Award-winning journalist, editor, TV & digital producer. Appreciator of film, nerdy literature & essays, & people who are nice. Yahoo Finance Canada reporter.
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Articles by John Macfarlane
The John Faire story: Humble legend
For nearly seven decades, John Faire has been involved in every aspect of yacht racing. Besides winning many National Championships, he’s held several key national and international governance roles and has served as an advisor to two New Zealand America’s Cup campaigns. He’s made a huge contribution to New Zealand yachting, much of it on a voluntary basis. This is his story.
The Russell Pauling story
Fortunate fellow During the 1970s and 80s, Epiglass was the leading force in the marine coating industry. Russell Pauling worked at Epiglass for 44 years, from start-up to its corporate takeover, experiencing all the shenanigans in between. This is his story. Born in New Lynn, West Auckland, in 1943, Pauling had always dreamed of becoming a boatbuilder. After leaving school at age 15, Pauling walked the streets around Westhaven seeking a boatbuilding apprenticeship, but nothing was available.
Health-care hiring has propped up Canada’s job market. Will patients see a difference? Original
A hiring boom across Alberta and Ontario health-care systems has been singlehandedly propping up Canada's national job market — but that growth may say more about the sluggish state of the rest of the economy than about improving patient outcomes.
The Westhaven Marina story — Part 1
The formative years: 1928–2004 This month signifies a major shift at Westhaven Marina, as the long-term licences for Piers AB to T expire, with all rights reverting to the owner, Auckland Council. Nearly 500 affected berth holders will either have to pay the standard monthly rental or vacate. With this change, it seemed an appropriate time to tell the story of Westhaven Marina.
As more teens turn to AI for emotional support, experts say it's no substitute for human connection
Teenagers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support, new Canadian research suggests, further underlining the pronounced mental health struggles of many young people and raising concerns about the impact of a fast-evolving, largely unregulated technology. The study by University of Ottawa researchers looked at nearly 40,000 students in Grades 4 through 12 in Ontario, finding that roughly one in five used AI chatbots for emotional support or advice.
Food and shelter have driven Canada's affordability crisis. Health care isn't far behind
Health Food and shelter grab headlines, but out-of-pocket health-care expenses have climbed at a nearly identical rate since 2022, Statistics Canada data shows. Economists and policy experts break down the structural drivers behind Canada's rising private medical costs.
'Exponential rise': Canadian pediatricians document severe e-scooter injuries, deaths in children, teens
Health From skull fractures to ICU admissions, pediatric specialists across Canada say severe e-scooter trauma in kids is becoming routine — and current rules are failing to protect them. Devices are marketed as toys, ER doctor says, despite quick acceleration to high speeds John MacFarlane · CBC News · Posted: Aug 13, 2026 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 14 Listen to this article Estimated 6 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology.
Kiwi yachting master, the Richard Macalister story
In 1980, a relatively unknown Wellington sailor, Richard Macalister, then aged 21, was chosen to be part of Sir Peter Blake’s Ceramco crew for the 1981-82 Whitbread Around the World Race. A few years later, Macalister established what’s now the highly successful marine business, Kiwi Yachting, which has since expanded internationally. Impressively, he’s also found time to do a lot of yacht racing, and this is his story.
The hurdles facing Canada's planned pandemic-busting lab Original
Health Ottawa's plan for a state-of-the-art lab to help tackle emerging health threats is commendable on paper. But top health researchers say long-term funding gaps, recent staff cuts and red tape could threaten its real-world success.
The hurdles facing Canada's planned pandemic-busting lab
‘Extremely troubling’: 4-year-old girl dead, 2 children found injured at home in First Nation west of Winnipeg A four-year-old girl is dead and two other girls – aged one and two – were hospitalized with injuries after being found at a home on a First Nation …
U.S. FDA approves first mRNA flu shot from Moderna
Health Reversing an earlier refusal, the FDA has approved Moderna's first mRNA flu shot for adults 50 and older. Here's what the major decision means as Health Canada considers its own approval of the vaccine. Health Canada is still reviewing Moderna’s bid for approval of the vaccine in Canada John MacFarlane · CBC News · Posted: Aug 06, 2026 3:39 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago Listen to this article Estimated 5 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology.
