Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Shift, a Victoria-based customizable browser, has launched Shift AI — a context-aware AI experience built directly into the browser and designed to keep users in control of when and how AI is used.

The launch comes as AI features are proliferating across browsers, often introduced as defaults without clear controls or transparency. Shift AI is optional by design, allowing users to decide if and how AI factors into their workflow.

The browser's AI capabilities include a context-aware system that understands active tabs and page content to deliver relevant answers without manual prompting, an intelligent omnibox that routes queries between search and AI automatically, and a privacy-first architecture that proxies requests through Cloudflare's Privacy Proxy to protect users from persistent tracking.

"AI shouldn't live in another tab. It should live where you work and it should work on your terms," said Michael Foucher, VP of Product and Customer Success at Shift. "Shift AI is designed to reduce the friction of everyday work while ensuring users stay in control of their data, their experience, and their workflow."

The launch is informed by Shift's own 2026 AI Consumer Insights Survey of more than 1,400 adults. The findings point to a tension at the heart of AI adoption: while 32% of users engage with AI daily and 53% say it improves their experience, 44% worry that AI could act without their approval.

"Users aren't rejecting AI, they just want control," Foucher added.

Shift is part of the Redbrick portfolio of companies and is a Certified B Corp.

🚢 On the road again: Open Ocean Robotics will showcase its solar-powered autonomous vessels at Web Summit Vancouver's B.C. Pavilion this month as part of a federal spotlight on B.C. ocean tech innovation.

💼 Help wanted: The Victoria company also posted a Chief of Staff role to support the CEO on execution and investor communications, offering $75,000-$115,000 plus equity.

🤝 Come together: The South Island Prosperity Partnership is seeking four new board members for three-year terms starting June 18, prioritizing experience in technology, Indigenous relations, and entrepreneurship.

Find your next career:

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May 8-May 22 | HR Happy Hour at Fort Tectoria

Join this drop-in series for tech leaders looking for practical, judgment-free advice on the people side of running a tech team. Fractional HR professionals will be on hand to field questions on hiring, retention, leadership, performance, and culture. No registration required — just show up, grab a drink, and connect with peers. Sessions run May 8 and May 22.

Have something or someone we should know about?

Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.