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The Peak Daily

The Peak / Curiouscastanchor.fm
Fast Canadian business news. Get up-to-speed quick with a fun and smart breakdown of the three biggest Canadian and global business stories in less than 10 minutes.
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Episodes

AI battle 👾 — OpenAI had a hectic weekend. SpaceX reaches space with Starship for first time. Xi makes a splash in America

We’ve been glued to our phones following the drama unfolding at the world’s (arguably) most important AI company so that you don’t have to. SpaceX made progress in the second test flight of its Starship rocket, but the program’s success is still far from certain. To the surprise and delight (emphasis on the surprise) of the world, Xi Jinping’s second face-to-face meeting with Joe Biden actually went pretty well. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 20, 20238 min

Weather AI 🌧️ — Meet your new weather forecaster: AI. GM buys itself a win over Tesla. Family docs drop plan to require extra training.

AI could force us to find a new go-to topic for small talk by bringing about a future where we already know everything about the weather. Fed up with trying to crack the code of Tesla’s low manufacturing costs, GM decided it would just buy the EV maker’s secret weapon. The body in charge of certifying family doctors in Canada is throwing the Uno reverse card at planned new training regulations. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 16, 20238 min

Netflix for Sports ⛳️ — US and China to announce fentanyl deal. Netflix tees off its live sports offerings. Nicotine pouches pose danger to kids, experts warn.

As Canada’s opioid crisis continues, new enforcement measures in China could help restrict the flow of deadly substances to our shores. Like us signing up for beer league hockey, Netflix is dipping its toes into sports just to see how things play out. Vaping is so 2021. These days, nicotine pouches are the vice of choice for many teens, and health experts are warning that it’s a serious problem. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 15, 20239 min

Dry IPO market 📉 — What’s wrong with the IPO market? Realtors’ fees in North America are under attack. Canadian tennis is on the come-up.

As Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living, pressure is mounting on the federal government to carve up its flagship climate policy like a Thanksgiving turkey. After almost a decade of delays, the world’s largest fusion reactor has finally achieved a key milestone. We’ve all had to give up some luxuries amidst rising inflation — it’s been sooo long since we’ve bought a fancy jar of fig jam — and the feds are no exception. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform...

Nov 14, 20238 min

Carbon tax carveouts 🪓 — Pressure mounts to overhaul carbon tax. Japan hits nuclear fusion milestone. The government gets to cutting.

As Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living, pressure is mounting on the federal government to carve up its flagship climate policy like a Thanksgiving turkey. After almost a decade of delays, the world’s largest fusion reactor has finally achieved a key milestone. We’ve all had to give up some luxuries amidst rising inflation — it’s been sooo long since we’ve bought a fancy jar of fig jam — and the feds are no exception. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform...

Nov 13, 20237 min

Ozempic competitors 💉 — Will an Ozempic competitor emerge? Ontario’s new foreign worker rules. Huawei is still patenting Canadian research.

Kind of like how every streamer released an epic fantasy show after Game of Thrones was a massive hit, drugmakers are all angling to produce the next blockbuster weight loss drug. We’ve all come across job postings with ludicrous experience requirements (10 years for an entry-level position???), and no one knows that pain more than foreign-trained workers. Like a dinner party guest who doesn’t know when to leave, Huawei is still kicking around Canadian universities' research departments. Celebra...

Nov 10, 20237 min

Airships rising 🛫 — Alberta plans to upend its healthcare system. Can airships make a comeback?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced yesterday that the province is planning to radically restructure its healthcare system. Rarely can one event kill off an entire industry, but that’s exactly what happened to airship travel when the LZ 129 Hindenburg burst into flames above New Jersey in 1937. Whether you’re at a family get-together or surfing online, politics can be a dicey topic to explore. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 09, 20238 min

WeBankrupt 🏢 — WeWork declares bankruptcy. The CRTC takes on Canada’s telecom giant. Global wine output is drying .

