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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Calgary SMEs Get $3.5M Boost for Innovation

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The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, with support from Alberta’s government, has launched OCIF Express—a new funding stream deploying up to $3.5 million to 23 Calgary-based SMEs. Focused on short-duration projects under 24 months, the initiative targets high-growth sectors like AI, clean energy, and aerospace.

OCIF Express aims to create over 150 jobs and provide skills training for nearly 90 workers. Recipients include ZayZoon, CoolIT Systems, Carbon Upcycling, and MRO Electronics. Alberta contributed $1.2 million to the fund. Officials say OCIF Express will accelerate innovation and local hiring while reinforcing Calgary’s economic resilience.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Ontario Approves G7’s First Small Modular Reactor

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Ontario has approved construction of Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR) at Darlington, marking the G7’s first such project. Once operational, the reactor will power 300,000 homes. Ontario Power Generation plans to build four SMRs producing 1,200 megawatts in total.

The project is expected to create up to 18,000 jobs and contribute $38 billion to GDP over 65 years. Officials say it supports rising electricity demand and energy security. Led by Canadian firms and materials, the initiative positions Ontario as a global SMR leader while strengthening the domestic supply chain and advancing clean energy goals.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on CleanEnergy.ca.

WestJet Sells 25% Stake to Global Airline Partners

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Onex Partners has sold a 25% stake in Calgary-based airline WestJet for US$550 million, with Delta Air Lines acquiring 15% for US$330 million and Korean Air taking 10% for US$220 million. The deal includes an option for Delta to sell 2.3% of its share to Air France-KLM for US$50 million upon closing.

Onex acquired WestJet in 2019. Delta and Korean Air have partnered with WestJet since 2011. The move comes as WestJet adjusts operations, recently suspending several U.S.-bound routes due to declining demand from Canadian travelers.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Canada’s Real-Time Rail Nears Testing Phase

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Canada’s long-anticipated Real-Time Rail (RTR) payment system is nearing completion, with testing expected to begin in approximately two months, according to Payments Canada. The non-profit, responsible for the country’s payments infrastructure, began work on RTR in 2015.

Delays have plagued the project, with critics alleging that large banks—dominant members of Payments Canada—used their influence to stall progress and block competition. Payments Canada denies the claim. With core infrastructure nearly ready, attention shifts to urging banks and fintechs to prepare for integration. RTR promises instant money transfers between bank accounts, ushering in faster, more accessible digital payments.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Telus Boosts Dividend Amid Strong Earnings

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Telus posted $301 million in net income this quarter, more than doubling last year’s result. The Vancouver-based telecom added over 1.1 million subscriptions across its service lines, prompting a 7% dividend increase to $1.67 annually. While average revenue per mobile user declined, customer growth—particularly for unlimited North America plans—strengthened performance.

Telus Health and Telus Digital also contributed rising revenue. The results come in stark contrast to Bell’s, which cut its dividend by over 50% to manage debt. Telus’s diversified strategy appears to be cushioning it against industry pressures and securing long-term shareholder value.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

D-Wave Stock Surges on Quantum Computer Sale

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Burnaby-based D-Wave saw its stock soar 51.2% Thursday following first-quarter results that showed US$15 million in revenue—a 509% year-over-year increase. The gain was largely driven by the sale of a quantum computer to a German research centre. Despite posting a US$5.4 million loss, the firm maintains US$304.3 million in cash reserves, providing runway toward profitability.

CEO Alan Baratz defended the company’s progress amid skepticism over quantum’s maturity, asserting its systems are already addressing business needs. Future orders total US$1.6 million. The firm’s share price returned to March highs following a prior technology breakthrough announcement.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Clio Report Charts New Legal Practice Trends

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Clio has released its 2025 Legal Trends for Solo and Small Law Firms report, offering a detailed look at shifting legal practice dynamics. AI adoption remains cautious: only 8% of solo and 4% of small firms have integrated AI widely. Still, 80% anticipate greater use ahead. Flat fees are rising—used by 75% of solo firms—though hourly billing persists.

Digital intake tools drive higher revenue and lead conversion, yet underinvestment is limiting growth. Cloud software usage is high but solo firms lag in spending. Strategic adoption of technology and pricing models will be essential for long-term sustainability.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Amilia Raises $35M to Expand Recreation Software

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Montreal-based Amilia has raised $35 million to expand its management and payment software platform for community and recreation organizations. The round was led by Vertu Capital, with continued support from Export Development Canada, the Canadian Business Growth Fund, and Investissement Québec.

Amilia supports over 6,600 locations—including YMCAs, JCCs, and city recreation departments—serving over one million participants and processing nearly $1 billion in transactions annually. CEO Hugo Lachance says the funding will accelerate product innovation and strengthen services for nonprofits and public sector clients. Vertu’s Eric Kafka will join Amilia’s board to support its next growth phase.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

Active Impact Closes $110M Climate Tech Fund

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Vancouver’s Active Impact Investments has closed its third fund at $110 million, making it Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund. With over $180 million in assets under management, the firm will invest in 25 early-stage companies, primarily in Canada. Co-anchored by Northleaf Capital Partners and Fondaction, Fund III has already backed Jetson, Skyward, RIPTK, and ThinkLabs AI.

Founder Mike Winterfield cited strong Canadian public policy and talent as key drivers. The fund supports startups delivering emissions reductions and cost savings. Active, founded in 2018, has invested in nearly 40 companies and achieved seven exits to date.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Generative AI Tops Canadian IT Priorities for 2025

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A new report from AWS reveals that 89% of Canadian organizations are adopting generative AI tools, with 42% ranking them as their top IT budget priority for 2025. Despite this momentum, only 14 out of 35 AI experiments are expected to reach production due to talent shortages.

Over half of organizations have appointed Chief AI Officers, and most plan to hire or train AI-skilled workers. The study highlights a strong preference for out-of-the-box models and hybrid deployments using internal and third-party expertise. Strategic leadership and workforce preparedness will be key to scaling adoption successfully.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.