Canadian telecom sector gathers for annual summit as report touts industry investment
TORONTO — A new report says sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is key to boosting Canada's economic growth after the sector contributed $87.3 billion in direct GDP last year.
The study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which was commissioned by the Canadian Telecommunications Association, says the sector supported 661,000 jobs across various industries in 2024.
Its report was released Tuesday as industry leaders and government and regulatory officials gather for the 23rd annual Canadian Telecom Summit in downtown Toronto.
As demand continues to grow for advanced connectivity, the report says Canadian telecom companies spent approximately $282 per capita on network development in 2024.
But it outlines challenges providers face, including higher costs, declining revenue growth, heightened competition and a complex regulatory environment.
Canadian Telecommunications Association president and CEO Robert Ghiz says it is crucial for all levels of government 'to consider the impact of their regulations and policies on the sector's ability to invest for the future and meet economic needs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press
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Bargain hunters check out tables of goods set up at the Great Glebe Garage Sale, in Ottawa, on Saturday, May 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Candy Ingram was hooked on garage sales from the first time her parents dragged her along to one. 'I was 20 or 21, with my mom, and I put my hand in a box of jewelry and pulled out a gold ring, so all that got me going,' recalled the Winnipeg woman who now goes to garage sales weekly and has hosted several. In the decades since she struck gold, she's learned it takes much more than a box of jewelry to make a garage sale a hit. Success hinges on planning and pricing — processes she thinks should begin almost as soon as the urge to declutter or earn some extra cash through a garage sale strike. 'Make yourself three piles: give away, keep and then, of course, your garbage pile,' said Ingram. Whatever doesn't fit in any of those can be ideal for a garage sale — with some caveats. Health Canada says anyone hosting a garage sale is legally responsible to ensure products sold, whether new or used, meet safety standards. That means no selling baby walkers, which were banned in April 2004, cribs made before 1986 or protective sports equipment like helmets more than five years old or without a CSA International safety sticker. Baby gates, car seats, strollers, playpens, toys, kids clothes with drawstrings and jewelry also come with Health Canada requirements for anyone selling them or even giving them away. If an item can be sold, the seller should check to see whether it is working, has all of its parts or has any damage, said Jeremy Gruman, one of the organizers of the Great Grandview Garage Sale in Vancouver. Sometimes you can sell items missing a piece or in need of repair, but it should be disclosed to the buyer. Assessing what you want to sell should begin long before your sale so you know the state of what you have to offer but also so you can start 'the emotional work of detaching yourself from these things,' Gruman said. 'The sooner you start thinking about the stuff you want to get rid of, the better,' Gruman said. 'I'm a total pack rat and I often realize I don't need this ... and I can put this on the front lawn next weekend and hopefully sell it for $5 and, and then not have this clutter in my home and in my life.' Once you've got your haul together, check what laws your municipality has around garage sales. Some cities have a limit on the number you can host annually or require you to get a permit. If you're able to proceed, pick a date that isn't a long weekend or holiday, said Ingram. Saturdays and Sundays in spring or fall work best, though Fridays are gaining in popularity, she said. When a date is selected, you can start advertising. Share details about your sale on Facebook or other online spaces and make signs you can put up in your neighbourhood. 'Have the address big and clear,' said Patricia Sawicki, another Winnipeg-area garage sale hopper. 'Somebody's not going to get out of their car to go read your sign and write down your address but if they can see it from their car clearly while they're driving, they're more likely to go.' Think about your pricing, too. For some people, that means checking out what items are going for on online marketplaces or at thrift stores. Don't expect to be able to sell items for as much as a retailer would new. 'I have seen a lot of garage sales fail,' said Sawicki. 'If something was $40 at Walmart, they had it for $30. That's not the point of garage saling.' Once an item leaves a store, Ingram said it drops in value by 30 per cent. Knock another 30 to 50 per cent off to arrive at a garage sale price, she suggested. If the item is showing signs of wear or is dented or missing a part, reduce it even further. No matter what you price things at, expect people to scoff and haggle. 'People are picky and most of us want something for nothing,' she said. That attitude can lead some people who visited the sale in the morning to circle back at the end of the day hoping to pick something up dirt cheap because you don't want to have to haul it inside again. While the potential buyer's logic is sound, Ingram said sellers then have to decide how desperate they are to have an item off their hands for far less cash than they expected to get. If you want to get a fair price, Ingram said, 'you do have to learn to bite your tongue.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press
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A career break or sabbatical doesn't have to derail your finances. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew says with careful planning, you can take extended time off while maintaining your financial stability. (Getty Images / Sinseeho) Christopher Liew is a CFP®, CFA Charterholder and former financial advisor. He writes personal finance tips for thousands of daily Canadian readers at Blueprint Financial. A sabbatical or short-term vacation can be a powerful way to focus on personal growth, strengthen your relationship, spend time with a new child, or reignite your sense of inspiration. But with high living costs and financial uncertainty, stepping away from your steady income can feel out of reach. A career break or sabbatical doesn't have to derail your finances, though. With careful planning and a planned budget, it's possible to take extended time off while maintaining your financial stability. 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Many larger companies offer sabbatical programs, unpaid leave options, or allow you to stack vacation and personal days, which may even include paid leave days. It's wise to talk directly with your HR department to understand what's available to you and how to make the most of your options. In some cases, unused bonuses, commissions, or paid time off (PTO) can help extend your financial cushion during your break, giving you more time and freedom. 2. Build a dedicated sabbatical fund I've always been a big proponent of creating an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, so you don't have to rely on credit and/or high-interest loans to cover you when you need it most. To achieve this, treat your career break like a financial goal. Open a high-interest savings account and begin setting aside money monthly. Even small, consistent contributions can add up over the months. Estimate your living expenses during the time off and aim to save enough to cover them without relying on credit. Treat your career break like a financial goal. Estimate your expenses and save monthly, aiming to avoid using credit. A high-interest savings account is a good start, and if you have TFSA room, consider holding the HISA inside your TFSA. This lets your interest grow tax-free. You can also use the TFSA for other low-risk options like GICs or conservative ETFs, depending on your timeline. 3. Reduce non-essential spending In the months leading up to your break, review your spending habits. Cut back on discretionary expenses, such as dining out and using food delivery services, subscriptions, and impulse purchases. This can save you more money, much of which can go towards covering your bills and living expenses while you're on sabbatical. 4. Take on short-term or freelance work If possible, consider part-time or freelance work either before or during your break. This can help cover basic expenses and extend the length of your time off. 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