The Greg Fenwick story
Architectural moves Fenwick’s father, John, was the CEO of John Fenwick & Co in Napier, a third-generation master stevedore. For those unfamiliar, stevedores are the people responsible for arranging the loading and unloading of ships, always a vital part of New Zealand’s shipping infrastructure. building and removing a 22ft Carl Augustin runabout in, and from, the Fenwick family home // Photo credit: supplied.
Dedicated boaties: The Ron and Michelle Copeland story
A skilled engineer, boat restorer and sailor, Ron Copeland is a dedicated advocate for our marine heritage. Alongside his engineering pursuits, he and his wife Michelle, have dedicated over 40 years campaigning to halt the ongoing decline of marine facilities around Auckland. This is their story. Born in 1947 to Raymond and Shirley Copeland, Ron was the youngest of their three children. The Copelands moved to the North Shore in 1950, when the most direct access was by ferry.
True voyagers: the Eric and Cathy Gray story
While world circumnavigations are seemingly routine these days, the challenge of obtaining a suitable yacht and funding a voyage remains as difficult as ever. Eric and Cathy Gray’s decade-long circumnavigation is a wonderful example of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. This is their story. Early Life and a Shared Dream Born in 1954, Eric’s father, Chris, was a Lines Overseer at the Tauranga Electric Power Board (TEPB).
Taxes 2025: Got a Canada Revenue Agency review letter? Here's what to do
Most tax return reviews are triggered by what the Canada Revenue Agency calls “impartial and non-discriminatory criteria.” (Photo Illustration by Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) · SOPA Images via Getty Images As we hit the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) April 30 tax return deadline, it's worth remembering that the agency will, as usual, review many Canadians’ returns and benefits in 2025, checking for errors and omissions.
Taxes 2026: What the Canada Revenue Agency already knows about you before you file
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) probably knows what you did last summer — and last spring, winter and fall. Long before you file your taxes, the agency assembles a substantial profile that can be perfectly accurate around income, though much less complete in other areas. As the April 30 deadline for individual returns approaches, the responsibility remains with the taxpayer to bridge that information gap.
Taxes 2026: What the Canada Revenue Agency already knows about you before you file
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) probably knows what you did last summer — and last spring, winter and fall. Long before you file your taxes, the agency assembles a substantial profile that can be perfectly accurate around income, though much less complete in other areas. As the April 30 deadline for individual returns approaches, the responsibility remains with the taxpayer to bridge that information gap.
Taxes 2026: Common tax return mistakes that trigger Canada Revenue Agency scrutiny
Most Canadians will file their tax returns without issue — but certain mistakes are more likely to draw attention from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Experts say a number of common errors, inconsistencies and even timing can all trigger a closer look at your return. With the April 30 deadline for individual returns fast approaching, the pressure to file quickly can often lead to the very oversights that catch a tax officer's eye.
Taxes 2026: Common tax return mistakes that trigger Canada Revenue Agency scrutiny
Most Canadians will file their tax returns without issue — but certain mistakes are more likely to draw attention from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Experts say a number of common errors, inconsistencies and even timing can all trigger a closer look at your return. With the April 30 deadline for individual returns fast approaching, the pressure to file quickly can often lead to the very oversights that catch a tax officer's eye.
Taxes 2026: The most common tax return mistakes that trigger Canada Revenue Agency scrutiny
Most Canadians will file their tax returns without issue — but certain mistakes are more likely to draw attention from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Experts say a number of common errors, inconsistencies and even timing can all trigger a closer look at your return. Avoiding a review isn’t always possible — and a review isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but understanding what the CRA looks for can help you enjoy an efficient, breezy tax season.
