Latest news with #Gauthier
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Nearly three in five small businesses worry the U.S.-Canada trade war could impact their summer tourism season Français
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - The summer tourism season is here, and 58% of small business owners are concerned the U.S.-Canada trade dispute will be disruptive, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). "For many businesses, summer is a make-or-break season. Tourism operators in particular count on summer revenues to get ahead of their debt and high costs," said Louis-Philippe Gauthier, CFIB's vice-president for the Atlantic region. This year, almost 40% of businesses expect summer tourism revenue to remain the same as last year, while about equal shares expect either higher or lower revenues. New data from CFIB found that 37% of those surveyed noticed changes in tourists' behaviour. Among those, 58% of businesses are seeing growing interest from Canadian travelers, and 37% noticed visitors choosing more affordable options for goods or services. Cross-border travel takes a hit amid trade tensions A public opinion poll conducted by CFIB with members of the Angus Reid Forum found that 10% of Canadians have canceled their business travel to the U.S and 22% cancelled their personal travel. Among those who have finalized their travel plans or have yet to do so, 56% plan to travel within their province, 51% elsewhere in Canada, and 21% elsewhere in the world other than the U.S. Only 11% are travelling or looking to travel to the U.S. this summer. "With more Canadians looking to stay within the country this summer, now is a great opportunity to explore our local businesses and communities and keep the loonies local. Every time Canadians choose to shop at a local small business, 66 cents of every dollar stays in the local economy," Gauthier added. To help the tourism industry, CFIB urges all three levels of government to reduce permit and licensing requirements while actively promoting buying local and travelling within and to Canada. "The tourism sector is one of the largest employers in Canada, and most tourism operators are small businesses," said Kalith Nanayakkara, CFIB's senior policy analyst for B.C. "Governments and Canadians have a significant role in strengthening our economy and supporting independent local businesses. We encourage people from coast to coast to get out and explore their communities, their provinces and their country this summer to create new memories and help give small businesses a much-needed boost." Methodology The Your Voice survey was conducted online, in English and French, from May 6 to June 2 and received 2,190 responses from Canadian business owners. For comparison purposes, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of +/- 2.09%, 19 times out of 20. The public opinion poll was conducted online, in English and French, by CFIB from June 6 to 9, with a representative sample of 1501 adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of +/-2.53%, 19 times out of 20. About CFIB The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners' chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Global start-up ecosystem value down, but AI-native start-ups on the rise
The global economy still cannot shake off the pandemic downturn, and that includes start-up ecosystems, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2025. However, the authors draw a comparison between the current phase of AI integration into the global economy and the early days of internet adoption. They note that the key difference is that the current rate of AI growth is exponentially higher. Early-stage funding deals and values have fallen dramatically since the early days of the pandemic. In the second half of 2021 (H2 2021), there were 13,215 deals valued at more than $60bn. By H2 2024, there was a fraction of this activity, with 5,391 deals valued at just over $20bn. The report also measures a decrease in ecosystem value, which it calculates through the sum of valuations of funded start-ups plus the post-money valuation in the past two-and-a-half years. There has been a 31% ecosystem value aggregate decrease in 2025. Out of the top 20 ecosystems the report measures, only three had positive growth in this area in the past year: Beijing, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The report emphasises the opportunities that can be created by AI native start-ups. It underlines the importance of diversifying development out of the US and China, which already receive most of the funding in the sector, so that opportunities can be created elsewhere. JF Gauthier, founder and CEO of Startup Genome (which authors the report), highlights that, currently, most AI budgets are being spent on infrastructure, research, and adoption of "existing AI solutions developed in the US and China". This means that entrepreneurial AI policy, the "engine of local job creation", according to Gauthier, is being overlooked. "Governments and agency leaders in charge of start-up ecosystems have, in this critical moment, the most important job of steering their societies to invest locally to produce long-term prosperity. Instead of investing 100% of the AI budget in the US and Chinese innovation – the value of which will be eroded by next year – allocate at least 25% of that investment to building your local AI-native start-up ecosystem," Gauthier advises. This embedded content is not available in your region. In creating the 2025 rankings, the report looked at six success factors: AI-native transition, funding, knowledge, market