AGP Executive Report

Canada–U.S. Trade: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer says key issues with Canada are “quite difficult to resolve” as talks wrap in Milwaukee, with the U.S. still focused on reshoring and warning it can’t be replaced as a customer. Energy & National Unity: Prime Minister Mark Carney fast-tracked the Pacific Link oil pipeline as a project of national interest, aiming to cut dependence on the U.S. and boost Alberta–B.C. cooperation ahead of Alberta’s referendum. Housing Affordability: Bank of Canada senior deputy governor Carolyn Rogers says the central bank’s rate tool is “too blunt” to fix affordability, calling for more supply and better planning. Cybersecurity: A report says AI agents made rudimentary hacking attempts on Library and Archives Canada, probing for weaknesses tied to old records. Public Safety: RCMP charged an Edmonton man over alleged online death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney. Business & Travel: Canada’s tourism push includes a new Destination Canada funding search engine, while Air Canada continues route changes and expansions. Community Safety: New reporting highlights a sharp rise in antisemitism and threats against Jewish institutions across Canada.

Cybersecurity: An AI research lab says “rudimentary” AI agents tried to access Library and Archives Canada on May 28 and June 9, but Canada’s cyber centre says there’s no sign systems were compromised; OpenAI says it’s reviewing the report. Trade & diplomacy: As G20 trade talks continue in Wisconsin, Canada is pushing trade diversification with EU and India meetings ahead of a broader partnership, while U.S. pressure on Canada remains a backdrop. Immigration: IRCC released an updated list of designated learning institutions whose programs can qualify international students for the PGWP, with eligibility varying by program. Marine safety: Ottawa is investing C$1.2B to expand West Coast marine monitoring, Coast Guard capacity, spill response and environmental protections as LNG and port projects boost shipping. Sports & culture: Montreal and Quebec City were named co-hosts for the 2027 women’s volleyball World Cup. Aviation: Air Canada is resuming Quito service with new nonstop routes to Montreal and Toronto starting December. Business: Reports say Boots is nearing a £7B sale to the Weston family’s Canadian branch.

Truth & Reconciliation: A human rights panel says Canada is failing Indigenous survivors by not doing thorough investigations into residential school crimes, urging probes, prosecutions and reparations. National tragedy: Two people were killed and two injured when a vehicle hit pedestrians during a Truth and Reconciliation community walk on Tsawwassen First Nation land in B.C.; police said the driver may have had a medical emergency. Indigenous education: First Nations University of Canada marked 50 years, with leaders tracing its roots to Treaty-era visions of Indigenous-owned higher education. Trade & tariffs: A Saint Michael’s College professor warns U.S. tariffs are disrupting everyday life across the Canada-U.S. border, as Washington’s ban on nearly $1B in Canadian goods takes effect. Economy & affordability: Canada’s competition watchdog is investigating whether grocery “minimum advertised pricing” rules are blocking lower advertised prices and limiting deals for Canadians. Business & travel: Air Canada is adding service to Barbados, expanding Montreal connections for the holiday season. Sports: Canadiens centre Phillip Danault says he’s “not done” after this contract year, while the team opens the season with early momentum. Environment & science: UBC researchers documented two new sea spider species in B.C.’s Salish Sea.

