Canadian pension funds have a mandate to deliver steady pension payments to millions of plan members, writes Professor Sebastien Betermier in Benefits Canada. But that’s easier said than done, and the most cost-efficient way to deliver is by investing in a globally diversified portfolio tilted toward strategic assets. This type of asset, however, isn’t available in Canada, so pension funds look for them elsewhere.
In 2023, the Quebec electric vehicle maker Autobus Lion opened a $150 million truck manufacturing facility in Illinois, but its expansion into the United States has not gone according to plan. Much of its 900,000 square foot facility sits empty, and the company is sub-leasing the space. Now, the company is on the brink of bankruptcy and working with investors to determine if it can be salvaged.
In 2022, Quebec’s so-called ‘welcome tax’ generated more than $1.4 billion for municipalities, with Montreal alone pulling in more than $410 million. Though it sounds like a penalty for new arrivals, its name is actually derived from former Quebec cabinet member Jean Bienvenue, who tabled the bill proposing the tax; Bienvenue’s surname translates into English as ‘welcome’. These municipal-level real estate transfer taxes can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, and property buyers must pay within 30 days of closing their purchase.
The º«¹úÂãÎè International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC) 2024 was held in November and drew a record 99 teams from 47 universities across 17 countries, cementing its reputation as a premier global finance competition. This year’s focus on building inclusive retirement systems for gig workers and those facing income uncertainty sparked innovative solutions from participants. A standout addition was the inaugural Women in Buy-Side Panel, addressing gender disparities in finance.
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/872638764a.jpg?itok=pzjttoXZ)
Academic and industry scientists collaborate on a new method to characterize research antibodies
º«¹úÂãÎè alumna Marie-Line Beauchamp, BSc(FSc)’82, has worked her entire life in the food industry, where she has held various management positions, including as Executive Vice President of Sodexo Canada and President of Rôtisseries St-Hubert. Since 2018, she has been the Chief Operating Officer of MTY Canada, where she oversees, among other things, the 1,106 restaurants that the group operates in Quebec.
La Presse interviewed Beauchamp about her current role at MTY, her illustrious career, and the CHUM Foundation, where she serves as President.
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/ronholm_jen_63_alextranphoto_2023.jpg?itok=mMceftU5)
A number of recent food recalls across Canada have raised concerns for some about food safety and health risks. Global News interviewed Professor Jennifer Ronholm, Canada Research Chair in Agricultural Microbiology at º«¹úÂãÎè, to explain what consumers need to know and how they can stay safe.Â
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/img_1067_1.jpg?itok=T8J-kEQ6)
Congratulations to Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, the Outreach Program Administrator at the and Physics Department for being awarded the President's Award for Administrative and Support Staff! Winners of this award are honoured for the quality of their work, service to the community, innovation and initiative.
On November 18, the 39th Annual Departmental Awards Night, hosted by the º«¹úÂãÎè Psychiatry Residents’ Association, took place. Held at Thomson House, it was a great night filled with residents, site coordinators and faculty who celebrated nominees and winners with honor, and some laughter, too! We wish to congratulate all nominees and recipients and thank all presenters and attendees. It was a great evening spent in wonderful company! Hoping to see you next year!
Silo sur Apple TV : combien de temps pourrait-on vraiment vivre sous terre sans lumière naturelle ?Â
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/budget_defitict.jpg?itok=jUngPFwV)
The federal government’s deficit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year that ended in March 2024 was announced Monday. It was $61.9 billion, significantly higher than the $40.1 billion deficit that had been promised.
º«¹úÂãÎè has experts who can share their insights on this subject: 
Julian Vikan Karaguesian is a lecturer in the Department of Economics at º«¹úÂãÎè and worked for Canadian Ministry of Finance for more than 25 years.
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/prichardr-lr_0.jpg?itok=K_eVDX5T)
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Institute of Parasitology gathered to celebrate the remarkable career and retirement of Professor Roger Prichard at Tadja Hall.
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/mctavish.jpg?itok=wNBCS3aV)
La version française suit.
Please take note of º«¹úÂãÎè Libraries' holiday closures and hours:
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/libraries_-_king_charles_iii_medal_1.png?itok=GZ99dC_7)
La version française suit.
The º«¹úÂãÎè Libraries are delighted to announce that two colleagues, Dean Guylaine Beaudry and staff member Anne-Marie Fournier, were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in December 2024. The honour highlights the exceptional contributions of Canadians, many of whom work behind the scenes, making a significant impact on their community, their province, and sometimes even at the national and international levels.
Anne-Marie Fournier
![](/channels/files/channels/styles/medium/public/channels/image/240729-093631-8156.jpg?itok=ilhdAZIq)
º«¹úÂãÎè’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation recognized for transformative leadership in Canadian research