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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Shopify CEO Slams Federal Support for Nokia as “Bribe”

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Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke sharply criticized the federal government’s $40-million contribution to Nokia’s Kanata campus expansion, calling the support a “bribe” in posts on X. Lütke argued Ottawa is subsidizing each new job with taxpayer money, describing the approach as a decades-long form of foreign direct investment that civil servants mistakenly believe is beneficial.

The funds came through the Strategic Response Fund’s innovation stream. Lütke, who has advocated for policy reform through the Build Canada platform, said he has repeatedly tried to persuade federal officials of his stance. The comments underscore growing tension between tech leaders and policymakers.

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

Calgary Firm Pivots From Carbon Credits to Digital Predictions

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Calgary-based DeepMarkit has acquired Prospect Prediction Markets, shifting its focus from blockchain-based carbon credits to digital prediction markets. The deal gives DeepMarkit immediate access to Prospect’s blockchain-powered, free-to-play sports prediction platform amid rising global demand for real-time sentiment tools.

CEO Steve Vanry said shareholders want clearer user demand and scalable economics, both of which prediction markets provide. The acquisition brings leadership changes, including Prospect founder Trevor Broad becoming CTO and director, and Sacha Beharie joining as Head of Capital Markets. DeepMarkit plans to expand event categories and pursue partnerships while maintaining a compliance-led approach.

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

Canada, Nokia Partner on AI and Quantum Research in Ottawa

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Canada’s federal government is partnering with Nokia on a major research initiative that will expand the Finnish technology firm’s Ottawa innovation campus and create more than 340 jobs. Supported by a $40-million Strategic Response Fund investment, Nokia will conduct research focused on AI, quantum technologies, and next-generation networks.

Nokia Canada president Jeffrey Maddox said the project strengthens Canada’s position in secure, sustainable digital infrastructure. Federal ministers Mélanie Joly, Evan Solomon, and Jenna Sudds emphasized the initiative’s role in building talent, advancing 5G, and fuelling economic growth. Nokia has invested over $1 billion in Canadian R&D in recent years.

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

Airbus Technology Arrives at Canada’s Carbon Removal Hub

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Deep Sky has installed a Direct Air Capture module from Airbus at its Deep Sky Alpha facility in Innisfail, Alberta, marking a significant advancement for Canada’s carbon removal sector. The unit, adapted from Airbus life-support systems used on the International Space Station, can remove 250 tonnes of CO₂ annually and was delivered after eight months of engineering.

The system captures CO₂ with a solid amine filter before releasing concentrated carbon for storage. CEO Alex Petre says scalable technology is essential for climate impact. Airbus joins a roster of DAC partners supporting the centre’s commercialization efforts.

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

Big Law Ramps Up AI as Small Firms Fall Behind

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Corporate law firms are accelerating AI adoption through mergers and acquisitions, widening the gap between Big Law and smaller practices. Thomson Reuters data shows legal-technology spending rose more than 11% in the third quarter, fueling global consolidation.

U.S. firm Perkins Coie announced a megamerger with Ashurst to scale AI investment, while Cleary Gottlieb acquired Springbok AI for its engineering talent. Canadian firms are also moving quickly: Dentons Canada hired its first chief transformation officer and partnered with AXL to co-develop tools. Boutique firms warn rising costs are pricing them out of cutting-edge systems.

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

Sutton Group Acquires Homicity to Accelerate Tech Innovation

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Sutton Group has reached an agreement to acquire Ottawa-based real estate technology firm Homicity Inc., bringing founder and CEO Jamie Blades into the organization as Vice President of Technology. The move supports Sutton’s strategy to build a homeowner-centric, Canadian-designed real estate platform that unites technology, AI, and national scale.

Chairman and CEO Ross McCredie says Blades’ expertise will accelerate product development, with an expanded technology suite set to launch in early 2026. President James Innis adds that Homicity’s capabilities will enhance AI tools, data models, and long-term planning solutions for REALTORS® and homeowners.

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Once-Valued $75M Startup Dozr Sold in Distressed Deal

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Kitchener-Waterloo construction-tech firm Dozr, once valued at $75 million CAD and backed by more than $60 million in funding, has been sold in a distressed asset sale after entering receivership. Court filings show RBC sought the action in September following a default on Dozr’s $3.4-million credit facility amid severe liquidity challenges.

Receiver KPMG sold the company’s assets to newly formed 17416512 Canada Ltd., led by Toronto entrepreneurs Andrew Ladouceur and Saad Siddiqui. Staff were laid off ahead of the sale, though the new owners may resume operations. Investors say the outcome is disappointing but preserves Canadian ownership.

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ATB Partners With Nmbr to Launch Integrated Payroll

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ATB Financial is partnering with Toronto-based fintech Nmbr to launch ATB Payroll, marking the first time a Canadian financial institution has integrated a payroll infrastructure provider directly into its banking platform. The collaboration allows small business clients to run payroll from ATB’s digital banking portal, addressing a longstanding administrative burden.

Nmbr, founded in 2023 by Simon Bourgeois, Drew Millington, and Kevin Langlois, provides embedded payroll software aimed at simplifying compliance and reducing manual work. ATB Ventures’ Azim Esmail said the feature supports Alberta businesses through practical innovation. A wider rollout is planned for 2026.

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

Matador AI Named Nissan USA Preferred Partner

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Matador AI has been named an Official Preferred Partner of Nissan USA in the automaker’s new AI Lead Nurturing category, marking a significant milestone for the Canadian-founded company. Since 2020, Matador AI has supported hundreds of Nissan dealers in modernizing lead follow-up, boosting appointments, and improving customer conversion.

Nissan’s selection process involved extensive product evaluations, performance reviews, and capability assessments, with approval granted only four months after application. Matador AI’s platform automates sales and service conversations, delivers dealership-branded chat and voice AI, and integrates with major CRMs and DMSs. Clients report a 25% lift in pipeline conversion.

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Canadians Back App-Store Age Checks, Meta Survey Finds

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A new survey commissioned by Meta shows strong Canadian support for age verification and parental consent on app stores, with 83% of parents favouring mandatory verification before downloads. Meta says Teen Accounts already place millions of young users in protected environments, but teens typically use more than 40 apps weekly, prompting calls for industry-wide standards.

The proposed model would link under-18 accounts to verified parents who approve downloads, while app stores share simple age signals with developers. Canadians also want stricter controls over contact, content, and screen time. Meta is updating teen settings accordingly.

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