LNG Canada Expansion: Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed LNG Canada’s Phase 2 final investment decision in Kitimat, which will double capacity to 28 million tonnes a year and is expected to create thousands of construction jobs plus hundreds of permanent roles. U.S.-Canada Trade War: The U.S. moved ahead with a ban on nearly $1 billion of Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy and some motorcycles, escalating a tariff fight that both sides say could still lead to a deal. Truth & Reconciliation Day: Canadians marked the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, remembering residential school survivors and children who never returned. Border Scrutiny: U.S. Customs and Border Protection warned Canadians that “everything gets inspected” at land borders as device searches expand. Organized Crime & Media: Canadian authorities linked a “Hood 420” suspect to a shooting and extortion campaign targeting a Punjabi radio station in Surrey. Politics & Unity: Pierre Poilievre urged Albertans to back a united Canada ahead of the Oct. 5 referendum. Ukraine Support: Norway and Canada pledged new funding to help return Ukrainian children and support POWs and civilian hostages.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: The U.S. has started banning nearly $1B of Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy and some motorcycles, as Washington demands an apology; Canada’s trade minister Dominic LeBlanc says Ottawa won’t be bullied. Marine Conservation: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will invest an extra C$1.2B to protect marine life and boost enforcement as tanker traffic rises. Energy Expansion: LNG Canada approved Phase 2 in Kitimat, doubling capacity to 28 million tonnes a year in a C$33B expansion. Banking Liquidity: The Bank of Canada is boosting two-week repo use to ease CORRA strain amid funding pressures. Health Labels: New front-of-package “high in” nutrition symbols are already changing shopping habits, with many shoppers avoiding or switching products. Housing Pressure: A real estate warning highlights how high down payments can still leave buyers with mortgages far above appraised values, raising default risk. Sports & Community: Thomas Chabot was named Ottawa Senators captain; MADD Canada named Regina volunteer Karen Anthony Burns Volunteer of the Year.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: The U.S. has started banning nearly $1B in Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy products (like whey) and motorcycles, as Trump says Canada treated the U.S. unfairly and expects a deal in weeks. Federal Politics: Ottawa’s Bill C-39 (“Building Canada Strong Act”) would let the labour minister fast-track major infrastructure and potentially end federally regulated work stoppages, drawing fire from unions and environmentalists. Energy & Industry: Shell has greenlit LNG Canada Phase 2, doubling capacity to 28 million tonnes per year, while the Canada Energy Regulator approved Trans Mountain’s negotiated tolls settlement. Immigration: Canada issued 733 invitations to Provincial Nominee Programme candidates in a Sept. 28 Express Entry draw, with a 725 CRS cutoff. Health Tech: Loblaw’s PC Health launched an AI chatbot (PC Chat) and says it handled 100,000+ questions in its first week. Business & Jobs: Cleveland-Cliffs plans to idle parts of its Hamilton, Ont., Stelco plant and lay off up to 500 workers, blaming U.S. tariffs.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: With Trump’s import bans on Canadian alcohol, dairy and motorcycles set to start Sept. 29, the U.S. president says he expects Canada to apologize and reach a “fair” deal within weeks, while Canadian officials stress protecting workers and businesses. Public Safety: Ontario police issued a Canada-wide warrant for Mason Jenkins, 49, who breached statutory release after a life sentence for murder and trafficking. Security & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mark Carney told the New York Times he can’t guarantee India won’t be linked to crimes in Canada, despite renewed ties. Hate Threats: Islamic schools across Ontario, B.C. and Quebec received emails threatening to “slaughter” Muslims, prompting investigations. Agriculture: Alberta’s cattle herd is growing again, and a pea market analyst says smaller crops plus demand from India and China point to stronger 2026-27 prices. Northern Infrastructure: Canada announced $85.5M to rehabilitate Rankin Inlet’s airfield and improve Arctic connectivity. Competition Watch: The Competition Bureau says grocery flyer and app deals may be blocked by minimum advertised pricing rules. Health Measures: Canada extended Ebola-related travel and immigration restrictions for 60 days to Nov. 27. Business/Jobs: Canada’s CHFA honoured Mitsoh with a Trailblazer Small Business Award. Auto Recall: Transport Canada reports recalls affecting nearly 17,000 Jeep and Volkswagen vehicles over crash-risk issues.

Canada–EU Pivot: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada is not seeking full EU membership, even as the EU floats an “associate member” idea ahead of a Montreal summit, with talks focused on AI, critical minerals, defence and security. Trade Tensions With the U.S.: The Trump administration is set to ban selected Canadian alcohol, dairy and motorcycles starting Tuesday, escalating a tariff fight after Canada retaliated on about $20B in U.S. exports. Immigration Rules: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada published five key rules for temporary resident permits, including limits and fee exemptions for some vulnerable groups. Work and Economy: Remote and hybrid work is shrinking again as fully remote postings fall sharply, while Canada also moves to extend stock trading hours through a new platform. Energy and Industry: Alberta launches mandatory solar panel recycling from Oct. 1, and Tata Projects partners with Canadian MDS Aero to build aero-engine testing infrastructure in India. Public Safety & Health: A new report highlights alcohol as Canada’s biggest drug problem, while police and peace officers marked the national memorial at Parliament Hill.