Taxes 2026: The most common tax return mistakes that trigger Canada Revenue Agency scrutiny
Most Canadians will file their tax returns without issue — but certain mistakes are more likely to draw attention from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Experts say a number of common errors, inconsistencies and even timing can all trigger a closer look at your return. Avoiding a review isn’t always possible — and a review isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but understanding what the CRA looks for can help you enjoy an efficient, breezy tax season.
Taxes 2026: The most common tax return mistakes that trigger Canada Revenue Agency scrutiny
Most Canadians will file their tax returns without issue — but certain mistakes are more likely to draw attention from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Experts say a number of common errors, inconsistencies and even timing can all trigger a closer look at your return. Avoiding a review isn’t always possible — and a review isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but understanding what the CRA looks for can help you enjoy an efficient, breezy tax season.
'A race to the bottom': TD downgrades BCE, Rogers, Telus as wireless price war intensifies Original
TD Securities downgraded the three major Canadian telecommunications companies and lowered its price targets on Thursday, citing a “price war risk.” In a note to investors, analyst Vince Valentini dropped BCE (BCE.TO, BCE), Rogers Communications (RCI-B.TO) and Telus (T.TO, TU) to “Hold,” arguing that “the news … is not good” on core pricing and growth fundamentals.
'A race to the bottom': TD downgrades BCE, Rogers, Telus as wireless price war intensifies
TD Securities downgraded the three major Canadian telecommunications companies and lowered its price targets on Thursday, citing a “price war risk.” In a note to investors, analyst Vince Valentini dropped BCE (BCE.TO, BCE), Rogers Communications (RCI-B.TO) and Telus (T.TO, TU) to “Hold,” arguing that “the news … is not good” on core pricing and growth fundamentals.
The OK Dinghy: The New Zealand dominance
For nearly 70 years, the OK Dinghy has been one of this country’s most popular international classes. New Zealand sailors have an enviable track record in the class. Since 1973, our sailors have won the World OK Championship 13 times. This is the story of the OK dinghy in New Zealand. Danish boatbuilder and designer Knud Olsen (1919–2010) designed what would become the OK in 1956.
Taxes 2026: What the CRA already knows about you before you file Original
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) probably knows what you did last summer — and last spring, winter and fall. Long before you file your taxes, the agency assembles a substantial profile that can be perfectly accurate around income, though much less complete in other areas. “Some clients would be surprised by how much the CRA knows,” says Ameer Abdulla, a tax partner at EY Canada. “But others are counting on it.
The OK Dinghy: The New Zealand dominance
For nearly 70 years, the OK Dinghy has been one of this country’s most popular international classes. New Zealand sailors have an enviable track record in the class – since 1973 our sailors have won the World OK Championship 13 times. This is the story of the OK dinghy in New Zealand. Danish boatbuilder/designer, the late Knud Olsen (1919 – 2010) designed what would become the OK in 1956.
Telus' 'incongruous' yield, rising share count support case for dividend cut: Analyst
The expanding volume of Telus (T.TO, TU) shares in recent years has diluted existing shareholders and strengthens the case for a significant dividend cut, analysts at National Bank of Canada argue. As the share count has grown, each share represents less of the company while the total dividend bill has climbed.
RBC cuts bank price targets, says valuations 'may have gone a little too far'
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets have dialled back their price targets for the major Canadian banks, noting strong fundamentals but with valuations that “may have gone a little too far.” Analyst Darko Mihelic says the firm is cutting its target multiple from 15.0x to 14.0x after reviewing past instances of peak valuations. That effectively means RBC is lowering how much investors should be willing to pay for each dollar of bank earnings, while still expecting growth in those earnings.
RBC cuts bank price targets, says valuations 'may have gone a little too far'
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets have dialled back their price targets for the major Canadian banks, noting strong fundamentals but with valuations that “may have gone a little too far.” Analyst Darko Mihelic says the firm is cutting its target multiple from 15.0x to 14.0x after reviewing past instances of peak valuations. That effectively means RBC is lowering how much investors should be willing to pay for each dollar of bank earnings, while still expecting growth in those earnings.
