NEWS

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Rona is promoting ‘DIT’

Campaign from Courage is promoting couples workshops at select locations

B.C. safety campaign reveals the big consequences of little lies

The One23West campaign juxtaposes light humour about feeling invincible with the grim reality

The 10 most powerful Canadian creators

A snapshot of the creators who are commanding attention and shaping trends nationwide.

Have we reached peak Labubu? Charting the rise and fall of the ugly-cute viral toy

What began as a storybook monster became 2024's $430 million phenomenon via TikTok and celebrity flexes, but counterfeit scandals and market corrections now cast doubt on whether Labubu can evolve beyond a one-cycle craze.

The 10 most viewed Super Bowl LX ads on YouTube AdBlitz

From creator-led spots to nostalgic reunions, this year’s Super Bowl ads sparked plenty of post-game buzz on YouTube.

Taking a scroll — Week of Feb. 9: This week in the global creator economy

The latest trends, creator moves and platform updates marketers need to know.

Social-first Super Bowl campaigns show how brands are winning without TV

Super Bowl LX demonstrates the growing power of social-only activations and the evolution of hybrid strategies.

Dentsu reports record loss ahead of CEO transition, suspends dividends

Dentsu reduced headcount by 2,100 roles in 2025 and said a further 1,300 cuts are planned.

Dentsu drops sale of international arm but is open to deals in local markets

After months of uncertainty over its overseas operations, Dentsu has ruled out a comprehensive partnership, announcing sweeping management changes amid a record annual loss.

Amazon Ads unveils ‘Creative Agent’ chatbot to create ads

Tool can support ideation, scriptwriting, images and music.

BRP taps into Canadians’ restless urge to get outside

The new 'Get Moving' campaign is about “moving people emotionally and physically,” said Cossette’s David Thomas

Loblaw and OpenAI to launch PC Express within ChatGPT

The new app will enable consumers to seamlessly shop for groceries within the popular AI service.

No TV ad, no problem: Kraft Mac & Cheese hijacks Super Bowl Sunday

Skipping a traditional 30-second spot, Kraft Mac & Cheese responded in real time to more than 50 Super Bowl commercials

Dubrick, Chapman and Pingali chair 2nd annual AOTY Awards

One week left to enter Campaign’s prestigious awards program celebrating Canada’s best work and the people and businesses behind it.

How No Frills used a bag of ‘Korn’ to score at the Super Bowl

The big game creative helped launch a new brand platform, “No Frills yes savings.”

Angry Butterfly becomes Catelli’s new creative partner

The partnership aims to refresh Catelli’s storytelling and deepen its connection with Canadians.

Sid Lee wins Tetley, expands work with TIFF

The agency is bringing its culture-driven creativity to Tetley while expanding its role in TIFF’s philanthropic campaigns.

Spark Foundry tops preliminary 2025 Canada media rankings

Meanwhile, Publicis Groupe tops holding company table with $247.7 million in net new-business billings.

Sandra Sanderson to step down as Empire Company CMO

The recipient of the CMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and member of the Marketing Hall of Legends, Sanderson has spent seven years with the company in senior marketing roles.

Super Bowl LX ad trends: ‘Celeb Bowl,’ AI, nostalgia (again), potty humour and A-List film directors

The big themes that showed up creatively (and not so creatively) during the Big Game.

Subway Canada turns Super Bowl link sharing into a Twitch misdirect

By tricking consumers into watching a “soup or bowl,” DonerNorth helped the sandwich brand cut through one of the year’s most cluttered media moments.

OpenAI kicks off test phase for ChatGPT ads

Omnicom Media confirms more than 30 participating clients amid lingering questions about how the pilot will work.

The CMO’s dilemma: When to pivot your agency, and when to part ways

Rather than the ultimatum of an RFP, an RFT can provide a pathway to fixing a strained client-agency relationship.

Principal Media: Can agencies stay objective while selling inventory?

As agencies move closer to owning the media they sell, the debate shifts from whether principal media belongs in the mix, to how transparent and responsible it can truly be.

