Business
WATCH: DataCan Services wins Business of the Year in the “+21 Employee” category

As a proud platinum sponsor of the 2019 Business of the Year Awards, we hope you enjoy these videos, produced by Todayville in association with Are You Social.
Our first story is about Datacan Services, winner of the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award in the “+21 Employee” Category. Please watch their video below and learn more about this great local organization!
“…DataCan is a design, engineering and manufacturing team that specializes in creating products for down-hole tool data collection solutions.
In 2006, DataCan was founded. DataCan first designed and produced quartz and piezo resistive memory pressure gauges. DataCan quickly became known as a worldwide supplier of innovative, high-performance, pressure and temperature recording devices and systems. In 2014, DataCan purchased the electronics divisions of Quinn’s Energy Services, formerly known as Lee Specialties. We now manufacture and support the Lee Specialties line of Production Logging Tools, Data Acquisition Systems, and Software.
There were 2 other finalists in this category. Click on the links and watch these short videos to learn more about these amazing local businesses!…”
Budal Group
“…Budal Construction was founded in 1979 by father and son, Bud and Dallas McPeek. They joined both their names and their commitment to workmanship together and created the solid foundation for our company.
With over 25 years history of successful projects and growing respect in the community, Budal’s leadership is now in the hands of the third generation. Todd McPeek our current general manager literally grew up building with his father and grandfather and now charts the course for the future of the company…”
Famosa Cosmopolitan Pizza
“…A PIZZERIA WITH PERSONALITY! We love to be the neighbourhood pizzeria that everyone comes to. At Famoso, we want to create a fun and lively atmosphere for you to relax with your friends and family any day of the week. There are plenty of choices in our menu – from Neapolitan to New World pizzas, to artisan pastas & delicious beverages to friendly and energetic staff, we hope to make each visit a memorable one. See you soon!…”
_________________________________________________________
About the Chamber: The Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most influential business association in Central Alberta. We are committed to promoting business growth and prosperity in the region by providing networking opportunities, educational and relevant speakers, benefit programs like group insurance and discounted merchant card rates to save you money, and being your advocate on issues that matter. Chamber membership is the most effective way to raise your business profile and capitalize on business development opportunities.
All companies, Chamber members and non-members, are eligible for nomination for an award in their respective category.
Todayville is proud to be a platinum sponsor of the 2019 Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards.
Automotive
Nissan, Honda scrap $60B merger talks amid growing tensions

Quick Hit:
Nissan is reportedly abandoning merger talks with Honda, scrapping a $60 billion deal that would have created the world’s third-largest automaker. The collapse raises questions about Nissan’s turnaround strategy as it faces challenges from electric vehicle competitors and potential U.S. tariffs.
Key Details:
- Nissan shares dropped over 4% following the news, while Honda’s stock surged more than 8%, signaling investor relief.
- Honda reportedly proposed making Nissan a subsidiary, a move Nissan rejected as it was initially framed as a merger of equals.
- Nissan is struggling with financial challenges and the transition to EVs, still reeling from the 2018 scandal involving former chairman Carlos Ghosn.
Diving Deeper:
Merger talks between Nissan and Honda have collapsed, according to sources, after months of negotiations to form an auto giant capable of competing with Chinese EV makers like BYD. The proposed deal, valued at over $60 billion, would have created the world’s third-largest automaker. However, differences in strategy and control ultimately derailed the discussions.
Reports indicate that Honda, Japan’s second-largest automaker, wanted Nissan to become a subsidiary rather than an equal merger partner. Nissan balked at the idea, leading to the collapse of negotiations. Honda’s market valuation of approximately $51.9 billion dwarfs Nissan’s, which may have fueled concerns about control. The failure of talks sent Nissan’s stock tumbling more than 4% in Tokyo, while Honda’s shares rose over 8%, reflecting investor confidence in Honda’s independent strategy.
Nissan, already in the midst of a turnaround plan involving 9,000 job cuts and a 20% reduction in global capacity, now faces mounting pressure to restructure on its own. Analysts warn that the failed merger raises uncertainty about Nissan’s ability to compete in an industry rapidly shifting toward EVs. “Investors may get concerned about Nissan’s future [and] turnaround,” Morningstar analyst Vincent Sun said.
Complicating matters further, Nissan faces heightened risks from U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Potential tariffs on vehicles manufactured in Mexico could hit Nissan harder than competitors like Honda and Toyota. The stalled deal also impacts Nissan’s existing alliance with Renault, which had expressed openness to the merger. Renault holds a 36% stake in Nissan, including 18.7% through a French trust.
While both Nissan and Honda have stated they will finalize a direction by mid-February, the collapse of this deal signals deep divisions in Japan’s auto industry. With Nissan’s financial struggles and the growing dominance of Chinese EV makers, the company must now navigate an increasingly challenging market without external support.
Business
USPS suspends inbound packages from China, Hong Kong

Quick Hit:
The U.S. Postal Service has suspended the acceptance of inbound packages from China and Hong Kong, citing security and policy concerns. The move comes as President Donald Trump enforces new tariffs to curb the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.
Key Details:
- The suspension affects international parcels but does not impact letters or flat mail from China and Hong Kong.
- Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 1st, imposing a 10% tariff on imports linked to China’s synthetic opioid supply chain.
- In response, China has announced retaliatory tariffs and launched an anti-monopoly investigation into U.S. tech firms.
Diving Deeper:
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the immediate suspension of inbound package acceptance from China and Hong Kong, a move aligned with President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to crack down on illicit drug trafficking. While the suspension blocks parcels from entering the country, it does not impact letters or flat mail, according to the USPS statement.
The decision comes as Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 1st, imposing a 10% tariff targeting Chinese chemical companies accused of fueling the fentanyl crisis in America. The order alleges that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has subsidized firms exporting fentanyl precursors, which are frequently used to manufacture synthetic opioids that have contributed to tens of thousands of American deaths.
“These companies exploit international trade loopholes, using fraudulent invoices, deceptive packaging, and re-shippers to evade detection,” Trump stated. The administration argues that these tactics enable the smuggling of lethal drugs into the U.S. under the guise of legitimate commerce.
China has responded swiftly to the escalating trade measures, announcing countertariffs on key U.S. exports, including coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and agricultural equipment. Additionally, the Chinese government has initiated an anti-monopoly probe into Alphabet Inc.’s Google while adding U.S. companies PVH Corp. and Illumina to its “unreliable entities list.” Beijing has also imposed export restrictions on rare earth metals essential to high-tech industries.
The USPS suspension, combined with the new tariffs, signals a renewed push by Trump to hold China accountable for its role in the opioid crisis while reinforcing his America First trade agenda. With tensions mounting between the two global powers, further economic retaliation from Beijing remains a possibility.
-
Business2 days ago
Preston Manning offers advice for Canada’s response to Trump Tariffs
-
Business2 days ago
Trudeau still refusing to recall Parliament despite ongoing Trump tariff threats
-
Alberta1 day ago
Don’t default to the Rate of Last Resort
-
COVID-192 days ago
Trudeau government back in court to appeal ruling against its use of the Emergencies Act
-
Business2 days ago
Trudeau Liberals pledge $41.5 million for over 100 pro-2SLGBTQI+ projects
-
Alberta1 day ago
Trudeau “Played Doctor” With Children
-
Economy2 days ago
Human population set to decline for the first time since the Black Death
-
Business2 days ago
Liberals, globalists flip out after Trump orders USAID freeze