RBC stands out as 'most compelling bank to own' ahead of potential capital markets slowdown Original
Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO, RY) is the “most compelling bank to own” among Canada’s major lenders amid concerns that capital markets activity could slow, Scotia Capital analysts say. The bank’s shares have lagged peers this year, which analyst Mike Rizvanovic says has created a “compelling entry point.” Longer-term trends also suggest RBC’s capital markets business is less volatile than that of other banks.
Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25%, caught between inflation risks and growth amid war-driven oil spike
Economists polled by Reuters were unanimous in their expectations for a hold today. (Photo by DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images) The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its overnight interest rate steady at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday in a move widely expected by economists, as policymakers weighed the inflationary impact of surging oil prices against signs of weakness in the Canadian economy. The BoC "will look through the war’s immediate impact on inflation,” Governor Tiff Macklem said.
Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25%, caught between inflation risks and growth amid war-driven oil spike
Economists polled by Reuters were unanimous in their expectations for a hold today. (Photo by DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images) The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its overnight interest rate steady at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday in a move widely expected by economists, as policymakers weighed the inflationary impact of surging oil prices against signs of weakness in the Canadian economy. The BoC "will look through the war’s immediate impact on inflation,” Governor Tiff Macklem said.
Bank of Canada interest rate: How the Iran War could prolong a Canadian housing market 'stalemate'
The war in Iran is pushing oil prices higher and reinforcing the “stalemate” in Canada’s housing market, experts say. Uncertainty around the conflict’s impact and duration, alongside a wide range of potential outcomes for the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, has further clouded the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) path forward on interest rates. Any combination of a protracted Middle East conflict and higher tariffs would likely further slow real estate activity.
Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate at 2.25%, with Iran war and CUSMA in sharp focus Original
The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its overnight interest rate steady at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday in a move widely expected by economists. The announcement comes as the central bank faces a daunting set of risks due to the war in Iran and ongoing uncertainty around the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement.
Bank of Canada expected to hold interest rates steady for third consecutive decision today Original
The Bank of Canada is expected to hold its policy rate steady at 2.25 per cent when it releases its latest interest rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET today. The central bank faces a daunting set of economic risks due to the war in Iran and ongoing uncertainty around the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement. Economists polled by Reuters were unanimous in their expectations for a hold today.
Bank of Canada interest rate: How the Iran War could prolong a Canadian housing market 'stalemate' Original
The war in Iran is pushing oil prices higher and reinforcing the “stalemate” in Canada’s housing market, experts say. Uncertainty around the conflict’s impact and duration, alongside a wide range of potential outcomes for the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, has further clouded the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) path forward on interest rates. Any combination of a protracted Middle East conflict and higher tariffs would likely further slow real estate activity.
Bank of Canada interest rate: How the Iran War could prolong a Canadian housing market 'stalemate'
The war in Iran is pushing oil prices higher and reinforcing the “stalemate” in Canada’s housing market, experts say. Uncertainty around the conflict’s impact and duration, alongside a wide range of potential outcomes for the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, has further clouded the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) path forward on interest rates. Any combination of a protracted Middle East conflict and higher tariffs would likely further slow real estate activity.
Canada inflation slows to 1.8% in February in ‘calm before the storm’ ahead of oil shock
Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.8 per cent in February, according to Statistics Canada data published Monday. Economists had expected the inflation rate to drop to 1.9 per cent from 2.3 per cent in January, according to CIBC Economics' consensus estimates. Economists said the softer-than-expected inflation data should give the Bank of Canada room to keep interest rates on hold this week.
Inflation in Canada slowed to 1.8% in February, with 'tame report' giving more room to BoC to hold rates steady
Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.8 per cent in February, according to Statistics Canada data published Monday. Economists had expected the inflation rate to drop to 1.9 per cent from 2.3 per cent in January, according to CIBC Economics' consensus estimates. Economists highlighted that the subdued Monday data will give the Bank of Canada (BoC) room to hold rates steady before the war in Iran begins to reverberate through prices.
