Schwartz’s goes local amid rising tariff costs

As U.S. tariffs disrupt supply chains, Montreal’s Schwartz’s Deli has replaced its longtime Cott’s Black Cherry Soda with Fleischer’s, a made-in-Quebec alternative.

Colourless foods reshape perceptions of health and flavour

As food companies move away from artificial dyes, some are eliminating colour altogether rather than using costly, less stable natural alternatives.

Yu Ma, professor of marketing at McGill Desautels, says this shift may appeal to health-conscious consumers who associate colourless products with purity, authenticity and natural ingredients.

SHEIN's cooling appeal in Montreal

Shein’s latest Montreal pop-up has drawn less interest than its 2023 edition, potentially reflecting growing consumer discomfort with the brand’s environmental and labour record.

Tariffs expose the need for stronger Canadian supply chains

Canadian businesses are reworking supply chains as renewed trade tensions raise the threat of tariffs. The Unscented Company, a maker of cleaning and home products, estimates tariffs could cost it $150,000 by year-end and is accelerating shipments to the United States.

Financial institutions tighten rules on prediction markets

Canadian financial institutions are tightening employee rules around prediction markets as platforms expand access to event-based contracts. Patrick Augustin, associate professor of finance at McGill Desautels, supports this proactive approach.

Banks and insurers are restricting wagers tied to financial indicators, companies or information employees may obtain through their work.

Rising prices reshape back-to-school shopping

As rising prices put pressure on family budgets, Canadian parents are taking a more strategic approach to back-to-school shopping.

Siddhanth Mookerjee, professor of marketing at McGill University, says families are starting earlier and making multiple shopping trips to find the best value on clothing, shoes and school supplies.

Canada seeks stronger trade ties beyond the U.S.

As Canada faces the threat of 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on billions of dollars in exports, Ottawa is looking to reduce its long-term dependence on its largest trading partner. Saibal Ray, professor of supply chain management at McGill Desautels, says expanding trade relationships in Asia and other markets could strengthen Canada’s resilience over time.

Retirement income remains a blind spot for DC plans

Defined contribution pension plans face a growing challenge as more Canadians retire without a clear strategy for converting savings into income.

Sebastien Betermier, executive director of the International Centre for Pension Management, says many plan sponsors stepped away from retirement-income responsibility when shifting from defined benefit plans.

Rwanda expands retirement savings for informal workers

Rwanda’s Ejo Heza savings program is expanding retirement coverage among informal workers, who represent more than 80 per cent of the country’s workforce.

Sebastien Betermier, associate professor of finance at McGill Desautels, says the program’s flexible contributions address the income volatility and employment uncertainty these workers face.

McGill strengthens finance education in Luxembourg

McGill University has launched its Master of Management in Finance in Luxembourg, strengthening connections between academic research and one of Europe’s leading financial centres.

Anjali Mishra (EMBA’26) recognized as 2026 Best & Brightest Executive MBA

Anjali Mishra has been recognized as one of Poets & Quants’ 2026 Best & Brightest Executive MBAs. A Montreal-based engineer and urban planner, Mishra is Project Director for the Blue Line Extension at the Société de transport de Montréal.

Yolande Chan joins EFMD Global Board of Trustees

Yolande Chan, Dean and James McGill Professor at McGill Desautels, has joined the EFMD Global Board of Trustees following her election at the organization’s 2026 General Assembly.

La Caisse stays diversified amid AI-fuelled market gains

Despite strong stock market gains driven by artificial intelligence, La Caisse is maintaining a diversified investment strategy to protect the long-term retirement savings of millions of Quebecers.

Sebastien Betermier, associate professor of finance at McGill Desautels, explains that its portfolio combines public equities with infrastructure, real estate and private assets to withstand changing market cycles.

Human-centred planning is key to AI adoption

As organizations introduce AI-powered HR portals, Simon Blanchette, adjunct lecturer at McGill University, argues that technology alone cannot improve efficiency. Successful adoption requires purposeful planning, clear guidelines and employee training before systems are deployed.