Canada ups trade with China over US, Sears files for bankruptcy, and more top news

The news Canadian professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation by clicking the hashtags below.

Canadian exports to China since April have risen more than twice as quickly as those to the U.S. China is set to receive new large shipments of Canadian wool, lobsters and canola oil, amid a trade dispute with the States. shows the value of Canadian merchandise exports to China rose 23% between April and August this year, a surge of nearly $2 billion, according to Statistics Canada data. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Iconic U.S. retailer Sears filed for bankruptcy protection today. CEO Eddie Lampert will step down from his post, although he will remain as chairman, and Sears will close approximately 142 of its 700 stores before the year ends. The company employs 70,000 workers. Sears joins retailers such as Bon-Ton and Toys “R” Us to have filed for bankruptcy in recent years. ? Here’s what people are saying.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is the latest figure to drop out of  Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Future Investment Initiative, over the disappearance of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Several companies have pulled out from the event — dubbed "Davos in the Desert" —  including Viacom, Uber and HP. The Saudi journalist, a prominent government critic, went missing after entering his country’s consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Apple has acquired music analytics startup Asaii, reports Axios. The deal, believed to be worth less than USD$100 million, could help the tech giant better compete against Spotify’s efforts to work directly with emerging artists. Last month, Apple finalized its $400 million deal with music discovery app Shazam. ? Here’s what people are saying.

The cost of caring for the family pet is skyrocketing. American pet owners forked out almost USD$70 billion last year on their furry friends, according to the American Pet Products Association, with owners dispensing up to USD$13,000 for medical treatments over a pet's lifespan. And roughly 10% of dogs and 5% of cats now have insurance coverage.? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day:  Generating Falcons network CEO Edu Lyra remembers sage advice from his mother:

“Even in hunger and chaos, she always told me, 'Son, it does not matter where you come from, but where you're going.'”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.  

— Carmel Melouney and Jessica Hartogs