Toyota duets with Dallas Green for new RAV4

The campaign from Saatchi & Saatchi features a cover of “The More We Get Together,” by beloved children’s entertainer Raffi.

Manmade returns to the Super Bowl

The spot leans into humour, using the national stage to show the brand’s creative independence and growth beyond its startup roots.

Cossette names new office lead for Toronto

“His appointment underscores the strategic importance of Toronto within Cossette’s national footprint,” said Louis Duchesne, Canadian president for Cossette.

Power of Presence: Spotlighting industry professionals for Black History Month

This Black History Month, meet Cameron Lowe, Danica Nelson and Julian Morgan — Black professionals shaping Canada’s advertising, marketing, PR, media, and production industries. Written by POCAM members, these profiles shine a light on voices that deserve to be seen and heard.

Instacart’s data expansion comes to Canada

Partnership with The Trade Desk enables brands to use the grocery service’s data to target consumers across the open web.

WPP plans to launch WPP Creative

There are no plans to remove agency brands.

Making TD more human again

TD announced at the Super Bowl that it is now “more human.” It’s always been that way, writes Éric Blais in his latest Free to Disagree column.

SickKids shows how fast children can get burned for life

Skin & Bones oversaw development and production for campaign launched ahead of National Burn Awareness Week.

Fidelity reframes “Living the Dream” in Super Bowl-debuted brand campaign

The campaign by Dentsu positions Fidelity as a long-term financial partner across life’s milestones.

Omnicom Public Relations unveils restructured agency portfolio

Golin and Ketchum will merge under the leadership of Matt Neale; Porter Novelli will become a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard.

Pepsi brings back “The Joy of Cola” with Alessia Cara for Super Bowl

The campaign launches the brand’s new “Flavours of Canada” platform, spotlighting everyday moments and the people behind Pepsi’s Canadian operations.

RBC launches GoSmart for first-timers

The campaign uses humour and social-style storytelling to reframe investing as something Canadians can start now, not perfect later.

Weight Watchers picks media agency for $48 million account

The win for Omnicom Media's Hearts & Science includes Canada.

As AI takes off, TD wants to be ‘more human’ again

The new North American platform replaces “Ready for You,” and positions TD as a counterweight to an increasingly automated world.

Phoenix returns to the Super Bowl with ‘bikini birds’ for new brand Raven

The digital health provider launched two campaigns from Arrivals+Departures in Sunday’s game, including one for its new women-focused service.

Subway Canada targets everyday athletes with high-protein “Fresh Fit” menu

The platform reframes wellness through relatable daily effort, pairing protein-packed subs with the return of “Eat Fresh. Feel Good.”

Taking a scroll — Week of Feb. 6: This week in the global creator economy

The latest trends, creator moves and platform updates marketers need to know.

Snap and Alphabet results: Lots of AI, and a focus on profitable growth

Media and social experts share their interpretation of the numbers to predict how brands will be reaching consumers on the platforms in the months ahead.

The Creator Economy Outlook 2026: Part 2

As the market matures, experts predict where growth, risk and opportunity will emerge next.

Kruger ad reveals the messy realities of hockey parenthood

A sponsorship in CBC's Olympic coverage includes “Big Assist” series during hockey broadcasts.

Fuse Create expands PR capabilities, hires Jenn Duggan

The Toronto independent has “built something special,” said Duggan, a PR veteran whose career includes stops at Citizen Relations and Proof Strategies.

How a creator campaign for Pet Valu drove store visits up 5%

The campaign offers a clear look at how Pet Valu used creators to connect emotional storytelling with physical store behaviour in a competitive retail category.

Sport Chek launches “Our Gear. Our Games” for the Olympics

The campaign celebrates the bond between Canadian athletes and the equipment that powers their success.

Rethink named belairdirect’s agency of record

The appointment comes as the insurance brand looks to evolve its strategic brand direction and creative expression.

Omnicom, WPP, Publicis and Havas share prices plummet amid AI sell-off

Dentsu bucked overall decline, experiencing marginal increase.

