The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation announced the return of Light Up Chinatown! 2026, a free two-day festival on August 8-9 featuring exclusive food collaborations, live performances, and a passport program with prizes. Now in its sixth year, the festival aims to support local businesses and continue the neighbourhood's revitalization, with enhanced safety measures in place.

Premier Health of America Inc. announced the successful closing of a restructuring transaction where Polar Valley Investments Limited acquired all equity interests in three company affiliates: Solutions Staffing Inc., Canadian Health Care Agency Ltd., and Premier Soin Nordik Inc. The transaction was completed under CCAA proceedings initiated by Royal Bank of Canada. The three acquired entities will continue operations with no changes to service levels, while Premier Health's remaining assets are being wound down by court-appointed monitor FTI Consulting Canada Inc. Trading of Premier Health's shares on TSX Venture Exchange remains halted.

The Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) offers exposure to 343 global stocks from developed markets with a low 0.07% expense ratio, but has delivered underwhelming returns and a modest 2.13% dividend yield. The fund is heavily concentrated in Japan (30.9%) and Canada (23%), and has been significantly outperformed by the S&P 500 over its track record. Analysts suggest more diversified alternatives like the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) may be better for long-term investors.

Premier Health of America announced that the Québec Superior Court has approved the acquisition of three of its affiliates (Solutions Staffing Inc., Canadian Health Care Agency Ltd., and Premier Soin Nordik Inc.) by Polar Valley Investments Limited through reverse vesting orders. The transaction, initiated under CCAA creditor protection proceedings filed by Royal Bank of Canada, is expected to close on July 10, 2026, with operations continuing without interruption. Trading in Premier Health's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange remains halted.

Premium Income Corporation reported a $69.8 million increase in net assets attributable to Class A shareholders ($3.91 per share) for the six months ended April 30, 2026. The Fund generated $84.3 million in income with $81.3 million in operating profit after expenses. Net assets reached $229.4 million ($12.39 per Class A share). Cash distributions of $0.64 per Preferred share and $0.52 per Class A share were paid during the period.

North American Financial 15 Split Corp. declared its regular monthly distribution of $0.11335 per Class A share and $0.06250 per Preferred share, payable July 10, 2026. The company invests in a diversified portfolio of 14 major North American financial services companies including Canadian banks and U.S. financial institutions.

Dividend 15 Split Corp. announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange has accepted its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 10% of its Preferred and Class A Shares. The bid will run from June 3, 2026 to June 2, 2027, with monthly purchase limits of 2% of outstanding shares. The company invests in a portfolio of leading Canadian dividend-yielding stocks.

Skills Canada National Competition 2026 concluded in Toronto with over 500 students and apprentices competing for national champion titles across 40+ skill areas. The event promoted skilled trades and technology careers to thousands of student visitors, with support from government partners and corporate sponsors including Home Hardware, UA Canada, Cenovus Energy, and Air Canada.

Skills/Compétences Canada held the closing ceremony of the 2026 Canadian Olympiads for Skilled Trades and Technologies in Toronto, where over 500 students and apprentices competed for national titles across 40+ disciplines. The event featured thousands of student visitors, industry leaders, and celebrity participants, with the next competition scheduled for Calgary in 2027.

Royal Bank of Canada announced a 12-cent increase (7% raise) to its quarterly common share dividend, bringing it to $1.76 per share, payable August 24, 2026. The board also declared dividends for several preferred share series.

As inflation rises to 3.8% in April, investors are seeking protection strategies. The article recommends dividend stocks and international equities as inflation hedges. The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is highlighted as a suitable option, offering a 3.47% dividend yield, low 0.07% expense ratio, and strong historical returns of 21% annually over three years.

Canadian Banc Corp. corrected its May dividend declaration, revising the Class A share dividend from $0.18588 to $0.16900 per share due to an unadjusted VWAP calculation that failed to account for a May 19 Class A share split (1.1 for 1). The corrected dividend is payable June 10, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 29, 2026. Preferred shareholders will receive $0.04958 per share.