Iran, CUSMA: What they mean for the Bank of Canada and the housing market
The war in Iran is reinforcing the “stalemate” in Canada’s housing market, experts say, adding to lingering uncertainty around the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and reducing the already slim chances of a Bank of Canada (BoC) rate cut later this year. Any combination of a protracted Middle East conflict and higher tariffs would likely slow real estate activity further.
'Simply brutal': Canada lost 84K jobs in February; unemployment rises to 6.7%
Canada’s labour market lost a net 83,900 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased to 6.7 per cent, driven by a substantial decline in full-time positions, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday. The results were far below the slight job gain forecast by economists.
'Simply brutal': Canada lost 84K jobs in February; unemployment rises to 6.7%
Canada’s labour market lost a net 83,900 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased to 6.7 per cent, driven by a substantial decline in full-time positions, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday. The results were far below the slight job gain forecast by economists.
Canada lost 84K jobs in February; unemployment rises to 6.7%
Canada’s labour market lost a net 83,900 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased to 6.7 per cent, with declines most significant among younger workers and men aged 25 to 54, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday. Economists had expected the Canadian economy to add 10,000 jobs and the unemployment rate to tick back up to 6.6 per cent, according to consensus estimates published by the Bank of Montreal.
RBC adds BCE, cuts Telus amid gold focus in Canadian model portfolio tilt
RBC Capital Markets swapped BCE (BCE.TO, BCE) in and Telus (TU, T.TO) out of the spring edition of its model Canadian equity portfolio, while tilting the overall balance further towards gold-related and industrial stocks and trimming technology exposure. The updated portfolio, built around analysts’ highest-conviction stock picks, also slightly reduces its weight in financials and continues to hold fewer energy and consumer stocks than the broader market.
Quebecor shares rise; valuation above BCE and Rogers justified, analysts say
Quebecor’s (QBR-B.TO) shares jumped Friday after a wave of price target hikes that followed the telecommunications company’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, with JPMorgan and Desjardins striking a notably bullish tone on the company’s upside. JPMorgan analyst Sebastiano Petti reiterated the stock as his top Canadian communications pick, arguing that accelerating wireless revenue, improving cable trends and rising free cash flow support further upside — and potentially additional multiple expansion.
Quebecor shares rise; valuation above BCE and Rogers justified, analysts say
Quebecor’s (QBR-B.TO) shares jumped Friday after a wave of price target hikes that followed the telecommunications company’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, with JPMorgan and Desjardins striking a notably bullish tone on the company’s upside. JPMorgan analyst Sebastiano Petti reiterated the stock as his top Canadian communications pick, arguing that accelerating wireless revenue, improving cable trends and rising free cash flow support further upside — and potentially additional multiple expansion.
Quebecor shares rise; valuation above BCE, Rogers justified, analysts say
Quebecor’s (QBR-B.TO) shares jumped Friday after a wave of price target hikes that followed the telecommunications company’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, with JPMorgan and Desjardins striking a notably bullish tone on the company’s upside. JPMorgan analyst Sebastiano Petti reiterated the stock as his top Canadian communications pick, arguing that accelerating wireless revenue, improving cable trends and rising free cash flow support further upside — and potentially additional multiple expansion.
Canada's economy shrank more than expected to close out 2025, as businesses ate into existing inventories
An export terminal in Vancouver. Analysts had expected real gross domestic product for the quarter to shrink by 0.4 per cent on an annualized basis. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images) · John Greim via Getty Images Canada’s economy shrank 0.6 per cent at an annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2025, Statistics Canada said on Friday, as businesses drew down on existing inventories rather than producing more.
Canada's economy shrank more than expected to close out 2025, as businesses ate into existing inventories
Canada’s economy shrank 0.6 per cent at an annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2025, Statistics Canada said on Friday, as businesses drew down on existing inventories rather than producing more. Analysts had expected real gross domestic product (GDP) for the quarter to shrink by 0.4 per cent, according to consensus estimates published by CIBC Economics. The Bank of Canada expected flat growth for the quarter, according to projections in its January Monetary Policy Report.
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