#economy

Esports has evolved from a niche hobby into a major economic and cultural force in Canada. With a rapidly growing audience of millions and a market value projected to increase significantly, the industry is creating new jobs, attracting major investments, and establishing cities like Toronto and Vancouver as global hubs. Driven by advancements in streaming technology and a new generation of digital-native fans, competitive gaming is challenging traditional definitions of sport. This shift is not without complexity, raising questions about regulation, player welfare, and the integration of adjacent industries like online betting.

The federal government, in partnership with Ontario and Quebec, has announced the formation of the Canadian Semiconductor Innovation and Manufacturing Consortium (CSIMC), backed by a landmark $8 billion joint investment. This initiative aims to establish a network of research, design, and fabrication facilities, positioning Canada as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. The plan focuses on securing critical supply chains for sectors like automotive and telecommunications, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs, and fostering a self-reliant domestic technology ecosystem amid ongoing global uncertainties.

The Canadian federal government, in partnership with several provinces, has unveiled a multi-billion dollar national strategy to bolster the domestic semiconductor industry. Aiming to reduce reliance on fragile international supply chains and secure a place in the high-stakes global technology race, the investment will fund research, commercialization, and manufacturing capabilities. The strategy focuses on developing specialized chips for the automotive, telecommunications, and quantum computing sectors, positioning Canada as a key player in specific niches rather than competing directly with global giants in high-volume microprocessor production.