B.C. Manufacturing Boost: The province is expanding its BC Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program with a new fibre category for custom cutters and processors, aiming to protect jobs and help local firms compete globally. Ottawa Cannabis Industry Networking: Tether marks five years serving Canada’s cannabis retail community and is launching a new Retailer Exchange plus major sampling event in Ottawa on Aug. 17. Housing Market Pulse: A REMAX Canada report says detached-home sales are up in 61% of surveyed GTA, Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley markets in the first half of 2026, with prices mostly flat. Flood Insurance Reality Check: An Ottawa homeowner says her “enhanced” water coverage still didn’t pay after groundwater flooding, highlighting gaps small businesses and homeowners can face when claims get denied. AI & IP Watch: WIPO reports GenAI patent families surged in 2024-25, led by large multinationals—signal for Canadian SMEs thinking about protecting new tech. Tech-Enabled Growth Moves: ZenaTech signed offers to acquire land surveying and geospatial firms across the U.S., Canada and Australia, targeting about C$40M in revenue over 12 months post-close. Mining Updates: Orezone says Casa Berardi and Bomboré are tracking expectations after becoming a multi-mine producer, while NIOB reports higher dysprosium and niobium grades from a second Seigneurie drill hole in Quebec.