TechDay Canada

Focal AI has launched an agentic AI platform for Canadian wealth management advisers, designed to automate administrative work beyond meeting notes. The Toronto-based company says the software uses AI agents to read and complete forms, draft emails, prepare client documents and update client records in advisers' customer relationship management systems. The launch targets a long-running efficiency problem in the sector.

Gallagher Security and Luxriot have formed a partnership in the United States centred on Luxriot's Operational Intelligence Platform. The partnership combines Gallagher's Command Centre with Luxriot's video and operational intelligence software through a bi-directional interface. The set-up is designed to bring video, data, events and access control into a single operational view.

DCPayments has added Interac e-Transfer Business Request Money to its online checkout service for Canadian merchants, letting them offer the bank-based payment method alongside credit cards. The rollout brings Interac e-Transfer into the checkout flow instead of requiring customers to complete a separate payment after placing an order. Buyers can choose the option at checkout and approve the payment through a participating financial institution without leaving the merchant's purchase journey.

KPMG Canada has received ISO 42001 certification for its artificial intelligence management system, placing it among the first firms in Canada to gain the AI governance standard. Developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation, the standard sets out a framework for governing the development, deployment and use of AI systems through accountability, risk management, oversight, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Check Point has expanded its work with OpenAI by adding Daybreak models to parts of its security platform to help defenders find, validate and remediate risk. The move brings OpenAI's cyber models into several Check Point products and workflows, including exposure management, network security management, workspace security and vulnerability research. Some functions are already running in production, while others remain in testing with design partners.

Maple Deal Global has launched an online deal-discovery platform for shoppers, bringing together offers from retailers in multiple markets. The site is aimed at consumers who would otherwise search several retail websites for discounts, price drops and featured products. It presents curated offers in one place and directs users to retailer sites to complete purchases. Current categories include Today's Deals, Electronics, Home & Living, Health & Wellness, Travel and Canada Picks.

Carrick Health Innovations has launched an AI-based phone platform for healthcare providers. The system is now in use in a cancer pre-screening programme run by NL Health Services. The St. John's company says the product links phone interactions with patient records and grew out of its existing patient texting software. The platform tracks and transcribes calls, logs voicemails into contact records, and queues follow-up actions when calls go unanswered.

BDO Canada has partnered with Workday, becoming a Workday Sales and Services Partner in Canada. The tie-up focuses on HR, finance and planning services for organisations looking to modernise core business systems. BDO will combine its advisory services and Human Resources Technology & Transformation practice with Workday's software across those functions. The move comes as many Canadian businesses continue to digitise operations but have yet to integrate those tools across the wider organisation.

Canada is having an important conversation about sovereignty. We talk about energy security, Arctic sovereignty, domestic manufacturing, defence capabilities and the resilience of Canadian supply chains. Increasingly, we are also talking about artificial intelligence and the importance of building Canadian capacity in one of the defining technologies of our time. There is another layer of sovereignty that deserves the same attention. Digital sovereignty.

Uber has launched its ridesharing platform across Northeastern Ontario, becoming the first service to operate under Ontario's new Provincial Rideshare Framework. The rollout covers a broad stretch of the province, from Gravenhurst to Cochrane, including Muskoka, North Bay, Timmins and Greater Sudbury. Riders can request trips across the full zone, though service is expected to build gradually as more drivers complete the activation process.