reach, performance, and talent and experience. It highlights South Korea's start-up policies, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government having invested $1.4bn (1.9trn won) in policies and initiatives over the past four years and therefore climbing 12 ranks. Singapore has also risen eight ranks since the mid 1990s through the pursuit of start-up-friendly policies. This embedded content is not available in your region. The factors weighed to rank emerging ecosystems are slightly different from those for the top locations. There is more focus on early-stage funding and less emphasis on the number of exits. Wuxi, China, attained the top spot in the ranking following a 67% increase in exits, with values over $50m (359.03m yuan). Jakarta gained four ranks and Istanbul ten, after an increase in funding and market reach. Riyadh has had the most significant growth in the Middle East and North Africa region, jumping from the 51–60 range in 2024 to the 21–30 range in 2025. This growth was fuelled by an increase in exits of more than $50m (SR187.5m), such as Rasan's $1.1bn exit. "Global start-up ecosystem value down, but AI-native start-ups on the rise – report" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Students shine during Special Olympics Games
ANDOVER — More than 200 student-athletes had their moments to shine during the annual Special Olympics School Day Games at Andover High School's Lovely Field a week ago last Tuesday. The event was a collaboration between Andover and North Andover schools, which partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts for the annual games. This marked the 22nd year North Andover has participated in the games and Andover's seventh year. The athletes, escorted by the Andover Police and Fire departments, paraded along the school's track as family and friends cheered them on with signs from the stands on a sunny morning. Some athletes danced to the music from the high school's drum line. Student athletes competed in track and field events like the 50-meter dash, tennis ball throw and standing and running long jumps. Field events also included activities like bean-bag tosses and soccer ball dribbling. There was also a ring-toss for younger athletes and a specialized program for athletes in wheelchairs. Mark Gauthier, 7, was one of the young North Andover athletes who had a big smile on his face as he jumped over hurdles on the field. Gauthier was cheered on by his fans, including parents, a sister, a niece and an uncle who smiled while watching their athlete having a blast. This was the second year in which Gauthier has participated in the games. He had already competed in three field events during the day. 'He is shattering records out there,' said uncle John Crockwell. Crockwell was holding a large, neon-green sign for his nephew which read: 'Go Markey, my guy.' Crockwell said the athlete saw the sign and his eyes lit up. His father Mark Gauthier described his son as a shy kid who wasn't as sociable before starting school. He watched as Mark was having fun with his classmates in a large crowd. Erica Dellorusso said she's seen a change in her brother since he enrolled in North Andover schools. 'He never would have done this before,' Dellorusso said. At the other end of the field, five-year-old Adriel Lopez was taking a break from the action by keeping his father Rafael Lopez busy running around. His mother Adriana Lopez said her kindergartner loves being outside and this was his third year attending the games. 'And it's just nice seeing the community come together,' she said. North Andover Superintendent Pamela Lathrop said it's a fun day for the kids to be able to communicate who they are and thrive in an environment geared toward them. It's something the two school districts have strived for in their collaborative efforts. 'Everything is appropriate for them, every activity they can participate in and their families are really proud,' Lathrop said. Andover Superintendent Magda Parvey said the two districts look forward to this day each year. 'It's the students' day to shine and to really be recognized in a special way,' Parvey said. 'But it's also about people coming together in the interest of our kids. That's why we're here.' North Andover's involvement in the Special Olympics began more than two decades ago thanks to the efforts of a parent of a child with special needs. Lathrop recalled her school district started participating in Special Olympics when she was a teacher and continued when she served as a principal. 'It has been great to be able to grow the program and share resources and make it a really special Olympics for all the kids,' Lathrop said. 'It's a great way to pull the two communities together and let the kids have fun and the families come out and enjoy it.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BAM selloff called 'tactical buying opportunity' by Scotiabank
-- Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) shares came under pressure Monday after S&P declined to assign the company a U.S. domicile, a move that some market participants had anticipated as a catalyst for broad index inclusion. Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) analyst Jean-Michel Gauthier framed the market reaction as a temporary dislocation, calling the pullback a tactical buying opportunity. The stock finished yesterday 4.3% lower in Toronto trading, a retreat Gauthier believes was driven by 'speculators [who] unwound some pre-positioning from the lack of a BAM US domicile assignment by S&P.' The analyst reiterated a positive stance, citing both the potential for index inclusion and strong forward fundamentals. While S&P's decision was viewed as a disappointment in the short term, Scotiabank expects BAM to benefit from upcoming index inflows elsewhere. Gauthier wrote that 'BAM is still slated for a Russell inclusion on June 27 (+7.0M shares, 3.7x ADV)' and that the firm anticipates "it to be added to CRSP (rebalance from June 17 to 24, +13M shares, 2.4x ADV), which should provide strong tailwind.' Scotiabank continues to back both BAM and its parent Brookfield Corp (TSX:BN), suggesting the recent weakness brings their valuations closer to historical averages. 'BN trades at an above-avg. discount to historical P/NAV, while BAM is at a slight premium to average since our July 2023 initiation,' the report stated. The firm believes S&P's decision to delay re-domiciling BAM to the U.S. is not the end of the story and will likely be revisited. 'We believe this only pushes back S&P's decision,' the report said, adding that the index provider may have wanted to avoid conflicting changes across CRSP and Russell timelines. Gauthier forecasts that 2025 could be a banner year for BAM, supported by a strong fundraising environment and potential earnings growth. The report estimates approximately 20% year-over-year growth in distributable earnings per share and sees room for external growth following BAM's recent debt raise. Related articles BAM selloff called 'tactical buying opportunity' by Scotiabank JP Morgan downgrades Informa TechTarget and cuts price target by over 50% CoreWeave falls as DA Davidson projects equity worth less than $5/share Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
North Rustico lobster fishers still facing harbour problems
Despite the federal government having dredging completed ahead of this year's spring lobster season in North Rustico, P.E.I., fishers around the area still struggle to bring in their catches. Dredging is a process required in some harbours because tidal currents and wave action can fill in navigational channels and harbour basins with sediment. In an interview with The Guardian on June 1, Joey's Deep Sea Fishing co-owner Julie Ann Gauthier said the tides were low due to the moon phase affecting the tide conditions this past week at North Rustico Harbour. 'Same as what happened at the end of April, happened again, except we were just more aware of it,' said Gauthier recalled an April 29 incident at the harbour. To bring the incident into context, more than a dozen lobster vessels sailing in and out of North Rustico Harbour were stuck offshore for some time as they struggled to land their catches on April 29. 'Nobody did get stuck out there, but there were some days that we maybe didn't get to haul all of our traps because you had to get back to shore before the tide was going to be too low,' Gauthier said. The lobster fishermen around the area have more than enough to worry about, she said. 'Like, is our crew safe? Are we catching enough lobster? What do we need to do? Where are we moving around? All that kind of stuff,' Gauthier said. Dredging the harbour is a simple solution, she added. 'There's talk, but we haven't seen action yet. We have been working with Heath MacDonald, who is our member of Parliament here,' Gauthier said. He is also a member of the cabinet, which means he is around the table with the right people, she added. 'However, we have not yet been told what they plan. But as we phase out of lobster fishing and we phase into deep sea fishing, it continues to be a concern,' Gauthier said. Despite the problems on the water, many residents and visitors of North Rustico, P.E.I. enjoyed a public event on June 1 that was part of Ocean Week Canada, a national celebration of ocean learning, stewardship and connection. The Rustico Surf Club hosted the event in partnership with Cavendish Beach and Central Coastal Drive. Jason Woodside, a professional oyster shucker and former Canadian champion, gave a presentation at the event about sustainable oyster practices. In an interview with The Guardian, Woodside said that P.E.I., as an industry, should continue to focus on creating quality oysters. 'For years and years, the idea is people either think oysters are a food that should be cheap, like buck-a-shuck oysters, or it should be a premium high-quality product, and it should fetch top dollar,' said Woodside. We still need to appreciate that it takes that oyster grower or that oyster four to five years to get to market, he added. 'When we start appreciating the oyster and where it's from, the rest will come,' Woodside said. The nature of the oyster itself and its behavior kind of instills sustainability, he added. 'It takes a long time to grow an oyster and so we nurture and care for our oysters, of course, you know, because each one is precious and special and those oysters also only grow in special places,' Woodside said. Oysters don't just grow anywhere, said Woodside. 'They're in these very delicate places and so, we nurture those places and we sort of tend to the oysters similar to gardening in a way,' he said. Wherever the oysters are from, the person who eats them can connect with the location from which they originated, Woodside added. 'It's not just a frozen chicken breast that nobody cares about. It's about connection, feeling – people try oysters from New Zealand or Ireland or B.C. or New England, U.S.A., and it immediately connects them with that place,' he said Yutaro Sasaki is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, a position funded by the federal government. He can be reached at ysasaki@ . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
