

The Peak Daily
The Peak / Curiouscast
Fast Canadian business news. Get up-to-speed quick with a fun and smart breakdown of the three biggest Canadian and global business stories in less than 10 minutes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2026 • 9min
When the chips are down 🎰- Ontario sees surge in gambling problems, AI is giving accountants headaches
In today's episode, we explore Ontario's gambling problem as calls to mental health hotlines surge 300% among young men since online gambling was legalized in 2022. We also dive into how AI-generated tax errors are creating extra work for Canadian accountants during tax season. Plus: Prime Minister Carney signs a major deal with India, Trump doubles down on Iran strikes, BC ends daylight savings time permanently, and more.
The Peak Daily is produced in partnership with reframevid.com

Mar 2, 2026 • 8min
Edge of escalation 🚀- Iran war escalates across the Middle East, AI gets blamed for more layoffs.
In today's episode, we cover the escalating Iran conflict that's spreading across the Middle East and disrupting global oil markets, Block's massive AI-driven layoffs that cut nearly half its workforce, and the growing trend of "AI-washing" in corporate downsizing. Plus, we touch on the Pentagon's sudden switch from Anthropic to OpenAI, suspicious betting patterns on Polymarket around Iran strikes, and why your morning coffee might finally get cheaper thanks to Brazil's record harvest.

Feb 27, 2026 • 9min
Whopper wiretap 🍔- American nurses flock to B.C., Burger King tests Big Brother AI assistant.
Discussion about over 1,000 U.S.-trained nurses moving to British Columbia after a streamlined licensing push. A fast-developing pilot where Burger King tests an AI monitor that tracks employee interactions. Canada signing a new defence and intelligence pact with South Korea. A major $122M funding round for Montreal travel-tech Stay22 and debates over AI valuations despite Nvidia’s record profits.

Feb 26, 2026 • 9min
Wake me up inside ⏰- Canada’s IPO market comes back to life, A Canadian billionaire’s grand folly.
Canada's IPO market revives with a planned $1 billion TSX listing and optimism for a stronger 2026 pipeline. A deep dive into Lawrence Stroll's costly missteps at Aston Martin and the team's financial and racing struggles. Ottawa weighs regulation of an AI firm over safety reporting. Quick hits on insider-trading fines, trade talks about tariffs, and headlines on housing, AI data centers, and foreign aid.

Feb 25, 2026 • 8min
Bearish blogging 🐻- Viral Substack post is market mover, TikTok and the MLB join forces.
A viral Substack essay about AI-triggered economic collapse sent shockwaves through tech markets. The MLB is teaming up with TikTok to surface highlights and creator-led baseball content. Legal fights over struck-down tariffs could mean massive Treasury refunds. New UK travel authorizations and Canadian airlines restarting Mexico routes also make headlines.

Feb 24, 2026 • 8min
Panic in Jalisco 🇲🇽 - Cartel violence hits Mexico after leader’s death, Aritzia revs up U.S. expansion.
Violent reprisals erupt across Mexico after the death of a major cartel leader, disrupting travel and raising security questions. Aritzia snaps up Fred Segal and plans an experiential retail push on LA’s Melrose Avenue. Ottawa summons OpenAI safety executives amid worrying interactions. Plus rapid moves in robotaxi services, takeover chatter around PayPal, and NEXUS travel-suspension updates.

Feb 23, 2026 • 8min
Hot water 🥵 - OpenAI is under fire for Tumbler Ridge shooting, Batteries become very cheap
Controversy over OpenAI's choice not to notify Canadian authorities after troubling ChatGPT interactions tied to a suspected shooter. Falling battery costs and their impact on renewables, plus limits of short-duration storage and mineral constraints. New global tariff proposals from the U.S. and the reported killing of a major Mexican cartel leader.

Feb 20, 2026 • 8min
Tamago sando 🥪 - 7-Eleven plans Canadian reinvention, AI might finally be impacting productivity.
A look at 7‑Eleven Canada's reinvention, including bringing Japan's cult tamago sando to stores as it pivots toward quick‑service food. Plans for franchising and regional expansion get attention. New research suggesting AI is boosting productivity across firms and early labor‑market signs are discussed. Rapid headlines touch on a massive tech fundraiser, military movements near Iran, and a high‑profile arrest.

Feb 19, 2026 • 8min
Criss-cross 🚷 - Another Conservative MP crosses the aisle, Hollywood bites back at ByteDance.
A politician switches parties, shifting parliamentary math and raising stakes in a tight by-election. Hollywood studios push back hard against a new AI video tool amid viral deepfake-style clips. Scientists uncover ancient bacteria from a Romanian ice cave that resists multiple antibiotics. A brief cultural note on Airbnb offering a World Cup hosting bonus rounds out the conversation.

Feb 18, 2026 • 8min
Persistence pays off 😵 - Warner Bros. will hear out Paramount’s offer, Canada pitches nuclear to Poland.
A Hollywood bidding war heats up as studios reopen negotiations and race to submit final offers. Canada pushes to export CANDU nuclear reactors to Poland, highlighting domestic supply chain and economic potential. Large-scale defence procurement promises major spending and infrastructure commitments. Quick business headlines cover inflation, AI wearables, and major corporate legal and settlement moves.