Not all heroes wear capes: Canada’s telecom regulator is trying to make your phone bill a little less daunting. Raise your on-tap kombuchas for a toast to WeWork, which burned far too bright and way too fast. To any wine moms or vino snobs who may be reading, make sure you’re sitting down with a chilled pinto grigio before looking at this next story. You might find it too upsetting. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 08, 20239 min

Dating CEO 👩‍💼 — Bumble hopes its new CEO is the perfect match. The down-low Google vs. Epic Games. Social media is ready for its own kind of retail therapy.

Just like you with your ex, the general public has fallen out of love with dating apps. The maker of Fortnite is hoping to score a victory royale against one of the titans of tech. Social media platforms are bracing for a potentially rough quarter, but they do have one hope: those “tap here to buy now” ads. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 07, 20238 min

AI influencers 📸 — AI influencers are taking over. Pre-tip your driver or risk slow delivery, DoorDash users warned. The impacts of Africa’s youth boom.

Out of all the jobs under threat from AI, we certainly didn’t have Instagram influencers at the top of our list. Want your late-night Big Mac order to arrive at least a little bit warm? Better tip your delivery driver ahead of time. Want to feel old? The median age in Africa is just shy of 19. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 06, 202314 min

Celebrity books 📚 — It’s the year of celebrity memoirs. What’s going on with the loonie? Low survey response rates are tainting economic data

Celebrity memoirs aren’t just a source of gossip-worthy headlines… they’ve also been giving the publishing industry a needed shot in the arm. Pros of Canadian currency compared to US currency: Comes in several fun colours, and features the majestic loon. Cons of Canadian currency compared to US currency: It’s less valuable, and dropping lower. Canadians are turning away from economic surveys, a development that’s hurting far more than just the feelings of the Stats Canada surveyors knocking on t...

Nov 03, 20238 min

Technical recession 🚨 — A technical recession is upon us. Clarifying the carbon tax drama. Canada joins global ransomware pledge Q

Stellantis executives looked around, saw the numerous drawn-out strikes that have happened this year, and told striking workers, “Let’s get this over with.” The US government is rolling out some new house rules for AI developers. New numbers suggest that Canada’s bail system is more backed up than our stomachs after a bunch of fast food. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 02, 20239 min

Technical recession 🚨 — A technical recession is upon us. Clarifying the carbon tax drama. Canada joins global ransomware pledge Q

Stellantis executives looked around, saw the numerous drawn-out strikes that have happened this year, and told striking workers, “Let’s get this over with.” The US government is rolling out some new house rules for AI developers. New numbers suggest that Canada’s bail system is more backed up than our stomachs after a bunch of fast food. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Nov 01, 20238 min

You’re out ⚾️ — More strikes than a baseball game. Biden’s executive order closes the AI floodgates. Canada tightens international student rules.

Stellantis executives looked around, saw the numerous drawn-out strikes that have happened this year, and told striking workers, “Let’s get this over with.” The US government is rolling out some new house rules for AI developers. New numbers suggest that Canada’s bail system is more backed up than our stomachs after a bunch of fast food. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 31, 20239 min

Poison pill AI 💊 — Halloween treats probably won’t give you lead poisoning, but watch that hot chocolate. Poison pill threatens AI image models. Canada tightens international student rules.

New research is putting the harmful metal content of chocolate under the microscope again, but don’t go tossing the kids’ trick-or-treat haul just yet. If your favourite AI image generator starts spitting out some weird stuff, we may have an explanation. For months now, officials have been saying that the 800,000 foreign students at Canadian universities and colleges are putting too much pressure on housing and the labour market. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform....

Oct 30, 20238 min

Cruise fight 🛳️ — Carnival condemned for Covid cruise. Stores show off their new brands. Alberta turns to AI to help fight wildfires.

Carnival Cruise Lines soon might have to spend a little bit less on cruise ship roller coasters and a little bit more on Covid lawsuit settlements. One in every three Canadians are buying more store brands to offset food inflation. On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, the country is turning to AI for solutions. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 27, 20239 min

Cruise fight 🛳️ — Carnival condemned for Covid cruise. Stores show off their new brands. Alberta turns to AI to help fight wildfires.

