The Peak Daily

On his first day in office as U.S. president, Donald Trump signed ~200 actions, memos, and proclamations. The good news is a directive to ignite a trade war with Canada wasn’t one of them. The bad news is he says tariffs are coming, and soon.For a brief period after Confederation, cricket was Canada’s national sport. It likely won’t ever regain that status, but it is still on the come-up. 

As TikTok faces potential bans, users are flocking to alternatives like Xiaohangshu, despite its limited English support. This shift raises questions about the future of social media engagement in the U.S. Meanwhile, in Canada, rising natural disaster costs are driving up insurance premiums, creating a dilemma that insurers are struggling to navigate. The discussion intertwines the challenges of digital migration with the real-world impacts of climate change, highlighting significant shifts in both tech and insurance landscapes.

The rise of ghost job listings on LinkedIn raises pressing transparency issues in Canada. Meanwhile, the fintech startup Float secures funding, reflecting the changing banking needs of small businesses. The podcast also dives into the automotive market, detailing the shifting dynamics between new and used car sales during inventory shortages. Experts predict a recovery in new car sales by 2025, alongside continued growth in the used car segment, despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

Canadians are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, as major chains like Loblaws face backlash for overcharging on meat products. New travel regulations are adding to the burden, requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization for those heading to the UK. The discussion also delves into Canada's shifting economic ties with China amidst U.S. tariffs, and the Liberal Party's moves to secure voting processes against foreign interference. Meanwhile, TikTok's potential ban in the U.S. continues to stir legal debates.

Randall Bartlett, Senior Director of Canadian Economics at Desjardins, offers sharp insights on the looming economic challenges posed by Trump’s potential tariffs on Canada. The conversation dives into the implications for U.S.-Canada relations and touches on interest rate shifts in Canada. Also thrillingly explored is Aspect Biosystems, a B.C. startup innovating diabetes treatment with 3D printing technology, which could revolutionize how the disease is managed, moving beyond traditional insulin injections.

Political turbulence looms as the Prime Minister faces declining approval ratings and pressure to resign. Scotiabank pivots from its Latin American endeavors, aiming for expansion closer to home. The podcast also explores market dynamics, including a significant U.S. acquisition by Scotiabank and Barrick Gold's challenges in Mali. Exciting innovations unfold too, like John Deere's advancements in autonomous farming and the merging of Fubo TV and Disney, reshaping the landscape of entertainment.

In February, Canadian Paul Krusky was detained in France on drug and money laundering charges related to the encryption software EncroChat. Krusky’s lawyer has told the Globe and Mail, “The story that was constructed by the police to get him in jail is cracking.” Oura’s smart rings have become one of the most successful gadgets of 2024. 

With all eyes glued to the drama on Parliament Hill this week, you may have missed that the feds announced new plans for border security, money laundering, and Chinese tariffs. In Toronto this year, nearly 15% of all shooting incidents were related to the tow truck industry. 

We woke up yesterday expecting a simple fall economic statement. Instead, we got chaos. The Canada Post strike, by the numbers: 29 days spent on the picket line, about 15 million parcel deliveries lost, and an estimated $1.6 billion hit to small businesses. 

Elon Musk’s brain chip company is ready to crack open some Canadian skulls (in a good way). If you’ve been kicking the tires on a new business idea, now might be the time to take a crack at it.