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Ex-Shopify staffers’ Convictional platform links businesses and suppliers

Roger Kirkness was running the Canadian e-commerce business of a health and nutrition retailer, when he realized there was a problem with the way the company was connecting with its suppliers, he says. Story

Former cannabis executives betting psychedelic drugs could be the next big thing

With the hype now gone from the cannabis market, some industry leaders are turning their attention to psychedelic drugs, following research that shows they hold promise for treating mental illness. But while there’s plenty of excitement about psychedelics in some medical and cannabis communities, mainstream commercial viability for the drugs remains far from certain. Story

Vision Critical hires Ross Wainwright as new CEO as it looks to revive growth

One of Canada’s early breakout software stars of the decade, Vision Critical Communications Inc., is replacing its CEO and moving its headquarters to Toronto from Vancouver. Story

Portag3 Ventures, affiliate of Power Corp., creates Canada’s largest fintech investment fund

A venture-capital firm controlled by Power Corp. of Canada has raised Canada’s largest fund devoted to backing financial-technology startups. Story

Toronto startup Delphia says paying consumers for data will give it an investing edge

Toronto startup Delphia Inc. is developing an investment platform with an extra means of potential profit: paying consumers to share their insights about public companies, markets and their behaviour. Story

How Amazon’s plan to expand will reshape Vancouver’s tech scene

Thousands of new Amazon.com Inc. jobs in downtown Vancouver will reshape the city’s technology sector by triggering a talent war, boosting wages and driving immigration, local tech leaders say – while further tightening one of Canada’s highest-demand housing markets. Story

WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE

Building owner tackles ‘insane property tax’ with pointed rent sign

A giant red sign, hanging from the window of an empty storefront in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood, sends a clear message. In bold white letters, the sign reads “rent reduced to compensate for insane property tax” — both an invitation for potential tenants and a statement to the city. CBC

Much-loved Sask. recycling business closes after town of Outlook signs contract with Loraas

Changes to recycling pickup in Outlook, Sask., are expected to cut costs and increase efficiency. For Taylor Layton, they mean she’s out of business. CBC

Princeton pot plant owners concerned about fake website

While construction on Princeton’s $21.5 medical marijuana facility nears completion, the owners of BC Green Pharmaceuticals are concerned with a fake website that is spreading false information about the project. Vernon Morning Star

Edmonton toothpaste startup ditches tubes

Edmonton-based startup Change Toothpaste has raised the money it needs to expand production of its zero-waste toothpaste beyond its first spearmint flavour. Edmonton Journal

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