Carnival Cruise Lines soon might have to spend a little bit less on cruise ship roller coasters and a little bit more on Covid lawsuit settlements. One in every three Canadians are buying more store brands to offset food inflation. On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, the country is turning to AI for solutions. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 26, 20238 min

AI godfather debate 🤖— California deals a blow to autonomous cars. Doomsday kits are going mainstream. The Godfathers of AI can’t agree on how dangerous it is.

Like an angsty teen who took the car out without permission, Cruise has lost its driving privileges for the time being. If you’re looking for some early Christmas gift ideas, nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like a doomsday survival kit. The comments section of a Facebook post typically isn’t a place for intelligent debate between great minds… but sometimes, it is. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 25, 20237 min

Port strike 🪧 — Rich countries feel the migration surge. St. Lawrence Seaway workers join the strike wave. Could we see a billionaire tax?

Make some room! International migration to advanced economies reached an all-time high last year, with estimates suggesting a further influx this year, per new OECD stats. Shipping traffic at a key Canadian transportation artery has ground to a halt. No, there isn’t a 400-metre-long container ship blocking the Seaway, just 361 workers walking off the job. Three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and billionaires not paying said taxes. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepe...

Oct 24, 20239 min

New streaming deal 🏀—  Momentum grows for competition push. NBA looks for slam dunk with streamers. Who is Argentina’s next President?

If you've ever returned from a trip to the States and wished we had Trader Joe's here too, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne is with you—and not just to get easier access to the World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs, either. While basketball fans will be focused on the NBA season tip-off this week, business fans will be more focused on the massive shake-up happening in media that’s set to reshape pro sports. As Argentines head to the polls, there’s a good chance their next presid...

Oct 23, 20238 min

Free Money 🏦 —  The Senate considers UBI, New salad-making robots, Another EV investment

The Senate’s national finance committee studied a bill that would create a framework for universal basic income (UBI) in Canada. Salad start-up Sweetgreen welcomes robot overlords (sort of) Governments pledge nearly $1 billion in subsidies for an EV battery plant. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO Check out the the Mcdonalds drive through here.

Oct 18, 202310 min

Puff puff pass 💨 —  Five years of legal weed, Smart glasses hit shelves, Where are the entrepreneurs?

Weed has been legal in Canada for 5 years, what’s gone right and wrong? Meta has become the latest billion-dollar company to officially enter the smart glasses market with the second iteration of its design with Ray-Bans. There are 100,000 fewer business owners in Canada than 20 years ago. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 17, 202310 min

Edge of Diplomacy 🌎 —  Scramble in the middle east, labour tug of war.

Provinces are piloting new strategies to lure skilled workers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, green energy, and construction. Statistics Canada will release the consumer price index tomorrow Top US diplomats spent the weekend shuttling between Middle Eastern capitals in a bid to stop the war between Israel and Hamas from escalating into a broader regional conflict. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 16, 20238 min

English Tax 💲 —  Quebéc to bump tuition, IKEA is cutting prices, A $60B oil opportunity.

Quebéc is demanding that out-of-town university students parle Français, lest they pay the price. Ikea is slashing prices on a range of its furniture worldwide, as easing supply chain costs have made things cheaper to produce Exxon Mobil’s move to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources is welcome news for the Canadian oil industry. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 13, 20238 min

Climate Proof ☕— Starbucks develops climate resistant beans. Canada squeezes Airbnb. Food makers are tightening their belts.

Poor weather conditions are threatening to make your morning coffee even more expensive. The federal government is considering measures to encourage cities to limit the supply of short term rentals. Companies are worried that new weight loss drugs will be bad for their bottom line. Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdYA3TO

Oct 10, 20239 min

Blackberry 2 ☎️ — Blackberry cuts itself into two. Grocers agree to freeze prices. Rent is going up.

BlackBerry just booted up the ol’ Bold 9700 and sent a heartfelt break-up text… to itself. As some Canadians prepping for Thanksgiving come face-to-face with $120 turkeys, the government is asking big grocers to do something, anything, to lower food prices. Two years ago, $2,000 could go a long way in Canada’s major cities: We’re talking floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor swimming pools, and desirable downtown locations… Celebrating something? Let us know here: https://thepeak.typeform.com/to/MNdY...

Oct 06, 20238 min
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