Canadian institutional investors are joining federal trade missions to Saudi Arabia and Australia to explore long-term opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

As concert merchandise pop-ups become a standard feature of major music tours, Ariana Grande’s Montreal shop drew thousands of fans seeking exclusive items and a shared experience.

Siddhanth Mookerjee, marketing professor at Bensadoun School of Retail Management, explains that these limited-time stores help artists build anticipation while strengthening fan communities. By requiring appointments and offering exclusive products, brands satisfy consumers’ desire for both belonging and uniqueness.

American alcohol has become a flashpoint in the Canada-U.S. trade war, with President Donald Trump citing provincial liquor bans among the justifications for new tariffs on Canadian goods.

Preetika Joshi, assistant professor at McGill Desautels, says removing American products from store shelves sends a stronger retaliatory message than imposing tariffs. “When you refuse to sell it, there is no sale, so that’s a bigger hit,” Joshi explains.

Simon Blanchette, faculty lecturer at McGill Desautels, explores how AI is transforming work, education and business.

The conversation examines its impact on jobs and skills, how organizations can adopt AI responsibly, and why critical thinking, continuous learning and a human-centred approach remain essential.

Canada’s two main workplace pension plans differ primarily in who bears investment and longevity risks. Sebastien Betermier, associate professor of finance at McGill Desautels, explains that defined benefit plans guarantee employees a predetermined income throughout retirement, while employers assume the associated risks.

As Canada faces economic uncertainty driven by trade tensions, inflation and shifting global markets, Robert Nason, associate professor at McGill Desautels, is urging businesses to adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset.

Rather than taking a “wait-and-see” approach, Nason argues that organizations should view uncertainty as an opportunity to experiment, diversify suppliers and explore new markets.

Olayinka Oni (IMPM’26), has been appointed non-executive director of Sterling Bank in Nigeria, effective June 2026. 

Oni has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of technology, operations and financial services. His earlier career includes senior roles at Sterling Bank, Wema Bank, Microsoft and First City Monument Bank.