Decoder.ca

A historic milestone for North America’s video game industry was marked this week with the launch of United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA), the continent’s first-ever industry-wide union for game workers. Organizing with the Communications Workers of America, the direct-join model allows any game worker—freelance or full-time—to join, regardless of employer participation.

The union’s first campaign will target recent mass layoffs, with petitions circulated at GDC, where UVW-CWA will also host panels and a rally. This announcement follows years of organizing, including efforts by Game Workers Unite, and aligns with growing union momentum in countries like France, the UK, and Sweden.

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

As U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate, Canadian proptech leaders are voicing concern over rising costs, reduced investment, and market instability. Tariffs on construction materials and shifting interest rates are driving up housing costs and dampening buyer confidence.

Startups like Hyyve, Zown, Ownright, Pine, and Bidmii say tech adoption is vital—enhancing transparency, enabling smarter sales, and supporting affordability through digital solutions. But leaders warn that without government deregulation and funding, Canada risks losing ground. With only 5% of founders viewing Canada as ideal for scaling, calls are mounting for a strategic response to support innovation and housing access.

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

Despite weak economic forecasts and record-low small business optimism, Canada’s fintech sector is defying the trend. Valuations are rising, and investor interest is rebounding, with US$9.5 billion invested in fintech last year. While GDP growth is expected to stall at 0.7%, fintechs are gaining traction by helping companies cut costs and automate operations.

International firms like the U.K.’s Revolut and Houston’s Zolve are eyeing Canada’s concentrated banking market. Regulatory advances, including open banking and Real-Time Rail, are also fueling confidence. Industry players see these developments as a foundation for continued momentum in 2024 and beyond.

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

Alberta has abandoned plans to reinstate a tax credit for video game developers, officials confirmed. Premier Danielle Smith first proposed the measure in 2022 to compete with provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and B.C., which offer game development tax credits ranging from 17.5% to 40%.

Instead, the province will pursue strategic partnerships and investment funding, said Jonathan Gauthier, spokesperson for Innovation Minister Nate Glubish. Alberta’s previous 25% digital media credit, introduced by the NDP in 2018 and scrapped in 2019, briefly grew the industry to 1,310 workers—a figure that has since declined to 810.

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

The federal government has committed over $8.3 million to support 13 clean tech projects in Alberta, with key investments in the Energy Transition Centre and Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday. The Energy Transition Centre will receive $2 million to expand its downtown Calgary operations and support clean energy startups, building on previous federal funding.

The new Hydrogen Hub will get $1.5 million to strengthen Calgary’s hydrogen capabilities and connect with hubs in Edmonton and Vancouver. Minister Anand called the funding “future-proofing Alberta’s economy” through innovation in energy and natural resources.

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