Arts & Culture: The Tragically Hip, Leslie Feist, Roch Voisine and Loverboy’s Mike Reno and Paul Dean were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at Massey Hall, with performances and tributes including Jeff Tweedy and Finneas. Local Theatre: Barrie director Iain Moggach will helm the Canadian premiere of Jennifer Blackmer’s stage adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace in Schomberg this November. Sports: Mike Matheson was fined $5,000 for roughing Senators’ Ridly Greig, and the Canadiens made several roster cuts including Jacob Fowler and David Reinbacher to Laval. Canada in the World: Canada’s UNGA push emphasized “strategic autonomy” and renewed partnerships with India and China, while Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Arctic threats have “shifted significantly.” Trade & Energy: Germany’s foreign minister said Europe wants more Canadian LNG as supply chains face pressure. Immigration & Travel: Canada outlined citizenship requirement waivers on compassionate grounds, and the U.S. will expand social media screening for more visa categories starting Oct. 1. Public Safety: Anonymous threats put nine Islamic schools on high alert across Ontario, B.C. and Quebec. Environment: A Yellowstone-to-Yukon wildlife corridor project is a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.

UN Diplomacy: Canada’s top diplomat says Ottawa is seeking “greater strategic autonomy” as Foreign Minister Anita Anand pushes new partnerships at the UN, including fresh momentum with India. Canada-India Trade: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Anand and said ties are headed “to a higher level,” with Prime Minister Modi expected in Canada around December and CEPA talks making “good progress.” Energy & Trade Tensions: Germany’s foreign minister told CTV his country wants more Canadian LNG as supply-chain risks grow, while Canadian coat makers brace for tariff shocks from the U.S. Security & Intelligence: Reports say Canadian diplomats affected by “Havana syndrome” were sharing information with the CIA. Public Safety: A helicopter crash near Montreal killed four people; the Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Community & Culture: The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival drew crowds in Vancouver, and Canada’s Songwriters Hall of Fame announced major inductees including The Tragically Hip and Leslie Feist. Sports: Canada beat nine-man Chile 1-0 in a men’s friendly, with Jonathan David scoring.

UN Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told the UN Canada is pursuing “strategic autonomy,” diversifying partners as “great powers” pull back from economic cooperation, and reaffirmed support for the ICC and a just peace in Ukraine plus self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis. Economy Watch: An OECD downgrade cut Canada’s growth outlook sharply, underscoring the cost of moving away from heavy U.S. reliance. Defence & Training: Two new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft arrived in Canada for RCAF advanced aircrew training at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. GlobalEye Deal: Canada and Saab entered negotiations for up to six GlobalEye radar aircraft, starting with a non-binding term sheet. Security & Hate Threats: Nine Islamic schools across Canada were placed on high alert after threatening emails targeting Muslims. Public Health: Health Canada suspended a Winnipeg plasma collection site licence after concerns about corrective actions and quality management. Travel & Border: Chief Mountain seasonal U.S.-Canada crossing in Alberta is set to close Sept. 30. Sports: Leylah Fernandez reached the Singapore Open final; Canada’s women’s rugby side lost to France. Local Safety: Parts of Cape Breton Highlands National Park closed after a coyote bite.

Canada–US Politics: Ottawa is renaming “Trump Avenue” after city council voted unanimously to remove Donald Trump’s name from a residential street, with residents set to pick a new name next year. Immigration Policy: Canada says three groups can get a temporary resident permit or a work permit without paying the application fee: victims of human trafficking, victims of family violence, and people previously in state care. Public Safety & Health: Health Canada recalled 10,045 Galanz Retro fridges due to fire and burn hazards. Drugs & Cities: StatCan wastewater data shows big city-by-city differences in drug use signals, with fentanyl highest in Metro Vancouver and meth/cocaine peaking in Prince Albert. Euthanasia Debate: Parliament is set to vote on Bill C-218 aimed at blocking mental illness as the sole reason for MAiD access. Foreign Affairs: Canada appointed Punjab-origin diplomat Angad Singh Dhillon as ambassador to the UAE. Business & Energy: Canada signed a preliminary term sheet with Saab for GlobalEye radar aircraft talks, while Shell’s LNG Canada Phase 2 expansion could reach a final decision as early as October. Sports & Culture: Feist and the Tragically Hip are inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame; Florence Brunelle won double gold at the Canadian short track championships.

