Canadian SMB & B2B News Roundup – September 9, 2025 | CanDoBusiness

By Robert Marshall

September 9, 2025

This week brought major shifts for Canadian business, from global mergers to domestic policy changes and sector challenges. Here are the headlines that matter for Canadian SMBs and the B2B community.

Anglo American and Teck Merge Into a $53 Billion Copper Giant

Anglo American and Vancouver-based Teck Resources have agreed to merge into a new copper powerhouse worth about $53 billion. The combined company, to be headquartered in Vancouver, will carry the name Anglo Teck. Shareholders of Anglo will own 62.4 percent of the new entity, while Teck shareholders will hold 37.6 percent.

The deal includes a $4.5 billion special dividend and is expected to generate $800 million in annual cost savings within four years. Additional profits of $1.4 billion are projected from copper projects in Chile. This merger strengthens Canada’s role in the global supply of critical minerals that underpin clean energy and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Carney Pushes “Buy Canadian” and Delays EV Mandate

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new Buy Canadian policy, directing federal agencies to prioritize domestic suppliers in taxpayer-funded projects. Provinces and municipalities are encouraged to follow suit. A Strategic Response Fund will provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers, and seafood exporters facing pressure from U.S. tariffs.

At the same time, Ottawa has delayed the zero-emission vehicle mandate that would have required 20 percent of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2026. The government cited escalating U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts as a key reason. To soften the blow, new supports include extended employment insurance and a $370 million production incentive for canola farmers.

Ericsson Announces Canadian Layoffs

Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has announced it will cut about 100 technical roles in Canada. The layoffs are part of a global restructuring effort aimed at consolidating tools and processes across its network services division. The move highlights the pressure facing Canada’s tech services sector as multinationals adjust for efficiency in a turbulent global economy.

What This Means for Canadian Businesses

The Teck–Anglo merger demonstrates how Canada’s resource sector is consolidating to stay competitive on the global stage. The Buy Canadian policy gives local suppliers an edge in winning contracts and may create new demand for domestic products and services. Meanwhile, layoffs at Ericsson show the ongoing volatility in technology and professional services, where Canadian operations are not immune from global restructuring decisions.

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