufacturing, and bio-agriculture.

Conclusion: An Economy Built from the Middle Out

In a world where economic strength is often measured by unicorn valuations and Bay Street profits, Canada may be rediscovering an older truth: real resilience comes from the middle. By empowering its mid-sized firms — with smarter policy, better access to capital, and tailored support — Canada could unlock a wave of innovation and employment growth that is less vulnerable to global shocks.

As Carney’s government reorients its economic lens, the message is clear: it’s time to stop ignoring the middle and start building the future from it.

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