Basic income—unconditional cash transfers to people—has been pitched as the solution to so many of our problems. Eliminating poverty, sparking entrepreneurship, empowering people to pursue their passions—it could do it all, its boosters claim.

But not everyone is so optimistic about the idea. Lindsay Tedds is an associate professor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Economics, and co-authored the book Basic Income and a Just Society: Policy Choices for Canada’s Social Safety Net. This week she sat down with us to make her case. 

Canada’s smallest province is getting bigger. Prince Edward Island (PEI) will be home to 200,000 people by 2030, according to projections released by its provincial government. 

Why it matters: The experience of Canada’s smallest province is a perfect case study of the growing pains that come with a rapidly increasing population.

If you don’t know your j’ai fini from your je suis finis, you might have a hard time migrating to Québec in the coming years.  

For the first time in Québec’s history, those applying to become so-called “economic immigrants”—selected for their potential to contribute to the economy—must have a working knowledge of French, the province’s official language. 

Voters in Alberta will decide on their next premier today in a close election that’s being watched around the country.

Why it matters: The outcome of the vote will set the tone for the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa—and possibly in a way that will stoke conflict.

We sat down with Kent Roach on Free Lunch By The Peak to dive into how the Canadian policing system works, and his argument on why and how it should change for the better. 

Here’s an only-in-Canada story for you: Government officials are worried that it’s too difficult to sell people weed right now.

What happened: The Competition Bureau is asking Health Canada to loosen rules that restrict how cannabis is marketed and allow people to buy stronger edibles.

We regret to inform you that city budgets across the country have gotten so tight (relatable) that they’re starting to take away the fun stuff.  

Toronto city officials spent much of yesterday debating whether they could afford to pony up for Canada Day celebrations at city hall—in the end, they chose to move ahead. 

After taking a look into allegations of China’s interference in Canadian politics, former governor general (and current “special rapporteur”) David Johnston decided the situation represents an “increasing threat to our democratic system” but has not called for a public inquiry into the matter. 

By the end of this year, plastic straws are set to officially become a relic of the past. 

A national rollout of eco-friendly stir sticks, cutlery, takeout containers, plastic grocery bags, and straws is well underway, but the transition has been rocky… 

*If you’ve bought a movie ticket in the last year, you may be entitled to compensation*

That's because Canada’s Competition Bureau is suing Cineplex, the country’s largest movie theatre chain, for advertising tickets at a lower price than what customers actually pay. The issue lies in an online booking fee of $1.50 that Cineplex has been adding to its checkout since June 2022.