Canada-U.S. trade standoff: U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer says Washington feels “no urgency” to strike a deal with Canada, even as tariffs and retaliatory measures keep dragging on. Defence procurement: Canada’s new defence procurement chief, a former F-35 critic, is weighing a mixed fighter fleet that could include Saab’s Gripen alongside the F-35. Security and hate threats: Police are investigating death threats sent to nine Muslim schools across Canada, prompting added patrols around schools and mosques. Public safety recalls: Health Canada issued a recall for specific Galanz retro fridges due to fire and burn hazards. Environment enforcement: Parks Canada is investigating graffiti damage near Devil’s Thumb in Lake Louise, with potential fines up to $25,000. Business and jobs: Canada’s grocery pricing practices face fresh scrutiny, while economists warn inflation may stay hotter than expected. Sports: Canada hosts Chile in an international friendly as coach Jesse Marsch targets a top-24 world ranking ahead of the next World Cup cycle. Culture: Leslie Feist recalls her formative years ahead of induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Canada–Vietnam Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Vietnam’s top leader Tô Lâm elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership in Ottawa, outlining eight cooperation pillars from trade and digital AI to energy, food security, defence and people-to-people links. Air Connectivity: Air Canada welcomed an expanded air transport agreement that could enable direct scheduled flights to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027. Trade Tensions: A new report says Canada’s political leaders were caught flat-footed on U.S. tariff threats, as Canada and the U.S. trade war escalates with retaliatory duties. Cost of Living: The federal fuel excise tax pause ends next month, meaning gas prices could rise by roughly 10–11 cents per litre. Consumer Safety: Health Canada and U.S. regulators issued a recall for INMO Smart Glass AIR3 due to a burn risk from overheating during extended use. Sports & Culture: Kori Cheverie was promoted to head coach of Canada’s women’s hockey team for the world championship. Community & Safety: Jewish leaders renewed calls for armed guards and more police at Jewish institutions after a Yom Kippur synagogue attack in Belleville.

Canada-U.S. tensions: Prime Minister Mark Carney says he has studied the “extreme tail risk” of U.S. military action against Canada, even as he calls invasion unlikely. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm and Carney upgraded ties to a strategic partnership, with talk of more direct flights and deeper cooperation. Trade and investment: The Canada Investment Summit wrapped with a plan to catalyze $1 trillion over five years, including a new productivity “mega deduction” and faster project approvals. Procurement in B.C.: David Eby announced new “Built in B.C. and Canada” rules requiring Crown agencies to buy Canadian where it’s within bid range. Aviation: Air Canada welcomed an expanded Canada-Vietnam air transport deal aimed at launching scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027. Local pushback on Trump: Ottawa voted to rename “Trump Avenue.” Public health: Moncton wastewater tests show methamphetamine levels among the highest in Canada. Sports: Kori Cheverie named head coach of Canada’s women’s hockey team for the IIHF worlds in Denmark.

Canada–U.S. trade and security jitters: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada reviewed the possibility of U.S.-led military action as an “extreme tail risk,” while also pushing to reduce reliance on Starlink and reassess F-35 plans amid worsening ties. EU pivot: A Leger poll finds 70% of Canadians back EU associate membership, though many balk at changing laws to align with Europe. F-35 milestone: Canada’s first F-35A (CF-35A) completed its maiden flight from Fort Worth, but the broader 88-jet order remains under review. Diplomacy with Vietnam: Canada is hosting Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm for a state visit aimed at deepening trade and cooperation. Middle East tensions: Iran’s foreign ministry hit back at Carney after he called Trump’s “annihilate” threat “the language of war.” Domestic pulse: A commentary argues homelessness should be treated as a “cognitive impairment crisis,” and a new index shows married-family rates keep falling across Canada. Aviation change: Air Canada will end its Vancouver–Singapore route, ending the only direct link to Canada. Sports & culture: CBC Kids Reads 2026 shortlist is set, and George Gillett Jr., former Canadiens majority owner, has died at 87.