Economic diversity, stability keeps Winnipeg office market secure

It’s so hard not to think the world is crashing down, when so many of the norms we associate with a properly functioning economy seem to be called into doubt.

Without becoming recklessly complacent, in Winnipeg, we get to wrap ourselves in the warm blanket of stability that our economic diversity has woven while a U.S. president seems intent on breaking the order we’ve all relied on.

Case in point: the recent national data from both Colliers and CBRE that show the office real estate market in Winnipeg continues to be … stable.

The national average vacancy rates for downtown office space decreased for the first time since the first quarter of 2020, when the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared, according to CBRE.

That’s right folks, this here ‘miracle’ tax cut will cure all of your ills, so mark your ballot and step on up!

Of all the dirty tricks of the political trade that are played during elections, none are as cruel and misleading as tax cuts.

Fathers are not sons — good news for Carney’s prospects with Indigenous voters

Mark Carney has become the subject of attention in Indigenous circles after it came to light his father was the principal of Joseph Burr Tyrrell school — a federally run Indian day school in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.

Antarctic assault allegations stark reminder hiring for respectful behaviour is serious business

The recent shocking events at the Sanae IV research station in Antarctica have brought renewed attention to an issue that has long been discussed but often underestimated — the critical importance of hiring for interpersonal compatibility, respect and emotional resilience.

Farm groups’ federal election wish list for all Canadians

Farm organizations have been quick to bring forward some lengthy election wish lists for politicians to consider during Canada’s 37-day sprint to the April 28 vote.

Market upheaval presents high risk/reward opportunity in nation’s many small cap stocks

‘Buy Canada’ is a popular endeavour in the current trade and political strife with the United States.

Investors, too, can take a patriotic approach to their portfolio. It’s likely most already have a healthy dose of Canada’s largest firms in their portfolio. Yet the Canadian stock universe is surprisingly large, with many lesser known, less widely held names. Some of which are very profitable despite being overlooked by investors.

“We have a lot going on in Canada and we’re more diversified than people think,” says Robin Speciale, a do-it-yourself investor by night and Toronto business analyst by day.

Speciale often interviews and discusses founder-led Canadian small cap publicly traded companies on his well-followed investment blog/vlog Capital Compounders on Substack and YouTube.

Mind your Ps and Qs and who’s who in group chats

Earlier this week, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, made the incendiary revelation that the Trump administration accidentally texted him its war plans.

Local brews to try while not changing your tires

When a big early spring dump of snow hits, it’s easy to blame those who already switched out their winter tires.

And while my own modest front-wheel drive hatchback is still rocking the winter rubber, I still feel partly to blame for our current wintry woes. The last couple of times I’ve done a roundup of new and notable brews, the bright prospect of spring has been quickly quashed by the mercury plummeting or, in this case, a fresh blanket of snow — a reminder that Manitoba is subject to at least two to three fake springs.

As we wait for warmer temps, here are a half-dozen local shoulder-season brews to whet your whistle, listed from lightest to heaviest/darkest. Some offer flavours of spring, while others offer heartier flavours to get you ready for one more round of snow-shovelling.

All were brewed in Winnipeg (if you’re going to buy Canadian, you might as well buy local), come in 473ml cans and are available at the respective breweries, beer vendors and Liquor Marts.

World Cup drama already reaching fever pitch

You can tell from the urgency, tensity and even hostility of the past few days that we’re not far off from the men’s World Cup.

A year from now, we’ll be following the inter-confederation playoffs to learn the final two qualifiers for the competition proper. By then, December’s group stage draw will have mostly built out the brackets and determined the schedule.

Time is running out. Nerves are taut. You’d think the drama was already underway.

Well, it kind of is. And we needn’t look far to find it.

Looks like Carney has the cards, and Trump has given them to him

It is often difficult during an election campaign to identify the moment when the race is over. However, this year, a simple phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Liberal Leader Mark Carney may be that mythical, seminal moment.

Created to salute Canada-U.S. bond, peace garden now seems a place out of time

Is this the time to send a message to America by boycotting the International Peace Garden? Or do its founding principles of peace and co-operation need our support now more than ever?