Air Canada has appointed Anko Van der Werff, current chief executive of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, to succeed Michael Rousseau as the airline's new CEO. The announcement was made Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of the top stories being followed by the Financial Post.
Air Canada Appoints New CEO from SAS
Van der Werff brings extensive experience in the aviation industry, having led SAS through a restructuring period. He will take the helm at Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, amid ongoing recovery in air travel demand and challenges such as fuel costs and competition.
IPOs Fuel $376 Billion in Canadian Dealmaking in H1 2026
Canadian capital markets saw a surge in activity during the first half of 2026, with initial public offerings (IPOs) helping to fuel $376 billion in dealmaking. This performance comes despite uncertainties related to trade tensions with the United States, global geopolitical concerns, and a stuttering economy. Bankers and lawyers advising Canadian dealmakers are encouraged by the return of IPOs after a prolonged slowdown between 2022 and 2024, and they hope the enthusiasm generated by high-profile deals in the U.S. will encourage further activity north of the border.
Canada's Big Banks in a 'Sweet Spot'
Shares of Canada's big banks rose in the first half of 2026, led by Bank of Montreal, which was up 40% during the period. Fitch Ratings Inc. had a "deteriorating" outlook for the Canadian banking sector at the start of 2026, but upgraded that outlook to neutral in June after Canada's Big Six posted higher-than-expected profits during the first half of the year. The improved performance places the banks in a "sweet spot," though questions remain over how long it will last.
Early Retirement Planning: Can Valeria Retire at 55?
Valeria, 53, with investments worth $1 million in RRSPs, TFSAs, and GICs, is considering retiring in two years. According to Eliott Einarson, a retirement planner at Ottawa-based Exponent Investment Management, Valeria is well positioned financially to retire at 55, even though her lifetime pension income will drop sharply by taking early retirement. Her income goal and registered retirement savings balance should allow her to meet cash flow needs using her employer pension and registered assets until age 65.
CRA Penalizes New Immigrants for Late Foreign Property Reporting
Canadian taxpayers who own but fail to report certain foreign property continue to face harsh penalties from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for non-filing or late-filing of Form T1135, Foreign Income Verification Statement. New immigrants are particularly affected, with the CRA imposing significant fines even for unintentional delays.
