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3 Things We're Watching: Week of January 28

Written by The Inspired Investor Team

Published on January 28, 2026

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1. PM’s speech gets the world’s attention

In a bold speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last Tuesday (January 20) Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the end of the “rules-based international order” and discussed how his government is “calibrating our relationships” and “diversifying abroad”.1 Canada’s new trade deal with China, announced just one week earlier during the PM’s high-profile visit to Beijing, is evidence of this new path away from reliance on our neighbour to the south. In exchange for lower tariffs on canola and a handful of other agricultural products, Canada agreed to cut tariffs on Chinese-made EVs from 100% to just 6.1%, and to allow up to 49,000 EVs into the country each year.2

What we’re watching: In another speech, delivered two days later in Quebec City,3 Carney again mentioned new international markets and partnerships, including the dozen trade and security deals his government has signed in the past six months. Of the partnerships he said “More will come, all will deepen.”4 How these new alliances play out will no doubt be closely watched in the coming months, both at home and abroad, as nations around the world adapt to the shifting world order.


2. Canadians explore their own backyard

Domestic tourism got a healthy boost in 2025, especially in the second quarter, as more Canadians chose local travel destinations and fewer ventured to the U.S.5 According to Destination Canada, the federal tourism marketing agency, we had a “record-breaking summer.” Total revenue from May to August was a hefty $59 billion, three-quarters of that spent by Canadian travellers. That’s not just in major cities, either: 89% of Canadian regions saw tourism growth.6 Not bad, eh?

What we’re watching: Canadian tourism seems to be poised for another big year in 2026, which could bode well for regional economies. A recent survey found that seven in 10 Canadians are confident they’ll take a vacation this year, and Canada was the top destination (38%), followed by Mexico and the Caribbean (24%) and Europe (15%).7 What else is on travellers’ wish lists? Immersive experiences, the great outdoors, and beauty and wellness retreats, along with good value and flexibility.8 Travellers are yearning for vacations centred around their personal interests,9 and they’re increasingly using AI tools to customize their travel plans and find the best prices.


3. Heated Rivalry wins new fans for pro hockey

The NHL has enjoyed a noticeable spike in ticket sales, viewers and revenue over the past several weeks,10 likely thanks to Heated Rivalry, the made-in-Canada11 gay hockey romance that’s become a runaway success on screen and in print. The series has ignited a fresh wave of hockey fandom, drawing in new fans who previously hadn’t watched or attended NHL games.12 Online ticket resellers have seen a surge in searches for hockey games since Heated Rivalry began streaming in late November.13

What we’re watching: The success of Heated Rivalry, which has already been renewed for a second season,14 is giving the league an unexpected opportunity to capitalize on new demographics. Here’s just one indication that it could pay off big-time for teams that do more to embrace inclusion: for a recent fundraiser, the Ottawa Senators created jerseys emblazoned with the surnames of the show’s two main characters. The first batch of $325 jerseys reportedly sold out within an hour, and online orders have come from as far away as Sweden, Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

  1. World Economic Forum, “Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada”, January 2026
  2. Prime Minister of Canada, “Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade”, January 2026
  3. The Globe and Mail, “Carney calls for national unity in face of economic challenges ahead”, January 2026
  4. Associated Press, “Canada’s Mark Carney delivers remarks”, January 2026
  5. BBC, “Canadian boycott of US travel shows no sign of slowing,” November 2025
  6. Destination Canada, “Canadian Tourism Delivers Almost $60B This Summer, Driving National Wealth and Unprecedented Dispersion Across the Country”, October 2025
  7. Allianz Global Assistance Canada, “Canadians Enter 2026 with Strong Travel Confidence”, January 2026
  8. Travel Pulse Canada, “Purpose-Driven Travel Takes Centre Stage”, January 2026
  9. Travelmarket Report, “Skyscanner Reveals 2026 Canadian Travel Trends: Personal Journeys Tops”, October 2025
  10. SI.com, “NHL Recognizes Growth Due to ‘Heated Rivalry’ Show”, December 2025
  11. CTV News, “All the places ‘Heated Rivalry’ filmed in Toronto and Ontario”, December 2025
  12. Outsports.com, “‘Heated Rivalry’ is driving huge NHL ticket sales among new gay fans, Outsports finds”, December 2025
  13. Bloomberg, “‘Heated Rivalry’ Lures Sexy TV Show’s Fans to Ice Hockey Games”, January 2026
  14. CBC, “Heated Rivalry is getting a 2nd season on Crave”, December 2025

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