Author: MB Magazine

Graduating from post-secondary education is a major milestone, but for many Canadian students, it also marks the start of managing student debt. In Ontario, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides financial support to eligible students. As we progress through 2025, graduates need to understand the current landscape of OSAP and federal student loans, including repayment options, eligibility criteria, and recent updates. Understanding OSAP and Federal Student Loans OSAP is a financial aid program that combines federal and provincial funding to help students cover the costs of post-secondary education. The program offers both grants, which do not require repayment, and…

Hidden Gem #1: Manitoulin Island The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, is more than just a geographical wonder—it’s a vibrant hub of Indigenous culture and eco-tourism. Visitors can hike the famous Cup and Saucer Trail for panoramic views of forests and lakes or paddle through serene waters by canoe. Sustainability tip: Choose eco-lodges or community-based accommodations that prioritize local partnerships and environmentally friendly practices. Don’t miss cultural experiences such as guided storytelling walks with Anishinaabe hosts, where you can learn about local traditions and deepen your respect for the land. Hidden Gem #2: Lake Superior Provincial Park Often overshadowed…

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present-day reality transforming the landscape for Canadian businesses. From extreme weather events to evolving consumer expectations, the urgency for companies to adopt sustainable practices has never been greater. In this post, we examine why going green is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic business decision for Canadian companies. The Economic Impact of Climate Change Canada is already feeling the tangible effects of climate change. By 2025, climate-related damages are projected to reduce the nation’s economic growth by $25 billion annually, representing approximately 50% of the expected GDP…

In today’s fast-paced world, many professionals find themselves caught in an endless cycle of deadlines, meetings, and demanding schedules. While career growth and productivity often take center stage, wellness too often takes a back seat. Yet maintaining physical and mental health is essential—not only for personal well-being but also for sustaining long-term performance at work. The challenge lies in finding ways to balance work and wellness—especially through fitness. Fortunately, with the right strategies, even the busiest professionals can prioritize their health without compromising their career success. Why Fitness Matters for Busy Professionals The benefits of regular physical activity extend far…

The financial industry has long been at the forefront of adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and customer experience. Over the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping the future of financial services. Combined with the fast-growing field of fintech, AI is redefining how people interact with money, banks, and investment platforms. From fraud detection to personalized banking, AI is driving the next wave of financial innovation. The Rise of AI in Fintech Fintech—short for financial technology—encompasses digital innovations designed to make financial services more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly. While mobile…

Wellness is a right – not a perk. In today’s progressive landscape, 93% of people consider well-being equally important to pay. One of the most powerful things a leader can do to foster employee well-being is to be proactive in preventing burnout, not by offering more perks, but by creating environments where people feel supported, energised and safe to pause. It’s not about slowing down ambition. It’s about designing a way of working that fuels it without leaving people behind. As a leader focused on driving rapid growth and constant change, I’ve learned that burnout often doesn’t come from laziness…

Despite challenges, Canada’s food and beverage sector is poised for innovation Canada’s food and beverage industry is at a pivotal moment—consumer expectations are transforming, input costs are rising, and supply chain disruptions remain, all against the backdrop of a trade war. Innovation is crucial for maintaining profitability and competitiveness. But, it’s more than that. Innovation is about food sovereignty, thriving domestically and on a global stage, where “Made in Canada” becomes a mark of quality. On this topic, we spoke to Arlene Dickinson, founder and general partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies…

The recycling of flexible plastics, which includes food wraps, pouches, and bags, is a particular bone of contention The province began transitioning in 2023 toward making producers pay for the recycling of their packaging, paper, and single-use items. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government is proposing to weaken an impending slate of new recycling rules because producers of the materials said the system is getting too expensive. The province began transitioning in 2023 toward making producers pay for the recycling of their packaging, paper, and single-use items. The companies’ obligations were set to increase next year, but the government is now…

Retail gas operators and their c-store need to think beyond traditional incentive programs. Gas retail operators run any number of loyalty and incentivization programs. The most familiar one to Canadians is the gasoline discount, where customers will receive a discount on gasoline – or an item in the gas retailer’s c-store – if they stop and fill their tank. According to Joel Percy, Eagle Eye’s regional director based in Canada—Eagle Eye is a provider of API-based, cloud-native marketing platforms to power loyalty and customer engagement solutions for such businesses as Loblaw/Esso (as Eagle Eye powers PC Optimum’s loyalty program), Shopper’s…

How Christina Pomponio turned a lockdown side hustle into a sweet business Now, the Montreal-based pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur is celebrating the sweet reward: Bomboloni Boss—the Italian dessert brand she co-founded and grew from an Instagram business into a frozen product line—has landed its first national grocery deal. On July 30, 2025—almost a year to the day after she first contacted Sobeys’ frozen bakery category manager — the purchase order came in, putting the brand’s frozen bomboloni (Italian filled doughnuts) in the freezers of 700 Sobeys stores across Canada (excluding Quebec, where it had already secured a separate deal). That earlier milestone came…