Power of Presence: Spotlighting industry professionals for Black History Month

This Black History Month, meet Kathy-Ann Grizzle, Ray Fontaine and June Findlay — Black professionals shaping Canada’s advertising, marketing, PR, media, and production industries. Written by POCAM members, these profiles shine a light on voices that deserve to be seen and heard.

Arthur Sadoun on Publicis’ growth, sector woes and why neglecting talent is ‘kiss of death’

Publicis CEO talks to Campaign after increasing revenue and margin at annual results.

Intact puts its Olympic sponsorship on ice

The insurance company is featuring Montreal speed skater William Dandjinous as part of its first Games campaign.

Zulu Alpha Kilo strengthens its bench with promotions of Ault and Gawrysiak

The pair have played a role in some of the agency’s most acclaimed work for clients including Dove, President’s Choice, and Make-A-Wish.

HSBC CMO John McDonald to chair Campaign’s Global Agency of the Year Awards

Bank's top global marketer will lead judging panel for sixth edition of awards.

Kia Nurse joins Google Pixel Canada as brand ambassador in ‘Kia’s Got Next’ campaign

The campaign showcases the WNBA star’s drive, while highlighting how the Pixel 10 keeps users connected, organized and ahead of the game.

Aaron Starkman to lead Outdoor Jury at Cannes Lions 2026

“A distinction like leading a jury in Cannes isn’t a personal win, it’s a barometer for how Rethink is showing up globally,” he said.

McDonald’s puts Frank's RedHot on...a few things

A campaign from W+K Toronto showcases the QSR brand’s new limited-time partnership with the popular hot sauce brand.

Influencers have some convincing to do

Influencer marketing is finally being asked to behave like marketing: less “look at the likes”, says Éric Blais in his latest Free to Disagree column.

Clark Influence appoints senior leaders to bolster social-first strategy

The agency has hired Sophie Morel and Marine Didierlaurent as it expands its social team, aiming to deliver integrated, performance-driven content and influencer campaigns across Canada.

Canadian Tire celebrates everyday Canadian grit in lead-up to 2026 Winter Olympics

The campaign draws parallels between Canadians navigating winter challenges, and Team Canada athletes on the world stage.

5 Questions With… Torri Webster

How Torri Webster chooses the brands she works with—and the ones she turns down.

Video: Dairy Queen shows why shared entertainment, values and interest fuel connection

In the second of our three-part ‘Age is Just a Number’ series with Amazon Ads Canada, we spoke to Canadians and DQ to unpack how shared interests – such as the love for entertainment – superpowered the brand’s recent campaigns

Touché marks 30th anniversary with expanded focus beyond planning and buying

Now part of the expanded Omnicom Media family, the Quebec independent is positioning itself as a “co-pilot” to help clients navigate the turbulent media landscape.

POCAM launches Vancouver chapter

“Our new presence will unlock the relationships, networks, and advocacy our community needs to thrive,” said POCAM co-founder Gavin Barrett.

WPP consults with shareholders on boosting Cindy Rose's pay

Compensation policy will be voted on at AGM.

Raven introduces Canadian digital health platform for women with city-focused OOH campaign

A new Canadian health platform for women aims to stand out with high-impact billboards.

Diamond adds to creative bench

The agency has hired Jon Taylor and Andrea Romanelli, aiming to build a reputation as a creative powerhouse.

How K-pop rewired global brand marketing

What is the secret to K-culture's staying power internationally?

Tim Hortons celebrates "early risers" in Team Canada ad for Milan

“We created the ad spot to amplify the pride we have in Team Canada and celebrate the special moments where Tims unites the country,” said CMO Hope Bagozzi.

Adbot takes “advertainment” approach to social media marketing

“Our goal is to give consumers a reason to talk about your brand. I’m a content creator, not an ad agency, so we play by different rules,” says Adbot founder Raul Garcia

The Creator Economy Outlook 2026: Part 1

As the market matures, experts predict where growth, risk and opportunity will emerge next.

