News of the day: Big bank valuation, Ben McKenzie's crypto crusade, Ottawa's new drone marketplace, World Cup travel boom, the burden of growth and more

It's Thursday, August 20. Here are the top stories we're following today.

Canada's big banks set to report strong results again, but questions about valuation remain

Canada's biggest banks are once again expected to post strong results when they report their third-quarter earnings next week, but to what extent their profits can boost their stocks is another thing.

Read the story

'Crypto really preys on men': Why former OC star Ben McKenzie won't quit his crusade against digital currencies

The Financial Post spoke with actor Ben McKenzie about his views on cryptocurrency, who's really making (and losing) money off it and why victims of scams are often still believers.

Read the story

Canadian companies eye speed, quick contracts from Ottawa's new drone marketplace

Canadian companies are hoping Ottawa's new drone marketplace will lower the barriers to getting high-volume defence contracts as the Mark Carney government accelerates the building of the country's military capacity and defence industrial base.

Read the story

Tens of thousands flooded into Canada for the World Cup, travel data shows

Toronto and Vancouver hosted 13 World Cup games between June 11 and July 19, involving teams from 15 overseas countries. The two cities saw higher volumes of arrivals from all participating countries, with the exception of Türkiye.

Read the story

Opinion: Deteriorating provincial finances are throwing the burden of growth back on Ottawa

Canada is advancing an ambitious economic agenda at a time when provincial finances are under acute pressure. To achieve its goals, Ottawa will have to take on more of the risks — and foot more of the bill, writes Marc Desormeaux.

Read the story