Introducing #TheSocialEdit, our new content vertical

An ongoing exploration of the many ways social media is reshaping today’s advertising landscape.

Are creators the new brand builders?

They have been variously described as 'voices that matter', 'culture translators' and 'an effective way to cut through the noise' while recent findings have shown they also offer a strong ROI so are they a real alternative to the traditional marketing mix?

Taking a scroll: This week in the global creator economy

The latest trends, creator moves and platform updates marketers need to know

Meta hits $200 billion revenue milestone on AI-powered ad surge

Meta reports double‑digit year-on-year revenue growth, with advertising once again accounting for almost all of the top line.

Polestar selects LG2 for creative

The account change comes as the EV space in Canada appears poised for significant change.

McCain launches Olympics campaign as Official French Fry Partner of Team Canada

The work invites Canadians to turn shared fry moments into cheers for athletes heading to Milano Cortina 2026.

A&W bites into a big question: What does the burger chain stand for?

“We’re returning our focus to what we do best: burgers and taste,” said Tom Newitt, vice-president of marketing at A&W Canada.

What brands can learn from Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” launch campaign

Sault Ste. Marie’s Northern Snow is a key example of community-first thinking, says Viral Nation’s co-founder and co-CEO.

The 33% problem: why women retire with less (and what we can do about it)

The UK's Women in Advertising and Communications, Leadership explain why planning ahead of retirement is crucial for women in adland, and how to get started.

One23West deepens AI and tech capabilities

Bringing 20 years of experience, Darrin Patey will lead the agency's push into AI-driven solutions and efficiencies.

Lifelong Crush adds senior creative and account leadership

“We are doubling down on our commitment to talent and innovative creative stewardship,” said CCO Derek Blais

YouTube appoints Nicole Bell as head of Canada

Bell will steer YouTube Canada’s creators, content, and new initiatives.

Heinz launches a 114-ounce ketchup keg

Fans can apply to win the 19.5-inch-tall KegChup via Heinz’s Instagram.

Why cutting brand spend is the corporate equivalent of cutting defence budgets

Just as Europe is relearning that security cannot be bought on the fly, Ian Whittaker argues that slashing brand spend isn't fiscal discipline, it's corporate disarmament.

Fuse Create and Jacknife relaunch American Student Assistance

After 60 years, Boston-based non-profit American Student Assistance has rebranded as Britebound, introducing a new name, logo, website and national campaign.

Revealed: latest hybrid working policies at new 'big six'

Campaign asked the holdcos about requirements to be in-office.

Cheerios celebrates nearly 30 years with Team Canada ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

The “Full Circle” campaign by Cossette features Canadian Olympians and Paralympians on collectible packaging.

Canadian pitch activity down slightly, but indie wins surge in 2025: Listenmore

Holdco instability may have contributed to 20-point surge in independent AOR wins

5 Questions with… House of Movement

The Toronto-based social club shows the reach and influence of micro-influencers backed by loyal followers.

Henry of Pelham “develops” new way to promote its heritage

Lifestyle and food & beverage creators helped promote the special bottles featuring labels created with wine.

KFC turns frigid weather into a crispy cultural moment

As Canadians endured the polar vortex, KFC Canada looked at a swirling weather map and saw a meme-able moment.

Target, General Mills and 3M among Minnesota brands calling for ‘de-escalation’ amid ICE tensions

The open letter from the CEOs of more than 60 Minnesota-based companies and organizations calling for officials to find ‘real solutions’ comes as CEOs of other top companies controversially attend White House screening of ‘Melania.’

Stop talking us into demise

People make better work when they feel unbeatable, so let's stop the insidious narrative in the industry ringing our own death knell.

Petro-Canada roars for Team Canada in Milan

The new campaign from McCann features a powerful bear who’d rather cheer for Team Canada than hibernate.

What are the implications of turning adland’s best minds into AI agents?

Adland deliberates whether AI agents should immortalise its greatest thinkers and practitioners, and the risks and benefits that presents.